Running late for a fight? What do u do?
 

What do you do if you have a tight connection because you have to switch airports. Like when you land in LGA and only have a few hours before you depart from JFK on an international flight. Is it OK to ask the security to cut in line at JFK b/c you are running late and might otherwise miss your flight. Do they usually oblige, or do you get rejected. Or, do you just stand their in line and pray to make it before they close the gate. Do you handle it differently by notifying someone other than the security screener that checks boarding passes. What do you do?

I arrived late in LAX on an NZ flight last year (first time ever late IME...).. had to change terminals, check in etc on to a UA flight on a separate ticket...

Got to check in (was able to use First/Business desk due to status... whew!) and told them I didn't care if my bags flew later/tomorrow/whenever but that I had a person to meet in PDX.. and REALLY wanted to make the flight...

BP was issued and I was told "we'll take care of the bags... GO!" :D Was also advised to talk to the first screener... Explained the situation and was escorted through to the front of the line....

Made the flight... and while looking out the window saw a little tarmac vehicle drive up... with my 2 bags onboard (and nothing else)...

BIG ^^ to both UA and TSA for that one....

Unfortunately YMMV..... I suspect I was very lucky.

Having elite status on the airline probably helped a lot.

Someone not a member or a general member of the airline's frequent flyer program would likely have been told to wait in the long check in line and then denied check in if s/he reached the agent or kiosk even 1 second after the check in cut off time.

You are correct there!

For completeness though I should point out it wasn't UA I hold status with... it is NZ.. so the "good treatment" was as a *Alliance elite... not a "hometown boy" as it were...:D

Which actually - now that you've made me think about that side of it - is even MORE impressive IMO.

Whether you are running late for fight (thread title) or a flight, no problem.

You can always pick a later one! ;)

Till

Even if it is an international flight (and on a non-US based carrier like CX)?

Wirelessly posted (Palm Treo 650: BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.40 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

The one time I was truly faced with this situation, having to change terminals at BOS after a delayed inbound in order to catch a BA flight to LHR, I did in fact prevail on the other pax in line at security to let me jump the line. A smile, an explanation, and being obviously apologetic (rather than acting entitled) worked fine, and I got through and made my flight. Although I do have BA gold status, this didn't mean much as even the elite line at BOS security was extremely long.

I drove 10 miles in the carpool lane, sans passengers, up the 405 to LAX last week. I did make my flight. :D

There was a case not long ago of someone in this situation who had his assistant call in a bomb threat.

I do not recommend this approach. As I recall, it did not work out well.

Not entirely true. I have had this happen to me once or twice over the last few years. Having status doesn't hurt, but is not decisive (I've had it happen on airlines where I had no status). You need to alert the first airline CS agent you can spot to your situation as soon as you get to the airport. If you have to check in, they can take you right to the front of the ticket agent line. They can also take you to the front of the security line. Most people are too shy to try this, but if you find yourself in that situation it can be done. Obviously, don't abuse this and do it only when absolutely necessary.

If you explain politely but with urgency what your situation is and you blame it on the incoming flight being late you can easily be accommodated. I would have no qualms about cutting in line anywhere if I were to make an international flight.

I actually did this for a train ticket at the DB counter in Heidelberg, Germany. I played Mr. Important. People weren't happy but a mutiny was avoided thanks to what oldpenny calls the "power outfit". Dark suit jacket, scarf, black long trench coat, wide brim fedora, expensive luggage. I had seven minutes left when I stepped into the train station. I made it.

Till

As long as we are exchanging non-airline stories (# 8) -- my business partner once was very late for a flight from the US back to England. He drove the rental car right up to the airport's main entrance, put the flashers on, grabbed his bag, walked to Hertz, put the keys on the counter and said "your car is outside." Ran for the gate and made his flight. I think the public school accent helped somewhat. :D

I automatically thought of this approach as well, and do not recommend it.

If I'm late for a flight, I head straight to the gate and hope they let me on. It's usually because I slept late, though, and not because of another flight arriving late.

If I'm late for a fight, it's probably because I stayed home on purpose.

I am German and a pacifist. Being late for a fight isn't in my realm :D

Excellent! Well said! :D

Till