Change of flights at airport when checking in

[kkozma]

Has anyone been able to change flights when you get to the airport? We have a connecting flight on a small plane that looks too close for comfort(only 20 minutes after landing til our next flight). If I ask the morning of our flight to change do I have any chance of going on another flight without a charge. Will they at least look for me?
Thanks for any help...

 

[DebbieB]

If you miss the second flight because the first one was late, they are obligated to put you on the next flight without charge (if there is room). I would discuss it with them when you check-in. They shouldn't have scheduled your flights so close. You may want to call them about it now, to see how full the next flight after yours is.

 

[GoldenOldie]

Most airlines will allow you to fly standby on earlier flights on the same day as you are ticketed. There is no change fee for this. Call your airline to check.

 

[Pavy]

Airports have what are called minimum connect times (mct's). These are guidelines that the airlines follow so connecting passengers will have time to get from flight to flight. Now these widely vary depending upon airport, terminal, connecting to another airline, domestic v int'l, etc. Typically smaller airports have smaller mct's due to the fact that you don't have to walk as far, baggage can be transfered easier, and so on.

Airlines build in to their reservation systems these mct's, so if a passenger calls reservation they won't be booked on two connecting flights they don't have a chance of making. If you have a 20 min connect I would hope that it is either a small airport, close connecting flight, or it is a through flight. If you are worried about it I would call the airline and make sure this is supposed to be done and not a break-down in their res. system.

 

[Poohlovr]

I would xall the airline and ask,too.

A personal note--last November, our flights were changed, as were so many post 9/11. The big problem with the change was that our new flight was scheduled to land 10 minutes after our new connecting flight was scheduled to take off! Obviously, I called and had it changed, but, sometimes they just don't pay real close attention to times.

 

[atigeg]

When we arrived at the airport earlier than expected for a trip last November, United moved us to an earlier flight. There was no charge, and we received assigned seats. But I'm sure that's based on availability...since it wasn't that long after 9/11, people were still reluctant to fly so there was plenty of room.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[caitycaity]

you know, dh and i have had our commecting flights chaged sevela times at one airport in this region due to mct's. one time we were able to run and get on the other flight standby.

 

[Laurabearz]

FYI......

ANytime you change your flights on the day of travel you and your party are marked for HIGH SECURITY. This means all your checked luggage will be hand searched.... all your carry on luggage will be hand searched and your body will be hand searched..... well patted down and shoes removed.... they also removed the shoes and patted down our two kids... ages 18 months and 3.

Allow for extra time for all of this..... at least an hour.

This happened to us a couple of weeks ago. It wasnt all that bad, but I was very embarrassed that my hubby packed up (on the return) coz he just crammed everything into our luggage.... nothing like having our crumbled, dirty, some even wet, clothes hand searched.

 

[CarolA]

I have to disagree that changing flights marks you for high security. I change flights almost everywhere I go and I don't get searched every time. Just about anything including (Most likely) the luck of the draw can get you the full search!