7 Steps to Take if You Miss a Connecting Flight

Understanding the Challenges of Connecting Flights

Flight delays can be a real hassle, especially when you're dealing with a connecting flight. Even a one-hour delay can turn into a major problem if it means missing your connection and potentially spending the night in an airport hotel. This situation can be particularly stressful when you have important commitments waiting for you at your destination, such as children's morning routines.

I recently experienced this firsthand on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to Atlanta. After a departure delay, I was worried I would miss my late-night connection and end up stranded. I spent a lot of time messaging my airline, texting my husband, and even asking a flight attendant for help. In the end, my success came down to luck and a quick sprint through the airport.

Whether you're just barely making your connection or arriving well after the plane has taken off, there are steps you can take to manage the situation effectively.

Avoiding Connecting Flights Whenever Possible

Experts recommend avoiding connecting flights whenever possible. Sally French, a travel expert at NerdWallet, recalls a time when she missed a connecting flight in Denver. She had to sprint off the plane only to see her next flight pulling out of the gate. Since then, she makes sure to fly direct, even if it means taking an early morning flight.

Nonstop flights generally have better on-time arrival rates, according to Katy Nastro, a travel expert at Going. If you must take a connecting flight, consider carrying your bags with you instead of checking them. This gives you more flexibility if you end up missing your connection.

Planning for Layovers

If you can't avoid a layover, give yourself some extra time between flights. Experts suggest leaving a couple of hours between flights as a buffer in case something goes wrong. This is especially important if you're switching airlines, as different carriers may not work together to accommodate you.

For international flights returning to the United States, a two-hour layover is considered the minimum. It's also a good idea to download the airline’s app before you go to the airport and make sure you receive notifications about any changes to your flight.

Exploring Your Options

If your connecting flight looks uncertain, explore your options. Airlines often offer rebooking options, but these might not always fit your needs. For example, you might be rebooked on a flight that doesn’t suit your schedule.

Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group, suggests being creative with potential routes if you're desperate to get out of a place with major delays. He once managed to get home the night he was supposed to by flying through London instead of directly from Athens.

Communicating with Flight Attendants

If things look bad as you head to your layover, don't hesitate to ask the flight attendant for help. They can let you know if the next flight can be held and whether passengers with connections can get priority to exit first. They can also provide information about where the connecting gate will be.

Confirming Your Connection

If you think there's a chance you can still make your connection, fight to the finish. Speed is your best friend in these situations. For domestic flights, you might not be far from the next gate. Get there as quickly as possible to double-check that you can still make it.

Making New Plans

Ideally, you'll have researched the best options and can make the change on the airline’s app. If not, call customer service or visit an agent at the airport. Travelers with loyalty status should have their own number to call for dedicated help.

Asking for Compensation

Airlines may proactively send vouchers for hotels and meals if you're delayed due to a missed connection. For example, United sends these through the app when eligible. If you're stuck without any word from the airline, ask customer service agents what they can offer. Most airlines have pledged some kind of food and accommodation help if a long delay is their fault.

Airlines Are Taking Steps to Help

The good news is that airlines are working to reduce the stress of missed connections. American Airlines is testing new technology in Dallas and Charlotte that suggests "short holds of certain outbound flights" to allow travelers to make connections without disrupting the broader schedule. United Airlines introduced a tool called ConnectionSaver in 2019 that has saved over 3.3 million passenger connections. New features in the airline’s app will send passengers at seven U.S. hubs information about connections, including whether they need to hurry to the plane, directions to the gate, and notifications if the plane is being held for them.

Airlines recognize the pain of missed connections and are making efforts to lessen the stress when possible. As David Kinzelman, United’s chief customer officer, said, other passengers often appreciate it when the plane is held for fellow travelers.