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Here’s a rundown of key U.S. airlines and their procedures for dealing with missed flights.
WASHINGTON — Spring break travel, combined with the ongoing partial government shutdown affecting TSA employees’ salaries, has created additional challenges for travelers across America. This includes longer wait times. Certain airports, such as Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, are advising passengers to arrive a full three hours prior to departure.
Naturally, when queues are excessively long, there’s a chance you might not make it to your flight on time. Generally, it’s advantageous to notify the airline as soon as possible if you suspect you’ll miss your flight. Acting promptly before the flight departs can often lead to more favorable outcomes.
To assist you, here’s an overview of major U.S. airlines and their guidelines for missed flights.
For Alaska Airlines, you can modify your flight online by entering your last name and confirmation code on their website at reservations.alaskaair.com/reservation, or through the Alaska Airlines app.
Alaska Airlines
You can change your flight online by entering your last name and confirmation code on the Alaska Airlines website at reservations.alaskaair.com/reservation or on the Alaska Airlines app.
Same-day changes typically cost a fee for Alaska Airlines travelers. Non-stop travel between Seattle and Portland costs $50 per change. All other changes cost $75 per change.
For group reservations, changes can only be made through Alaska’s group reservations desk over the phone at 1-800-445-4435. The desk’s hours are 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday to Friday and Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pacific.
Select nonstop flight paths in the states of Alaska, Oregon and Washington allow for free same-day standby. Those flights are: between Anchorage and Fairbanks, Seattle and Portland, or between Seattle and Spokane.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows passengers to choose a different flight on the mobile app, on their website or in person at an airport kiosk. If you have already checked bags, the only way to reroute your luggage is to check into a new flight.
If you are using the online option, you have to type in your last name, date of birth and confirmation number into the reservation access tab attached here.
Delta Air Lines
Delta recommends getting in touch with a representative “immediately” if you miss your flight. You can message Delta on the airline’s website, see a Delta representative at the airport or call Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212.
Frontier Airlines
If you miss your flight on Frontier, you will have to book a new flight. If you miss your flight or check-in, your ticket will be marked as a no-show reservation. Check-in for Frontier flights must be completed at least an hour before departure and boarding must be completed at least 20 minutes before departure.
JetBlue
JetBlue charges a flat fee of $75 for same-day switches but these changes need to be made before a flight’s scheduled departure time. If the changes are made afterward, all the money associated with the flight is forfeited.
Southwest Airlines
Get in touch with Southwest Airlines as soon as possible if you miss your flight. Any changes made less than 10 minutes before departure time are subject to “penalties,” according to the airline.
You can call Southwest to make a change at 1-800-435-9792.
Some members with points may receive a transferable flight credit for a missed flight.
Spirit Airlines
There is a $99 same-day missed flight charge for missing a Spirit flight. The airline offers a same-day flight change service at the airport or on the Spirit website.
United Airlines
United offers passengers a way to rebook on the airline’s mobile app. If you’re at the airport, you can use the kiosk in the lobby, talk to a gate agent or call the airline’s support line at 1-800-864-8331.