Missing your flight is a major headache for even the most experienced traveler. Unexpected traffic, canceled flights, and last-minute delays can undo months of careful planning. Often, you’ll have to foot the bill for any last-minute changes. Even worse, you might be stuck in your connecting city without any of your luggage. After you reschedule your flight, you’ll have to contact your hotel and your independent car rental agency to update your reservations.
Often times, it’s not your fault if you miss your flight. Airlines offer refunds, ticket transfers, and accommodations if the problem is on their end. However, this doesn’t cover car trouble or family emergencies. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect if you miss your flight.
If You Miss a Connecting Flight
After being stuck on the ground for hours at your home airport, you arrive in a distant location hours after your connecting flight has already left. This happens more often than airlines would like to admit. Inclement weather and mechanical issues are the leading causes of missing a connecting flight. Fortunately for you, many airlines will offer to re-book you on the next available flight. However, the next flight to your destination might not leave until the next day. After you get your flight sorted out, consider booking an inexpensive hotel for the night. Sleeping at the airport is less than desirable.
Keep in mind that airlines are under no legal obligation to pay for accommodations and meals. Any help you get from the airline is entirely voluntary. Before your next trip, consider getting travel insurance. This can help cover emergency expenses if you’re stranded in an unfamiliar city on short notice. Travel insurance is also essential when traveling abroad in case you get sick or run into major issues in a foreign country.
If You Miss a Flight Due to Personal Reasons
Whether you’re stuck in traffic, miss your alarm, or have car troubles on your way to the airport, there’s more ways to miss your flight than to get there on time. Generally, your airline will help you book a seat on the next available flight. However, you’ll have to pay a change fee and the difference between your two ticket prices. There’s a good chance you’ll have to pay an additional baggage handling fee and other surcharges for your new flight too.
Once you’ve booked the next available flight, it’s important to reschedule any accommodations you’ve made at your destination. Hotels will usually reschedule your stay at no extra charge. An independent car rental agency will also accommodate any changes to your schedule. Make sure you let them know, or you may lose your reservations and have to make new plans.
Tips for Making Your Flight
Although you can’t plan for the unexpected, you can give yourself a better chance of getting to your flight if you follow a few simple rules. It may seem obvious, but try to arrive at the airport a few hours ahead of schedule. This can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Drive yourself to the airport and park your car on site if you can afford it. That way you won’t have to rely on other people for the first leg of your trip.
Pack your bag with TSA regulations in mind. If possible, don’t bring any fluids in your carry-on bag, or purchase a travel kit with TSA approved bottles of essential toiletries. This will keep you from being held up at the security checkpoint. Whenever possible, check-in to your flight online or through your airline’s official mobile app. You can also print your boarding pass ahead of time to skip the line at the terminal.
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At Value Rental Car we understand that flying into LAX and renting a car can be stressful. That’s why we offer rental cars for people with bad credit, no credit, or no credit card. We also accept cash and debit card customers. Value Rental Car also offers complimentary pickup and drop off services within 7 miles of either of their two convenient locations. We also rent to drivers under the age of 21. Let us make your next airport car rental a breeze.