Showing Up Late to the Airport
You missed your flight! You panic! Usually, you will lose your ticket, but there is still something you can do. Relax. Calm down and try these out…
Talk to the airline agent
If you are already at the airport and you missed your flight, you can ask the agent to re-accommodate you with the next available flight. They will usually help you and at most times, for a fee, but it will get the job done. One HUGE piece of advice is BE NICE to this person! They hold your travel fate in their hands. Airline gate agents have the discretion to get you on another flight, but if you are not nice to them, your chances will go down the tubes. They generally want to get you on the next flight out, but if you start by telling them your trip is important, they’ll tune you out quickly. Everyone’s trip is important. No one is traveling for no reason, so be nice.
Use your pull
While it’s rare that a student is a gold or platinum member with an airline, if you are, definitely mention that. It’s more likely that your Dad or Mom is though, so have them call on their special 800# and request that a note be put in your record asking for help. The gate agent needs to make a decision, and anything that works in your favor, do it!
Call your travel agent
There are times that the airport agent will refuse to help you because your ticket was purchased through an agency. If he/she will tell you that your agency can make the amendments, get the name of the agent and call your travel agency. They will call the airline to check if they will still be able to change the ticket (for a fee usually) and once they have the go signal from them, the agency can make the necessary changes. Please note that there are a lot of things to consider when changing your ticket (advance purchase requirements and seat availability, for example) and it is not really that easy.
It is always good to remember that when you miss your flight, things can get ugly and your travel agent is no god. They can not make miracles happen. Please don’t treat them as the enemy. They are there to make your dream vacation happen, not to destroy it.
Purchase travel insurance with the ticket (especially with international flights)
There are times that due to uncontrollable circumstances such as inclement weather, family emergencies, medical reasons, or you got into an accident while driving to the airport – you miss your flight. The insurance will take care of you in these cases. All you need to do is present valid documentation such as a medical certificate or a police report and the insurance company will guarantee you coverage. Trip insurance can either be a great asset or a loss of money depending on your perspective but come to think of it, your ticket and trip is definitely worth it. Unfortunately, oversleeping your alarm is not something an insurance company will be sympathetic to.
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