Missed your connection or flight? Here is exactly what to do

Scenario 1: You missed your connection because of the airline

This applies when your inbound flight was delayed or cancelled due to mechanical problems, crew issues, or airline operations. It also applies to weather cancellations— even though weather is not the airline's fault, a cancellation triggers the same rebooking obligations as an airline-caused disruption.

1. STEP 1 — DO THIS NOW: Open the airline app immediately and rebook yourself.

   The app is almost always faster than any human during a disruption. Delta, United, and American push rebooking options directly into the app when your flight is delayed or cancelled. Select the next available option and confirm. If the app does not offer alternatives, call the airline's elite or credit card concierge line — hold times there are far shorter than the general customer service queue.

2. STEP 2 — GO TO THE CONNECTION GATE if you still have time.

   If you landed with 10–15 minutes to spare, run to the connection gate. Gate agents can sometimes hold the jet bridge door for a handful of connecting passengers for a few minutes. Check the airline app as you run — it will show the current gate for the onward flight.

3. STEP 3 — IF THE GATE IS CLOSED: Find the nearest gate agent for your airline.

   It does not need to be the gate you missed — any staffed gate for your airline works. Explain you are a connecting passenger on a delayed inbound flight. Gate agents can confirm you on the next flight, place you on standby for earlier options, and issue meal or hotel vouchers.

Scenario 2: You missed your own flight

This applies when you were late to the airport, got stuck in the security line, misjudged transit time between terminals, or otherwise caused the miss through your own timing.

1. STEP 1 — GO TO THE GATE immediately.

   If the aircraft has not pushed back from the gate, run there now. Within the first 5–10 minutes, a gate agent may still be able to get you on board. This window closes fast — do not stop to make calls first.

2. STEP 2 — CHECK SAME-DAY CHANGE AND STANDBY OPTIONS.

   Most major airlines allow same-day confirmed changes (for a fee) or same-day standby (usually free). Open the app or go directly to the ticket counter.

   Airline	Same-day confirmed	Standby
   Delta	$75 (free for Medallion members)	Free
   United	$75 (free for Premier members)	Free
   American	$75 (free for Platinum+ members)	Free
   Southwest	Always free — rebook online, pay fare difference only	N/A
   Alaska	$25	Free for MVP members

3. STEP 3 — GO TO THE TICKET COUNTER if the app does not resolve it.

   The ticket counter (not the gate) is the best place to rebook when you are not using the app. Lines are often shorter than you expect during mid-day hours. Agents at the counter have access to more options than gate agents.

Tips for running to a connecting flight

• Check the app the moment you land. As soon as your first flight touches down, open the airline app and find the gate for your connection. Gate assignments change — confirm the current gate before you run in the wrong direction.
• Deplane as fast as possible. If you have a tight connection, let the flight attendant know before landing — they will sometimes announce connecting passengers and ask seated passengers to let you through. Move to the aisle the moment the seatbelt sign goes off.
• Use the airport train, not your legs. At large connecting hubs — ATL, ORD, LAX, DFW — the inter- terminal train or people-mover is almost always faster than walking. Know which terminal your connection leaves from before you deplane.
• Carry-on only means faster movement. If you have only a carry-on bag, you move faster between gates and do not need to worry about checked luggage being transferred in time (the airline handles that, but it can still miss).
• Know your MCT (Minimum Connection Time). If your booked layover is shorter than the airport's published MCT, the airline accepted responsibility for getting you to your destination when they sold you that itinerary. You are entitled to free rebooking if you miss it. Check minimum connection times by airport.

Claiming hotel and meals

• Ask explicitly at the customer service desk, not the gate. If the airline disruption forces you to stay overnight, go to the airline's customer service desk and ask specifically for a hotel voucher and meal vouchers. Gate agents sometimes issue these, but the customer service desk is the correct venue. Do not assume they will offer them — you must ask.
• Keep all receipts if you pay out of pocket. Some airlines reimburse reasonable meal and transport expenses upon written request after the trip. Retain itemized receipts. Claims without receipts are routinely denied.
• File a credit card trip-delay claim. Many premium travel cards (Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum, Capital One Venture X) cover $200–$500 in hotel, meal, and transport expenses when you are delayed six or more hours. You must have paid for the original ticket at least partially with that card. Keep all documentation — boarding passes, receipts, and evidence of the delay.
• Travel insurance covers missed connections too. If you purchased a travel insurance policy, a missed connection caused by a documented delay typically qualifies as a covered event. File promptly with receipts and any written confirmation of the delay from the airline.

Scripted phrases that work at the gate

Use these exact phrases — they communicate the key information gate agents need to help you quickly.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

• What to do when your flight is cancelled — refund rights, rebooking strategies, and hotel claims for cancelled flights
• Flight delay compensation — US DOT rules and EU EC-261 cash amounts for delayed flights
• Minimum connection times by airport — how much time you actually need between flights at each major US hub

Data verified June 30, 2026. Sources: DOT Fly Rights; DOT Airline Cancellation & Delay Dashboard; DOT Rulemaking — Passengers Stranded by Airline Disruptions; Federal Register — Airline Refunds and Other Consumer Protections (Dec 2025).