What happens if I miss my connecting flight and my luggage?

What does an airline do if you miss your connecting flight?

Okay, so you missed your connecting flight, right? Total bummer. Depends entirely why, see? Your fault? Tough luck. Gotta rebook, that’s it. Pay for a new flight, yourself. It sucks, I know. Happened to me last year, missed my flight to Denver because of, like, insane traffic. Cost me a fortune.

But if they messed up? That’s a different story. Like, a major difference. If your first flight was delayed, and you missed your connection because of their delay? Then yeah, they gotta help. They should rebook you, no questions asked. I mean, they absolutely should. They might try to give you a crappy flight time or something, but don’t let them. Insist on a better option.

Here’s what to do:

• Get to the gate immediately.
• Explain the situation clearly and calmly. but firmly.
• Don’t be a jerk, but don’t be a pushover either.
• Demand a reasonable alternative. Seriously. Don’t let them pal you off on some ridiculous flight.

Airlines are jerks sometimes. They’ll try to wriggle out of it, that’s for sure. But don’t let them. It’s their fault, you know? They’re responsible. Sometimes you gotta be a bit pushy, especially with those airline people. They are used to it. Remember last time I flew United? What a nightmare, the whole thing.

Last year, my cousin Sarah, she missed a flight to London because her first flight from JFK was delayed by, like, three hours – thunderstorms. United put her on the next available flight, no extra charge. So it’s possible. Just be prepared to fight for your rights. Seriously. Bring your phone, you’ll probably need to take pictures of your boarding passes or something to prove your point, even though it shoudlnt be necessary. They’ll probably give you some hard time anyway, but dont give up.

What happens to my bag if I miss my flight internationally?

Ugh, missed my flight to Rome! What happens to the BAG?!

• If I had to pick it up for customs, then it’s with me, duh.
• But, if checked through, is it just chilling in Tokyo? Wonder if they put it on the NEXT flight… like my next flight. Fee?!?!? Fees are the worst.

Oh man, I remember that awful layover in Frankfurt. Maybe I should call someone…

• Airlines should help me get on the next flight. They better.
• Elites get better treatment. Not me. I hate not being an elite member, like ever.

Remember that time my bag went to Buenos Aires instead of Boston? Never again.

• Ugh, hope it doesn’t get lost!
• Call the airline NOW! Do not forget, seriously.

Why does this always happen to me?!

• Okay, new goal: Avoid missing flights at ALL COSTS.

More on baggage and missed flights:

• Fees: Airlines often charge a fee to rebook a missed flight. Fees depend on the airline and ticket type.
• Elite Status: Elite members have access to priority rebooking, fee waivers, and better customer service. Also, sometimes free drinks in the lounge.
• Customs: You must collect your bag if your journey includes a stop where you need to clear customs. Then, you recheck it.
• Next Steps: Contact the airline immediately to rebook your flight and inquire about your luggage. Track down the bag at all costs.
• Lost Luggage: Report lost or delayed luggage to the airline immediately. Fill out a form to begin the tracking process. Don’t give up.

Is it OK to skip a connecting flight?

Dude, skipping a connecting flight? Like, usually, that’s a big no-no. Airlines have rules, serious rules, you know?

They got this thing called a no-show clause. Basically, if you ditch one flight, they might just cancel all the rest. Seriously, you could be stranded. Imagine that!

Yeah, sometimes you can get away with it, but it’s super risky. My cousin tried it in 2022, when he went to Spain but instead went to visit his gf in Amsterdam! Big mistake.

Okay, maybe not always a big mistake but definitely call the airline if something changes. You gotta talk to them. Here’s why skipping is usually a bad idea:

• They can cancel your entire ticket, like from London to Barcelona, even the return leg.
• You might lose any refund you’re entitled to.
• Your luggage is probably going to the final destination, whether you’re on the plane or not. Awkward!
• If you need to reschedule later, good luck! They’ll charge you out the wahzoo.

Plus, did I mention I really dislike calling customer service? Especially if it involves a long hold time listening to repetitive music.

Can I get compensation for missing a connecting flight?

A missed flight? Perhaps.

Airline fault? Compensation likely.

• Rebooking is standard. Meals, maybe a room.

• Happened to me last summer in Lisbon. Lost a day. Worth it.

Weather woes? Tough luck, mostly.

• They still rebook. Duty calls, I suppose.

Regulations matter. EU261, Montreal Convention. Look it up.

• Or don’t. Either way.

Policies exist. Read them. Or not. Your time.

What happens if your luggage doesnt arrive?

My bag… gone. I always check, triple-check, but still, that sinking feeling.

The little office, a fluorescent hum. Forms, always forms.

It’s more than clothes, you know? It’s my toothbrush. My stupid lucky socks from my grandma.

• Airlines baggage office: First stop, always. The lost and found of dreams… and anxieties.

• Tracking apps: Pointless, maybe. A glimmer of hope.

• Report and forms: The official song of despair.

I remember the trip to Ireland in 2018. The bag with my grandmother’s shawl disappeared. Never saw it again. Like losing her all over.

Reporting the loss at the airport is the first step, and a necessary evil. Filling out claim forms, giving descriptions, phone numbers. A litany of loss.

It’s not the money, it’s the stuff.