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Calgary Herald

Here's what to do if you miss a connecting flight

Article content 'It'll tell you 'We have rebooked you seven days from now on a 10 p.m. flight,'' said Peter Vlitas, executive vice president of partner relations at Internova Travel Group. 'Obviously that doesn't work for you.' Article content Coming home from Athens recently, he faced the possibility of getting home at 11 p.m. a day late after equipment changes and cancellations. Instead, he was able to fly through London and get home the night he was supposed to. He said travellers can get creative with potential routes and additional connections if they're desperate to get out of a spot with major backups. Article content French said an airline's app should show a range of possibilities. Article content 'It's really nice to feel like you're in control and can look at these 12 flight options and make an informed decision,' she said. Article content Article content Are things looking bad as you head to your layover? Nastro recommends asking the flight attendant whether they think the next flight can be held and whether passengers with connections can get priority to exit first. They can also ask where the connecting gate will be. Article content Article content 'You always hear, 'Passengers need to get ahead, let them out,'' over the speakers, she said. Article content Confirm the missed connection Article content If you think there's a shot at reaching the connection, fight to the finish. Article content 'Literally speed is your best friend,' Nastro said. For domestic flights, you might not be far from the next gate. Article content Get there as quickly as possible to lay eyes on the plane and double-check that you can't make it on. Article content 'If the door is already closed and the plane is pulling back from the gate, then yes, you have to accept reality,' she said. Article content Make new plans Article content Ideally, you've researched the best options and can make the change on the airline's app. But if not, get on the phone with customer service or in line for an agent at the airport — or both. Travellers with loyalty status should have their own number to call for dedicated help, Vlitas said. Article content 'I always like to double check with somebody in person,' Nastro said. 'Seat maps change all the time.' Article content Article content Ask for vouchers Article content An airline may proactively send you vouchers for a hotel and meals if you're held up due to a missed connection; United, for example, said it sends those through the app when eligible. Article content But if you're stuck without any word from the airline, ask customer service agents what they can offer you. If a long delay is their fault, most have pledged some kind of food and accommodation help; a Transportation Department customer service dashboard lays out their commitments. Article content When French missed her connection, she asked for meal vouchers and got $45. Then she asked whether compensation would be available for a ride from the airport since she would no longer be able to get picked up. The agent offered airline credits. Article content 'It was kind of at the whim of what they said,' she said. Article content