What happens if you miss a double connection?

[ComeGroundWithMe]

Hi guys,

Say you were traveling SYD-BKK-IST-LHR with TG and TK.

If the SYD-BKK flight is delayed and you end up missing the BKK-IST-LHR flight, how would they sort it out? Would TG just put you on a direct flight BKK-LHR on TG? Would they reissue the new, missed, itinerary (BKK-IST-LHR) themselves?

Also, what would happen if you're traveling in J/F and there aren't any more seats?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Hvr]

First thing, is it the one PNR? If not you're stuffed.

If it is the one PNR then the airline will do their best to get you to the ultimate destination in the original class but if there's no seats left then you have to choose between timeliness and comfort. e.g. an economy seat today or a business seat next week, you choose.

Don't worry about going direct if offered by the airline (unless you have a legitimate reason for the indirect route). Just claim ORC after the trip.

 

[Sprucegoose]

Hi guys,

Say you were traveling SYD-BKK-IST-LHR with TG and TK.

If the SYD-BKK flight is delayed and you end up missing the BKK-IST-LHR flight, how would they sort it out? Would TG just put you on a direct flight BKK-LHR on TG? Would they reissue the new, missed, itinerary (BKK-IST-LHR) themselves?

Also, what would happen if you're traveling in J/F and there aren't any more seats?

Thanks in advance!

Where you booked to arrive in LHR on TG? If not I can't see why they would be obligated to ensure you arrive at a destination that you haven't paid for.

 

[ComeGroundWithMe]

Thanks for the responses.

@sprucegroose. I'm not forcing them to do anything. I'm just wondering whether it's a legitimate response in situations of missed double connections. Would/do the airline consider this possibility?

I've noticed situations where passengers who missed a CX flight were put onto a QF flight later in the day, hence the question.

@Hvr. Yes, I'm referring to situations with one PNR.

Also, if you missed IST-LHR for example, would they consider putting you on IST-CDG instead?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks for the responses.

@sprucegroose. I'm not forcing them to do anything. I'm just wondering whether it's a legitimate response in situations of missed double connections. Would/do the airline consider this possibility?

I've noticed situations where passengers who missed a CX flight were put onto a QF flight later in the day, hence the question.

@Hvr. Yes, I'm referring to situations with one PNR.

Also, if you missed IST-LHR for example, would they consider putting you on IST-CDG instead?

Policies vary between airlines.

Some airlines will accommodate you only on their next available service (could be 24 hours later), while others others are much more flexible, and will aim to get you there as quickly as possible, even if that means protecting you on another airline.

As a passenger, it helps to be aware of your options in the case of delays. Knowing, for example, that there is a flight to CDG, and presenting that flight information at the rebooking desk may help you achieve the result you desire.

In any case of rebooking, it is a good idea to contact the airline after your arrival to ensure your return booking remains in tact. Sometimes rebooking is done in a hurry and it can appear that you have no-showed for your original flight, thereby cancelling the rest of your itinerary. It's better to get that sorted out as soon as possible.

 

[ComeGroundWithMe]

Policies vary between airlines.

Some airlines will accommodate you only on their next available service (could be 24 hours later), while others others are much more flexible, and will aim to get you there as quickly as possible, even if that means protecting you on another airline.

As a passenger, it helps to be aware of your options in the case of delays. Knowing, for example, that there is a flight to CDG, and presenting that flight information at the rebooking desk may help you achieve the result you desire.

In any case of rebooking, it is a good idea to contact the airline after your arrival to ensure your return booking remains in tact. Sometimes rebooking is done in a hurry and it can appear that you have no-showed for your original flight, thereby cancelling the rest of your itinerary. It's better to get that sorted out as soon as possible.

Thanks MEL.

It's never fun to miss any flights, but it's good to know all the options we have if it does happens.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thanks MEL.

It's never fun to miss any flights, but it's good to know all the options we have if it does happens.

if it's all on the one ticket you have nothing to worry about (except the timing of your replacement flights).

It only becomes a problem with separate tickets, then you need to pick your carrier carefully (some do and some don't recognise connections on separate tickets), or get insurance which covers missed connections (of which there is only one that I'm aware).

 

[seanpodge]

This is also an issue for those who try to take advantage of Hidden City Ticketing, but in reverse. To borrow your example, say one had booked a one-way fare for SYD-BKK-IST-LHR but only wanted to actually go to IST (bought that way because it was cheaper than an actual SYD-BKK-IST ticket). If a delay on the SYD-BKK segment meant that you missed your planned connection at BKK, then the airline would only be obligated to get you to LHR. If that meant that you had to pay for another ticket to do LHR-IST, then that's your problem, not the airline's. Your ticket is basically SYD-LHR and that is the minimum obligation the airline has to meet.

 

[Himeno]

It could also help to go to the airline agent with some options.

In 2013, I had CBR-SYD-NRT on QF. Weather in SYD had been causing delays all afternoon. When asked about the delays CBR lounge staff said they'd put me on whatever SYD flight was ready first. When I pointed out about the connection on to NRT, they had a "oh cough" moment before working on a reroute via MEL. Their first option was MEL-DRW-MNL-NRT on JQ, they ended up sending me via HKG on CX.
Last year, had CAE-PHL-LGA booked on US. Weather and ATC causing delays to the point the PHL connection would be missed. Had already checked options and was heading over to talk to US staff when they announced about the delay and called for people with connections. They only looked at next flights on the same routing and were looking to put me in a hotel in CAE or PHL. I had a prepaid hotel in New York and suggested the CAE-CLT-JFK flight, which they then put me on.