Belt Auction

Airline connecting flight late, do I pay a penalty?

If I am traveling on one and airline totally seperate from my connecting flight and it is late, do I have to pay a penalty? Will I loose my ticket on the second flight? This is not for the same airline and the fair purchased was a cheap, discount ticket. How does this work?

Public Comments

1. Technically yes, airline 1 is responsible for you from A to B and airlines 2 from B to C. If airline 1 is late and you miss the connection airline 2 can and probably will charge you to travel on a later flight. However, if it happens you may find a friendly customer service rep who will let you go but they are under no obligation to, would only be a goodwill gesture.
2. The above is true if you hold 2 separately purchased tickets. If your initial flight is late and you miss your connecting flight, ask if you can stand-by for an open seat. Sometimes you will be allowed to do this for free. Other airlines have a "same day confirmed change" option which is for a fe but usually less than what the normal change fee would be. It is important that you call the connecting airline before the departure of your ticketed flight as some will completely cancel your ticket if you are a "no-show." If this is impossible for you since you might still be on the first flight, have a family member or friend monitor the progress of your flight and if it appears that it will be late they should then contact the second airline to protect the value of your ticket. If by chance you purchased the whole itinerary in one transaction, such as on Orbitz or Travelocity, this is known as conjunctive ticketing and you will be protected if the first airline is late getting you yo your connection point.