How a flat tyre could stop you from missing your flight

We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve woken up late, read the details incorrectly or simply become stuck in traffic and missed a flight.

It can at best be absolutely frustrating at best or completely ruin a holiday or family getaway at worst.

But, according to Club Traveler, there are several airlines that have a policy, nicknamed ‘the flat tyre rule’, that allows passengers a two-hour window to inform their airline that they are unable to make their flight in time due to circumstances out of their control.

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The rule varies from airline to airline and is most common with United States operators.

“We do have a flat tire rule,” Morgan Durrant, a Delta representative, said.

“A customer who in good faith arrives at the airport due to unforeseen delay should speak to an agent.

“We handle each on a case-by-case basis as every customer’s situation can differ. But many times we can get them on the next available flight.”

Some travellers have taken to social media share their own experiences with the so-called ‘flat-tire rule’.

“American Airlines rebooked me free in high school when I called after being in an accident on the way to the airport,” said traveller Nalani.

“They were super nice and asked if I was headed to the hospital or if everyone was okay, then They rebooked me 13 hours later so that I could come to the airport after I had been checked out by a doctor to ensure I was okay.”

Read more: How to stop your legs from swelling on a long flight

We put the question to Australian airlines Tigerair and Jetstar about how their passengers can prepare for the best-possible air travel experience with as little stress as possible.

“Customers travelling without checked baggage are able to simply check-in online and download a mobile boarding pass to their device, meaning they can avoid the airport check-in desk and head directly to the boarding gate half an hour before scheduled departure,” a Tigerair spokesperson told Travel at 60.

“In the event a customer misses their flight, they are able to pay an $85 fixed fee to be accommodated on the next available flight to their destination, with this option available to purchase at the airport.”

Similarly, Jetstar recommends passengers prepare with plenty of time to spare. 

“If a passenger has missed their flight, please notify a member of our staff or contact our Customer Care team to see what the options are,” a Jetstar spokesperson said.

“The alternatives vary depending on the fare class.”