It is understandable that sometimes you got confused with the timing of the flight and the ‘Gate Open’ or ‘Last Call’ announcement blinking on the monitor and sometimes you just do not pay attention to the lady blabbering things through the airport speakers. It is also understandable to being optimist all the time that you just want to have that “chill, no rush” vibe but you are actually very late.

Well, whatever you do, though you are late, just stay calm and do not panic. Find the nearest reception and be the best version of yourself to be polite, apologetic and tell them that you are delayed due to factors outside of your control. Be patient to wait for the next available flight. You might be charged to change your flight (or sometimes not, that depends on the airlines and also whether if you are a frequent flier), but most of staff have the power to waive payment. It is best if you go directly to the airline’s office and speak to the staff about your situation of missing the flight and the possibility of changing to the next available one. Some airlines may be able to refund your passenger bound taxes if you need to book a different flight.

Ask the airline employee about the two-hour rule. The two-hour rule states that if a passenger arrives within two hours of their missed flight, the airline staff can put you on the next flight with the same airline on standby at no charge. If you miss the last flight of the day, you will be standby on the first flight the following day.

Quick tips: Always leave home early, at least an hour and a half or two hours of buffer time before the flight time – you never know what holds up will be on your way there, could be the traffics or bad weather. Allow yourself to have a hassle-free, rush-less trip by managing and planning your time and also buffer time, conscientiously.