Missing a Flight

Rahul gets stuck in traffic on the way to the airport and reaches the check-in counter just as it closes, forcing him to rebook his flight.

Meanings in Rahul, Airline staff, Cab driver

Key words and phrases

check-in counterthe desk where passengers confirm their flight before boardingThe check-in counter closes thirty minutes before departure.

to miss a flightto fail to board a flight before it departsHe missed his flight because of heavy traffic.

rebookingarranging a new ticket after missing the original oneThe airline charged a fee for rebooking.

departure timethe scheduled time a flight or train leavesThe departure time was 6:30 in the morning.

boarding gatethe entrance where passengers board the aircraftBy the time he arrived, the boarding gate was already closed.

cancellation feea charge for cancelling a bookingThere was a cancellation fee on his old ticket.

next available flightthe soonest flight a passenger can be rebooked onShe asked about the next available flight to Delhi.

traffic jama line of vehicles unable to move due to heavy congestionA traffic jam on the highway delayed him badly.

strandedleft without a way to continue a journeyHe was stranded at the airport for two hours.

travel insuranceinsurance that may cover losses from a missed flightHis travel insurance covered part of the rebooking cost.

standbywaiting for a seat that may become available on a flightHe was put on standby for the next flight.

waiting lista list of passengers hoping to get a seat if one opens upHis name was third on the waiting list.

delaya period of time by which something is lateThe flight delay caused him to miss his connection.

compensationmoney or benefits given to make up for a loss or inconvenienceThe airline offered compensation for the delay.

rescheduleto change the time or date of somethingHe asked to reschedule his flight to the next day.

alternate routea different path taken to avoid delay or obstructionThe cab driver took an alternate route to avoid traffic.

gate agentan airline staff member who manages boarding at the gateThe gate agent announced the final boarding call.

refundmoney given back after a cancelled or unused ticketHe requested a refund for the unused ticket.

apologizeto say sorry for a mistake or inconvenienceThe staff apologized for the confusion.

priority boardingthe option to board a flight before regular passengersHe was given priority boarding to make up for the trouble.

Useful sentences

Ask Why are you so late? Where's your boarding pass?
Answer I got stuck in a traffic jam and missed the flight.
Ask Is the check-in counter still open?
Answer No, it closed fifteen minutes ago.
Ask Can you book me on the next available flight?
Answer Yes, there's one departing in three hours.
Ask Will there be a rebooking charge?
Answer Yes, a small fee applies for a missed flight.
Ask Does your travel insurance cover this?
Answer I'm not sure, I'll have to check the policy.
Ask Can you put me on standby for an earlier flight?
Answer Sure, I'll add your name to the waiting list.
Ask Will the airline offer any compensation for this?
Answer Unfortunately, missed flights due to traffic aren't covered.
Ask Should I ask the gate agent for help too?
Answer Yes, they can confirm your new gate number.
Ask Could the cab driver have taken an alternate route?
Answer He tried, but the whole area was jammed.
Ask Will I still make my connecting flight in Delhi?
Answer It'll be tight, but the new schedule should just about work.

Dialogue

RahulPlease, I need to check in for the 8 a.m. flight!

Airline StaffI'm sorry, sir, the counter has already closed.

RahulI got stuck in a terrible traffic jam. Is there anything you can do?

Airline StaffI can rebook you on the next available flight for a small fee.

RahulThat would be a huge help, thank you.

Airline StaffThe next flight departs at 11 a.m. from the same gate.

RahulIs there any way I could get on standby for an earlier one?

Airline StaffI can add you to the waiting list, but I can't promise a seat.

RahulThat's fine, I'll wait. I apologize for causing this trouble.

Airline StaffNo trouble at all. I'll also give you priority boarding for the 11 a.m. flight.

Common mistakes

Saying "my flight was missed" instead of "I missed my flight" — the passenger is the one who misses it.
Saying "counter is closed already" instead of "the counter has already closed."
Saying "book me next flight" instead of "book me on the next flight" or "book me on the next available flight."
Saying "put me in waiting list" instead of "put me on the waiting list."
Saying "flight got delay" instead of "the flight was delayed" or "the flight got delayed."
Saying "I apologize you" instead of "I apologize to you" or simply "I apologize."

Quick quiz

1. What does "stranded" mean?

2. Arranging a new ticket after missing the original one is called ___.

3. Complete: "A ___ on the highway delayed him badly."

4. What does it mean to be put on "standby"?

5. Complete: "The airline offered ___ for the delay."

6. The option to board a flight before regular passengers is called ___.

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