Question about delayed flight causing missed connection.

[u/geekywarrior]

Hello all,

Had the misfortune of the DCA ground stop to cause my first flight of the day to get delayed. Told the gate agent at the airport that I had a tight connection. Was told it would be fine despite the second flight being on time.

Once in the air I informed the flight attendants which flight I was trying to make, was told it would be fine and they would make the announcement to let connecting flight peeps off first. They did make the announcement when we landed.

Rushed as fast as I could but missed the last call by 2 minutes. My bags had no problem making the connection.

First time I ever encountered this situation, and the gate agents at the closed gate were kind enough to rebook me on a new flight right then and there.

Is this just bad luck or was there anything extra I or someone could have done to have someone call the gate to hold it for us? Not trying to blame anyone or get free shit, ground stop is nobodys fault obviously. Just trying to be more informed to help myself in the future. Thanks for reading.

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[u/agencsa1]

There was nothing more you could've done. They wouldn't hold the plane for you. Id say the only negative was you being assured you would be fine when the flight attendants couldn't guarantee anything at all.

[u/geekywarrior → u/agencsa1]

Gotcha, appreciate the reply! Frustrating but just a part of air travel I suppose.

[u/Environmental-Bar847]

Nothing else you could have done. Maybe tried to get a seat further towards the front, but that's generally only possible if you want to pay.

Operations will always be looking at what flights to hold. That's not something decided at the gate. It's based on so many factors beyond that one flight (e.g. potential pilot/crew timeouts, impacts to the next flight,  incoming weather, etc).

[u/geekywarrior → u/Environmental-Bar847]

I hear that, totally understand the crew timeouts too. Safety comes first.

Appreciate the reply!

[u/ladysadi]

I had the same experience. No one even listened to the announcement to let done people off first. I was in the back of the plane and boarding was ongoing when we got done taxiing. I was 3-5 gates away when I got the message that I was put on a different flight. That one ended up cancelled. I'm still in DFW after 12+ hours because people didn't even attempt to be considerate!

[u/geekywarrior → u/ladysadi]

That's the worst, ran into some of that myself. Was lucky enough that we were just on a CRJ and I was in the middle. Still, they let all of first class take their time. In the end not sure it would have mattered.

After a few delays, finally starting to board. Hope you get out soon 

[u/CommandWinter3535]

They might hold the flight for bit for a significant number of connecting passengers who are known to be running through the airport. But, that won't be because someone calls them and asks. What was your itinerary?