What Happens if You Miss Your Flight to Disney World? These Airline Rules May Surprise You!

Things happen, and sometimes you might end up missing your flight to Disney World.

Orlando Airport

Travel is already stressful enough when you’re on time, and it only gets more frightening when you start running behind. So, what do you do when you miss your flight to Disney World? We have the answer.

We rounded up all the official rules and offerings from some major airlines so you know what to do if things go wrong before your flight. Good news — you have some options!

Delta

If you’re flying Delta, unless your ticket is Basic Economy or for international travel, you can make changes to your flight even on the same day.

©Delta

You’ll have two options: Same-Day Confirmed and Same-Day Standby.

Same-Day Confirmed: If a seat is available in your originally purchased fare class, you can change your ticket to a confirmed seat on a new flight for a starting price of $75. This is complimentary for Diamond, Platinum & Gold Medallion Members.
Same-Day Standby: You may wait for a seat on an earlier flight than your original ticket, if the Same-Day Confirmed option is unavailable. This is complimentary for all, and until you have been assigned a seat on an earlier flight, your original flight will remain confirmed.

American Airlines

Customers can stand by for a flight at no charge, BUT after March 1st, 2024, you must be an AAdvantage member to stand by for a flight.

American Airlines Plane

Your new flight must:

Depart on the same day, from and to the same airports, as your original flight
Have the same number of stops, in the same airports, as your original flight
Be operated by American Airlines or American Eagle

However, also remember that:

Anyone can stand by for an earlier flight, but only AAdvantage status members can stand by for a later flight on the same day
Same-day confirmed changes and standby are subject to availability on select flights

Customers can change flights starting at $60, and this is the only way to guarantee you’ll be getting on another flight that same day.

United Airlines

If your flight is less than 24 hours away, you can request a change or standby for another flight. Many flights do not have any change fees.

©United Airlines

Your new flight must:

Have the same departure and arrival airport
Leave within 24 hours before or after your original flight
Be operated by United or United Express

Premier members may be able to get another flight for free. If your original class isn’t available, you may have to pay a price difference. All other travelers may be able to get another flight within 24 hours of the original flight. You may have to pay a price difference even if the same class is available.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest has one of the most basic policies. Seriously, it’s only about one sentence.

Southwest Airlines

As a courtesy, Southwest will accommodate Customers arriving within two hours after their scheduled departure on the next available flight to their destination on a standby basis.

©Southwest

So, don’t panic if you miss your flight — you can still get where you’re going! However, if you’re flying standby, keep in mind that there aren’t any guarantees.