Some airlines like Southwest Airlines. or USAirways can use this rule if you had a problem
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US Airways internal notes in their reservation system say:
A passenger who has missed their schedule flight based on unforeseen causes i.e.. flat tire, accident, traffic delays may standby without penalty or charges provided:
1. The passenger arrives at airport no later than two hours after departure of their confirmed flight, except if it’s the last flight of the day, in which case, they can standby on first flight next morning.
2. The passenger must standby on flights of same airline as their ticketed flight
The 2-hour rule is not to be solicited or referred as part of fare rule to circumvent voluntary changes. In-house exception made only when passenger has made an attempt to make originally scheduled flight.
In other words, US Airways employees must not advertise the rule to their customers. But they can, at their discretion, waive the fare rules and rebook a passenger on the next flight at no charge.
It good to know the secret password: “flat tire rule” or “two hour rule”. But please, be polite to the agent on the phone or in front of you and if you have a chance proof it ! – remember Its she/he who can say yes or no !
Don’t count on that “rule” outside of America!