King Power

Once checked in, they won't take off without you!

Don't believe it! There have been a couple of instances reported in the press recently where people have been late at the gate through being delayed getting through security checks and/or through shopping or drinking in the departure lounges. In both cases their bags were off-loaded and they missed the flight. The airline spokesperson was reported to have said that they now allow up to 15 minutes for a late show at the gate and then the bags are off-loaded and the passenger removed from the passenger list.

[Sen Yai]

Yes, Snowkat, you are right. They won't wait indefinitely whilst you finish your G&T in the lounge bar! But once you've checked, in all airlines would rather get you on board than go through the hassle of finding and off-loading your bags.

So if you're really late, most airlines will escort you through security or you can ask to jump to the front of the queue at the scanners if your flight is really on 'final call' - I mean 15mins to take off, when most in the holding pen will really be boarding the plane.

I've got better things to do than check in 3 hours early and I've never missed a flight yet.....

[krobbie]

Yes, Snowkat, you are right. They won't wait indefinitely whilst you finish your G&T in the lounge bar! But once you've checked, in all airlines would rather get you on board than go through the hassle of finding and off-loading your bags.

So if you're really late, most airlines will escort you through security or you can ask to jump to the front of the queue at the scanners if your flight is really on 'final call' - I mean 15mins to take off, when most in the holding pen will really be boarding the plane.

I've got better things to do than check in 3 hours early and I've never missed a flight yet.....

Sen Yai ... I hope your luck holds. I on he other hand get to airport hours early am often the first in the queue. If I am a little late I play my trump ... "let the amputee through".

It's true of course. I am in fact an amputee but my day to day life is hardly affected. But magically off the the Business Class or First Class check in I go and am whisked through all checks. Can be a bit of a stall at the scanner though. Prosthetic is plastic, foam and metal. I have never been asked to remove the leg though. Perhaps at 53, I don't look like a drug runner? Odd that?

Cheers
Krobbie