When airports go sideways: missed connections, missing bags, and life after customs

Airports are strange places. They’re the only spot on earth where it’s socially acceptable to drink a beer at 6 a.m., nap on the carpet as hundreds of strangers walk past, and pay $14 for a bottle of water.

Most of the time, international travel goes more smoothly than you’d expect. But every so often, the travel gods decide to have a little fun at your expense. When that happens, the difference between a hiccup and a meltdown is knowing what to do next. So let’s cover the big three.

You missed your connecting flight

First, don’t panic. (Fine, panic for 30 seconds. Then stop.)

If your whole journey is on one ticket, and I hope it is, the airline has to get you to your final destination. Here’s your game plan:

1. Go straight to the airline’s transfer or service desk. Don’t wander off to find a Cinnabon first.
2. Call the airline or open its app while you stand in line. Sometimes you can rebook before you reach the front. This has happened to me twice.
3. Ask whether your checked bag will follow you to the new flight. It usually will, but ask anyway.
4. Stuck overnight? Ask about hotel and meal vouchers. Airlines don’t always volunteer them.
5. Let us know. We’d much rather move your airport pickup to the appropriate time rather than having our Hobnail staffer at arrivals holding a sign for a person who’s still in Doha. That’s no good for anyone.

If you booked separate tickets, I’m sorry to say you’re mostly on your own. That’s why I nagged you about it in the flight plan post.

Your bag didn’t show up

You’re watching the carousel. Bags go around. Other people’s bags. A cardboard box wrapped in duct tape goes around twice. Yours does not. Here’s what to do:

1. Don’t leave baggage claim. Once you walk out past customs, getting back in is a whole thing.
2. Find the baggage desk for the airline that flew your last leg, even if a different airline started your trip.
3. File a report before you leave the airport. You’ll get a file reference number. Guard it with your life.
4. Give them your hotel address and phone number. Snap a photo of your bag tag receipt too.
5. Keep receipts for any essentials you buy. Many airlines reimburse reasonable expenses.

Most delayed bags show up within a day or two, which is exactly why you arrived early. Also: pack your medications, a change of clothes, and your rain jacket in your carry-on, and wear your boots on the plane. You can buy almost anything overseas, but you can’t buy broken-in boots.

You made it through customs. Now what?

Congratulations, you’re officially in-country! This is also where first-timers often get overwhelmed. The doors slide open and suddenly there are a hundred people, taxi drivers calling out, and a guy who very badly wants to carry your bag.

1. Keep a firm grip on your luggage. A friendly stranger who hauls your bag 40 feet will expect a tip. A polite, firm “No, thank you” works wonders.
2. Look for your name. If your trip includes an airport pickup, someone will be holding a sign with either your name or the Hobnail logo.
3. Can’t find your ride? Stay put. Don’t leave with the first person who claims to be your driver. Wait near the exit and contact the number in your trip documents.
4. Get cash from an ATM, not the exchange counter. The rates are almost always better.
5. Get connected. Buy a local SIM at the airport, or set up an eSIM before you leave home.

Airports test your patience. Adventure rewards it. Get through the first one, and the second is waiting just past those sliding doors.