It’s not something you ever hope will happen on your trip, but sometimes things go wrong that are just out of our control.

And, when it happens at the very beginning of your trip, well, that can really get things going on the wrong foot. Missing a flight is likely many folks’ worst nightmare when it comes to their Disney World trip, but, this airline rule might just be able to save the day!

So you’ve missed your flight to Disney World. Now what? Well, don’t immediately start to panic — there might still be a solution. Did you know that most major airlines have some sort of same-day flight change rule or contingency that could get you on the next departing flight — for free? It’s true, and we’re breaking a few of the most popular airlines’ policies down for ya.

United Airlines

Flying with United? You can easily change your flight if you’ve missed your original one. You can change it online, by phone, or in person. You’ll have to follow some rules, like your new flight must have the same departure and arrival airport as the original, it must leave within 24 hours before or after the original flight, and it must be operated by United or United Express.

United Premier members may be able to get another flight for free, but in some cases, a price difference may need to be paid. 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 your ticket type doesn’t change.

But, the good news is that United’s website says there are no change fees for most flights — meaning you might be able to hop on a later flight at no additional cost.

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Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines also has a same-day flight change policy, and it’s possibly the most lenient of them all. Southwest fares come with no change fees at all, and only the potential fare difference will need to be paid if you miss your flight. There are both same-day change and same-day standby benefits, but it’s the change that really applies in this scenario.

Same-day standby is only an option if you’re trying to get on an earlier flight, so that doesn’t make sense here. But, you can make a same-day confirmed change with no fees (other than fare difference!) on the Southwest website or app.

The same-day change lets you swap your flight on the day of travel for a later one, as long as there’s an open seat and the origin and destination airports are the same.

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American Airlines

If you miss a flight on American Airlines, you may be able to change it to another same-day confirmed one — for a $60 fee. There are some exceptions, like your flight must depart on the same day, to and from the original airports as your original flight. It also must have the same number of stops as the original flight and be operated by American Airlines or American Eagle.

Travelers can stand by for a flight for free, but you can only stand by for one that departs earlier than your original flight — and since you’ve already missed your flight in this scenario, that’s not entirely helpful.

Certain ticket types are eligible for a free same-day confirmed flight change including unrestricted economy, first and business class, active U.S. military personnel and dependents, and AAdvantage members won’t be charged for switching things up last-minute. You can change your flight online, by phone, or in person.

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Delta Airlines

Unlike the United and Southwest policies, Delta’s isn’t free — unless you choose to fly standby. For a same-day flight change within 24 hours of your originally scheduled departure time within the United States, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands, you have two different options.

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 $75 minimum fee depending on the ticket type. This means you’ll have a confirmed spot on the new flight and won’t have to wait around hoping you make it on standby.

If you’re a Delta Diamond, Platinum, or Gold Medallion member, same-day confirmed seats are free.

Just like with American Airlines, a same-day standby option is available, but it’s only available if you want to wait for an open seat on a flight that’s earlier than your original — which doesn’t really help you out much if the situation is that you’ve already missed your flight. You can change your flight online, by phone, or in person.

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So, while missing your flight can seriously put a damper on your Disney World vacation, it may not be the end of the world! It’s worth checking your airline’s website for any sort of same-day flight change policies they may have.

Stay tuned to Disney Food Blog for the latest travel tips, news, and more!

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Have you ever missed a flight? Tell us in the comments.

The post Missed Your Flight To Disney World? This Airline RULE Could Help You Out! first appeared on the disney food blog.