What Happens to Your Car Service Pickup If Your Flight Is Delayed or Cancelled?
Short answer: If your flight is delayed or lands early, a chauffeur who tracks flights adjusts to the actual arrival time, so you don't have to call and reschedule. If your flight is cancelled or your airline rebooks you onto a different flight or airport, call your car service with the new details as soon as you have them. At Absolute Transportation we track every airport pickup in real time, and you can reach us 24 hours a day at (203) 938-0000.
How flight tracking works for an airport pickup
When you book an airport pickup, give us your airline and flight number. We follow that flight in real time, and your chauffeur's arrival adjusts to when the plane actually lands, not to the time printed on your original itinerary. You don't need to call us when a flight runs early or late. That's the whole point of tracking: the pickup moves with the plane.
Two details are worth confirming when you book, because they vary by airport and by booking:
- Wait time after you land. Wait-time allowances vary by airport and booking. Ask how long your chauffeur waits after landing and what that covers, such as checked bags or a long walk from the gate.
- Where you'll meet your chauffeur. Meet-and-greet options depend on the airport. Ask where you'll find your chauffeur at the airport you're flying into.
If your flight is delayed
A delay on your arrival flight is the easy case. Because the flight is tracked, your chauffeur adjusts to the actual arrival time. If your delay is long or your plans change, such as a missed dinner reservation or a different drop-off, call (203) 938-0000 and tell us.
If your flight lands early
Early arrivals are handled the same way. Tracking tells us when the plane is ahead of schedule, and your chauffeur adjusts. If you want to be sure the chauffeur is ready for an early landing, mention it when you book, especially for early-morning arrivals.
If your flight is cancelled or your airline rebooks you
This is the case people forget to plan for. A tracked flight tells us when a flight is late, but a cancellation usually means a new flight number, a new time or a new airport. Call us with the new details as soon as your airline confirms them, and we'll work out the pickup with you. Terms for changing or cancelling a booking vary by service and vehicle, so ask us for specifics for your trip.
Airline rules also help you here. Under U.S. Department of Transportation rules, if an airline cancels your flight or significantly changes it, you may be entitled to a refund from the airline if you don't accept the alternative, and a change of airport counts as a significant change. That's between you and your airline, so check the DOT refund rules and watch your airline's emails, texts and app notifications for the options it offers.
If your airline moves you to another airport, tell us right away. Absolute serves JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Bradley, Tweed-New Haven, Westchester, Boston Logan and Stewart. Our guide to flying from JFK, LaGuardia or Newark when you live in Connecticut explains how those airports compare.
If your outbound flight is delayed or cancelled before you leave home
Flight tracking is how we handle arrivals. On a ride to the airport, your pickup is set around your departure, so if your airline announces a delay or cancellation before you leave, call (203) 938-0000 and ask what can change on your booking. Don't wait until the car is at your door.
What to do in each situation
| What happened | What to do |
|---|---|
| Arrival flight is delayed | Nothing: your chauffeur adjusts to the actual arrival time. Call if your plans change. |
| Arrival flight lands early | Nothing: tracking picks it up. Mention early-morning arrivals when you book. |
| Flight is cancelled and you're rebooked | Call with the new airline, flight number, time and airport. |
| Airline changes your airport | Call right away so your pickup moves to the new airport. |
| Departure flight is delayed or cancelled before you leave | Call and ask what can change on your booking. |
| Checked bags are slow or you're delayed leaving the terminal | Tell your chauffeur or call us; wait-time allowances vary by airport and booking. |
What to have ready when you book an airport pickup
- Airline and flight number (not only the departure time)
- Arrival or departure airport and terminal, if you know it
- Number of passengers and bags (see how much luggage fits)
- A mobile number that works when you land
- Any change of plans you already expect, such as a connection
Questions to ask any car service before you book
- Do you track my flight in real time, and is that included?
- What happens to the pickup time if the flight is early, late or cancelled?
- How does wait time work after I land at this airport?
- Where will I meet the chauffeur?
- What are the terms for changing or cancelling the booking?
A clear answer to all five tells you a lot about how a company runs the rest of the trip. Our checklist for comparing airport car service quotes covers the other questions to ask. Absolute Transportation is based at 341 Washington Ave in North Haven, runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and includes tolls in the quote.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my flight is delayed? Because we track your flight in real time, your chauffeur adjusts to the actual arrival time. You don't need to call us for a normal delay.
Does the car service track my flight? Yes. Absolute tracks every airport pickup, so if your flight is early or late, your chauffeur's arrival time adjusts.
What if my flight is cancelled? Call (203) 938-0000 with your new flight details as soon as your airline confirms them. Terms for changing or cancelling a booking vary by service and vehicle.
What if my airline moves me to a different airport? Tell us right away. We serve eight airports, including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Bradley, Tweed-New Haven and Westchester, and we'll plan the pickup for the new airport with you.
How long will my chauffeur wait after I land? Wait-time allowances vary by airport and booking. Ask us when you book so you know what applies to your flight.
Will my driver meet me inside the terminal? Meet-and-greet options depend on the airport. Ask us for specifics for yours.
Do you publish prices online? No. Every trip is quoted for its pickup, destination, vehicle and time. Call (203) 938-0000 for a quote.
Ready to book? Call (203) 938-0000, read our FAQ, or see our Connecticut to JFK car service page.