It has been a summer of canceled flights, late connections, and travel madness. If you are traveling, be certain you leave your confirmation numbers, schedule and enough information with someone so that they can talk to the airlines on your behalf should you encounter traveling difficulties.
If you are headed to a meeting and your first flight is late, the airline's computer will automatically book you on the next flight they operate that still has open seats. You may be able to fly standby on an earlier flight that technically has no seats left if you have someone who can check schedules and talk to the airline. If your flight is late coming in, often other flights are as well and airlines often have standby seats become available.
If you are not going to arrive at your destination in time for the reason you are flying, you can often find a flight on another airline. You will have to pay for it (and likely a premium at the last minute) but a representative can talk to the airline you are currently scheduled on and seek a refund or at minimum a credit on your behalf if you are not going to use part of your ticket.
Often, these things are happening while you are in flight and in many cases you will not be able to talk to the airlines in flight. Having a representative on the ground who knows your schedule and your needs is always helpful.
