What happens if....I miss my connection in the US for a Europeon flight and I can't get out until the next day(hoping the airline will put me up in a hotel) AND I have a hotel (not inexpensive) reservation in Europe that requires a hefty cancellation penalty AND it's only for one night in that city before I have train reservations and hotel reservations in ANOTHER city the next night (actually the day I'd arrive in Europe)? What would one do if this happened?

There are many different scenarios, but basically as far as your hotel in Europe goes, you're on your own. Most hotels let you cancel till 5 or 6 pm on the day of arrival without penalty. I assume you are flying on an overnight flight, and if that's the case your reservation is not till the following night? Am I correct? So if you miss your flight, call the hotel and either cancel or ask them to switch the booking for the next night.<BR>FYI - Airlines will try very hard to get you on a plane even if you missed your original connection. They might reroute you through a different city if it's still possible or they will try to put you on another airline. I forget what the legal delay penalty is but it's something like 3 or 4 hours before they have to compansate you for your troubles. So as long as they get you to your final destination within that time, that's where their responsibilty ends. Also if it's weather or airport shutdowns or basically act of god they are not responsible at all.<BR>Good luck on your flight and have a great time.

I'm sorry, I missed the hefty cancellation fee. Can't help you there. That's why I never make reservations like that for the first night. If I do, it's usually with a chain hotel that have the cancellation policy that I talked about above. It may be few dollars more, but it's a great insurance for situations just like you describe.

Hi, Joy - I know that feeling, and the airlines don't help you out at all if it's weather or other things beyond their control. I hadn't in the past but recently have started taking out trip insurance. For less than $100 it covers all sorts of eventualities including expenses associated with delays. Haven't had to use it so far - cross my fingers!

Thank you for your responses. I just changed my hotel reservations to a Hilton. It is just an overnighter in Milan before heading off to explore more of Italy. I'll also have a paper ticket with alternative flights in hand. I've actually never considered trip insurance. I'll give it some research. Thanks.