You’re standing in the longest TSA security line and the clock is ticking. You’re now late for boarding your flight, and the gate will be closing in ten minutes.

No one is letting you cut in line.

So what happens if you miss your flight? What will the airline do to help you?

In most cases, it’s nothing unless the rest of the passengers for that flight are also no-shows.

Remember, it’s your responsibility to not just check in on time, but board on time.

But there’s nothing stopping you from calling the airline while you’re standing in line to report your situation. If it’s not the last flight of the day, and the next flight has seats available, many airlines will accommodate you on a standby basis.

But don’t wait until you get to the gate. Call the airline the minute you know you’re stuck in line.