I arrived at airport and found out there is an earlier flight so I asked the agent if I can change. He looked at my check-in monitor and said changing option didn’t appear. There might not be seat left but I could ask the gate agent. I went to the gate and the agent told me the type of ticket I have is not changeable. I thanked her and went to sit. When the flight boarding was almost done, the flight attendant came to me asking for my boarding pass. I asked again if I could change so I can go home a bit earlier. This time she did and said the flight is shown delayed, she gave me the new boarding pass to ensure I can catch the transfer flight. Thanks!
When I landed, I can see why the flight was delayed. It’s pouring rain outside. I’m glad we landed safely. I saw from the monitor, my next flight is on-time yet one earlier was delayed though it’s still before my flight. I went to the customer service desk asking if I could change to that to avoid the domino effect. The agent told me my flight is showing ‘on-time’ so there is no reason to change except paying for a changing fee. I went to my gate, sat down, then thought let’s give it another try. I went to the gate of the earlier flight. The agent had a ‘serious’ look and was busy working with a colleague on something. I waited patiently. Finally she was done and looked at me. I smiled and said to her it must be a busy night for you (weather, delay, change) and asked if I could change my flight so I could go home a bit earlier that I need to work tomorrow. I was fully prepared that she told me no as others did…yet she smiled back, checked the system, and gave me a new boarding pass. Yes, I’m on.
Just ask! even if you don’t believe it’s possible, be nice to people, and don’t get discouraged by 1 No. There is only Upside by asking. Even the worst case (no), we don’t lose anything anyway.