What to do if you are running late to an escape room?

Escape rooms are all about timing—solving puzzles, beating the clock, and starting your adventure on schedule. To make sure your experience runs smoothly, it’s important to plan ahead and arrive 15 minutes early to your reservation. Here’s why that extra time is so crucial, and what to do if you’re running late.

Why Arrive Early?

Some escape rooms ask you to arrive exactly on time, but most recommend showing up 15 minutes early. Why?

• Waivers and Introductions: You’ll often need to sign waivers, hear the game rules, and get briefed on the story.
• Restroom Breaks: Better to go before the game starts than lose valuable time mid-adventure.
• Buffer Period: Arriving early gives a cushion for anyone in your group who might be cutting it close.

Even if you arrive exactly on time, most escape rooms will understand. However, arriving late can create bigger challenges.

Why Being Late Is a Problem

Escape rooms run on a tight schedule, similar to a movie theater. Your session is booked at a specific time, and once that window has passed, it’s hard to adjust. Unlike movies, escape rooms don’t have 20 minutes of previews to give you wiggle room!

Here’s why late arrivals can be tricky:

• Pre-Booked Sessions: Escape rooms often have back-to-back bookings, leaving no room to push your start time without affecting the next group.
• Full Hour Experience: If you arrive late, some places might be able to start you up to 15 minutes after your scheduled time—but at the cost of cutting your game short. Trust me, you want your full hour!

What to Do If You’re Running Late

1. Contact the Escape Room Immediately:

   • As soon as you realize you’re running late, call or email the escape room. Most places will appreciate the heads-up and may be able to offer solutions.

2. Know Their Policy:

   • Some escape rooms have a grace period for late arrivals, while others might strictly enforce their start times. It’s worth checking the policy when you book to avoid surprises.

3. Adjust Expectations:

   • If you’re more than 15 minutes late, the escape room may need to cancel your session. Some businesses offer rescheduling options, but this isn’t always guaranteed.

How to Avoid Being Late

• Plan Ahead: Check traffic conditions, find parking details, and aim to arrive early.
• Account for Delays: Life happens—give yourself an extra buffer to handle unexpected issues.
• Communicate with Your Group: Make sure everyone in your party knows the importance of arriving on time.

Final Thoughts

Escape rooms are designed to be immersive, exciting, and fun. To get the most out of your experience, aim to arrive 15 minutes early so you can enjoy the full adventure without stress. If you find yourself running late, don’t panic—just contact the escape room as soon as possible so they can guide you on what to do next.

Remember, a little planning goes a long way. Arriving on time not only ensures you get your full game experience but also helps the staff and other players enjoy theirs too. Happy escaping!

This post was written using the help of ChatGPT!