If you are running late, a useful message tells the other person what has changed and what they can expect. Give an honest arrival estimate when you have one. If you do not, say so rather than repeatedly promising you are “five minutes away.”

These 48 examples cover a delay to plans happening today, not a late reply or a request to change the date. Replace the times and details with what is true. Send an update only when it is safe to do so; do not type while driving.

A short update when you know your arrival time

  • I’m running about ten minutes late. I expect to arrive at 2:10. Sorry to keep you waiting.
  • I’ll be there around 6:20 rather than six. Does that still leave enough time for you?
  • I’m behind schedule and expect to reach you at 11:15. Thank you for your patience.
  • I’m on my way, with an estimated arrival of 7:10. Please don’t wait outside for me.
  • I expect to be about fifteen minutes late. I’ll meet you at the entrance at 3:15.
  • Sorry, I won’t make the agreed time. My current estimate is 8:25; I’ll let you know if it changes.
  • I’m aiming to arrive at 12:10. I know we agreed on noon, and I’m sorry for the delay.
  • I’ll be roughly five minutes late. Please stay where you’re comfortable; I’ll find you when I arrive.

When you cannot give a reliable estimate yet

  • I’m delayed and don’t have a reliable arrival time yet. I’ll update you when I know more.
  • I won’t be there on time. I don’t want to give you a guess that keeps you waiting.
  • My arrival time is uncertain at the moment. Please carry on with your plans rather than wait for me.
  • I’m still working out when I can arrive. If you need to leave, I completely understand.
  • I’m running late, but I can’t confirm how late yet. I’ll send another update when it’s safe.
  • I don’t have an accurate estimate just now. Would you prefer to start without me?
  • I’m sorry, the timing is still unclear. Please don’t hold the table or your afternoon open for me.
  • I can’t promise an arrival time yet. I’ll check whether joining you still makes sense once I know.

Meeting a friend for coffee or a meal

  • I’m about ten minutes behind. Please order your coffee; there’s no need to wait for me.
  • I’ll reach the café around 10:20. If you’ve found a seat, send me the location when convenient.
  • I’m going to be late for lunch. Please start eating if your food arrives before I do.
  • My current estimate is 6:15. If that cuts into your evening, let me know what works for you.
  • I’m sorry to leave you waiting. I’ll meet you inside rather than have you stand by the door.
  • I’ll be about twenty minutes late. I understand if you only have time for a shorter catch-up.
  • I won’t make it by seven. Please check in for the reservation without me if the restaurant allows it.
  • I’m running behind for breakfast. If you need to head off before I arrive, please do.

Joining a group without holding everyone up

  • I’ll be late, so please start without me. I’ll join you quietly when I arrive.
  • I expect to arrive at 4:20. Don’t delay the group photo on my account.
  • I’m behind schedule. Please go ahead with the walk; I’ll check where to join if that’s practical.
  • I won’t reach the venue by the start time. I’ll follow the staff’s instructions about entering late.
  • Please begin the game without me. I can join the next round rather than interrupt this one.
  • I’m about fifteen minutes away. No need to save me a place if space is limited.
  • I’ll miss the first part of the gathering. Please enjoy it; I’ll catch up when I get there.
  • I’m running late for the tour. Please don’t hold the departure; I’ll contact the organizer about my options.

A professional update for a meeting or appointment

  • I expect to arrive ten minutes after our scheduled start. I apologize for the disruption.
  • I’m running late for our appointment. Is arrival at 2:15 still possible under your late-arrival policy?
  • I’ll join the meeting around 9:10. Please begin without me if that works for the agenda.
  • I’m sorry, I won’t arrive by the agreed time. My current estimate is 3:20.
  • My arrival is delayed and the timing is uncertain. Please let me know how you would like to proceed.
  • I’ll be approximately fifteen minutes late. I understand if we need to keep the original finish time.
  • I expect to reach reception at 11:10. Is there anything I should do differently when I arrive?
  • I’m delayed for our session. I understand you may not be able to accommodate a late start.

When your first estimate changes

  • My earlier estimate was too optimistic. I now expect to arrive at 5:30, not 5:15.
  • Another update: I’m still delayed. Please don’t keep waiting based on the time I gave you earlier.
  • I won’t make the revised arrival time either. I’m sorry; I understand if you need to leave.
  • I said ten minutes, but I can no longer confirm that. I’ll update you once I have a reliable estimate.
  • My arrival has moved to around 7:40. Please start dinner; I don’t want it getting cold.
  • The delay is longer than I expected. Would joining later still work, or should we discuss another plan?
  • I need to correct my last message: I expect to arrive at 1:25. Sorry for the changing information.
  • I’m still not able to give you a firm time. Please make the choice that works best for your day.

Keep the update honest and useful

You do not need to invent an excuse or share private details. An apology, a realistic estimate and room for the other person to adjust are enough. If your estimate changes materially, correct it. After arriving, acknowledge the wait without expecting the other person to extend their plans.

If joining today no longer works, use these messages to reschedule agreed plans. For checking the time and place before you leave, try our messages to confirm plans without pressure.