Missing a flight is up there with the most stressful experiences, only made worse if it threatens your vacation or business meeting. But sometimes, things happen that are beyond our control.
The first step is to not panic. The second is to read this guide. It explains what to do if you miss your flight and how to navigate airline policies and minimize cost and stress.
In this post:
- The steps to take if you miss your flight.
- Know your airline’s rules.
- Keep your documents.
- U.S. vs EU – your rights if you miss your flight.
- How to avoid missing your flight in the first place.
- What to do if you miss your flight FAQs.
The steps to take if you miss your flight.
If it’s the airline’s fault you missed your plane – say, they overbooked it – then it’s responsible for rebooking you on another flight. If you missed your flight for reasons out of the airline’s control – say you slept in or your transport was delayed – things are a little more challenging. But you still have options.
Contact your airline.
The moment you know you’ll miss your flight, contact the airline. Even if it’s before you get to the airport. Some airlines will rebook you if you speak to them before your plane takes off. Others may treat you as a no-show if you don’t check in or cancel your ticket.
The flat tire rule: If unforeseen circumstances like traffic – or a flat tire – made you miss your flight, tell the airline. Although falling out of common use, some airlines still follow the unofficial ‘flat tire rule’.
This allows agents to book you on a later flight free of charge if you arrive within two hours of the departure time. It’s not a right or guarantee by any means, but it doesn’t hurt to ask!
At the airport.
If you’re already at the airport, go to the airline ticket counter or service desk – not just the gate agent. Explain your situation and never forget that what happens next is at the discretion of the agent. Politeness and patience go a long way to a better outcome. Things to mention:
- If you have membership status with the airline, tell them right away as it can encourage agents to be more helpful.
- Ask about the airline’s same-day ticket options for flight changes – both standby and confirmed.
- If you’re going to miss a connecting flight, tell the agent so they can help you plan a way around it.
- If it’s the connecting flight you’ve missed, the airline should put you as a standby on its next available flight. Don’t forget to let them know if you have checked baggage, so they can hold it at your destination airport for you.
- Ask for a reference number related to your case so you can use it to claim later.
After the airport.
If your airline offered you a voucher or refund, follow it up via their online help form or with an email. Don’t forget to include your reference number.
You may be able to claim against your travel insurance or if you paid via credit card. This will depend on their policies and whether you can prove it wasn’t your fault, of course.
Know your airline’s rules.
Not all airlines have equally passenger-friendly missed flight policies. Their flexibility will also be influenced by your fare type and whether you booked direct or via a third party.
Full-service U.S. airlines.
The U.S. full-service carriers Delta, United and American Airlines will often let you rebook on same-day flights, where available. Depending on your ticket and membership status, you may have to pay a change fee or any difference in ticket price. Elite members are more likely to get rebooked for free.
Low-cost airlines.
If your ticket is with a low-cost carrier like Southwest, Spirit and Frontier, you’ll find their policies far less flexible. Basic economy fares essentially render missed flights as forfeited, which means your only option will be to buy a new ticket. If you’ve paid for a flexible fare, you may be able to pay a fee (plus any fare difference) to rebook.
International airlines.
Many international airlines enforce stricter check-in times and cutoff rules than U.S. airlines. Check your airline’s procedures closely to make sure you meet their criteria. The EU in particular has clearly laid out rights for passenger assistance, rebooking and compensation.
Third-party bookings.
If you booked your missed flight using a third-party platform, the airline will likely have less flexibility to help. In such cases, be sure to speak to the booking platform as well as the airline – but don’t expect miracles. You’ll almost always get better service and fewer fees when you book direct with the airline.
Keep your documents.
The golden rule: keep everything. Every shred of evidence you keep will help support any claim for compensation. This includes:
- Boarding passes (original and new) and baggage receipts.
- Timestamps of exactly when your flight was scheduled and when you actually flew – photos can help with this.
- Screenshots of airline notifications, texts and emails.
- Photos of reasons you were delayed – traffic incidents, etc.
- Receipts for all expenses incurred because of the missed flight – keep the originals and take photos of them.
U.S. vs EU – your rights if you miss your flight.
The U.S. and the EU take a very different approach when enforcing airlines to help passengers who missed flights.
U.S. air passenger rights.
If the airline is responsible for your missed flight, it must rebook you on the next available flight. Or provide you with a guaranteed no-hassle refund if you choose not to fly – even if you have a non-refundable ticket.
The same rule also applies for flights delayed more than three hours domestically and six hours internationally. U.S. airlines are not, however, obliged to pay any compensation or provide you with help for meals or accommodation. Many do, but it’s not guaranteed.
EU air passenger rights.
If an airline flying within the EU is responsible for your missed flight, they have to rebook and compensate you for meals and accommodation, if necessary. Keep all your receipts.
The current EU-261 rule provides compensation and assistance for all flights arriving three or more hours late (or not at all). Passengers can currently claim €250 (around $290) for short-haul flights and €600 (around $700) for long haul.
How to avoid missing your flight in the first place.
A few practical tips to help avoid having to do everything I’ve talked about above!
- Add bigger time margins to get to and through the airport. There’s always a shop to browse or a café open, so if traffic’s clear and you get there early, make the most of the downtime!
- Save time at the airport by checking in online and traveling with carry-on bags only.
- If your schedule is tight, consider booking a flexible fare.
- If you’re regularly cutting flights close, ‘cancel for any reason’ travel insurance can soften the cost of missed flights. But it comes with conditions and at a price.
- For connecting flights, avoid booking tight layovers – especially if it’s with different airlines who have no obligation to honor each others’ delays.
What to do if you miss your flight FAQs.
The airline will likely mark you as a no-show and cancel your flight itinerary. You’ll lose the value of your ticket and will have to pay a fee to rebook or buy a new ticket.
Typically, airlines won’t automatically rebook you on another flight. You’ll need to contact them to let them know you will or have missed your flight and ask them to rebook you.
If you have a flexible or refundable ticket or it’s the airline’s fault, then you’re entitled to a refund. Basic budget tickets don’t offer refunds.
Typically not if it’s just because you were late. Policies vary, but most cover basic reasons like health emergencies or public transport delays. As always, check the wording carefully.
