What Happens If You Miss Your Flight?

If you miss your flight, you may be rebooked for free, charged a change fee, or lose the value of your ticket entirely. What happens next depends on the reason for your delay and how quickly you notify the airline. Acting immediately is the most critical factor in determining whether you can reach your destination without buying a brand-new ticket. To ensure you never miss a flight again, check out our guide on how early to arrive at the airport.

Quick Summary: Missed Flight Scenarios

What To Do Immediately

The first few minutes after realizing you have missed your flight are the most important. Follow these steps to maximize your chances of a low-cost solution.

Go to the airline desk

Do not leave the airport. Head straight to your airline's customer service counter or the gate agent if you are already airside. It is much easier to negotiate a solution in person than over a crowded phone line.

Ask about same-day standby

Inquire if the airline can place you on the next available flight as a standby passenger. Many airlines will accommodate you on the next flight if there are open seats, often for a small fee rather than the price of a full new ticket.

Check rebooking options

Open your airline’s mobile app. Major carriers often automatically rebook passengers on the next available flight. You may find a new boarding pass already waiting for you in the app.

Contact travel insurance

If your delay was caused by an accident, illness, or extreme weather, contact your travel insurance provider. They can guide you on what documentation you need to file a claim for reimbursement.

What Airlines Do If You Miss Your Flight

Airlines follow strict internal protocols when a passenger fails to board. Understanding these rules helps you negotiate more effectively.

No-show policy

If you fail to check in or board without notifying the airline, you are marked as a no-show. Under a no-show policy, the airline usually cancels the remaining segments of your ticket without a refund.

Round-trip auto cancellation risk

This is the biggest risk for travelers on a return or multi-city ticket. If you miss the first leg of your journey, the airline’s system may automatically cancel your return flight. You must speak to an agent immediately to protect your return journey, even if you find a different way to reach your destination for the first leg.

The "flat tire rule"

While not an official written policy, many airlines practice the flat tire rule. If you arrive at the airport within two hours of your missed departure and have a valid reason for being late, agents may rebook you on the next flight without charging a change fee.

Why People Miss Flights

Understanding the common causes of missed flights helps determine who is responsible for the cost of a replacement.

• Late arrival: Traffic or public transport delays are generally considered the passenger's responsibility.
• Security delays: Long immigration lines are common, but airlines are not legally required to rebook you for free because of them.
• Missed connections: If your first flight was delayed, the airline is responsible for getting you to your final destination at no extra cost.

What happens if you miss your connecting flight?

Missing a connection is a different scenario because the airline usually bears the responsibility. If you booked your entire journey on a single ticket, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight. If the delay requires an overnight stay, they should also provide hotel and meal vouchers.

If you booked two separate tickets on different airlines, you are responsible for the missed connection. In this case, the second airline treats you as a standard late arrival.

Can You Get a Refund?

Whether you get a refund depends on your fare type. Basic economy tickets are usually non-refundable and non-changeable. Flexible or business class tickets may allow for a full refund or a free change to a later flight. Always check your specific fare rules before assuming the money is lost.

How To Avoid Missing a Flight

The best way to handle a missed flight is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Plan to arrive at the airport at least three hours before international departures to account for unexpected delays.

Staying connected at the airport is also vital for receiving real-time flight updates. Using a global eSIM from Eskimo allows you to check for gate changes or rebooking notifications without relying on unreliable airport Wi-Fi. Claim your free 500MB Global Data.

FAQs

What happens to my checked luggage if I miss my flight?

If you miss your flight at the departure gate, your bags are usually removed from the aircraft for security reasons. If you miss a connection, your bags may stay on the original plane and wait for you at the luggage office of your final destination.

Does travel insurance cover missed flights?

Travel insurance typically covers missed flights if the cause is a covered event, such as a medical emergency or a traffic accident. It rarely covers avoidable delays like oversleeping.

Will I have to pay for a new ticket?

If the delay was your fault, you will likely have to pay a change fee or the fare difference. If the delay was the airline's fault, they are required to rebook you for free.