What to do if you miss your flight

Missing a flight can be a traveler’s worst nightmare, causing stress and uncertainty. However, it’s essential to stay calm and take immediate action to minimize the impact on your travel plans. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to take if you think you’re going to miss your flight, whether you can refund or rebook your flight, the role of travel insurance and the fate of your bags if they’ve already been put enroute.

What to do if you think you’re going to miss your flight

If you find yourself in a situation where you fear missing your flight, immediately contact the airline and inform them of your predicament. It’s essential to check the airline’s policies on missed flights and understand any potential fees that may be associated. For example, do they charge a rebooking fee to get on a different flight? Will you have to pay for the difference in fare for the new flight?

When you communicate with the airline, inquire about alternative flights and the costs involved.

What if you still can’t make your flight?

If you realize it’s impossible to make your flight, communication with the airline remains crucial. Keep them informed about your situation, and inquire about standby options, as some airlines allow passengers to take a standby position on later flights.

Find out if there are seats available on later flights and the associated costs. The people at the gate of your original flight may be able to help you book the next available flight or at least present some options to you.

In some cases, you may be able to rebook another flight without penalty fees because of the “flat-tire rule”. This is a policy (with varying stipulations depending on the airline) that allows passengers to board a later flight if they miss their original flight due to unforeseen circumstances, such as a flat tire or other unexpected transportation-related issues. Not all airlines have an official policy on this, and rather leave it up for discretion, especially if a standby option is available. It’s important to understand your airline’s specific policies in place regarding missed flights and potential flexibility offered.

In any case, it’s always best to inform the airline of your circumstances as early as possible if you anticipate missing your flight.

Can you get a refund if you miss your flight?

The potential for a refund after missing a flight largely depends on the type of ticket you purchased and the airline’s specific policies. Traffic jams or delays at security check are generally not valid reasons for receiving a refund, but certain medical emergencies may qualify.

Be sure to inquire with your airline if a refund is available for your specific circumstances. You’ll want to communicate those circumstances are soon as you can.

If you do miss your flight, and it was not the fault of the airline, the airline is not obligated to provide compensation.

It’s always best to leave for the airport with plenty of time for unexpected delays. It's highly recommended by most airports to arrive at least 2 hours before any flight but give it closer to 3 hours for international flights.  

Can you rebook a missed flight?

You can often work with the people at the gate to find an alternative flight to your destination (and an extra dose of patience and kindness could go a long way). If you happen to have airline miles available, try booking a last-minute flight using your rewards miles or points — some airlines open up last-minute availability for seats that might have otherwise remained unoccupied.

If that doesn’t work, you can try rebooking on another airline, using their websites or apps. Keep in mind that with any rebooking scenario, you are likely to pay fees.

Will travel insurance cover a missed flight?

The coverage of missed flights under travel insurance policies varies, so you’ll need to carefully read and understand your policy. Some policies cover missed flights for specific, valid reasons, so review the terms and conditions. If your circumstances align with the coverage provided, you can file a claim with your insurance provider.

Some scenarios in which you’re unlikely to be covered by insurance include things like oversleeping, not leaving enough time to get through security, heavy traffic delays or forgetting your passport.

What happens to your bags if you miss your flight?

Every airline has a policy that outlines the procedures for passengers to reclaim their checked luggage in the event you miss your flight after already checking your bags. Typically, airlines will make an effort to reroute your bag to the final destination of your rescheduled flight. Be sure to speak with the airline staff as soon as possible so they can work to retrieve your bag in the most efficient way.

For added peace of mind and control, you might find it beneficial to attach a GPS tracker to your bag, allowing you to monitor its location directly from your smartphone.

In summary

 While missing a flight is undoubtedly a stressful experience, understanding the appropriate steps to take can significantly mitigate the impact on your travel plans. Proactive communication with the airline, exploring rebooking options and understanding refund policies are crucial aspects of navigating the aftermath of a missed flight. Travel insurance can provide an added layer of protection in some cases. Taking swift action will increase your chances of finding a good alternative solution.