Despite our best efforts, many of us have previously missed a flight, wreaking havoc on our travel plans.
Depending on the reason you miss a flight, you can either lose the entire value of your ticket, you can be charged a fee to rebook, you can be rebooked on another flight for free, or you may receive a refund.
Besides the reason for missing a flight, what happens next can also depend on the airline you are flying with.
So an airline can cancel your ticket and the rest of your itinerary, leaving you with little option for a refund, but you may be able to rebook for a fee.
If you checked in a bag, it will also arrive at your destination without you, which will be a hassle in itself.
Domestic Flights
If you miss a domestic flight due to certain external circumstances, such as bad weather, an airline is under no obligation to provide you with accommodations or food vouchers.
An airline can put you on the next available flight, though.
If you miss a domestic flight because you woke up late, got stuck in traffic etc., try and take advantage of the “flat tire” rule that we talk about below.
International Flights
Generally, the same rules apply for domestic flights as they do for international flights departing from a U.S. airport.
However, if you’re flying from an international airport and miss your flight, especially if due to circumstances outside your control, you are better protected compared to the U.S.
If You Miss a Connection
If you miss your flight due to a late connection that was outside your control, and you are flying on a single ticket, it is the airline’s responsibility to get you to your final destination, so you will be booked onto another flight for free.
If you aren’t flying on a single ticket, it is considered your responsibility to make your flight.
So if you miss your flight, an airline is not responsible for this, and you will have to pay for a new ticket.
Because You’re Sick
If you miss a flight because you are sick, you should get a note from your doctor that states the reason why you weren’t able to fly.
Depending on the airline, you may be able to receive a refund or obtain a travel voucher to book a flight in the future.
What Happens If You Miss Your Flight? (By Airline)
American Airlines
If you miss an American Airlines flight, though arrive within two hours of scheduled departure, you can be rebooked on the next flight as a standby traveler and without having to pay any additional fees or the difference in the new airfare.
Delta
Delta state that they do not have an official policy and will handle each missed flight on a case-by-case basis
However, you may also be put on standby for the next available flight at no additional cost.
Southwest
Southwest allow you to change or cancel flights without penalty before departure.
You just have to pay the difference in the fare.
United
United state that they do not have an official policy if you miss a flight, but you can usually be rebooked on a new flight if you contact the airline within 30 minutes of your scheduled departure.
What is the “Flat Tire” Rule?
In the U.S., most airlines have a “flat tire” rule that allows passengers to rebook their flight if they miss their flight or are running late for free or for a small fee.
The best way of making this rule work for you is to contact the airline if you are running late and think that you are going to miss your flight.
This will give the airline time to rebook you onto another flight.
If You Miss Your Flight Can You Get on the Next One?
If you miss your flight, you may be able to get on the next one to your original destination, provided that there are seats available.
Due to the “flat tire” rule, you also may not be charged to be rebooked onto the next flight, either.
Will You Get a Refund If You Miss Your Flight?
If you’ve missed a flight through a fault of your own, you will not receive a refund.
But if an airline cancels your flight for whatever reason, or you miss your flight due to unexpected external circumstances that are outside of your control, you might be eligible for a refund.
What Happens to Your Baggage If You Miss Your Flight?
If you’ve already checked in your bag, and you miss your flight, your bag will end up at your destination without you.
You should contact the airline and ask them to hold your bag until your arrival.
If you never end up going to your destination, you can ask the airline to ship your bag to you at another location.
The worst that will happen is that you may lose the entire value of your ticket.
Does Travel Insurance Cover Missed Flights?
Most travel insurance providers won’t cover you if you miss a flight, but it’s sometimes possible to pay extra to obtain missed flight cover.
Additionally, the reason why you missed your flight and whether the policy you took out covers this reason or not will also affect if you can obtain a refund or not.
What Should You Do If You Think You’re Going to Miss Your Flight?
If you think you’re going to miss your flight, you should definitely contact the airline and let them know.
If you do this, you may be booked onto the next available flight.; if you don’t, it’s likely that you will lose the entire value of your ticket.
Is There a Fee to Change Your Flight?
Depending on the airline, you may be charged a fee to change your flight, especially if you want to change your flight on the same day of your scheduled departure.
Generally, the more budget the airline and/or the more basic your ticket, the more likely you will be charged for changing your flight.
How Late Can You Change Your Flight?
You can change your flight up to and including the day you are meant to depart, though you will very likely be charged a fee for doing so.
How to Avoid Missing a Flight
The common denominator in every missed flight is a lack of time.
So to avoid missing a flight, it is of course better to leave yourself with plenty of time instead of having to rush.
Ella Dunham, a Freelance Travel Journalist and Marketing Manager, boasts an impressive career spanning eight years in the travel and tourism sectors.
Honored as one of "30 Under 30" by TTG Media (the world’s very first weekly travel trade newspaper), a "Tour Operator Travel Guru" and "Legend Award" winner, Ella is also a Fellow of the Institute of Travel, a Member of the Association of Women Travel Executives, has completed over 250 travel modules, and hosts travel-focused segments on national radio shows where she provides insights on travel regulations and destinations.
Ella has visited over 40 countries (with 10 more planned this year).
