Check Compensation
Missed Flight? Can You Get A Refund or Compensation?

Missed Your Flight? Here’s What You Need to Do

Joanna Teljeur
Written By Joanna Teljeur
8 minutes read
Last Updated: September 04, 2024

Even with the best planning and preparation, there's always a chance that you’ll miss your flight. And most of the time, it will be caused by something outside your control like a flight delay. In fact, many people miss flights every single day. So, what should you do when you show up to the gate to find the plane has left without you?

Well, above all, try not to panic because there are some options. You might even be able to get some money back depending on the airline and the situation. So, keep reading because we're going to explain what happens when you miss your flight and what you need to do to get back on your journey.

Missed your flight? You might have a right to compensation - up to €600.Check Your Flight

When You’re Running Late

So, let’s say you’re stuck in traffic, and you know you’re going to make it to the gate in time. The first thing to do is contact the airline to tell them about your situation.

Letting them know you had every intention of making your flight isn’t just a courtesy! In fact, if you don’t let the airline know you’re running late, they will count you as a “no show” meaning they’ll cancel any connections as well as your return flight. 

tip

Fortunately, there’s a good chance you could get a rebooking on the next available flight thanks to something called the Flat Tire Rule.

What is the Flat Tire Rule?

The Flat Tire Rule is a policy used mostly by US airlines allowing you to rebook on another flight that same day at no extra cost if you run into an unforeseen situation that causes you to miss your flight like having a flat tire, as the name suggests. But remember, some airlines might ask you to provide proof that you were actually held up by something outside your control. 

Also, depending on your carrier, you might be charged a rebooking fee or the difference in fare cost if your new flight was more expensive than your original one. This is more likely to happen if you’re flying with low cost carriers, or if you have a discounted or economy class ticket subject to more restrictions. 

It’s also a good idea to look for available flights yourself because you might be rebooked on a flight that leaves days or weeks later. If your alternate flight is doesn’t suit you, don’t be afraid to speak up and let the airline know what does and doesn’t work for you.

Woman Missed a Flight

Flat Tire & Standby Policies

Each airline has their own version of the Flat Tire and standby rules for passengers who miss their flights. You can get a better idea of what to expect based on the rules from the following carriers.

Airline

Flat Tire Rules

Standby Rules

Delta Airlines

If you arrive at the airport within 2 hours of your missed flight, you can get rebooked on the next available flight with no extra fee.

If you miss your flight under these conditions, you’ll be placed on standby for the next available flight. You’ll be given priority for fare class and Skymiles status.

easyJet

No official Flat Tire rule. Passengers who miss their flight will have to buy a new ticket.

No standby policy. But if you get to the airport within 2 hours of the missed flight, you could utilize the ‘rescue fee’ where you can book the next available flight for a reduced rate.

KLM

No exact Flat TIre Rule but you might get a rebooking on the next available flight with a change fee as per your fare conditions.

No standby policy if you miss a flight but you might have more options depending on your cabin class.

Wizz Air

No Flat TIre Rule. Passengers who miss their flight will have to buy a ticket or take advantage of the Wizz Flex service to make any changes.

No standby policy. To rebook, you will probably pay extra fees and encounter limited availability.

Frontier Airlines

If you arrive at the airport within 2 hours of your missed flight, you could get rebooked on the next available flight with no extra fee

If you qualify for the Flat Tire Rule then you will be placed on standby for the next available flight, and your priority will be based on your fare class and Miles status.

British Airways

No Flat Tire Rule, however they might help you with a rebooking and might charge a fee but this will depend on your fare type.

No specific standby policy for passengers who miss a flight and rebooking is based on fare class. The more flexible your ticket, the better the chance of rebooking.

You Missed Your Flight, Now What?

If you’ve already checked-in, you’ll be paged by the gate agent before boarding closes, but if you still miss your flight here’s what you need to do.

Steps to Take When You Miss Your Flight

  1. Talk to the airline agents at the gate, on the phone, or app about getting a seat on the next available flight.
  2. Ask about rebooking fees or paying for differences in fares. 
  3. Ask to be placed on standby if you can’t get a confirmed rebooking. Most carriers will let you fly standby for free.
  4. Research flights on your own if none of the alternate flights work for your travel needs.
  5. Look for available seats on budget carriers if you can’t find any suitable flights and need to purchase a new ticket.
  6. Check your airline miles to see if you can use them for a last minute booking. You might be able to save a considerable amount of money!
  7. Review your travel insurance and credit cards to see if they offer any benefits to help you with rebooking. It’s not uncommon for certain credit cards to offer trip interruption or trip delay and/or cancellation perks. The best thing to do is contact the credit card you used to buy your ticket and ask if any of their benefits apply to your situation.

A couple worried about missing their flight

What To Do If You Miss a Connecting Flight

Sometimes, you check-in and make it to the gate in time, but your flight is delayed or canceled. Because of this, you miss your connecting flight. When this happens, remember that the airline is obligated to help you get to your final destination as quickly as possible.  And, depending on what caused the earlier disruption, you might be eligible for delay compensation especially if the airline could have prevented or avoided the issue.

If you do miss your connecting flight, follow the steps we listed above. The airline will probably already know that you missed your connection and why it happened, so just look for an airline agent to help you find an alternate flight. If you can’t locate someone in the airport, you can always call them or use their website chatbot for help. 

Passengers in Europe, who choose to be rebooked on another flight, can also get food and refreshments if they have to wait 2 hours or more to board their alternate flight. So, always ask the airline for vouchers or coupons if this happens to you. If you don’t get these, keep your receipts for reimbursement.

Likewise, if you’re rebooked for the following day, the carrier is required to give you accommodation and transport. If they don’t offer these things even after you ask, again - keep your receipts! You could get reimbursed for these expenses.

Has your flight been delayed or canceled? You might be able to make a compensation claim with the airline and collect as much as €600 for the inconvenience. Not sure if you’re flight is eligible? Enter your flight details below and find out instantly!Check Your Flight

Can You Get a Refund for a Missed Flight?

You won’t get a refund from the airline if you missed the flight because of your own actions. However, if you missed a connecting flight because your first flight was delayed or canceled, you could get a refund if you choose not to continue your journey. 

What Happens To Your Baggage?

If you miss your connection and rebook another flight, your baggage will be forwarded to your final destination, but each airline has their specific rules for these situations so it’s always best to check with them to be sure. Most airlines have a way for you to track your checked bags so you can always check with the airline website to see where your bags are.

Bottom Line

Even the most well travelled passengers miss a flight either because something happens on their way to the airport or because an earlier flight was disrupted in some way. Whatever the case, it’s important to remember that there’s always a good chance you could be rebooked at no charge especially if you missed a connecting flight because of an earlier flight delay or cancellation. Always ask for a new flight or to be put on standby. If you’re in the UK or Europe, ask about meal and refreshment vouchers, and don’t forget to use our compensation calculator to see if you qualify for compensation.

FAQs

What Happens if I Miss My Flight Due to Traffic?

This is a very common occurrence, and you'll usually need to call the airline and let them know you're going to miss the flight. They might offer you an alternative flight later that day, but many airlines won't consider traffic as a valid reason to refund or compensate you.

What if I Missed a Flight Because of a Security Check?

If you missed a flight due to airport security, there's not much you can do. Even if there are long lines at security, the airline doesn't take responsibility for that, and that's why passengers are encouraged to get to the airport several hours before every flight.

What if I Missed a Flight Due to Illness?

In cases of medical emergencies, you may be able to get a refund for your flight, depending on the airline's policies.

Do Airlines Ever Refund for Missed Flights?

Yes, there are cases where airlines will refund for a missed flight, but it depends on the circumstances.

How Can I Avoid Missing a Flight?

To reduce your risk of missing a flight, make sure to pack your bags ahead of time and leave home early so you get to the airport at least 2 hours before the flight is due to depart.

Back to News list

No feedback

Leave your feedback

Flight Compensation Calculator

Flight Compensation Calculator:

Check if you are entitled to flight delay compensation in just 3 minutes.
Free Instant Check

Free Instant Check

No Win, No Fee

No Win, No Fee

Ready to claim your $650 (€600) now?

It takes less than 5 minutes

Claim compensation

AirAdvisor has been featured in:

  • CNN
  • Forbes
  • USA Today
  • Mirror