What Happens if You Miss Your Flight? Best Steps to Take

• What happens if you miss your flight?
• What to do if you miss your flight
• What happens if you miss a flight due to the airline?
• Is there a fee for missing a flight?
• What happens if you miss a connecting flight?

• The Travel Guard Approach
• Will a travel insurance plan cover missed flights?
• Is it better to cancel a flight or not show up?
• What to say when calling the airline
• Avoid missing flights in the future

If you’re running late and miss your flight, there are a few potential consequences:
 

• You’ll likely forfeit your seat and fare unless you contact the airline promptly.
• You may lose points, miles or upgrades associated with your ticket.
• If you don’t notify your airline, you could be marked as a “No Show,” which may cancel the remainder of your itinerary.

However, if you contact your airline quickly, they may be able to rebook you on the next available flight - sometimes at no additional cost.

If your airline causes the missed flight (for example, due to a mechanical issue or delay on a previous leg), they are typically responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight. If no seats are available, ask about compensation, alternate routes or overnight accommodations.

If you have a travel insurance plan, contact Travel Guard’s 24/7 emergency travel assistance services for help with rebooking, overnight lodging or alternate transportation.

If you miss your flight without notifying the airline, you may be charged a “No Show” fee or lose the value of your ticket. However, if you call before departure, the airline may allow you to transfer your ticket or pay only a change fee. Policies vary by airline, so always check the terms when booking.

Missing a connecting flight can happen for many reasons — like weather, mechanical issues or a tight layover. If your first flight was delayed due to the airline, they are usually responsible for rebooking you.

If you arranged separate tickets with different airlines, you’ll need to reach out to the second carrier separately. A travel insurance plan with Missed Connection Coverage may help reimburse certain additional expenses if a covered reason, such as inclement weather, causes you to miss your connection.

Travel insurance may provide coverage for missed flights depending on the covered reasons listed in your policy. Generally, coverage does not apply if you miss your flight due to personal oversight or insufficient time at the airport.

Airlines typically recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights to avoid last-minute complications.

It’s almost always better to cancel in advance than to simply not show up. Calling ahead allows the airline to adjust your booking and may save you from a no-show fee or forfeiting the ticket value. In some cases, you may be eligible for partial credit or rebooking options depending on fare rules

When contacting your airline, explain that you won’t make your scheduled flight. Be polite, clear, and concise:

“I’m delayed and won’t make my flight. Could you please check for the next available option?”

If you have connecting flights, mention them so the agent can adjust your entire itinerary. Keeping calm and respectful can go a long way toward securing a favorable outcome.