If I Miss My Flight, Can I Reschedule?

A missed flight can happen to any one of us. Whether you are a frequent time punctual, and cautious traveler, a missed flight can also land your fate. But If I miss my flight, can I reschedule?

Flights can be missed for multiple reasons, like being stuck in traffic, enduring slow and long lines at the security check terminal, or the airline simply canceling the flight because of a rainstorm or a technical airplane issue. 

Regardless of the cause, the consequence of missing a flight can be a stressful experience but do not panic as we are here to evaluate if you have a chance to rebook when wondering if I miss my flight, can I reschedule?

This article will detail how to fix the missed flight situation, get on a plane, and fly to your destination. 

If I Miss My Flight, Can I Reschedule? 

The answer to your query, If I miss my flight, can I reschedule, is YES. There is a good chance that you can reschedule your flight, but only when you ask or request the airline nicely to schedule you on the subsequently available next flight to your destination. 

Some airlines are very understanding and accommodating to their customers when they have missed their flights, especially if the delay causing the flight to be missed was not their fault. If I Miss My Flight, Can I Reschedule

An example of such an airline is American Airlines, that have a rule termed the “flat tire” rule, whereby if you arrive late to their airport because of a circumstance that arose and was out of your control, like witnessing a flat tire on your route, then you can be scheduled immediately to the next flight that is departing on the same day and free of charge. 

However, remember that to prove your reason to be legitimate, you should show proof and evidence so the airline has a genuine ground to be lenient towards you. 

On the other hand, other airlines charge a fee for rescheduling a missed flight to passengers. This mostly happens when you fly with an airline that has a low cost or your ticket was bought cheaply and had restrictions on amendments. In differing scenarios, the airline also has the authority to ask you to pay for the fare difference between your original and rescheduled flight as it costs more. 

It is important to note that some airlines have policies not to schedule you on a same-day or same-week flight; rather, they would reschedule you on a flight for a much later date. When this is the case, beware of researching to ensure an available spot is left for you. In the meanwhile, stay friendly and calm, but keep being firm.

Travel Insure And Missed Flights

After having missed a flight, most travelers raise concerns about their travel insurance and strive to inquire whether their travel insurance covers the costs of their missed flight.

If coverage is included in your travel insurance, the insurance company will cover all costs for the missed flight and rescheduling. 

We advise that you simply just do not buy whatever is thrown to you in the form of alleged travel insurance. Conduct your research before purchasing, and read through the stated exclusions and inclusions while purchasing. 

A good travel insurance policy will always cover your missed flights resulting from a traffic delay to the airport or other issues you may otherwise have encountered. 

For travel insurance covering missed flights, you will be bound to justify the reason to be valid, leading you to miss your flight. Additionally, you will have the onus to show that you left in time to reach the airport; however, you still missed getting on the plane as travel insurance does not cover a missed flight that could have been avoided missing. 

Passenger Rights Per Missed Flight Reasons

The reason you missed your flight matters a lot as it highly dictates and significantly affects how the airline will handle your situation. Therefore, we present a quick breakdown of your passenger rights per the missed flight reasons. 

Traffic

If you miss a flight due to traffic, the airline will mark you as a “no-show” and cancel all of your itinerary. Thus why it is crucial to call the airline immediately after missing the flight, inform them, and see if you can still be rescheduled on another flight. 

Though it is likely to be rescheduled, it will not be without paying the fee for rebooking. 

Illness Or Medical Emergency 

Missed a flight because of an illness or a medical emergency? Bring a letter from your doctor to prove you could not fly because of your injury or illness. According to the airline’s policies, you might get a refund or at least have the cancellation fee waived if you canceled ahead of time. 

Security Check 

Airlines and airports are within their rights to search every passenger’s bags and belongings thoroughly, as they must ensure and look out for everyone’s safety. Usually, there is very little that you can do if you miss your flight because you were held up in a security check. 

Though you can request to be rescheduled on a later flight, this will cause you to pay the fee charged for rebooking. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS) 

Is there a fee for missing a flight?

If the passenger has a habit of purposely missing flights, they will be charged a fee for missing a flight. 

What happens if you accidentally miss your flight?

You will have to pay to be rebooked on another flight. 

Do I get a refund for a missed flight?

You are not refunded for missing a flight because of your carelessness. 

What if you missed your flight because of the airline?

Then you will be automatically rebooked on another flight and provided accommodation for the inconvenience caused. 

Conclusion

Even though there is not much that you can do if I miss my flight, can I reschedule as the airlines are very unwilling to rebook you on another flight automatically? The best way out of the situation is to rebook yourself on another flight. 

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