Key insights:
- If you miss your flight, contact the airline immediately to find out the rebooking options available to you
- Refunds may only be available in specific circumstances, so check your airline’s policies before you fly
- Don’t forget to track down your checked luggage, especially for domestic flights, where it might end up traveling without you
Whether you’re flying solo on a business trip or headed out on vacation with your family or friends, missing your flight can be a stressful situation. It’s easy to get overwhelmed when your carefully planned trip goes off track. Take a deep breath and look at these tips and tricks on what to do if you miss your flight to help reach your destination as smoothly as possible.
Check in with the airline to rebook
The first thing you want to do after missing your flight is get in touch with the airline ASAP. You can call their customer service number, reach out via the airline’s mobile app or speak to an agent at the gate or service desk at the airport. The earlier you reach out, the more likely the airline is to be able to rebook you on another flight.
Some airlines will work with you if you reach out to them quickly. Speaking to an agent within 2 hours of your flight may allow you to rebook on a later flight without paying a cancellation or change fee. Be aware that this is not a universal policy, so triple-check your airline’s terms and conditions.
Know how to request a refund
Generally speaking, airlines are not required to refund passengers who miss their flights due to personal issues. There may be some wiggle room for circumstances outside the passenger’s control, like a medical emergency, but this is at the airline’s discretion and usually written out in their policies. Reach out to the airline’s customer service the minute you know you won’t be able to make your flight to start the process.
Travel insurance may be able to help if you miss your flight. Depending on your policy, your insurance might cover the cost of your flight due to medical issues or lost documents. However, most travel insurances won’t cover missed flights due to traffic, security lines or parking challenges, for instance.
Don’t forget your luggage
If you’ve checked your luggage but end up missing your flight, it’s extra important to reach out to the airline. While international flights will remove your luggage if you don’t make it on the plane, domestic flights may send your luggage along. Your airline’s customer service can help reroute your luggage where you need it to go or hold it at a secure location for when you arrive on your new flight.
If you can’t rebook with the airline
If the new flight you’ve been offered doesn’t work with your schedule or if you missed a connecting flight on a different airline than the first leg of your journey, you may need to purchase a new ticket to get to your final destination on time. Keep in mind that you will likely have to pay the full fare in this case.
If you’re a Citi® cardmember, consider using Citi Travel® to compare flight schedules to get you to your final destination.
Don't panic
Missing your flight is stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. Reach out to your airline and work with them to try to find a solution that works for your schedule and budget. Once you’re finally at your destination, you can breathe easy and savor the joy of traveling.
