FAQs

Can I get a refund if I miss my flight?

No, the airline will not likely grant you any refund.

Can I rebook a missed flight for free?

You know what? If you ask the airline nicely, there’s a good chance they can book your next available flight.

I know it sounds crazy, but some airlines are actually quite understanding if the delay was due to something outside of your control. This is also known as the flat tire rule. They might even offer you an apology!

While you may be able to get on the next flight if you are less than two hours delayed, your airline might still charge a rebooking fee. If you use budget airlines, they most definitely do not offer you rebook for free.

What is the flat tire rule?

The flat tire rule is a fuzzy area in the airline industry.

It’s not really an official policy, but something that has been widely accepted by airlines and airports alike as being fair practice when it comes to putting passengers on the following flights at no extra cost after they miss their original destination due to car trouble or any other mitigating circumstances like weather delays.

What are the most common reasons for missing a flight?

In my experience, the most common reasons for missing a flight are weather delays, problems with the plane, oversleeping, or incorrectly reading the time on the ticket.

Weather

Weather delays are out of our control, but there are things we can do to try to avoid them.

For example, if you know there is a possibility of bad weather, try to book a flight that leaves earlier in the day. That way, if there are delays, you’re more likely to make your flight still.

Another thing you can do is to keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan your travel accordingly.

But even if you do everything right, sometimes Mother Nature just has other plans.

Plane

Plane problems are also a common cause of missed flights. Unfortunately, they’re also often out of our control.

However, there are some things you can do to minimize the chances of this happening.

1. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport. If your flight is delayed, you may have time to catch another one.

2. Keep an eye on your flight status and be prepared to change your plans if necessary. Sometimes a flight gets canceled or delayed, and it’s better to know in advance so you can make alternate arrangements.

3. Try to fly with an airline that has a good reputation for being on time. Some airlines are always delayed, and it’s not worth the hassle to try to book a flight with them.

Overslept

It’s happened to the best of us. We’ve set our alarm clock the night before, ensuring we’ve got plenty of time to get to the airport, and then…we oversleep.

Whether it’s due to a restless night or one too many cocktails the night before, oversleeping is always a risk when traveling.

So how can you avoid missing your flight due to oversleeping?

You need to get a good night’s sleep before your trip. This may seem like common sense, but it’s essential to be well-rested before embarking on a long journey.

If possible, avoid drinking alcohol the night before your flight. Alcohol can interfere with your natural sleep cycle and make it more difficult to wake up on time.

To be safe, set two alarms instead of one. That way, even if one clock fails, you’ll have a backup plan in place.

Flight tickets

I was rushing to the airport, trying to make my flight. I had just gotten my ticket and was about to board when I realized I had made a mistake.

I had read the ticket wrong and got on the wrong flight. Luckily, another flight was leaving soon for my destination, but I had to hurry to the new gate.

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If I had been paying more attention, I would have realized my mistake and avoided missing my flight. Here are some tips to prevent missing a flight due to reading the ticket wrong:

1. Pay attention to the details on your ticket. Make sure you are aware of what time your flight is supposed to leave, what gate you need to go to, and other important information. Double-check the timezone you are in a foreign country.

2. If you are unsure about any of the details on your ticket, ask an airline employee for help. They will be able to clarify any confusion and make sure you are on the right track.

3. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and get through security. If you are cutting it close, you may not have time to check your ticket and could end up getting on the wrong flight.

What happens to my luggage if I miss my flight?

If you miss your flight, your luggage will probably end up on the next flight out.

Depending on the airline, they may hold your luggage for you at the airport or send it to your final destination.

Either way, you’ll likely have to go to the airport to retrieve it. In some cases, you may be able to have your luggage delivered, but this will probably incur an additional fee.

So, if you miss your flight, don’t worry too much about your luggage – it will probably end up where it’s supposed to eventually.