What to do if you missed your flight

Sasha

“Damn, I'm late for my flight!” Once the stage of acceptance sets in after realizing it, it's best to pull yourself together and… read our article on what to do if you missed your flight.

Spoiler: there's a way out of most situations. As always in life, by the way!

What to do before arriving at the airport

The best thing you can do is check in online. Some agents and airlines will check you in for your flight themselves for an additional fee. But no one can stop you from saving money and checking in yourself. This is an excellent solution, as you won't have to stand at the check-in counter and argue in queues later. All you'll need to do is proceed to boarding, which means you can leave for the airport later, get some extra sleep, or finish all your errands.

Online check-in usually opens 24 hours before departure; for some airlines, such as S7, it opens 30 hours before departure. Check-in typically closes 40–45 minutes before departure (for Pobeda Airlines, the closing time is two to four hours before departure). So yes, each airline sets its own rules, and you must adhere to them.

When is the best time to arrive at the airport

It's best to arrive at the airport three hours before an international flight and two hours before a domestic flight. If you're traveling with a pet, add another hour. This time should be enough to check in, drop off your luggage, and perhaps even grab a coffee before your flight.

What to do at the airport if check-in hasn't closed yet

So, the queue keeps growing, and there's no end in sight. To speed up the process, you can use the Fast Track service to quickly pass through security, check in for your flight outside the general queue, and access the cabin via the business class lane. However, it's important to note that this service is not available at all airports and will cost you a pretty penny.

However, if you are already checked in, there are two points to consider to still make your flight:

passengers often run late themselves. For example, they linger in cafes or look for what to do at the airport, wearing headphones. In such a case, there's nothing more you can do, except perhaps retrieve your checked luggage. Therefore, it's best to listen to flight and gate announcements to reach your final destination;
a passenger stood in the security line for a long time. In such a case, you are considered a “passenger involuntarily denied carriage” (based on Air Transportation Rules) and are entitled to compensation. This includes not only the ticket cost but also money for visas and hotel accommodation. You need to approach an airline representative, explain the situation, and get a late arrival mark.

What to do if you missed check-in but the plane hasn't taken off yet

So, what if you didn't manage to check in, but the plane is still there?

The Fast Track service can still help. Yes, you'll have to pay for it, but what wouldn't you do for a long-awaited vacation or business trip!
You can try to exchange your ticket for the next available flight, if the fare rules allow. Yes, in this case, the airline has the right to charge you a penalty, but it will definitely be less than the cost of a new ticket. Business class seats are usually available, but the situation might be more complicated with economy class.
Don't forget about online check-in. If you have time, check in online while at the airport.

By the way, an important fact: even if there is a flight delay, check-in time remains unchanged. Therefore, it's always better to be vigilant and arrive early.

What to do if the plane still left without you

As they say, the train has left the station. More accurately, the plane has flown away. Of course, you can try to exchange your ticket for a new one, but this service will cost about the same as a new ticket. So it's simpler to just buy a new one for a convenient time.

Missing a connecting flight

If you have two tickets in one booking and you miss a connecting flight, the carrier will be responsible. This means that if you miss the first segment, the airline may either cancel the second or offer you an alternative flight so you can make the second flight on time.

Missing a flight with a layover

However, if a passenger bought tickets separately and missed a flight during a layover, they will have to bear the responsibility themselves. And, of course, buy a ticket for the second part of the flight as well.

Missing a flight in another country

This usually occurs when a passenger does not have a visa for a charter flight during a layover. In such a case, the airline cannot check in the person for the flight, so if you were denied a visa, obtain a confirming statement from your country's embassy.

In which cases can you guaranteed get a refund if you miss your flight

The possibility of a refund depends on the fare of the ticket you purchased. Some fares allow passengers to return or exchange a ticket. However, most of them become non-refundable after check-in for the flight closes.

The full ticket price can only be refunded in case of an involuntary refund. This includes cases where the airline fails to fulfill its obligations:

flight rescheduling or cancellation;
delay of more than three hours;
cancellation of landing at the destination;
change of service class;
change of aircraft type;
death of a passenger or a family member, confirmed by a medical institution, illness.

Recommendations

So, let's summarize what to do to avoid being late, and how to act if you are already delayed:

keep in mind that the departure time on the ticket is always local;
arrive two to three hours before departure;
use the “Online check-in” service, which becomes active 24 hours before departure;
do not get distracted or wander far from the correct gate to avoid missing boarding;
use an electronic boarding pass. However, it may not be accepted everywhere, so it's best to clarify this with the airline beforehand;
if you are late for check-in at the airport, use the Fast Track service. It's paid, but it will be more cost-effective than buying a new ticket;
buy tickets on Kupi.com with exchange options if you know you might miss your flight;
don't despair: there's always a way out of the situation.