If you missed your flight due to the airline's fault

Let's consider a few situations.

Situation #1: You have one ticket with one airline

In this case, if you missed your connecting flight due to the airline's fault, they are obliged to get you to your destination on the next available flight.

For example, you are flying on the route Moscow — Dubai — Bangkok. All flights are operated by Emirates. The flight in Moscow was delayed, causing you to miss the Dubai — Bangkok flight. In such a case, Emirates is obliged to get you to Bangkok on the next available flight with seats. This flight might involve a layover: for example, Dubai — Delhi — Bangkok.

While you wait for a suitable flight, you have the same rights as passengers whose flights have been delayed:

– after 2 hours of waiting — drinks;
– after 4 hours of waiting — hot meals;
– after 6 or 8 hours of waiting during the day — a hotel.

Situation #2: You have one ticket with two different airlines

As in Situation #1, the airline responsible for the delay will be obliged to get you to your destination.

For example, you are flying on the route Moscow — Dubai — Bangkok. The Moscow — Dubai flight is operated by «Аэрофлот», and the Dubai — Bangkok flight is operated by Emirates. The flight in Moscow was delayed, and you missed the Dubai — Bangkok flight. If the ticket is issued on a single document, there is a special agreement between the carriers, according to which the party responsible for the delay must get you to your final destination. In this case, «Аэрофлот» will get you to Dubai.

Unfortunately, a representative of the responsible airline might not be at the airport. Contact their office by phone or approach the second airline — the one whose flight you missed.

Situation #3: You have two tickets with one or two airlines

If you purchased two separate tickets, for example, first Moscow — Dubai and then Dubai — Bangkok, you are not considered a transfer passenger. If you miss your connecting flight, no one but you is responsible.

For example, even if two flights are operated by the same airline and the flight from Moscow was delayed, causing you to miss the next one, your ticket will simply be forfeited, and you will have to buy a new one.

For an unused ticket, in some cases, you can get a partial refund, but everything depends on the fare rules. A partial refund is only possible if the rules allow for a refund in case of a NO SHOW, when a passenger does not show up for a flight without notifying the airline.

Please note: if you purchased a round-trip ticket, for example, Dubai — Bangkok — Dubai, and missed the first part of the route (Dubai — Bangkok), the return ticket is automatically canceled. You lose not only the outbound ticket but also the return one.

What can be done in this situation? There is no universal solution, but in any case, you must contact the airline operating the flight you missed. Carriers often accommodate passengers, rebooking them on another flight, and not canceling remaining segments.

If you missed your flight due to your own fault

Be sure to contact the airline whose flight you missed and try to find a compromise with their employee. You might be able to get a partial refund for your ticket, or the airline might accommodate you and rebook you — it all depends on your negotiation skills.

Universal advice for everyone

Regardless of who is at fault for the delay, address the issue with the airline employee as politely and calmly as possible. It is up to them how and when you will reach your destination, and in some situations — at what cost.

If the next available flight is not soon, for example, the next day, explain to the airline employee the reason why you urgently need to reach your final destination. If the argument sounds convincing enough, and even better — if you have supporting documents, you might be rebooked on an earlier flight, for example, with another airline.