Missed your flight? Don't panic - Here's what to do
What to do if you are late for a flight (photo: Freepik)
Being late for a flight is always a stressful situation, but even in such circumstances, there are ways to solve the problem. The main thing is to stay calm and act quickly.
Determine which fare your ticket was purchased at
Airline tickets are divided into three main categories: non-refundable, standard, and premium. This determines whether you can get a refund or exchange your ticket.
Non-refundable tickets are usually the cheapest. They are marked with the words "light", "promo" or "budget" and are rarely refundable.
Standard tickets allow for exchange or refund for a fee, usually before the end of registration.
Premium tickets allow you to make an exchange or refund even after the plane has departed without any problems.
Understanding the fare will allow you to quickly determine your next steps.
What to do if check-in is over
If you're only a few minutes late, contact the check-in desk and explain the situation. In some cases, the airline may be willing to accommodate you, especially if you don't have any luggage.
If you receive a refusal, don't waste time trying to persuade them, but contact the airline's representative office at the airport. Depending on the fare, you may be offered a ticket exchange or a partial refund.
In the case of premium tickets, you can get a seat on the next flight at no extra charge. It's important to quickly find out what options your fare provides.
What to do if you checked in but missed your flight
If boarding is over and you missed the gate, you should contact the airline's representatives to find a solution. Depending on the terms of the ticket, you may be able to get a partial refund or change your ticket with an additional fee.
In some cases, even with non-refundable tickets, you can get a refund if you missed your flight for a valid reason. For example, if you were checked by security for a long time, collect confirmation of the time of the check. The more evidence you can provide, the more likely you are to find a compromise with the carrier.
In many cases, missing a flight is not a fatal problem (photo: Freepik)
What to do if you missed your connecting flight
Being late for a connecting flight depends on how you purchased your tickets. If the tickets were purchased in one booking, the airline is obliged to provide you with a new flight at no extra charge.
If the first plane is delayed, the carrier is responsible for your transfer. In this case, contact the airline representative to get a new ticket or compensation.
If the tickets were purchased separately, the responsibility lies entirely with you. Depending on the circumstances, the airline may offer a new flight, but this will require additional payments.
How to avoid being late for a flight
To avoid similar situations in the future, it's important to plan your trips carefully. Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight. Check in online in advance to save time.
If it's your first time at a major airport, familiarize yourself with its layout in advance. When planning a complex route, choose connections with enough time to spare - at least an hour or two. Being prepared in advance will help you avoid trouble and stay calm while traveling.
Even if the situation seems critical, there is always a chance to find a solution. Pay attention to the terms of your ticket, stay calm, and react quickly. This will help you minimize stress and the consequences of being late for your flight.
Earlier, we wrote about 6 effective tips to help you overcome your fear of flying forever.
Read also, what not to eat and drink before a flight.
Sources: Solo Traveler, Lifehacker.
