Unfortunately, you’ve made it to the boarding gate, but the flight is about to take off without you. You’ve missed your flight — a traveller’s worst nightmare. The good news is that flight disruptions are surprisingly common. At least one in three travellers has experienced a flight delay on Singapore Airlines.
So, you missed your flight. What next? Let’s go through everything you can do to reschedule your flight so that you can turn a potential disaster into a manageable delay.
Contacting the Airline
For starters, once you realise you’ve missed your flight, contact the airline immediately. The airline’s staff will be able to connect you to the boarding gate agent OR the airline’s own ticketing representative. From there, you’ll have a higher chance of booking a replacement flight with higher priority, and at a possibly lower cost.
Policies and flexibilities around a missed flight will also depend on the airline you take and your ticket type. So make sure to read up on them before your flight.
Rebooking Options: Can You Reschedule a Missed Flight?
In most cases, you can usually rebook a missed flight, but it’s not always straightforward. Your options will depend heavily on the type of ticket you purchased, the airline’s policies, and the reason you missed your flight.
The rebooking process typically involves contacting the airline as soon as possible, either through their website, by phone, or at the airport. Be prepared to provide your booking reference number and any relevant documentation.
The airline will then inform you of available flights and any associated fees. They might offer you a seat on the next available flight, but this could be hours or even a day later.
No-Show Policies: What Happens if You Don’t Show Up for Your Flight?
Keep in mind that airlines may impose a flight no-show fee or a change fee when you reschedule your flight. These fees can range from a relatively small amount to a significant portion of the original ticket price.
If the missed flight was due to circumstances beyond your control, such as a documented medical emergency, you might be able to negotiate a waiver of these fees.
In case you don’t know, Singapore Airlines will automatically cancel subsequent flights in your itinerary, and ticket refunds may be forfeited, subject to fare conditions. Meanwhile, Scoot’s policy on no-shows may result in forfeiture of the fare, though options to rebook might be available for a fee.
What Happens if You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to a Delay?
If your flight has a layover, an unexpected delay could mean you’ll miss your connecting flight. Here’s what you can do:
- Contact the airline immediately. Explain the situation and provide your booking details. They can help you with rebooking and potentially arrange for accommodations if needed.
- Inquire about rebooking options. The airline will typically offer to rebook you on the next available flight. Be aware that there may be associated fees.
- Understand your rights. Airlines have a responsibility to assist passengers who miss connecting flights due to their delays. This may include providing meals, refreshments, and accommodation if necessary.
Do Airlines Have to Compensate You for Delays?
While airlines have a responsibility to assist passengers with missed connecting flights, they are not always obligated to provide monetary compensation. However, in certain circumstances, you may be eligible for compensation.
Your airline is responsible for:
- Rebooking you on the next available flight.
- Providing meals and refreshments during extended delays.
- Offering accommodation if an overnight stay is required.
- In some cases, monetary compensation is provided, depending on the length of the delay and the destination.
Travel Insurance for Missed Flights and Delays
Missed flights and unexpected delays can disrupt your travel plans. HL Assurance’s Travel Protect360 travel insurance offers coverage for these kinds of disruptions.
Travel Protect360 provides coverage for financial losses and additional expenses for lost baggage, flight cancellations, and missed connecting flights due to delays. Specifically, this includes:
- Reimbursement for accommodation and meals if you are stranded due to a flight delay or cancellation.
- Coverage for the cost of rebooking flights if you miss a connection due to a delay.
- Compensation for lost or damaged baggage as a result of a flight
- Financial protection if you have to cancel your trip altogether due to a covered reason.
Protect Your Travel Plans with HL Assurance
Travel insurance is an essential investment for any traveller. It can provide peace of mind and financial protection in unexpected disruptions like missed flights or delays.
HL Assurance Travel Protect360 offers comprehensive coverage for a wide range of travel-related risks, including missed flights and delays. Ensure that your travel plans remain protected, even in unforeseen circumstances. Learn more about our travel insurance plans today.
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