What happens if I 'no-show' my flight?
What happens if I 'no-show' my flight?
If you don’t show up for your flight, the airline may cancel your booking without a refund. You could also lose the rest of your travel plan, including return flights.
Airline rules vary, but not showing up is usually treated seriously. If you let the airline know in advance, you may still be able to change your flight or get some money back.
This guide explains what happens and how to avoid losing your booking.
Consequences of not showing up for a flight
If you don’t arrive at the airport in time for departure, most airlines will class you as a “no-show”. When this happens, here’s what to expect.
- No refund - Most airlines won’t refund a missed flight. You may get partial credit if you contact the airline before departure, depending on your ticket.
- Loss of onward or return flights - Missing the first flight often cancels the rest of your booking, including return flights and connections.
- Possible fees - Some airlines charge no-show fees on certain fares, though this is less common than losing the ticket value.
- Rare passenger restrictions - Further action is very rare and usually only applies to repeated misuse of tickets.
What does 'no-show' mean?
For many airlines, a ticket will only be valid if it incorporates all points of travel, including any stopovers, in the agreed sequence.
‘No-show’ policies mean that if someone doesn’t travel on their outbound flight, then all other connecting or return flights associated with the booking will be automatically cancelled.
If travel on returning or connecting flights is still intended, new tickets will need to be purchased. Since you’d have to buy these new tickets at the last-minute, they could be a lot more expensive.
It is important to note that you may not be eligible to refund or rebook seats if you no-show your flight.
How can I avoid being a no-show?
- Arrive at the airport early, especially during busy times
- Check in online as soon as it opens
- If your plans change, tell the airline or travel agency straight away
- Review your fare rules before you travel, especially for non-refundable tickets
If you booked through Alternative Airlines, our support team can look into your options and help you make changes.
Fees may apply, and availability depends on airline rules. For more, see our terms and conditions.
Missed flight vs no-show: what’s the difference?
Often, when a flight departure time is missed, it's out of the customer's hands entirely. Flights are frequently delayed due to issues with air traffic, the weather, etc. Certain airlines are notorious for having delayed or even cancelled flights.
If your flight is delayed for more than five hours and you no longer want to travel, you are entitled to a full refund.
In the UK as outlined by the Civil Aviation Authority, airlines are required to provide free accommodation, food, and drink if your flight is moved to a later date. Other countries will have similar laws, so make sure to check what you're entitled to.
Delayed flights and passenger rights
If your flight is delayed or cancelled by the airline, this is not a no-show and different rules apply.
UK/EU flights
If your flight is delayed by 5 hours or more, and you choose not to travel, you’re entitled to a refund under UK/EU law. Airlines must also provide care (such as food, drink or accommodation) during long delays.
Outside the UK/EU
Passenger rights vary by country. It’s worth checking local regulations or contacting the airline directly.
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No-show FAQs
What if I want to change my flight?
If you want to change your flight, you will need to contact the airline. If you booked through Alternative Airlines, you can contact our customer support team.
Depending on your ticket, you may need to pay to change your booking. The charge will depend on the Tariff and ticket type, which is explained at the time of purchase in the ticket's terms and conditions.
I’ve missed my flight! Does this make me a no-show?
This depends on the airline. If you haven’t reached the airport at the time of departure, you are automatically a no-show. However, some airlines will also consider you a no-show if you check in but fail to get to boarding on time.
We recommend reading your airline’s terms and conditions, known as the Terms of Carriage, before flying so that you know your rights.
If you’ve already missed your flight or want more information, look into our what to do if you missed your flight page here at Alternative Airlines.
Can I get my money back if I miss/ no-show a flight?
Many airlines have a “flat tyre” rule. This is an unofficial rule that varies on a case-by-case basis, so don’t rely on it entirely. If the airline deems you have a valid reason for being late, they will put you on the next available flight to your destination for free or at a low cost. However, for this to apply, you have to arrive at least two hours before the flight’s scheduled departure.
If you’re worried that something unexpected will force you to miss your flight, then why not get our cancellation protection? With this protection, you can receive a full refund in an emergency.
Do airlines ever make exceptions to the no-show policy?
It is important to be aware that many airlines don't waive their no-show policy. There might be exceptions for extreme reasons, like a death in the immediate family. If this is the case, it's essential that you contact the airline or your travel agency as soon as possible.
Make sure you research the airline you're going with beforehand so that you know how lenient they are with their no-show policy.
Why do airlines have a no-show policy?
Airlines aim to prevent what is known as tariff abuse. This is where passengers buy a ticket without intending to complete the whole itinerary because it may be cheaper. Commercial and tax reasons can mean airlines often sell connecting flights for less than the cost of one individual flight component.
Do I need to notify the airline if I'm no longer flying?
Yes! The sooner you let the airline know, the better. There's a higher chance you'll get your money back, and you might get some credit for future flights.
Should I cancel my flight or 'no show'?
It's better to cancel your flight rather than no-show. Here's why:
- You might get credit when you cancel. While you might not get a full refund, cancelling often allows you to get a credit for a future flight on the same airline.
- You'll achieve nothing by not showing up. You will likely lose the entire value of your ticket and may face restrictions from the airline in the future. There's nothing to be gained but a lot to lose.
- There's a higher chance of getting your money back. If you give good enough notice, you might be able to get a full refund. However, for no-shows, unless it's an emergency, this often isn't the case.
Before you decide what to do, check the airline's cancellation policy. This will tell you what fees you might have to pay and if you'll receive a credit.