A very scary thought that always arises in the minds of travellers is ‘What if I miss my flight?’ Read further to understand and know the possible ripples of missing a flight and solutions to reduce the effect in such cases.
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As per the airline rules, missing a flight has strict policies which don’t give the passenger any kind of refund or an option to reschedule.
In the case of a connecting flight, missing the first sector might cause a chain reaction leading you to miss your subsequent flights. This leads to consequential disturbances in your plans which include additional charges for new flight tickets or hotel bookings.
These unexpected expenses can also include things like transportation, meals, along with accommodation needs, or an extended layover for the next flight available as per your schedule. In case you have travel insurance, do check the terms and conditions for missed flight refund or such expenses if it does include this type of emergency.
There are a few insurance policies that cover missed flights or interruptions during trips under circumstances beyond your control.
Here are a few steps you can take to minimize the impact of missing your flight:
1. Always reach the airport early: Aim to reach well in advance of your departure time to avoid any type of unexpected delays. For international flights, reach 3 hours before your scheduled departure time, and for domestic flights, reach 2 hours before your scheduled departure time.
2. Always keep the airlines informed: In case you are stuck in traffic or there is any delay en route to the airport, keep in contact with the airlines and let them know your situation.
3. Always have an alternative plan: In order to act swiftly in such a situation, keep alternative flights, routes, or conveyance well planned and researched beforehand.
4. Always check for airline notifications on the app: Majorly, all airlines provide real-time updates for changes or modifications on flight status. Keep these notifications on to receive any alerts or updates for flight time changes on your booking. You can rely on ixigo’s flight status feature to keep track of your flight.
While a missed flight is never a great scenario but being prepared and calm can help you overcome this time with the right actions. So make sure you arrive early, take travel insurance, have a backup plan, and be proactive for any such circumstances.