Aeroflot Missed Flight Policy

Aeroflot Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Missing an Aeroflot flight can lead to specific consequences depending on the fare type and circumstances. Aeroflot’s policies generally classify passengers who miss their flights without prior notification as "no-shows," which may result in the cancellation of the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights. Below is a detailed outline of Aeroflot’s missed flight policy based on available information.

Consequences of Missing a Flight

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to board your scheduled flight without notifying Aeroflot in advance, you will be considered a no-show. This typically results in the cancellation of all subsequent flights in your itinerary, including return or connecting flights, without a refund.
• Non-Refundable Fares: For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Budget or Promo fares), no refund is provided for missed flights. However, you may be able to claim a refund for government taxes and fees, though an administration fee may apply.
• Flexible Fares: Flexible fare types (e.g., Economy Optimum, Comfort, or Business) may allow rebooking to a later flight with a fee, subject to availability and fare differences. Check your ticket conditions for specifics.

Options if You Miss a Flight

• Rebooking: If you miss your flight, you may be able to rebook on the next available flight, but this often incurs a rebooking fee and any fare difference. For example, a passenger reported paying approximately £470 (35,000 RUB) for rebooking after missing a connection due to delays at Sheremetyevo Airport.
• Tax Refund: You can request a refund of government taxes and fees for unused tickets via the Aeroflot website, typically within a specified period after the missed flight. An administration fee may apply.
• Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers costs related to missed flights, such as rebooking fees or additional expenses. Documentation from Aeroflot may be required for claims.
• Airport Assistance: At the airport, visit an Aeroflot ticket desk or customer service counter for assistance. However, be prepared for potential fees, as some passengers have reported being charged full fares for new tickets after missing flights.

Missed Connecting Flights

If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or other issue:

• Same Booking (Through-Ticket): If all flights are on a single Aeroflot booking, the airline may rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, especially if the delay was due to their operations (e.g., late arrival of the first flight). However, some passengers have reported being charged rebooking fees, particularly at Sheremetyevo Airport, where logistical issues like long bus transfers or security delays are common.
• Separate Tickets: If the flights are on separate bookings, Aeroflot is not obligated to assist, and you may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee.
• EU/UK Regulations: For flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK, if you miss a connection due to an airline-caused delay and arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you may be eligible for compensation of €250–€600 under EU Regulation 261/2004 or UK Regulation 261, depending on the flight distance. Claims can be submitted via the Aeroflot website or third-party services.

How to Avoid No-Show Consequences

• Cancel in Advance: If you know you cannot make your flight, cancel it in advance through the Aeroflot website, mobile app, or customer service to potentially receive a voucher or avoid losing the entire booking.
• Arrive Early: Aeroflot recommends arriving at least 3 hours before departure for international flights and 2.5 hours for domestic flights to account for check-in, security, and potential delays, especially at Sheremetyevo Airport, where logistical issues are common.
• Online Check-In: Check in online up to 30 hours before departure to secure your boarding pass and reduce airport delays. Online check-in is available for most Aeroflot flights from Moscow (Sheremetyevo) and select airports.
• Allow Extra Connection Time: Due to reported delays at Sheremetyevo Airport (e.g., long bus transfers or security checks), allow at least 2–2.5 hours for connections to avoid missing flights.

Positive Experiences

In some cases, Aeroflot has provided good customer service for missed flights. For example, a passenger who missed a connection due to fog in Delhi was offered free accommodation in a 4-star hotel, food, and a seat on the next available flight, with efficient handling of luggage and communication.