Aerolineas Argentinas Missed Flight Policy

Aerolineas Argentinas Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Missing an Aerolineas Argentinas flight can have various consequences depending on your ticket type, fare conditions, and the circumstances of the missed flight. Aerolineas Argentinas, the state-owned flag carrier of Argentina, has specific policies for handling missed flights, including options for rebooking, refunds, and compensation in certain cases. Below is a comprehensive guide to their missed flight policy based on available information.

Consequences of Missing a Flight

• No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without notifying Aerolineas Argentinas in advance, you will be considered a "no-show." This typically results in the cancellation of your entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, without a refund for non-refundable tickets.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable fare types (e.g., Promo or Base), missing a flight generally means you forfeit the ticket value. However, you may be able to claim a refund for government taxes and fees, subject to an administration fee.
• Flexible Tickets: Tickets with flexible fare conditions, such as Premium Economy (Club Economy) or Flex fares, allow changes without additional cost, even if you miss your flight, provided you notify the airline. You may need to pay a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.

Options if You Miss a Flight

• Rebooking: If you miss a flight, you may be able to rebook on the next available flight, subject to availability and fare conditions. For non-refundable tickets, a change fee and fare difference may apply. Flexible tickets, such as Premium Economy, allow rebooking without a fee.
• Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you may request a refund of government taxes and fees via the Aerolineas Argentinas 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 expenses related to missed flights, such as rebooking fees or additional costs for accommodation and meals. Keep receipts and documentation for claims.
• Airport Assistance: If you miss a flight due to circumstances beyond your control (e.g., a delayed connecting flight on a separate ticket), visit an Aerolineas Argentinas ticket desk or customer service counter at the airport. While assistance is not guaranteed, they may offer rebooking options for a fee, depending on availability.

Missed Connecting Flights

If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation:

• Same Booking (Through-Ticket): If all flights are on the same Aerolineas Argentinas booking, the airline will typically rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. You may also be eligible for compensation if the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is due to reasons within the airline’s control (e.g., operational issues). Compensation can range from €250 to €600 under EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from EU airports.
• Separate Tickets: If the flights are on separate bookings, Aerolineas Argentinas is not obligated to assist, and you may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee. Always allow sufficient connection time, especially at Buenos Aires airports, where transfers between Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP) can take up to 2 hours by bus.
• Compensation Eligibility: If you miss a connection due to an Aerolineas Argentinas delay and arrive at your final destination more than 3 hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU/UK regulations for flights departing from EU/UK airports. Claims can be filed via the airline’s website or third-party services.

How to Avoid No-Show Consequences

• Cancel or Change in Advance: If you know you cannot make your flight, cancel or change it in advance through the Aerolineas Argentinas website, mobile app, or customer service. Changes within 24 hours of booking are fee-free if the booking was made at least 7 days before departure. A user reported successfully changing a flight date over the phone at no extra cost by calling.
• Arrive Early: Aerolineas Argentinas recommends arriving at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to account for check-in, security, and potential delays. Check-in can be particularly busy at airports like Aeroparque (AEP).
• Online Check-In: Check in online up to 24 hours before departure to secure your boarding pass and reduce the risk of issues at the airport. This is especially important for busy routes like Buenos Aires to El Calafate.
• Monitor Flight Status: Due to occasional disruptions, such as pilot strikes or operational issues, check your flight status on the Aerolineas Argentinas website or app to avoid unexpected cancellations or delays.

Compensation and EU/UK Regulations

For flights departing from EU/UK airports, Aerolineas Argentinas complies with EU Regulation 261/2004 or UK Regulation 261. You may be eligible for compensation of €250–€600 if:

• Your flight arrives at your final destination more than 3 hours late due to airline-controlled reasons (e.g., operational issues, not weather or air traffic control).
• The flight was cancelled with less than 14 days’ notice, and no comparable alternative was offered.
• You were denied boarding due to overbooking.

Claims can be submitted via the Aerolineas Argentinas website, by emailing their customer service. Keep your boarding pass and any receipts for additional expenses (e.g., meals, accommodation) to support your claim.