Overview
Missing an Air Austral flight can lead to specific consequences depending on your ticket type, fare conditions, and the circumstances of the missed flight. Air Austral, the flag carrier of Réunion, classifies 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 comprehensive guide to Air Austral’s missed flight policy based on available information.
Consequences of Missing a Flight
- No-Show Policy: If you miss a flight without notifying Air Austral in advance, you will be considered a no-show, and all subsequent flights in your itinerary will be canceled without a refund for non-refundable tickets.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable fares (e.g., Economy Standard), missing a flight results in the loss of the ticket value. You may request a refund for unused airport taxes and fees, but a processing fee may apply.
- Flexible Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Economy Flex or Premium Economy) allow changes without no-show penalties, provided you notify the airline. Rebooking may incur a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
Options if You Miss a Flight
- Rebooking: If you miss a flight, contact Air Austral within 24 hours to avoid losing the entire itinerary. Rebooking is subject to availability, and non-refundable tickets may incur a change fee (typically €50–€200, depending on the route and fare type) plus any fare difference. Flexible fares may allow changes without fees. You can manage rebooking through the Air Austral website’s “Manage My Booking” section.
- Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you can request a refund of unused airport taxes and fees via the Air Austral website’s. Refunds must be requested before the ticket’s expiry (one year from issuance), and a processing fee may apply.
- Voucher Option: If you miss a flight or voluntarily cancel a non-refundable ticket, you may request a voucher valid for one year from issuance, usable on Air Austral or codeshare flights with Ewa Air.
- Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers expenses related to missed flights, such as rebooking fees, accommodation, or meals. You may need to provide documentation (e.g., receipts, boarding passes) to support claims.
- Airport Assistance: Visit an Air Austral ticket counter or customer service desk at the airport for assistance. However, rebooking may involve fees, and availability is not guaranteed. Some passengers have reported challenges with customer service response times, particularly when booked through third-party agents.
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 Air Austral booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost if the delay was their fault. You may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 ($650) under EU Regulation 261/2004 if you arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled reasons (e.g., operational issues). This applies to flights departing from EU airports, such as Paris (CDG).
- Separate Tickets: If flights are on separate bookings, Air Austral is not obligated to assist, and you may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee. Allow at least 2–3 hours for connections, especially at Saint-Denis (RUN) or Paris (CDG).
- Train + Air Connections: If you miss a TGV INOUI train connection due to an Air Austral flight delay, present your electronic tickets at the Train + Air desk at the TGV INOUI rail station to be rebooked on the next available train at no extra cost.
How to Avoid No-Show Consequences
- Cancel or Change in Advance: If you know you cannot make your flight, cancel or change it before departure via the Air Austral website’s “Manage My Booking” section, the mobile app, or by calling. Changes within 24 hours of booking (for travel 7+ days away) are typically fee-free, regardless of fare type.
- Arrive Early: Air Austral recommends arriving 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights. Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure (online) or 45 minutes before departure (at the airport). Missing check-in deadlines may result in losing your reservation.
- Online Check-In: Check in online 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure to secure your boarding pass and avoid delays, especially at busy airports like Saint-Denis (RUN) or Paris (CDG).
- Monitor Flight Status: Check flight status via the Air Austral website or app, as gate changes or delays can occur. Air Austral may notify passengers of changes via SMS or email if contact details are provided.
Compensation and EU/UK Regulations
For flights departing from EU/UK airports, Air Austral complies with EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK Regulation 261. You may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 ($650) if:
- The flight is canceled with less than 14 days’ notice, and no comparable alternative is offered.
- You arrive at your destination 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled reasons (e.g., technical issues, not weather or air traffic control).
- You are denied boarding due to overbooking.
