Overview
Missing an Air Dolomiti flight can have consequences depending on your ticket type, fare conditions, and the circumstances of the missed flight. Air Dolomiti, an Italian regional airline and part of the Lufthansa Group, classifies passengers who miss their flights without prior notification as "no-shows," which may lead to the cancellation of subsequent flights in the itinerary. Below is a comprehensive guide to Air Dolomiti’s missed flight policy based on available information.
Consequences of Missing a Flight
- No-Show Policy: If you miss a flight without notifying Air Dolomiti within 24 hours of the flight’s departure (or at least 2 hours before a subsequent flight if within 24 hours), the airline may cancel all subsequent flights in your itinerary (e.g., return or connecting flights) without a refund for non-refundable tickets. You must inform Air Dolomiti via their customer service to retain the ability to use later segments at the original fare; otherwise, you may need to pay the difference to the highest applicable fare in the same class, subject to availability.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable fares (e.g., Light or Presto), missing a flight typically results in the loss of the ticket value. You may request a refund for unused airport taxes and fees within the ticket’s validity period (one year from issuance), but a processing fee may apply.
- Flexible Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Allegro, Andante, Vivace, Adagio) allow rebooking without no-show penalties, provided you notify the airline before departure. Rebooking may incur a fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. Contact Air Dolomiti to confirm fare conditions.
Options if You Miss a Flight
- Rebooking: If you miss a flight, contact Air Dolomiti within 24 hours (or 2 hours before a subsequent flight) to rebook on the next available flight, subject to availability. Rebooking fees for non-refundable tickets typically range from €50–€150, plus any fare difference. Flexible fares may allow changes without fees. Use the “Manage My Booking” section on the Air Dolomiti website or visit an airport ticket counter.
- Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you can request a refund of unused airport taxes and fees via the Air Dolomiti website’s refund form or by contacting their Customer Relations Office. Requests must be made within the ticket’s validity period, and a processing fee may apply.
- Travel Insurance: If you have travel insurance, check if it covers missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., medical emergencies, traffic delays). Keep receipts and documentation (e.g., boarding passes, booking confirmations) for claims.
- Airport Assistance: Visit an Air Dolomiti or Lufthansa ticket counter at the airport for assistance. Rebooking may incur fees, and availability is not guaranteed, especially on high-demand routes like Verona to Munich. Some passengers have reported challenges with Air Dolomiti’s customer service, including slow response times.
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 Dolomiti or Lufthansa Group booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost if the delay was within their control (e.g., technical issues). You may be eligible for compensation of €250–€600 under EU Regulation 261/2004 if you arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled reasons. This applies to flights departing from or arriving at EU/UK airports. For example, a passenger delayed on a Geneva-to-Munich flight who missed a connection and arrived 18 hours late was rebooked with hotel accommodations.
- Separate Tickets: If flights are on separate bookings, Air Dolomiti 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 at hubs like Frankfurt (FRA) or Munich (MUC), as tight connections (e.g., 30–75 minutes) are risky due to frequent delays.
- Right to Care: For delays of 2+ hours, Air Dolomiti must provide meals, refreshments, and, if necessary, accommodation and transport. For delays of 5+ hours, you can request a refund for the unused ticket portion or a return flight to your starting point within 7 days. Keep receipts for expenses (e.g., meals, hotels) for reimbursement claims.
- EU/UK Compensation: For flights covered by EU/UK Regulation 261/2004, you may claim compensation if you arrive 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled issues. Compensation ranges from €250 (flights up to 1,500 km) to €600 (non-EU flights over 3,500 km). Submit claims via the Air Dolomiti website’s claim form, by emailing, or through third-party services like. Note that Air Dolomiti’s claim process can be slow, with some passengers reporting delays of 2–6 months.
How to Avoid No-Show Consequences
- Notify in Advance: If you expect to miss a flight, inform Air Dolomiti within 24 hours of the missed flight’s departure (or 2 hours before a subsequent flight) via the “Manage My Booking” section, by calling, or emailing. This preserves your ability to use subsequent flights without fare adjustments. Failure to notify may result in cancellation or additional costs.
- Arrive Early: Air Dolomiti recommends arriving 2 hours before departure. Check-in closes 30–45 minutes before departure (depending on the airport) for counter or kiosk check-in, and 60 minutes for online check-in. Missing these deadlines may result in losing your reservation.
- Online Check-In: Check in online 23 hours to 60 minutes before departure to secure your boarding pass and avoid delays. Online check-in is available for Air Dolomiti-operated flights with electronic tickets, except for special-needs passengers (e.g., unaccompanied minors). Mobile boarding passes are accepted at most airports, but confirm availability at your departure airport.
- Monitor Flight Status: Check flight status via the Air Dolomiti website, mobile app, or by calling customer service. Air Dolomiti’s punctuality varies (e.g., 79% on-time for Verona–Munich), and delays are common on certain routes, so plan for sufficient connection times.
Compensation and EU/UK Regulations
Air Dolomiti, headquartered in the EU, is fully subject to EU Regulation 261/2004 and UK Regulation 261 for flights departing from or arriving at EU/UK airports. You may be eligible for compensation of €250–€600 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, provided you had valid documentation and checked in on time.
Compensation amounts depend on flight distance:
- Up to 1,500 km: €250
- 1,500–3,500 km: €400
- Over 3,500 km (non-EU): €600