Air India Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Missing an Air India flight can result in consequences depending on the ticket type, fare conditions, and the reason for missing the flight. Air India, India’s flag carrier, considers passengers who miss their flights without prior notification as "no-shows," which may lead to the cancellation of the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights. Below is a comprehensive guide to Air India’s missed flight policy based on available information.

Consequences of Missing a Flight

No-Show Policy: If you miss a flight without notifying Air India at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights, you are considered a no-show. This may result in the cancellation of all subsequent flights in your itinerary (e.g., return or connecting flights) without a refund for non-refundable tickets. You may also face a no-show fee (e.g., INR 31,000 in one reported case) to reinstate or board a return flight.
Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable fares (e.g., Economy Lite), 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), subject to a processing fee (e.g., INR 1,000–2,000 or equivalent).
Flexible Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Economy Flex, Business) allow rebooking without no-show penalties if you notify Air India before departure. Rebooking may incur a change fee (e.g., INR 2,500–5,500 for domestic flights, $100–$200 for international flights) plus any fare difference if the new flight is more expensive. Check fare rules via the “Manage Booking” section

Options if You Miss a Flight

Rebooking: If you miss a flight, contact Air India immediately to rebook on the next available flight, subject to availability. For non-refundable tickets, rebooking fees may apply (e.g., INR 2,500–5,500 for domestic, $100–$200 for international), plus any fare difference. Flexible fares may allow changes without fees if the same booking class is available. You can rebook via the “Manage Booking” section on the Air India website, by calling, or at an Air India airport counter. Air India may offer a one-time free rebooking or a coupon for the next available flight in cases of medical emergencies or airline-related delays (e.g., check-in or boarding pass issues), but documentation may be required.
Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you can request a refund of unused airport taxes and fees via the Air India website’s refund form or by visiting an Air India ticketing office. Refunds are credited to the original payment method within 7–10 business days, though delays (15–20 days) may occur due to booking complexities. A processing fee may apply. If booked through a travel agent or third-party website, contact them directly for refunds.
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, boarding passes, and booking confirmations for claims. Air India advises contacting Customer Service to verify if flight changes affect insurance coverage.
Airport Assistance: Visit an Air India ticket counter or transfer desk at the airport for immediate assistance. Staff may offer rebooking on the next available flight or provide refund options, depending on the circumstances. Be prepared for potential fees or limited availability, especially on high-demand routes like Mumbai (BOM) to Delhi (DEL). Some passengers have reported inconsistent service, such as being turned away or facing unexpected fees (e.g., INR 31,000 for a return flight).

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 India 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, check-in delays). For flights departing from or arriving in the EU, 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. Compensation depends on flight distance: €250 (up to 1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km), or €600 (over 3,500 km). For example, a passenger missing a Delhi connection due to a delayed Air India flight from the UK was offered rebooking but faced challenges with additional fees.
Separate Tickets: If flights are on separate bookings, Air India is not obligated to assist, and you may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee. A passenger missing a Swiss Airlines connection in Mumbai due to a delayed Air India flight on a separate ticket received no assistance and had to book a new flight. Allow at least 2–3 hours for connections at hubs like Delhi (DEL) or Mumbai (BOM) to account for delays, customs, or security checks.
Right to Care: For delays of 2+ hours on EU departures, Air India must provide meals, drinks, two phone calls or emails, and, if necessary, hotel 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. Keep receipts for expenses to claim reimbursement. For non-EU flights, Air India’s Passenger Charter (per India’s DGCA) may offer similar care, but compensation is not guaranteed unless specified by fare rules.
EU/UK Compensation: For EU-regulated flights (departing from the EU or arriving in the EU with an EU/Indian carrier), you may claim compensation if you arrive 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled issues. Claims are valid for up to 3 years (or 6 years in some EU countries). Submit claims via Air India’s Customer Support Portal, by emailing. Keep boarding passes and receipts. Air India’s claim process can be slow, with responses taking 20–60 days.

How to Avoid No-Show Consequences

Notify in Advance: If you expect to miss a flight, contact Air India at least 2 hours before domestic departures or 4 hours before international departures via the “Manage Booking” section, by calling. For U.S. bookings made 7+ days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours for a full refund without penalty, per U.S. DOT rules. After 24 hours, fare rules apply.
Arrive Early: Air India requires check-in at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 75–90 minutes for international flights. Arrive 2–3 hours early for international flights to account for security, immigration, or delays. Missing check-in deadlines (e.g., arriving less than 60 minutes before departure, as in a case at Ahmedabad airport) may result in being denied boarding.
Online Check-In: Check in online 48 hours to 2 hours before departure for domestic flights or 4 hours for international flights via the Air India website or mobile app. Online check-in secures your boarding pass and reduces the risk of missing deadlines. Not available for unaccompanied minors or certain airports. Confirm mobile boarding pass acceptance at your departure airport.
Monitor Flight Status: Check flight status via the Air India website, mobile app, or by calling Customer Service. Air India notifies passengers of disruptions within 30 minutes via email, SMS, or AF Connect if contact details are provided. Hubs like Delhi (DEL) and Mumbai (BOM) have frequent flights, but delays are common (e.g., 25 flights delayed 3+ hours in a 24-hour period).

Compensation and Regulations

Air India is subject to India’s Passenger Charter (DGCA) for domestic flights and EU Regulation 261/2004 for EU-related flights. Key points include:

India’s Passenger Charter (DGCA): For domestic flights, if a missed flight is due to airline-controlled issues (e.g., check-in delays, technical issues), Air India may offer rebooking on the next available flight or a refund for unused segments, subject to fare rules. Compensation is not guaranteed unless specified by fare conditions. For medical emergencies or serious injuries, Air India may provide a full refund or a free ticket on the next flight, provided documentation is submitted.
EU/UK Regulation 261/2004: For flights departing from EU/UK airports or arriving in the EU with Air India, you may claim compensation of €250–€600 if you arrive 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled issues (e.g., technical problems). Compensation is not owed for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes). Claims are valid for 3–6 years, depending on the country. Submit claims via Air India’s Customer Support Portal or third-party services.
Montreal Convention: For international flights, you may claim up to 5,346 SDR (~$7,000 USD) for expenses due to delays (e.g., missed connections, additional travel costs). Documentation is required, and claims should be filed via Air India’s Customer Support Portal or a legal representative.
U.S. DOT Regulations: For U.S. flights, Air India must offer refunds for cancellations or significant delays (e.g., 3+ hours for domestic, 6+ hours for international) if you choose not to travel. No mandatory compensation is required for delays, but rebooking is offered.