Overview
Missing an Air Mauritius flight can have consequences depending on your ticket type, fare conditions, and the circumstances of the missed flight. Air Mauritius, the national carrier of Mauritius, 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 Mauritius’s missed flight policy based on available information.
Consequences of Missing a Flight
- No-Show Policy: If you miss a flight without notifying Air Mauritius in advance, you are considered a no-show, and all subsequent flights in your itinerary, including return or connecting flights, may be canceled without a refund for non-refundable tickets. You may also be required to pay a no-show fee or the fare difference to reinstate your itinerary or book a new flight, depending on availability and fare rules.
- 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, fees, and charges within the ticket’s validity period (one year from issuance), but a processing fee may apply. Refunds must be requested directly from Air Mauritius or the issuing agent.
- Flexible Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Economy Flex, Business) allow changes or rebooking without no-show penalties, provided you notify Air Mauritius before departure. A fare difference may apply if the new flight is more expensive. Changes can be made via the “Manage My Booking” portal or by contacting Customer Service.
Options if You Miss a Flight
- Rebooking: If you miss a flight, contact Air Mauritius as soon as possible to rebook on the next available flight, subject to availability. For non-refundable tickets, rebooking may incur a change fee (e.g., $100–$200, depending on the route and fare type) plus any fare difference. Flexible fares may allow a one-time change without additional charges if the same booking class is available. Rebooking can be done via the “Manage My Booking” section on the Air Mauritius website, by calling. Some passengers have reported challenges with customer service response times, so act quickly.
- Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you can request a refund of unused airport taxes, fees, and charges via the Air Mauritius website’s refund form or by emailing. Refunds are processed to the original payment method, typically within 7–10 business days, though delays may occur. If the ticket was booked through a travel agent, contact them directly.
- 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 Mauritius recommends contacting Customer Service to verify if flight changes affect insurance coverage.
- Airport Assistance: Visit an Air Mauritius ticket counter or transfer desk at the airport for immediate assistance. Staff may offer rebooking on the next available flight, but fees may apply, and availability is not guaranteed, especially on busy routes like Mauritius to Paris (CDG) or London (LGW). Passengers have reported inconsistent service, such as delays in communication or additional fees for rebooking.
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 Mauritius 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). For flights departing from EU airports, 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 on flight MK14 from Mauritius to Paris, delayed by 2h10, missed a connection and arrived 7 hours late, potentially qualifying for compensation.
- Separate Tickets: If flights are on separate bookings, Air Mauritius 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 Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) to account for delays, customs, or security checks.
- Right to Care: For delays of 2+ hours on EU departures, Air Mauritius 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 Mauritius’s Conditions of Carriage 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), you may claim compensation if you arrive 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled issues. Claims are valid for up to 6 years in some EU countries. Submit claims directly to Air Mauritius via their Customer Support Portal or by emailing. Passengers must submit claims themselves, though a legal guardian or authorized person can claim on behalf of others with proof of consent. Third-party claims are not processed unless the passenger lacks capacity. Some passengers have reported slow response times (e.g., no replies after months). Third-party services.
How to Avoid No-Show Consequences
- Notify in Advance: If you anticipate missing a flight, contact Air Mauritius before departure via the “Manage My Booking” portal, by calling, or emailing. For cancellations within 24 hours of booking (for tickets purchased 7+ days before departure), you may receive a full refund without fees, per Air Mauritius’s policy. After 24 hours, fare rules apply, with cancellation fees ranging from $69 (31–59 days before departure) to $119 (1–6 days before departure).
- Arrive Early: Air Mauritius requires check-in at least 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights and 90 minutes for international flights. Arrive 2–3 hours early for international flights to account for security and immigration. Missing check-in deadlines may result in being denied boarding and treated as a no-show.
- Online Check-In: Check in online 24–30 hours before departure via the Air Mauritius website or mobile app to secure your boarding pass. Online check-in is available for most flights, except for special-needs passengers or certain airports. Confirm mobile boarding pass acceptance at your departure airport.
- Monitor Flight Status: Check flight status via the Air Mauritius website, mobile app, or by calling. Air Mauritius reports 74.63%–76.88% on-time performance for departures, but delays of 3+ hours occurred on some flights (e.g., MK53 from London Gatwick to Mauritius). Allow extra time for connections at hubs like Mauritius (MRU).
Compensation and Regulations
Air Mauritius is subject to EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from EU airports and Mauritius’s Civil Aviation Regulations for other flights. Key points include:
- EU Regulation 261/2004: For flights departing from EU airports, you may claim compensation of €250–€600 if you arrive 3+ hours late due to airline-controlled issues (e.g., technical problems, not weather or strikes). Compensation is not owed for extraordinary circumstances. Claims must be submitted directly to Air Mauritius, with proof like boarding passes or flight confirmations. Response times can be slow, and Air Mauritius may cite “operational difficulties” without specifying reasons.
- Mauritius Regulations: For non-EU flights, Air Mauritius’s Conditions of Carriage apply. If the airline fails to operate a flight as scheduled or causes a missed connection, they must rebook you on the next available flight or refund the unused ticket portion. Compensation is not guaranteed unless specified by fare rules.
- 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 Mauritius’s Customer Support Portal.
