Overview
Air Nostrum, operating as Iberia Regional, is a Spanish regional airline based in Valencia and an affiliate of the Oneworld alliance. Missing an Air Nostrum flight can lead to consequences depending on your ticket type, fare conditions, and the reason for missing the flight. Passengers who miss their flights without prior notification are classified 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 Nostrum’s missed flight policy based on available information.
Consequences of Missing a Flight
- No-Show Policy: If you miss a flight without notifying Air Nostrum or Iberia before departure, you are considered a no-show, and all subsequent flights in your itinerary (e.g., return or connecting flights) may be canceled without a refund for non-refundable tickets. You may need to purchase a new ticket or pay a rebooking fee, which can vary (e.g., €100–€200, depending on the fare and route).
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable fares (e.g., Economy Basic), 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. Refunds must be requested via Iberia’s website or Customer Service.
- Flexible Tickets: Flexible fares (e.g., Economy Flexible, Business) allow rebooking or cancellations without no-show penalties if you notify Air Nostrum or Iberia before departure. A fare difference may apply if the new flight is more expensive. Changes can be made via Iberia’s “Manage Your Booking” portal or by contacting Customer Service.
Options if You Miss a Flight
- Rebooking: If you miss a flight, contact Air Nostrum or Iberia 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) plus any fare difference. Flexible fares may allow changes without fees if the same booking class is available. You can rebook via Iberia’s “Manage Your Booking” portal, by calling, or at an Air Nostrum/Iberia airport counter. If booked through a travel agent, contact them directly. Passengers have reported challenges, such as being denied boarding despite arriving before departure due to early gate closures.
- Tax Refund: For non-refundable tickets, you can request a refund of unused airport taxes and fees via Iberia’s online refund form or by contacting Customer Service. Refunds are processed within 7 days to the original payment method, though a processing fee may apply. If booked through a travel agent, contact them 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 Nostrum advises contacting Customer Service to verify insurance coverage impacts.
- Airport Assistance: Visit an Air Nostrum or Iberia 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 Madrid to Valencia. Some passengers have reported poor customer service, such as gate closures despite known connecting passengers.
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 Nostrum or Iberia 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 EU departures, 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 reported missing a connection in Madrid due to an early gate closure and faced difficulties securing assistance.
- Separate Tickets: If flights are on separate bookings, Air Nostrum 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 Madrid (MAD) or Barcelona (BCN) to account for delays, customs, or security checks.
- Right to Care: For delays of 2+ hours on EU departures, Air Nostrum must provide meals, drinks, two phone calls or emails, and, if necessary, hotel accommodation and transport to/from the airport. 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, similar care may be provided under Air Nostrum’s Conditions of Carriage, but compensation is not guaranteed unless specified.
- EU/UK Compensation: For EU-regulated flights (departing from the EU or arriving in the EU with an EU carrier like Air Nostrum), 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 via Iberia’s Customer Support Portal, by emailing, or through third-party services. Air Nostrum has been noted for slow cooperation, sometimes requiring legal action.
How to Avoid No-Show Consequences
- Notify in Advance: If you expect to miss a flight, contact Air Nostrum or Iberia before departure via the “Manage Your Booking” portal on Iberia’s website, by calling, or through social media. For bookings made directly with Iberia, cancellations within 24 hours of purchase (for tickets bought 7+ days before departure) may be fully refundable. After 24 hours, fare rules apply, with change fees for non-refundable tickets.
- Arrive Early: Air Nostrum requires check-in at least 45 minutes before departure. Arrive 2–3 hours early for international flights or at busy airports like Madrid (MAD) to account for security and immigration. Missing check-in deadlines may result in being denied boarding and treated as a no-show. Check-in desks may open late at smaller airports like Alicante, so plan accordingly.
- Online Check-In: Check in online via Iberia’s website 24 hours to 1 hour before departure (1.5 hours for flights from Lagos or San Jose, 3 hours from Caracas). Online check-in is not available for flights to/from Cuba, El Salvador, USA, Great Britain, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, or South Africa. Confirm mobile boarding pass acceptance at your departure airport.
- Monitor Flight Status: Check flight status via the Air Nostrum or Iberia website, mobile app, or by calling Customer Service. Air Nostrum operates around 2,000 flights monthly, with main hubs in Madrid, Valencia, and Barcelona. Delays or cancellations are reported (e.g., 3 cancellations and 5 delays in a 2023 sample). Use Iberia Conecta to receive real-time updates by registering your contact details.
Compensation and Regulations
Air Nostrum, as an EU carrier, is subject to EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from EU airports or arriving in the EU with an EU carrier. Key points include:
- EU Regulation 261/2004: 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 depends on flight distance: €250 (up to 1,500 km), €400 (1,500–3,500 km), €600 (over 3,500 km). Compensation may be reduced by 50% if re-routed with minimal delay. Claims are valid for up to 6 years in some EU countries. Submit claims via Iberia’s Customer Support Portal or third-party services. Air Nostrum’s cooperation can be slow, sometimes requiring legal action
- Montreal Convention: For international flights, you may claim up to 5,346 SDR (~$7,000 USD, increasing to ~$8,750 USD from 28 December 2025) for expenses due to delays or missed connections, provided the airline is at fault. Documentation is required, and claims can be filed via Iberia’s Customer Support Portal.
- Non-EU Flights: For flights outside EU jurisdiction, Air Nostrum’s Conditions of Carriage apply. If a missed flight or delay is due to airline-controlled reasons, you may be rebooked on the next available flight or offered a refund for the unused ticket portion. Compensation is not guaranteed unless specified by fare rules.
