Alaska Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Alaska Airlines’ missed flight policy is governed by its Contract of Carriage and Customer Service Plan. The policy outlines options for passengers who miss their flights due to personal reasons or airline-related issues, such as delays or cancellations. Outcomes depend on the fare type, ticket conditions, and the reason for missing the flight. For flights to/from the EU, EU Regulation 261/2004 may apply.

Missed Flight Due to Passenger’s Responsibility

If you miss your flight due to arriving late, failing to check in on time, or lacking valid travel documents, the following applies:

• Non-Refundable Tickets (e.g., Saver Fares): If you miss your flight and do not cancel before departure, Alaska Airlines’ no-show policy applies, and the entire reservation, including onward and return flights, is canceled. The ticket value is forfeited, and no credit is issued. For Saver fares purchased on or after July 19, 2023, you may receive a 50% credit if canceled at least 14 days before departure.
• Refundable Tickets: You may cancel and receive a full refund to the original payment method if canceled within 24 hours of booking (for flights at least 24 hours away) or if the ticket is fully refundable. After 24 hours, a $99 fee may apply for domestic tickets, plus any fare difference for rebooking.
• Rebooking: If you notify Alaska Airlines before departure, you may rebook on a later flight. Main and First Class fares have no change fees, but a fare difference may apply. Saver fares are not eligible for changes, but same-day confirmed changes are allowed for a $25–$50 fee (waived for MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K, and certain American AAdvantage members).
• Standby Option: If you miss your flight, you may request standby status for an earlier or later flight on the same day, subject to availability and a $25 fee (waived for certain elite members). You must be at the boarding area 30 minutes prior to departure.

Missed Connecting Flight Due to Airline Delays

If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an Alaska Airlines-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will assist you:

• Rebooking: Alaska Airlines will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, including flights on partner airlines (e.g., American Airlines, Delta, or United) if necessary.
• Right to Care: For delays of 3+ hours within Alaska’s control (e.g., technical issues), the airline provides meals, refreshments, and, if an overnight stay is required, hotel accommodation and transport to/from the airport.
• Compensation: For EU-regulated flights delayed 3+ hours at the final destination due to reasons within Alaska’s control, you may be eligible for compensation of €250–€600, depending on flight distance:
  • €250 for flights up to 1,500 km
  • €400 for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km
  • €600 for flights over 3,500 km
  For non-EU flights, Alaska offers a $50 discount code or 2,000 Mileage Plan miles for delays of 3+ hours, but no cash compensation is required by U.S. law.
• Refund Option: If you choose not to travel, you may request a full refund for the unused portion of your ticket, even for non-refunded tickets, if the delay is significant (1+ hour schedule change). Refunds are processed within 20 days for cash purchases and 7 days for credit card purchases.

Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight

If you miss your flight, follow these steps:

1. Contact Alaska Airlines Immediately: Call or visit an Alaska Airlines ticket counter or gate agent at the airport. If booked through a third party, contact them directly.
2. Provide Booking Details: Have your confirmation code or e-ticket number ready (available in your confirmation email or Alaska Airlines app).
3. Explore Options: Request standby for a same-day flight ($25 fee, if applicable), rebooking (fare difference may apply), or a refund/credit (for refundable tickets or within 24 hours of booking). For Saver fares, cancel at least 14 days prior to receive 50% credit.
4. Submit a Claim (if applicable): For delays within Alaska’s control, file a claim Customer Care page with your booking reference, boarding pass, and receipts for expenses. For EU-regulated flights, claims must be submitted within 3 years.