Overview
British Airways’ missed flight policy outlines the options available to passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to various reasons. The policy varies based on ticket type, fare rules, and the circumstances of the missed flight.
Key Policy Details
- No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without notifying British Airways in advance, it is considered a "no-show." This may result in the cancellation of the remaining flights in your itinerary, as tickets must be used in sequence per the terms and conditions. Refunds are generally not available for no-shows unless specified by the fare rules.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets, no refunds are provided for missed flights. However, depending on the fare rules, you may be able to rebook on a later flight, subject to availability and additional fees or fare differences.
- Refundable Tickets: If you hold a refundable ticket, you may be eligible for a refund, subject to the fare conditions. Refunds must be requested through the Manage My Booking portal or by contacting British Airways directly.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: If you booked directly with British Airways and the booking was made at least 7 days prior to departure, you can cancel or change your reservation within 24 hours of booking without penalty, provided travel is at least one week away. This does not apply to bookings made within 24 hours of travel.
- Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a British Airways-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within the airline’s control, you may be eligible for compensation under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004.
- Exceptions for Extraordinary Circumstances: If you miss a flight due to exceptional circumstances (e.g., illness or death of a family member), British Airways may offer flexibility, such as waiving change fees, provided you submit verifiable documentation (e.g., medical certificate).
Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight
- Notify British Airways as soon as possible through the Manage My Booking portal or by visiting an airport customer service desk.
- Provide your booking reference and explain the reason for missing the flight to explore rebooking or refund options.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules to understand eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or standby options.
- Be prepared for potential fees or fare differences when rebooking, especially for non-refundable tickets.
Note: Compensation or rebooking is not guaranteed for missed flights, particularly for no-shows or when the fault lies with the passenger (e.g., late arrival). Always check the specific fare rules at the time of booking and consider purchasing travel insurance for additional protection.
Additional Information
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by British Airways, the airline will arrange alternative travel to your final destination, including meals and accommodation if necessary. For flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK, EU Regulation 261/2004 may entitle you to compensation of up to €600 (£520) if the delay exceeds 3 hours and is not due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather or air traffic control issues).
