China Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

China Airlines’ missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight, whether due to personal reasons, delays, or other circumstances. The policy depends on ticket type, fare rules, and applicable regulations, such as U.S. DOT rules for flights to/from the U.S. or EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from Europe or the UK.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without canceling in advance, it is considered a "no-show." Non-refundable tickets lose their value, and the entire itinerary may be canceled, as tickets must be used in sequence. Refunds or rebooking are not available for no-shows unless specified by fare rules.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Basic, Standard, or Discount fares), no refunds are provided for missed flights. Rebooking may be possible, subject to availability, fare differences, and change fees, which vary by fare type.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Flex fares) may be eligible for a refund of the unused portion, less any applicable fees, if requested within two years of the ticket’s issue date. Refunds must be processed through China Airlines’ website or customer service if purchased directly from the airline.
• 48-Hour Cancellation Policy (U.S.): For flights to/from the U.S., you can cancel a booking within 48 hours of purchase for a full refund without fees, provided the ticket is unused and booked at least 7 days before departure through China Airlines’ website or customer service.
• 7-Day Cancellation Policy (Korea): For bookings from Korea, a full refund without charges is available within 7 days of booking if the ticket is purchased at least 10 days before departure.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a China Airlines-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 of up to €600 (£520) under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for applicable flights, or up to USD 775 for U.S. flights delayed 1-4 hours due to overbooking.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided if the missed flight results from extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or other factors beyond the airline’s control).
• Assistance for Delays: For delays of 2+ hours, China Airlines provides food and refreshment vouchers and two free phone calls or emails. For overnight delays, accommodation and transport are provided if the delay is within the airline’s control.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Visit a China Airlines help desk at the airport (not a gate agent) or use the online customer service portal to discuss rebooking or refund options.
• Provide your booking reference and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking or refunds.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
• Keep documentation (e.g., boarding passes, receipts) for any claims or expense reimbursements.

Additional Information

If China Airlines cancels or significantly delays your flight, you may be entitled to a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For U.S. flights, the airline will notify passengers of irregularities (e.g., delays of 30+ minutes or cancellations) within 30 minutes of confirmation. For EU/UK flights, claims for compensation must be filed within 1-6 years, depending on the country. Retain all receipts and documentation for any expenses incurred due to a missed flight.