Copa Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

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

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight without notifying Copa Airlines 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 are not available for no-shows unless specified by fare rules.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: For non-refundable tickets, no refunds are provided for missed flights. Rebooking may be possible on the next available flight, subject to availability, fare differences, and a change fee (typically $75-$200 USD, depending on the fare type and route).
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets may be eligible for a refund of the unused portion, less any applicable fees, if requested within one year of the ticket’s issue date. Refunds must be processed through Copa Airlines’ website or customer service if purchased directly.
• Flat-Tire Rule: If you arrive at the airport within 2 hours of your original flight’s departure due to unavoidable circumstances (e.g., traffic or flat tire), Copa Airlines may rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge, subject to availability and fare rules.
• Same-Day Flight Changes: For selected fares, you can change to another flight on the same day and route for a non-refundable fee of $75 USD, if requested 24 to 2 hours before departure. The origin, destination, and class must remain the same, and this applies only to Copa Airlines flights.
• Missed Connections Due to Airline Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Copa Airlines-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. For delays of 3+ hours at your final destination within the airline’s control, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 under EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for applicable flights, or up to $775 USD for U.S. flights delayed 1-4 hours due to overbooking.
• Assistance for Delays: For delays of 1+ hours within Copa Airlines’ control, passengers receive a $20 USD voucher for food and beverages. For delays of 4+ hours, a certificate worth 25% of the ticket value may be issued, redeemable for airline services. Overnight delays include hotel accommodation and ground transportation if needed.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or strikes not involving airline staff).

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Copa Airlines immediately via the website, mobile app, or airport customer service counter to discuss rebooking or refund options.
• Provide your booking reference and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or the flat-tire rule.
• 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 Copa Airlines cancels or delays your flight by 4+ hours, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or a certificate worth 25% of the ticket value. Refunds are processed within 20 days for cash/check payments or within two billing cycles for credit card payments. For EU/UK flights, compensation claims must be filed within the statute of limitations of the departure country. Always retain documentation for expenses incurred due to a missed flight.