Overview
EasyJet Airlines’ missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. As a low-cost carrier based in the UK, the policy is governed by fare rules, ticket type, UK/EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from or landing in the UK/EU, and the Canadian Air Passenger Protection Regulations (APPR) for flights to/from Canada. EasyJet’s policies are designed to be flexible, with options like the Flex Guarantee for changes up to 2 hours before departure.
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, but unlike many legacy airlines, missing an outbound flight does not affect other flights in the booking (e.g., return flights remain valid). You can claim a refund for government taxes for unused flights.
- Rescue Fee: If you miss your flight but arrive at the airport within 2 hours of its scheduled departure, you can transfer to the next available EasyJet flight to the same destination by paying a Rescue Fee (£99-£129, depending on the route). This must be arranged at the airport bag drop or ticket desk.
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Non-refundable tickets (e.g., Standard, FLEXI) are not eligible for refunds after the 24-hour cancellation period. You can change the flight up to 2 hours before departure without a change fee under the Flex Guarantee, but fare differences may apply.
- Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets or FLEXI fares can be canceled for a refund, less any applicable fees, if requested within one year from the ticket’s issue date. Refunds can be processed online or through customer service for tickets purchased directly from EasyJet.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For bookings made directly with EasyJet, you can cancel within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, minus a cancellation fee (£30 online, £35 via customer service), provided the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types.
- Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an EasyJet-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 EasyJet’s control (e.g., technical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: £220/€250 for flights up to 1500 km, £350/€400 for flights between 1500-3500 km, or £520/€600 for flights over 3500 km under UK/EU 261. For Canada, APPR provides $125-$500 CAD based on delay duration.
- Assistance for Delays: For delays of 2+ hours (flights under 1500 km), 3+ hours (flights 1500-3500 km), or 4+ hours (flights over 3500 km) within EasyJet’s control, the airline provides meals, refreshments, and communication access (e.g., two phone calls or emails). For delays of 5+ hours, you can choose a refund. Overnight delays include hotel accommodation and transport, if available.
- Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or third-party strikes). EasyJet will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes.
- Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time, EasyJet will rebook you on the next available flight and may provide compensation (£220-£520, depending on flight distance) under UK/EU 261, unless you voluntarily give up your seat.
- Special Circumstances: If you miss a flight due to bereavement or serious illness, EasyJet may waive fees and offer a refund, fee-free change, or flight voucher, subject to proof (e.g., medical certificate or death certificate).
Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight
- Arrive at the airport within 2 hours of departure to request a transfer to the next available flight by paying the Rescue Fee at the bag drop or ticket desk.
- Contact EasyJet via the website, mobile app, or airport customer service counter to discuss rebooking, refunds, or tax refund options.
- Provide your booking reference and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or fee waivers.
- Check your ticket’s fare rules in Manage Bookings to understand applicable fees or refund eligibility.
- Submit compensation or refund claims through the online form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts).
- Keep all documentation for any claims or expense reimbursements.
Note: Policies vary based on ticket type, fare rules, and booking channel (direct or through a travel agency). For code-share flights, the operating carrier’s rules (e.g., EasyJet UK, EasyJet Europe, or EasyJet Switzerland) may apply. Always review fare conditions at booking, arrive early (2 hours for most flights), and consider travel insurance for added protection. Check-in opens 30 days before departure and closes 30-60 minutes prior, depending on the airport. Boarding gates close 30 minutes before departure.
Additional Information
If EasyJet cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. Refunds are processed within 7 days for unused tickets or taxes under UK/EU regulations. Compensation claims for UK/EU flights can be filed up to 6 years after the flight. EasyJet’s automated compensation system processes eligible claims within 24 hours. For expenses incurred due to a missed flight, retain all receipts and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For more details, review EasyJet’s Terms and Conditions or UK/EU Regulation 261.