HongKong Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Hong Kong 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. The policy is governed by its General Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK, and U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (60 minutes before departure at Hong Kong International Airport, 40-150 minutes at other airports) or arrive at the boarding gate (15-30 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Main Economy), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. A no-show fee (e.g., $50-$150 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Notify Hong Kong Airlines before departure to preserve ticket value as a travel credit (valid for one year). Unused taxes and Hong Kong Airport Passenger Security Charge are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., $20-$30 USD). No-show passengers are not eligible for rebooking or reissuance fee waivers.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, rebooking fees ($30-$100 USD, depending on fare type and route), and fare differences. Fees are non-refundable once rebooking is completed. Changes must be made via the Manage Booking section, airport counters, or the original booking channel (e.g., travel agency). If the same fare is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., FlexiPlus Economy, Business Class) can be refunded for the unused portion, less a service fee (e.g., $20-$50 USD), if requested within one year from issuance. Refunds are processed as vouchers or to the original payment method through the original purchase channel. Business Class refunds are processed faster than Economy to enhance customer satisfaction.
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets with prefix “851” purchased directly from Hong Kong Airlines’ website or mobile app, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away. Refunds are processed within 7 business days for credit card payments or 20 business days for cash/check. Add-on services (e.g., extra-legroom seats) are non-refundable. Tickets purchased through third parties (e.g., travel agencies) may not qualify.
• Flexi Refund Option: Available for Main Economy and Business Class tickets booked via the official website, Flexi Refund allows a full refund (excluding Flexi Refund fee and add-on services) if requested 14+ days before the first flight sector’s departure. The actual deadline is displayed at booking. Not available for FlexiPlus Economy, special flights, or codeshare/interline flights.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Hong Kong Airlines-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight (including interline partners) at no cost. For delays within the airline’s control (e.g., technical issues), you may be eligible for compensation: €250 for flights up to 1500 km, €400 for 1500-3500 km, or €600 for over 3500 km under EU/UK 261, or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. For delays of 2+ hours (short-haul) or 4+ hours (long-haul), meals, refreshments, and communication access are provided; for overnight delays, hotel accommodation and transportation are offered, subject to availability.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or security issues). Hong Kong Airlines will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time, Hong Kong Airlines will seek volunteers first, prioritizing special passengers (e.g., elderly, children, disabled). If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight and may receive compensation (€250-€600 under EU/UK 261 or $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on delay duration). Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to serious illness or death of a close family member, refunds may be authorized with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Refund Application Form. Approval is reviewed case-by-case.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Hong Kong Airlines immediately via the website, mobile app, or airport ticket counter before departure to cancel or reschedule to avoid no-show fees and preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for one year). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123).
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Refund Application Form.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Refunds for eligible tickets can be requested via the website by entering the ticket number.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Refund Application Form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 6-8 weeks to process; claims are acknowledged within 3-7 business days.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents).

Additional Information

If Hong Kong Airlines cancels or delays your flight by 2+ hours or your flight is canceled less than 14 days before departure, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation. For significant schedule changes (e.g., over 60 minutes), rebooking or refund fees are waived if requested within 10 days, with new travel dates within 2 days before or 7 days after the original date or on the first available flight. Refunds for canceled flights are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods. Compensation claims for EU/UK flights can be filed up to 3 years after the flight. Retain all receipts for expenses (e.g., hotels, meals) and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For more details, review Hong Kong Airlines’ General Conditions of Carriage or Refund Policy.