Iberia Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Iberia 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 Spain’s flag carrier, Iberia’s policy is governed by its Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and applicable Spanish regulations.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in on time (45 minutes before departure) or notify Iberia before the flight’s departure, you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Basic, Classic), 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 (typically €50-€150, depending on fare type and route) may apply. For tickets purchased in Italy, notify Iberia within 24 hours of the missed flight’s departure (or 2 hours before the return flight if within 24 hours) to use the return segment without fare adjustments; otherwise, a fare difference based on the highest applicable fare may be charged. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., €20-€30).
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Basic, Classic). Rebooking may be possible, subject to availability, change fees (€45-€100, depending on fare type and route), and fare differences. Promotional or special fares (e.g., discounted deals) are strictly non-refundable and non-changeable unless the “Flexible Ticket” option was purchased. Changes must be made via the Manage Your Booking section or airport ticket counters.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Comfort, Flexible, Business) can be refunded for the unused portion, less a service fee (e.g., €20-€50), if requested within one year from the ticket’s issue date. Refunds are processed as vouchers for future travel, valid for one year, and must be requested through the original purchase channel (e.g., Iberia website, travel agency).
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from Iberia, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the Manage Your Booking section. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not be eligible unless specified.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an Iberia-operated flight within the same booking, Iberia will rebook you on the next available flight (including oneworld partners) at no cost, prioritizing minimal delay. The oneworld global support team may assist with fast-track lanes and baggage transfer at select airports. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within Iberia’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), Iberia provides meals, refreshments, and communication access; for overnight delays, hotel accommodation and transportation are provided, 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). Iberia 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, Iberia will rebook you on the next available flight (including oneworld partners) and may provide compensation (€250-€600 under EU/UK 261 or $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on flight distance and delay duration). Volunteers giving up seats receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to the death of a close relative (parent, child, spouse, or in-law), Iberia may authorize a refund with submission of a death certificate and Family Book photocopy. Medical emergencies may also qualify for fee waivers or refunds, subject to valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate) submitted via the Customer Relations department. Approval is reviewed case-by-case.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Iberia immediately via the website, mobile app, or airport ticket counter before the flight’s departure to cancel or reschedule to avoid no-show fees and preserve ticket value for future travel (valid for one year). For Italy-purchased tickets, notify within 24 hours (or 2 hours before the return) to use the return segment without fare adjustments.
• Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123) and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, refunds, or fee waivers.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Your Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Relations online form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds are processed within 7-14 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods; claims are acknowledged within 7 days and may take up to 21 days for complex cases.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days of arrival (21 days for delayed baggage).
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents).

Additional Information

If Iberia cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. Refunds for canceled flights or delays over 5 hours are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods under EU/UK regulations. 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 Iberia Airlines’ Conditions of Carriage or Customer Service Plan.