Icelandair Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Icelandair’s 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 Iceland’s flag carrier, Icelandair’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 Iceland’s participation in the European Economic Area (EEA) aligning with EU aviation regulations.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (45 minutes before departure for international flights, 30 minutes for domestic) or arrive at the boarding gate (15-20 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Light, Standard), 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. Notify Icelandair before departure to preserve ticket value as a travel credit (valid for one year). Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., €20-€30).
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, change fees (€45-€100 or 20% of fare price, whichever is higher, plus fare differences), and fare rules. Changes must be made via the Manage Booking section, airport ticket counters, or the original booking channel. If the same fare is unavailable, a fare difference is charged.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Flex, Saga Premium) can be refunded for the unused portion, less a service fee (e.g., €20-€50), if requested at least 7 days before departure. Refunds are processed as vouchers or to the original payment method, valid for one year, through the original purchase channel.
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from Icelandair, 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 Booking section. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not be eligible.
• Cancellation Protection: If purchased at booking or within 36 hours via the e-ticket confirmation, Cancellation Protection allows refunds for non-refundable tickets in cases of sudden serious illness, accident, death of a close family member, or significant material damage to your home/business (with police report). A medical certificate or documentation is required, and refunds are processed within 45 days, excluding fare differences or cancellation fees.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of an Icelandair-operated flight within the same booking, Icelandair will rebook you on the next available flight (including oneworld partners) at no cost, prioritizing minimal delay. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within Icelandair’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), Icelandair provides meals, refreshments, and communication access; for overnight delays, hotel accommodation (up to €200 for a double room) and transportation are provided, subject to availability. Retain receipts for reimbursement if vouchers are unavailable.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or security issues). Icelandair 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, Icelandair will rebook you on the next available flight or a partner airline’s flight 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 receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel voucher.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies or bereavement, Icelandair may waive fees or offer rebooking or refunds with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care department. Approval is reviewed case-by-case.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Icelandair 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 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 Cancellation Protection claims, submit a medical certificate or police report via the Customer Care form.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care 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 30 days.
• 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 Icelandair 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 Icelandair’s Conditions of Carriage or Customer Service Plan.