Kuwait Airways Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Kuwait Airways, the national carrier of Kuwait and a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization, operates flights to over 50 destinations across Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America from its hub at Kuwait International Airport. Its missed flight policy is governed by its Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU/UK, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority regulations. This policy outlines options for passengers who miss their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (40 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 60 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (20 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Special, Economy Saver), 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-$200 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Notify Kuwait Airways before departure via the Manage Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter to preserve ticket value as a travel credit (valid for 12 months). Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., $20-$30 USD). If you notify Kuwait Airways within 1 hour of departure from Kuwait, you may avoid the no-show fee, though fare differences may apply for rebooking.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., $100-$200 USD, depending on route and fare type), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the Manage Booking section, app, airport counters, or the original booking channel. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Non-refundable tickets cannot be changed after departure unless converted to a travel credit before the flight.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Flex, Business, Royal Class) can be refunded for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled before departure. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as travel credits (valid for 12 months) within 7 days for credit card payments or 14 days for other methods through the original purchase channel. Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from Kuwait Airways (ticket number starting with “229”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away, per U.S. DOT rules. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the Manage Booking section or app. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify, and refunds may take longer due to agency processing.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Kuwait Airways-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “229”), the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, potentially with partner airlines. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within Kuwait Airways’ 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 (for flights departing from EU/UK airports), or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. For delays of 2+ hours, meals or vouchers are provided; for delays of 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport, subject to availability. Retain receipts for reimbursement.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes, or security issues). Kuwait Airways will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less an administrative fee. Passengers are responsible for additional expenses (e.g., accommodation, transport). Travel insurance is recommended.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time with valid documentation, Kuwait Airways will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight and may receive compensation ($200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules or €250-€600 under EU/UK 261 for flights departing from EU/UK airports, 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 medical emergencies or bereavement, Kuwait Airways may waive fees or offer refunds/credits with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care form. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and delays in documentation may lead to rejection.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Kuwait Airways immediately via the Manage Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter within 1 hour of the scheduled departure (from Kuwait) to request rebooking or preserve ticket value as a credit (valid for 12 months). Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123). Airport counters are recommended for faster processing during peak periods.
• Explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking, credits, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Customer Care form promptly to avoid rejection.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Non-refundable tickets are restrictive, while refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Flex, Business, Royal Class) offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 7 days for credit card payments or 14 days for other methods; claims are acknowledged within 7 days and processed within 30 days. Keep the reference number to track status.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days for damage or 21 days for delays via the Baggage Irregularity Report form.
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents). Request an Insurance Verification Form via Customer Care for insurance claims.
• For EU/UK 261 claims (flights departing from EU/UK airports), submit directly to Kuwait Airways to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the UK CAA, EU national authorities, or Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight (3 years in Kuwait).

Additional Information

If Kuwait Airways cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations within Kuwait Airways’ control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage, seats, or meals) or rebooking on the next available flight, potentially with partner airlines. Compensation for EU/UK flights (€250-€600) can be filed up to 6 years after the flight, or within 1 year for U.S. claims ($75-$650 USD). For delays over 2 hours, meals or vouchers are provided; for delays over 5 hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain all receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Authority, the U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review Kuwait Airways’ Conditions of Carriage, Customer Service Plan, or EU Passenger Rights section.