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La Compagnie Missed Flight Policy

Overview

La Compagnie, a French boutique airline operating all-business class flights, serves routes between Paris, Nice, Milan, and Newark Liberty International Airport, with its main base at Paris-Orly Airport. Its missed flight policy is governed by its General Conditions of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights departing from the EU, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and French aviation laws. 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 (50 minutes before departure) or arrive at the boarding gate (20 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Smart Fare), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Notify La Compagnie as early as possible via the Manage Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter to preserve ticket value as a purchase voucher (valid for 18 months, non-refunded but transferable, with a 15% value increase). A no-show fee (e.g., $100-$200 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., $20-$30 USD). For short-haul flights (up to 1500 km), the fee is approximately $50; long-haul (over 3500 km), $150-$200.
  • Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Smart Fare). Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., $200-$400 USD per ticket), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the Manage Booking section, app, or airport counters before departure. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Smart Fare tickets are restrictive and may not allow changes after departure.
  • Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Flex Fare) can be refunded for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled before departure. Refunds are processed to the original payment method or as purchase vouchers (valid for 18 months, non-refunded but transferable, with a 15% value increase) within 14-30 days via the refund form or Customer Care email ([email protected]). Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance. For MyCompagnie award tickets, points are re-credited (40-80 points for a round-trip), but a service fee (e.g., $50 USD) may apply.
  • 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from La Compagnie (ticket number starting with “B0”), 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 email to [email protected] with booking details. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not qualify, and refunds may take longer.
  • Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a La Compagnie-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “B0”), La Compagnie will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, potentially with partner airlines like easyJet or Hahn Air. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within La Compagnie’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 (for flights departing from EU airports), or up to $650 USD under U.S. DOT rules. Compensation may be reduced by 50% if the alternative flight arrives within 2-4 hours of the original schedule. For delays of 2+ hours, meal vouchers or refreshments are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. 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). La Compagnie 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, La Compagnie will seek volunteers first. If involuntarily denied boarding, you will be rebooked on the next available flight and may receive compensation: €250-€600 under EU/UK 261 for flights departing from EU airports, or 200% of the one-way fare (up to $650 USD) for delays of 1-4 hours or 400% (up to $1,300 USD) for delays over 4 hours under U.S. DOT rules. 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, La Compagnie may waive fees or offer refunds/vouchers with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Care form or email ([email protected]). Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and delays in documentation may lead to rejection.
Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight
  • Contact La Compagnie immediately via the Manage Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter within 24 hours of the scheduled departure to request rebooking or preserve ticket value as a voucher (valid for 18 months, non-refunded but transferable, with a 15% value increase). 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, vouchers, or fee waivers. For special circumstances, submit documentation via the Customer Care form or email ([email protected]) promptly to avoid rejection.
  • Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Smart Fare tickets are restrictive, while Flex Fare tickets offer more flexibility.
  • Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form or email ([email protected]), including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 14-30 days; 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. For missing bags, La Compagnie covers essential items (e.g., clothing, hygiene products) with receipts submitted.
  • 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 airports), submit directly to La Compagnie to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the French CAA, UK CAA, or EU national authorities. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight under French law.

Note: Policies vary based on ticket type (Smart Fare, Flex Fare), fare rules, and booking channel (direct or through a travel agency). For codeshare flights (e.g., with easyJet or Hahn Air), the operating carrier’s rules may apply. Always review fare conditions at booking, arrive early (2.5 hours before departure), and use the La Compagnie app for updates, though app issues (e.g., payment errors) have been reported. Check-in closes 50 minutes before departure; boarding gates close 20 minutes prior. Online check-in is available 24 hours to 2 hours before departure. Customer reviews highlight La Compagnie’s premium service but note inconsistent communication during disruptions and slow refund processing (14-30 days). In 2023, La Compagnie’s on-time performance was 54.55% over a 24-hour period, with no flights delayed over 3 hours. For complex claims, consider services like AirHelp or Skycop, though they may charge fees (e.g., 25-50% of compensation).

Additional Information

If La Compagnie 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 La Compagnie’s control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage or seats) or rebooking on the next available flight at no cost, potentially with partner airlines like easyJet or Hahn Air. Compensation for EU/UK flights departing from EU airports (€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, meal vouchers or refreshments are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Retain receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to the French CAA, U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review La Compagnie’s General Conditions of Carriage, Customer Service Plan, or EU Passenger Rights section.