LOT Polish Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

LOT Polish Airlines, Poland’s flag carrier and a Star Alliance member, operates flights to over 130 destinations from its hub at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Its missed flight 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 Israel’s Aviation Services Law (ASL) for flights to/from Israel. 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 (30 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 45 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (15 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Simple, 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. Notify LOT immediately via the Manage Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter to preserve ticket value as a travel voucher (valid for 12 months from purchase). A no-show fee (e.g., $50-$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 2000 km), the fee is approximately $50; medium-haul (2000-4500 km), $100; long-haul (over 4500 km), $150-$200.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Simple, Saver). Rebooking is possible, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., $100-$500 USD, depending on fare type and route), 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. Economy Simple fares are highly restrictive and may not allow changes after departure.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Flex, Business 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 vouchers (valid for 12 months) within 14-30 days via the refund form on the LOT website. Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance. For Miles & More award tickets, miles are re-credited, but a service fee (e.g., $50 USD) may apply.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from LOT (ticket number starting with “080”), you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 6 hours away, per Procedure 24h and 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.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a LOT-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “080”), LOT will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, potentially with Star Alliance partners like Lufthansa or United. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within LOT’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. 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 8+ hours (or 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). LOT 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, LOT 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 to/from EU/UK airports, $200-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, or NIS 1,490-3,320 under Israel’s ASL, depending on flight distance and 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, LOT may waive fees or offer refunds/vouchers 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 LOT 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 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, vouchers, 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. Economy Simple and Saver fares are restrictive, while Economy Flex and Business Class offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Customer Care form or refund form, 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.
• 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 to/from EU/UK airports), submit directly to LOT to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the Polish CAA, UK CAA, or EU national authorities. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight (3 years in Poland).

Additional Information

If LOT cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours (8+ hours for Israel’s ASL) or cancels with less than 14 days’ notice, you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. For cancellations within LOT’s control, you may receive a full refund (including fees for baggage, seats, or meals) or rebooking on the next available flight at no cost within +/- 7 days of the original travel date, potentially with Star Alliance partners. 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, meal vouchers or refreshments are provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for 8+ hours, 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 Polish CAA, U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review LOT’s Conditions of Carriage, Customer Service Commitment, or EU Passenger Rights section.