Nok Air Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Nok Air, a Thai low-cost carrier and subsidiary of Thai Airways International, operates primarily from Don Mueang International Airport (Bangkok) to 26 domestic destinations and select international routes in Asia. The 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, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and Thai aviation 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 (45 minutes before departure for domestic flights, 60 minutes for international flights) or arrive at the boarding gate (30 minutes before departure), you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets (e.g., Nok Lite, Nok X-tra), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Notify Nok Air immediately via the Manage Booking section, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options (at extra cost). A no-show fee (e.g., THB 500-1000, approximately $14-$28 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., THB 200, approximately $6 USD). For domestic flights, the fee is approximately THB 500; for international flights, THB 1000.
Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Nok Lite, Nok X-tra). Rebooking is possible at least 24 hours before departure, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., THB 800-1500, approximately $22-$42 USD per ticket, depending on fare type), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the Manage Booking section, app, or airport counters. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Nok Lite fares are highly restrictive and may not allow changes after departure. Name changes are allowed for a fee (THB 225 for domestic, THB 1210 for international, approximately $6-$34 USD) at least 4 hours before departure, enabling ticket resale.
Refundable Tickets: Nok Max tickets allow unlimited changes without a change fee, and cancellations before departure may be refunded as a travel voucher (valid for 12 months) within 30-60 days via the refund form or sales offices. Requests must be made within 90 days of the departure date. For Nok Fan Club redemptions, points are re-credited, but a service fee (e.g., THB 500, approximately $14 USD) may apply.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from Nok Air (ticket number starting with “DD”), 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.
Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Nok Air-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “DD”), Nok Air will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, provided the connecting time is between 90 minutes and 6 hours. If the delay is within Nok Air’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 may be provided; for 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund; for overnight delays, accommodation and transfers are offered if away from your home airport. Self-connections (separate bookings) are not covered. 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). Nok Air 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, such as Nok Sure Plan, is recommended for coverage.
Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time with valid documentation, Nok Air 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-$650 USD under U.S. DOT rules, depending on delay duration. Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a voucher. Meals or refreshments are provided while waiting.
Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies or bereavement, Nok Air may waive fees or offer refunds/vouchers with valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Customer Service form or sales offices. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and delays in documentation may lead to rejection.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

Contact Nok Air 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 Service form or sales offices promptly to avoid rejection.
Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Booking section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Nok Lite and Nok X-tra fares are restrictive, while Nok Max fares offer more flexibility.
Submit compensation or refund claims via the refund form, Manage Booking section, or sales offices, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds take 30-60 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, such as Nok Sure Plan, for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents). Request an Insurance Verification Form via Customer Service for insurance claims.
For EU/UK 261 claims (flights departing from EU airports), submit directly to Nok Air to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), UK CAA, or EU national authorities. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight.

Note: Policies vary based on ticket type (Nok Lite, Nok X-tra, Nok Max), fare rules, and booking channel (direct or through a travel agency). For codeshare flights (e.g., with Scoot via NokScoot), the operating carrier’s rules may apply. Always review fare conditions at booking, arrive early (2 hours for domestic, 3 hours for international flights), and use the Nok Air app for updates, though technical issues (e.g., payment errors, booking cancellations) have been reported. Check-in closes 45 minutes (domestic) or 60 minutes (international) before departure; boarding gates close 30 minutes prior. Online check-in is available 24 hours to 1 hour before departure for domestic flights only. Customer reviews highlight frequent cancellations, delays (e.g., 30 minutes to 4 hours), and slow refund processing (30-60 days). Nok Air’s on-time performance data is unavailable, but reliability concerns have been noted. For complex claims, consider services like AirHelp or Flightright, though they may charge fees (e.g., 25-50% of compensation).

Additional Information

If Nok Air 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 Nok Air’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. 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 may be 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 Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), U.S. DOT, or EU/UK authorities. Comprehensive travel insurance, such as Nok Sure Plan, is recommended. For more details, review Nok Air’s Conditions of Carriage or Customer Service Commitment.