Nordwind Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Nordwind Airlines, a Russian leisure airline headquartered in Moscow with its hub at Sheremetyevo International Airport, operates domestic and international flights to over 97 destinations, primarily in Russia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and 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 Russian aviation regulations. This policy outlines options for passengers who miss their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. Note that Nordwind Airlines is banned from flying in the European Union due to sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, limiting its operations to non-EU destinations.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: If you fail to check in by the deadline (40 minutes before departure for domestic and 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 Basic, Optimum), the ticket value is forfeited, and the entire itinerary, including return or connecting flights, is canceled as tickets must be used in sequence. Notify Nordwind Airlines immediately via the Booking Management section, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or preserve ticket value as a travel voucher (valid for 12 months). A no-show fee (e.g., RUB 3000-6000, approximately $32-$64 USD, depending on fare type and route) may apply. Unused taxes and fees are refundable, less an administrative fee (e.g., RUB 1000, approximately $11 USD). For short-haul flights (up to 1500 km), the fee is approximately RUB 3000; medium-haul (1500-3500 km), RUB 4500; long-haul (over 3500 km), RUB 6000.
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No cash refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Basic, Optimum). Rebooking is possible at least 40 minutes before departure, subject to availability, a change fee (e.g., RUB 2000-5000, approximately $21-$53 USD per ticket, depending on fare type), and fare differences. Changes must be made via the Booking Management section, app, or airport counters. If the same fare class is unavailable, a higher fare applies with no refund for lower fares. Economy Basic fares are highly restrictive and may not allow changes after departure.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets (e.g., Economy Premium, Business) can be refunded for the unused portion with no penalty if canceled at least 40 minutes 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 or Customer Service. Requests must be made within 12 months of ticket issuance. For loyalty program redemptions, points are re-credited, but a service fee (e.g., RUB 2000, approximately $21 USD) may apply.
• 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation: For tickets purchased directly from Nordwind Airlines (ticket number starting with “N4”), 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 Booking Management 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 Nordwind Airlines-operated flight within the same booking (ticket number starting with “N4”), Nordwind will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost, potentially with partner airlines like Belavia. If the delay exceeds 3 hours at your final destination and is within Nordwind’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 before the 2022 EU ban). For delays of 2+ hours, free beverages are provided; for 4+ hours, a hot meal is offered every 6 hours (daytime) or 8 hours (nighttime); for 4+ hours (daytime) or 6+ hours (nighttime), hotel accommodation and airport-hotel-airport transfers are provided. For delays of 5+ hours, you may opt for a refund. Retain receipts for reimbursement. Self-connections (separate bookings) are not covered.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control strikes, or security issues). Nordwind 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, Nordwind 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 (before the 2022 EU ban), 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 illness of a passenger or family member traveling with them, Nordwind may extend ticket validity or offer refunds/vouchers with valid documentation (e.g., sick leave certificates, hospital statements, or medical certificates from licensed institutions) submitted via email or Customer Service. The medical document must cover the flight date, and if travel is contraindicated post-discharge, an additional doctor’s certificate is required. For family members, kinship documents (e.g., marriage or birth certificates) are needed. Approval is reviewed case-by-case, and fraudulent documents may lead to legal action. Delays in documentation may lead to rejection.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Nordwind Airlines immediately via the Booking Management 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 color scanned copies of medical or kinship documents via email or Customer Service promptly to avoid rejection.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Booking Management section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility. Economy Basic and Optimum fares are restrictive, while Economy Premium and Business fares offer more flexibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the refund form or email, 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 Service for insurance claims.
• For EU/UK 261 claims (for flights departing from EU airports before the 2022 EU ban), submit directly to Nordwind to avoid third-party fees. If unresolved, escalate to the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya) or EU national authorities. Claims can be filed up to 6 years after the flight.

Additional Information

If Nordwind Airlines 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 Nordwind’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 Belavia. Compensation for EU/UK flights departing from EU airports before the 2022 ban (€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, free beverages are provided; for 4+ hours, a hot meal is offered every 6 hours (daytime) or 8 hours (nighttime); for 4+ hours (daytime) or 6+ hours (nighttime), hotel accommodation and transfers are offered. Retain receipts for expenses and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For unresolved claims, escalate to the Russian Federal Agency for Air Transport (Rosaviatsiya), U.S. DOT, or EU authorities (for pre-2022 EU flights). Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended. For more details, review Nordwind Airlines’ Conditions of Carriage or Customer Service Commitment.