Overview
Missing a flight can be stressful, and Norwegian Air has specific policies in place for passengers who miss their flights. The outcome depends on the fare type, booking conditions, and whether the missed flight is part of a connecting itinerary. Below is a detailed explanation of what happens if you miss a flight with Norwegian Air, based on their General Conditions of Carriage and fare rules.
Consequences of Missing a Flight
- No-Show Policy: If you miss your flight and do not notify Norwegian Air in advance, you are considered a "no-show." For most fare types, such as LowFare and LowFare+, missing a flight typically results in the cancellation of the entire itinerary, including any onward or return flights on the same booking. This means you may lose the value of your ticket, as these fares are generally non-refundable.
- Connecting Flights: If you miss the first leg of a connecting flight booked under a single reservation with Norwegian Air, the remaining legs may be canceled. However, if you inform Norwegian Air before the flight departs, they may allow you to retain the subsequent legs, depending on the fare rules and availability.
- Flex Fare Exception: If you have a Flex fare ticket, you may have more flexibility. Flex fares allow changes to date, time, or destination up to 30 minutes before departure, subject to a fee and any price difference. Missing a flight with a Flex fare may still allow you to rebook without losing the entire itinerary, provided you contact Norwegian Air in time.
Actions You Can Take
- Contact Norwegian Air Immediately: If you know you will miss your flight, contact Norwegian Air’s Customer Service as soon as possible. Notifying them before the flight departs may allow you to preserve the remaining parts of your itinerary, especially for connecting flights. You can reach out via their website or customer service call center.
- Rebooking Options: For non-refundable tickets like LowFare, rebooking is possible but incurs a fee (e.g., USD for domestic or international flights, plus any fare difference). Changes must be made at least 30 minutes before the original or new departure time, and availability is not guaranteed. Flex fare tickets may allow one free rebooking for international flights, subject to fare differences.
- Refunds: Refunds are generally not available for missed flights on non-refundable tickets unless you have purchased Cancellation Protection and miss the flight due to illness (with proper documentation). If you miss a flight due to reasons within Norwegian Air’s control (e.g., a prior flight delay or cancellation), you may be eligible for rebooking on the next available flight or compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights to or from European airports.
Missed Connecting Flights
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a prior Norwegian Air flight within the same booking, the airline will assist by rebooking you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra cost. You may also be entitled to food, drinks, and accommodation if the delay requires an overnight stay. This applies only to connecting flights booked under one reservation number with Norwegian Air. The airline is not responsible for missed connections with other airlines or separate bookings.
Compensation for Missed Flights
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, if you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by Norwegian Air (and the flights are part of a single booking), you may be eligible for compensation if the delay at your final destination is three hours or more. Compensation amounts depend on the flight distance:
- EUR for flights of 1500 km or less
- EUR for flights within the EU/EEA over 1500 km or other flights between 1500 and 3500 km
- EUR for all other flights
Compensation is not available if the delay or cancellation is due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, strikes, or air traffic control issues).
Recommendations
- Check-In Deadlines: Ensure you meet Norwegian Air’s check-in and boarding deadlines to avoid being considered a no-show. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, and you must drop off checked baggage within specified times.
- Purchase Cancellation Protection: For added security, consider purchasing Norwegian Air’s Cancellation Protection when booking. This allows a full refund if you or a close family member falls ill, provided you submit a medical certificate and cancel before the trip starts.
- Allow Sufficient Connection Time: For connecting flights, Norwegian Air recommends at least 120 minutes between flights to account for potential delays. If you book separate tickets, you bear the risk of missing connections.
- Keep Documentation: If you incur expenses due to a missed flight caused by Norwegian Air, keep itemized receipts for reasonable costs (e.g., food, transport, accommodation) to submit with a compensation claim.
Contact Information
For assistance with a missed flight, visit Norwegian Air’s website for customer service options or contact their call center. Claims for refunds or compensation can be submitted online, ensuring you provide all necessary documentation.
Note: Policies and fees may vary based on your booking’s fare rules and departure country. Always check Norwegian Air’s General Conditions of Carriage and fare rules for your specific ticket type.
