If you miss a Qantas Airways flight, the airline’s policies, as outlined in their Conditions of Carriage, will apply. Below is an overview of what happens and your options when you miss a flight.
No-Show Policy
If you miss your flight without notifying Qantas Airways in advance, it is considered a "no-show." This may result in the cancellation of your entire itinerary, including onward or return flights. Your ticket may still hold value, but rebooking or changes may incur additional fees.
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact the airline as soon as possible before the flight departure via their customer service or at the airport counter.
- Fees: A no-show fee may apply if you fail to notify the airline before departure. The fee depends on the fare type and ticket conditions.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing a flight without prior notification may lead to the cancellation of remaining flights in your booking.
Rebooking Options
If you miss a flight due to reasons within your control, you may be able to rebook on a later flight, subject to availability and fare rules. Additional charges may include:
- No-Show Fee: A fee for missing the flight without prior notice, which varies by fare type.
- Change Fee: A fee for modifying your booking, depending on the ticket type. For example, Economy Sale fares may not allow changes, while Economy Flex or Business fares may permit changes with a fee or without a fee.
- Fare Difference: Any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by Qantas Airways, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, provided the delay was within their control. They may also provide meal vouchers, accommodations, or transport if the delay results in an overnight stay.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights depend on the fare type and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Economy Sale and some Economy Choice fares are generally non-refundable if you miss the flight, and the ticket value may be lost unless specified otherwise in the fare rules.
- Refundable Tickets: Economy Flex, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class fares may be eligible for a refund if unused, subject to fare rules.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For bookings made at least seven days before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty, regardless of fare type, if purchased directly from Qantas Airways.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by Qantas Airways, you are entitled to a refund to your original payment method or a rebooking without additional fees. For flights within Australia, you may be eligible for compensation under the Australian Consumer Law if the issue was within the airline’s control. For flights to or from the EU or UK, compensation may be available under EU261 or UK261 regulations if you arrive more than three hours late due to an airline-caused delay.
- Flight Credits: If eligible, Qantas may issue flight credits for future travel instead of a refund. However, posts on X have indicated customer frustration with Qantas issuing time-limited flight credits for cancellations, which some perceive as restrictive.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact Qantas Airways immediately via their customer service, online Manage Booking portal, or at the airport counter to explore rebooking options.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules to understand applicable fees and refund eligibility.
- If the missed flight was due to an airline-caused delay, request rebooking, compensation, or a refund as per applicable regulations.
- For tickets purchased through a travel agent, contact the agent directly for changes or refunds.
Additional Information
For flights departing from or arriving in the EU or UK, if you miss a connecting flight due to an airline-caused delay and arrive at your destination three hours or more late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261 or UK261 regulations, provided the delay was within the airline’s control. Compensation amounts vary based on flight distance. No compensation is provided for delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or air traffic control issues.
