If you miss a Qatar 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 Qatar 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.
- Change Fee: A fee for modifying your booking, based on the ticket type.
- 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 Qatar Airways, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost, provided the delay was within their control. This applies to flights on the same booking.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights depend on the fare type and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Economy Lite and Economy Classic fares are generally non-refundable if you miss the flight, though some value may be retained for future travel, subject to fees.
- Refundable Tickets: Economy Flex, Business, and First Class fares may be eligible for a refund if unused, depending on the 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.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by Qatar Airways, you may be entitled to a refund or rebooking without additional fees. For flights departing from or arriving in the EU or UK, you may also be eligible for compensation under EU261 or UK261 regulations if the delay exceeds three hours and is within the airline’s control.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact Qatar Airways immediately via their customer service 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 or compensation as per applicable regulations.
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. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Qatar Airways website or contact their customer service.
