If you miss a Singapore Airlines 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 Singapore Airlines in advance, it is considered a "no-show." This may result in the cancellation of subsequent flights in your itinerary, such as return or onward flights, and you may forfeit the ticket value. A no-show fee may apply if you wish to rebook or refund the ticket.
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact Singapore Airlines before the flight departure via their website, mobile app, or customer service. If you submit a request form before departure for medical or compassionate reasons, no-show fees may be waived.
- Fees: No-show fees vary by fare type and destination. For commercial tickets, fees are charged in SGD, with Economy Class fees varying by fare type (e.g., Value, Standard, Flexi). For award tickets, no-show fees are not applicable as these tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable, meaning the ticket value is lost if missed.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing an earlier flight segment may lead to the cancellation of later segments in the same booking. However, missing a later segment (e.g., a return flight) does not incur a no-show fee unless you request a refund or reschedule.
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. Changes can be made online via Manage Booking, the mobile app, or through the customer service center. Additional charges may include:
- No-Show Fee: A fee for missing the flight without prior notice, applied when rebooking or refunding, not automatically. The fee depends on the cabin class and destination.
- Change Fee: A fee for modifying your booking, depending on the ticket type. Economy Lite and Standard fares typically incur change fees, while Economy Flex or Premium Economy/Business/Suites fares may allow changes with lower or no fees.
- Fare Difference: Any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare. If the new fare is lower, no refund for the difference is provided.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by Singapore Airlines, and both flights are on the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. They may also provide meal vouchers, accommodation, or transport if the delay results in an overnight stay. For separate bookings, you may need to purchase a new ticket, as the airline is not responsible for missed connections.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights depend on the fare type and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Economy Lite and Standard fares are generally non-refundable if you miss the flight, resulting in the loss of the ticket value. Only refundable taxes may be returned, subject to a cancellation fee.
- Refundable Tickets: Economy Flex, Premium Economy, Business, or Suites fares may be eligible for a refund if unused, subject to fare rules and applicable fees. Refunds are credited to the original payment method within seven business days for credit card purchases or twenty business days for cash/check purchases.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For bookings made at least seven days before departure for flights to or from the USA, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking without penalty, regardless of fare type, for a full refund.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by Singapore Airlines, you are entitled to a refund of the unused ticket portion or rebooking without additional fees. For flights departing from or arriving in the EU or UK, if you arrive more than three hours late due to an airline-caused delay, you may be entitled to compensation under EU261 or UK261 regulations, ranging from two hundred fifty euros to six hundred euros or two hundred twenty pounds to five hundred twenty pounds, depending on flight distance.
- Airport Taxes and Fees: If you miss a flight, you can request a refund for airport taxes and fees, subject to an administration fee, within a specified period.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact Singapore Airlines immediately via their customer service, Manage Booking portal, mobile app, or at the airport transfer desk to explore rebooking options or confirm travel on subsequent flights.
- 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, as verification may be required.
- Submit claims for compensation or refunds through the Singapore Airlines website or customer service, providing booking details and supporting documents if applicable.
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 is not provided for delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or air traffic control issues. For connecting flights, ensure all segments are on a single booking to guarantee airline responsibility for missed connections. Singapore Airlines operates a hub-and-spoke model at Changi Airport, which is highly efficient, minimizing connection issues. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the Singapore Airlines website or contact their customer service.
