SkyWest Airlines operates as a regional carrier for major airlines, including Delta Air Lines (Delta Connection), United Airlines (United Express), American Airlines (American Eagle), and Alaska Airlines (Alaska SkyWest). As such, the missed flight policy for SkyWest-operated flights aligns with the policies of the partner airline responsible for the booking. Below is an overview of what happens when you miss a SkyWest-operated flight, based on general practices and partner airline policies.
No-Show Policy
If you miss a SkyWest-operated flight without notifying the partner airline 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, depending on the partner airline’s fare rules.
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact the partner airline (Delta, United, American, or Alaska) before the flight departure via their customer service, website, mobile app, or airport counter. SkyWest does not handle direct bookings or customer service for reservations, as these are managed by the partner airline.
- Fees: A no-show may result in the loss of the ticket value for non-refundable fares. Some partner airlines may charge a no-show fee or change fee for rebooking, which varies by fare type and partner airline policy.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing a flight may lead to the cancellation of remaining flights in your booking, as partner airlines typically treat the itinerary as a single contract.
Rebooking Options
If you miss a flight due to reasons within your control, rebooking options depend on the partner airline’s fare rules and availability. You may need to contact the partner airline to rebook. Additional charges may include:
- Change Fee: Non-refundable fares, such as basic economy tickets with Delta, United, American, or Alaska, may incur a change fee, while more flexible fares (e.g., Main Cabin, Economy Flex, or First Class) may allow changes with lower or no fees, depending on the partner airline.
- Fare Difference: You must pay any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare. If the new fare is lower, no refund for the difference is typically provided.
- Same-Day Changes: Some partner airlines, like Delta or United, may offer same-day confirmed changes for a fee, subject to availability, if you contact them promptly at the airport or via customer service.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by SkyWest or the partner airline, and both flights are on the same booking, the partner 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, accommodation, or transport for significant delays, such as overnight stays. For separate bookings, the airline is not responsible for missed connections, and you may need to purchase a new ticket.
Compensation and Refunds
Refunds or compensation for missed flights depend on the partner airline’s fare rules and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Basic economy or similar non-refundable fares with Delta, United, American, or Alaska are typically non-refundable if you miss the flight, resulting in the loss of the ticket value, though taxes may be refundable.
- Refundable Tickets: Flexible fares, such as Main Cabin, Premium Economy, or First Class, may be eligible for a refund if unused, subject to the partner airline’s rules and fees. Refunds are processed to the original payment method, typically within seven to twenty business days.
- 24-Hour Cancellation Rule: For bookings to or from the US, you can cancel within twenty-four hours of purchase for a full refund, regardless of fare type, if booked at least seven days before departure, as per US regulations.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by SkyWest or the partner airline, 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, if you arrive more than three hours late due to an airline-caused delay, you may be entitled to compensation under EC 261/2004 regulations, ranging from two hundred fifty euros to six hundred euros, depending on flight distance.
- Airport Taxes and Fees: If you miss a flight, you may request a refund for taxes and fees through the partner airline, subject to an administration fee, within a specified period.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss a SkyWest-operated flight, follow these steps:
- Contact the partner airline (Delta, United, American, or Alaska) immediately via their customer service, website, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or confirm travel on subsequent flights.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules on the partner airline’s website to understand applicable fees and refund eligibility.
- If the missed flight was due to an airline-caused delay, request rebooking, compensation, or a refund through the partner airline’s channels.
- For tickets purchased through a travel agent, contact the agent directly for changes or refunds, as verification may be required.
- Monitor flight status on the partner airline’s website or app to stay updated on any disruptions.
Additional Information
SkyWest Airlines operates flights on behalf of Delta, United, American, and Alaska, and thus, their missed flight policies are dictated by the partner airline’s rules. For flights departing from or arriving in the EU, 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 EC 261/2004 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 the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the website of the partner airline (Delta, United, American, or Alaska) or contact their customer service.
