If you miss a SriLankan Airlines flight, the airline’s policies, as outlined in their Conditions of Carriage, will apply. SriLankan Airlines is the flag carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the Oneworld alliance, operating primarily from Bandaranaike International Airport. Below is an overview of what happens and your options when you miss a flight, based on available information.
No-Show Policy
If you miss your flight without notifying SriLankan 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, depending on the fare rules. A no-show penalty may apply for rebooking or refund requests.
- Notification: To avoid no-show penalties, contact SriLankan Airlines at least five hours before the flight departure via their Global Contact Center, website, mobile app, or airport counter. Early notification may help preserve the validity of remaining flight segments.
- Fees: No-show penalties vary by fare type and route. Non-refundable fares, such as Economy Lite or Economy Standard, typically lose their value if you miss the flight. Rebooking may incur a fee, plus any fare difference.
- Impact on Itinerary: Missing a flight may lead to the cancellation of all subsequent flights in the same booking, as SriLankan Airlines treats the itinerary as a single contract.
Rebooking Options
If you miss a flight due to reasons within your control, rebooking is possible, subject to availability and fare rules. Changes can be made via the Manage Booking portal, mobile app, Global Contact Center, or airport counter. Additional charges may include:
- No-Show Fee: A penalty may be charged for missing the flight without prior notice, depending on the fare type and destination.
- Change Fee: Non-refundable fares, such as Economy Lite, may not allow changes, requiring a new ticket purchase. Flexible fares, like Economy Flex or Business, may permit changes with a fee, subject to fare rules.
- Fare Difference: You must pay any difference between the original fare and the new flight’s fare. No refund is provided if the new fare is lower.
If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay caused by SriLankan Airlines, and both flights are on the same booking, 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, accommodation, or transport for significant delays, such as overnight stays. For separate bookings, SriLankan Airlines 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 fare type and circumstances:
- Non-Refundable Tickets: Economy Lite or Economy Standard fares 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 Economy Flex or Business, may be eligible for a refund if unused, subject to fare rules and an administration fee. Refunds are processed to the original payment method within fourteen 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.
- Airline-Caused Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation caused by SriLankan Airlines, and arrive at your destination more than three hours late, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for flights to or from the EU, ranging from two hundred fifty euros to six hundred euros, depending on flight distance, provided the delay was within the airline’s control. You may also request a refund for the unused ticket portion or rebooking without fees.
- Airport Taxes and Fees: If you miss a flight, you may request a refund for taxes and fees, subject to an administration fee, within a specified period.
- Denied Boarding or Overbooking: If you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 for EU flights, along with a refund or rebooking.
Steps to Take if You Miss a Flight
If you miss your flight, follow these steps:
- Contact SriLankan Airlines immediately via their Global Contact Center, Manage Booking portal, mobile app, or airport counter to explore rebooking options or confirm travel on subsequent flights.
- Review your ticket’s fare rules on the SriLankan Airlines 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 website or Global Contact Center, providing booking details and supporting documents like receipts or photos.
- For tickets purchased through a travel agent, contact the agent directly for changes or refunds, as verification may be required.
- Submit refund or compensation claims promptly, as customer reviews indicate delays in processing, with some refunds taking up to fourteen business days or longer.
Additional Information
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 EU Regulation 261/2004, provided the delay was within SriLankan Airlines’ control. Compensation is not provided for delays or cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances, such as weather or air traffic control issues. SriLankan Airlines recommends checking in online twenty-four hours to two hours before departure to avoid missing check-in deadlines, as counters close one hour before departure. Customer reviews on platforms like Reddit highlight challenges with refund processing, with some passengers reporting delays of several months. The airline’s financial difficulties and government ownership may impact service reliability and claim processing.
