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We certainly won’t argue with that: travelling in Europe is undeniably an exciting experience. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, we find ourselves in a particularly stressful situation: missing our flight. What should you do if this happens to you? How can you manage this situation without panicking?
Millions of passengers pass through European airports every day, and it’s not uncommon for a delay to cause a real headache. In 2023, Eurostat reported that approximately 1.4 billion air passengers travelled within the European Union, and among them, several thousand had to deal with missed flights. In this article, we give you practical and specific tips to avoid being caught off guard if you miss your flight.
Reacting quickly: the first step
Missing your flight is far from ideal, but it’s important to stay calm and act quickly. What should you do if you miss your plane? The first thing to do is go to the airline’s check-in counter. Explain your situation. Some airlines, especially major carriers like Air France, Lufthansa, or British Airways, can sometimes offer solutions on the spot. This might include booking a later flight at no extra cost, or in some cases, with a discount.
But be aware, remember this: airlines are not legally obligated to rebook you on another flight free of charge if you miss yours. However, if you missed your flight due to circumstances beyond your control (a delayed connection, unexpected traffic jams, etc.), some airlines have more flexible policies. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to be courteous and clearly explain your situation.
💸 Can we get a refund for our plane ticket if the delay is our fault?
Yes, at least part of it, explains Le Figaro Voyages. More precisely, a quarter of the ticket price, which actually covers airport and security taxes. The process must be completed within one month, and preferably online, to avoid the (rather significant) costs of processing by mail.
🕰️ What should you do if your flight is cancelled? It’s not your fault, so you don’t have to suffer the consequences. Here’s what you’re entitled to.
Consider travel insurance and its coverage.
Another crucial point concerns travel insurance. Although often overlooked, it can be a real asset in these situations. According to a study by the European Travel Insurance Association, only 25% of European travellers take out insurance before leaving. Yet, these insurance policies generally cover cases where you miss a flight, provided you have a valid reason such as a health problem or a road accident.
If you have such insurance, contact your insurer immediately. You will likely need to provide supporting documents, such as a medical certificate or an accident report. If covered, the costs associated with changing your flight or making a new reservation may be covered, and even hotel expenses if you are stranded overnight.
Some premium credit cards, such as American Express Gold or Visa Premier, also automatically include travel insurance when you pay for your tickets with these cards. This can save you a lot of financial hassle.
✈️ What about your connecting flight? You had two flights, with the same airline, to get to your destination. But the first flight was delayed, preventing you from taking the next one. Don’t panic. In this specific case, the airline is obligated to find you a flight quickly, or cover your accommodation if the next flight isn’t available until the following day.
Last-minute options: flights, trains and hotels
If you miss your flight and the next one is a while away, don’t panic! Europe has a very well-developed and interconnected transport network. If you’re in a situation where waiting for a replacement flight isn’t an option (business meetings, personal events), you can consider other possibilities, such as taking the train or even renting a car.
Let’s take the example of rail lines in Europe: the TGV or Eurostar can be efficient ways to quickly travel between cities like Paris, Brussels, London, or Amsterdam. Depending on your destination, these options can even be faster than flying. Consider checking platforms like Trainline or the websites of the rail operators directly to verify availability.
Is your next flight tomorrow? Rather than booking a hotel and going through the airport process again, why not opt for a night train? 🗺️ Here is a map of the routes in Europe.
💡 Tip: To find out about destinations available less than 5 hours away by train near you, we wrote this article.
However, if you opt for a last-minute flight, be aware that prices can quickly rise, especially at busy airports like Heathrow in London or Charles de Gaulle. Using price comparison websites such as Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you find cheaper tickets, even at the last minute.
Sometimes, missing your flight also means having to find emergency accommodation, especially if you have to wait several hours or even overnight before your next flight. In these situations, it’s essential to act quickly, as hotels near airports are often fully booked, particularly during holidays or major events. You can quickly get an idea of what’s available using the form below.
How can I avoid missing my flight next time?
Once the emergency has passed, it’s always helpful to think about how to avoid finding yourself in a similar situation in the future. On average, it’s recommended to arrive at the airport two to three hours before departure, but this depends on the destination and the size of the airport. However, many passengers underestimate the time needed to go through security or get to the boarding gate, especially at major European hubs (💡 try typing your destination into our search bar ; we have many airport/city centre routes).
Major airports like Frankfurt, Schiphol, or Madrid-Barajas can be very confusing, especially during peak hours. Consider using online check-in to save time, and track real-time security wait times through airport apps. If you have priority access (often offered with certain credit cards or loyalty programs), take advantage of it to reduce your wait times.
Finally, technology can be a valuable ally. Applications like FlightAware or App in the Air allow you to track flight information in real time, receive alerts about potential delays, or even quickly find alternatives in case of an emergency.
What to do if you miss your flight is a question many travellers dread having to ask themselves one day, but by taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of missing your flight.