Travelers miss their flights for a variety of reasons, including delays at security, mistaking the departure screen details, going to the wrong gate, disruptions between connecting flights, oversleeping, and more. Anywhere from 2% to 8% of passengers miss their flights, depending on the airport or destination, with some airlines, such as EVA Air, charging no-show fees for customers who haven’t canceled or shown up. The best way to ensure you don’t miss a flight is to arrive at the airport earlier than usual. Typically, you should allow two hours for domestic departures and three for international, and add more time if you think you’ll need it.
Why Do So Many People Still Miss Their Flights?
Flying today is more advanced than it has ever been. We’ve got things like fast-track security and online check-in. None of that existed years ago, yet people still manage to miss their flights. It’s understandable, though, getting from point A to point B while navigating all the little hurdles in between isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Things can and do go wrong. While the details vary from person to person, these are the main causes behind missed flights.
The Main Causes of Missed Flights
Delays at Security
Security can go one of two ways: it’s either completely empty with not a soul in sight, or packed like a tin of sardines. If it’s the latter, oh boy, you’re missing that flight if you’ve not given yourself much time to play with.
I always say, plan for the worst when it comes to security. You know how it is, you think you’re going to breeze through it, but then the person in front gets stopped and holds up the queue. Expect the thorough checks. Make sure all your liquids are under 100ml (if the rule applies) and put them in a clear plastic bag, or you’re bound to get stopped. And, if it’s on the banned list, leave it at home, you’re only asking for trouble.
Sleeping in Too Late
Believe it or not, people sleep in and miss their flights much more than you’d think, especially when they’ve got an early morning departure. Maybe you turn off the alarm while still half-asleep, or you just don’t get up at all, sometimes, the tiredness gets the better of you.
Just so you don’t hit that snooze button one too many times, set a few alarms with some breaks in between so you’re more likely to wake up. Another little hack I use is putting my phone somewhere away from my bed before I go to sleep. This way, I’ll eventually be forced to jump up and turn it off. Trust me, a few buzzes later, and you’ll be awake in no time.
Reading the Board Times Incorrectly
Boarding gates can be seriously confusing. Think of all those tiny listings with three different airlines flying to the same destination within the space of an hour, no wonder so many people are missing their flights. The gate number might be easy to remember at first, but after getting through security and taking a quick stroll through duty-free, it’s easy to forget. On top of that, gate numbers can change more than once. At first, it starts with A4, and then when you get there, it ends up being F7 over the other side of the airport.
While it might be a pain, you need to be checking the boards whenever you can. Trust me; the one time you don’t, that will be when it changes, and I say that from experience. That’s exactly how I missed my flight to Dubrovnik last year, sitting at the wrong gate, wondering why boarding hadn’t started, only to realize the doors to the plane were already closed.
Hold-ups Between Connecting Flights
Layovers are just part of the deal when flying long-haul, but booking one with barely any time between flights is asking for trouble. Whenever I hear someone say they booked a 30-minute layover, I roll my eyes. If there’s even a slight delay while en route, you’re going to be screwed. Airlines don’t wait around for anyone. They can’t afford to be late taking off over a single passenger, so they’re leaving with or without you.
Before booking a flight route with a layover, have a look and be perfectly honest with yourself to see if you can actually make it. Research whether you’ll need to clear immigration and re-enter, and consider the size of the airport when planning. What might be good for a small airport like Belfast International isn’t going to work somewhere like London Heathrow.
Issues With Immigration
Depending on your nationality and the place you’re visiting, immigration can take time and be a serious headache. It might be nice to have an EU passport when traveling from Berlin to Budapest, but as soon as you’re outside of your usual bubble, things are different. No more E-scanners, it’s back to lining up and waiting to be called the traditional way and answering questions from a real person.
Be sure to have all the necessary documents ready before immigration. Don’t be the one to get to the counter, rooting around the bottom of your bag looking for some entry form, or they’ll let somebody skip you. Plus, answer all the questions truthfully and be polite toward the agent to avoid any unnecessary complications.
Tricks to Avoid Missing Your Flight
Get Everything Sorted Ahead of Time
Passport, check; visa, check; flight confirmation, check; have it all ready before you head to the airport. Try not to put yourself in a situation where you’re not prepared and it ends up eating into your time for reaching the gate, or else you’ll be sorry.
Give Yourself More Time if You Think You’ll Need It
Factor in how much time you’ll need in the absolute worst-case scenario, and go with that. You might be stuck waiting longer than you’d like for a flight, but it sure beats missing it entirely.
Pack Light
No checked bags means one less thing to do at the airport. If you can throw all your belongings in a carry-on, then go with that option. Putting something under just because you don’t want to carry it around is unnecessary. It’s a small price to pay to make sure you catch your flight.
Turn On Notifications for Your Flight
Plenty of airlines these days give you the option to receive live updates about your flight. Go into the ‘Manage Flight’ section on the airline’s app or activate the option that says ‘Receive Notifications,’ and you’ll get a message every time there’s an alert about your flight.
Skip the Last-Minute Panic: Get to Your Flight on Time
Wave goodbye to late arrivals and close calls, missing flights is a thing of the past for you. From now on, you’ll be ready to hit the airport with confidence and be the first one on that plane, so you can kick back and relax while the rest of them are still stuck in security.
What Happens if You Miss Your Flight After Check-In?
In most cases, an airline will mark you down as a no-show, and you won’t be allowed to board the plane when you reach the gate. However, certain airlines like Southwest may allow you onto the next available flight on standby, but you must have arrived within two hours.
Will I Get a Refund if I Miss My Flight?
Passengers who miss their flight often won’t get a refund because it’s their fault. That said, airlines like Japan Airlines will give you and the person you’re traveling with a refund if it’s due to medical reasons.
What Airlines Charge No-Show Fees?
While no-show fees are rare, certain airlines, such as EVA Air, still charge them. Despite this policy, if you cancel your flight ahead of departure, you won’t have to pay the fine.
What Should I Do if I Miss My Flight?
Anybody with a booking confirmation who misses their flight should approach the nearest airline desk immediately, tell the agent their situation, and ask them to put them on the next available flight. If they can’t fulfill your demands, you’ll have to book the next flight by yourself.