How far is 6 feet? Just ask the person who barely missed their flight! The chaos and absolute panic of missing a flight is real, but being familiar with United Airlines’ Missed Flight Policy can ease some of that stress. Whether it’s an unexpected delay or simply bad timing, the key is to understand your options. We’ll walk you through what to do if you miss a flight with United Airlines.
If you missed your United flight due to traffic, the airline may label you as a no-show and cancel your entire trip. That’s why it’s crucial to call ahead and see if you can be rebooked on another flight. Keep in mind, a rebooking fee is often required.
What to do if you miss your United flight?
Sometimes life happens—maybe it’s a traffic jam or an emergency that makes you miss your flight. If that’s the case, here are a few steps to consider:
Find a new flight
Whether it’s a missed flight or a delay, United Airlines will usually try to find the best alternatives for you. They might be able to get you on a new flight soon. You can either talk to a United representative or go online to book yourself a new flight.
Rebook your flight
If you miss your flight, you can get rebooked on the next available one. To speed things up, contact a United Airlines representative and avoid waiting in long lines. The agent will help you purchase a new ticket quickly.
Join the standby list
If you know in advance that you’ll miss your flight, let United know. They can add you to the standby list, and you won’t be charged a standby fee. If you don’t see any flights listed on the app or kiosk, speak with the gate agent for assistance in joining the list.
Check nearby airports
If you’re traveling from a different city to the airport and miss your flight, consider nearby airports as an alternative. Sometimes a quick adjustment in your travel plan can get you back on track without much delay.
Will United Airlines refund you if you miss your flight?
If you miss your flight and don’t show up at the airport, United will enforce the no-show policy, meaning your bookings will be canceled, and you won’t get a refund. However, if the missed flight is the airline’s fault, you might be eligible for a refund.
For genuine reasons like emergencies, you can call the United Airlines customer service at 1 (800) 864-8331. In some cases, they may consider issuing a refund.
How can you reschedule your missed flight?
Now, if you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t worry, calm down, and take a deep breath. We’ve got your back. You can rebook your flight if you just missed yours. United Airlines provides many easy options to confirm your new booking. Here’s a breakdown of rescheduling:
Visit the official United Airlines website.
- Find and click the “My Trips” option.
- Enter your confirmation number and last name to access your reservation.
- Select the option to rebook your flight.
- Input your new flight details and choose the best option.
- Pay any fare difference, and confirm your booking.
Pro tip: If you’re running late to the airport and know you’ll miss your flight, call United Airlines right away. The agent can help you book a new flight. Even if you miss the flight, you can still contact them afterward for assistance with rescheduling.
United Airlines missed flight fees
United Airlines has a strict “no-show” policy for tickets. What does that mean? It simply means that if you don’t cancel your reservation at least an hour before your flight, you’ll be charged a $200 fee per person.
Also, it is very important that you make a mental note of their policy. If you make a change within 24 hours of departure, United charges a $150 fee per person. There are exceptions, though. For same-day changes due to emergencies or illness, the fee might not apply.
If your missed flight is due to an involuntary cancellation or rerouting, United will cover meals and accommodations when necessary. You can be reimbursed up to $100 per person for each day you’re delayed.
If you stay overnight in a hotel because of a rerouting, United will also cover one night’s lodging, meals, and transportation. If you need to stay longer, the airline may reimburse up to $500 per person.
For flights delayed or canceled 12 to 24 hours before departure, and if no hotels nearby have rooms available for under $50, United will cover the cost of a hotel room up to $200 per person, per night.