Airline Reservations | Terms & Restrictions {Good To Know}

Post Last Modified – February 28, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com

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Know Your Airline Reservations & Restrictions

You definitely don’t want your travel plans disrupted because of specific airline policies, you may not
be aware of.
So, I thought I would share some very important travel information on your …

Airline Reservations Terms & Restrictions

that you should be aware of, especially should you happen to miss your flight.

Did you know, if you should miss one segment of booked flights, the airlines have the right to cancel your entire reservation

That’s right!

Missing your flight can be a stressful and a very costly experience. First, check out this very informative video from a fellow travel blogger, explaining a few …
Mistakes International Travelers Make for Air Travel.

5 Common Flight Mistakes International Travelers Make – YouTube Video

Airline Flight Restrictions Regarding Missed Flights

Airline Reservation Policies

I personally, have experienced first hand what it’s like to miss a flight. This happened after being caught in heavy traffic and of course, not being aware of my airlines strict policies, when it happened.

After arriving at the airport late for my flight, I discovered my {connecting flight}, had also been cancelled automatically. My chosen airline graciously put me on standby, for the next available flight.
Fortunately, there was a seat available for me.

If not, it could have cost me another full fare. This could have happened because I had not informed the
airlines soon enough, as required in their reservation policy.

Airline Reservations – Example

Air Canada Airplane Ticket

Here’s an example of a typical missed flight scenario …

Let’s say a person has a flight from; Bellingham, Washington to Phoenix, Arizona in the United States, with a quick stopover and connecting flight in; Seattle, Washington.

This is a quick 20 minute flight to Seattle, where you make your connection onto Phoenix. You have a return flight with the exact same itinerary.

This individual has paid for all his airline reservations in full, and they are set to go!

Traffic Jam

Photo by Chi Hou Ong from Pexels

Then, as luck as it, they get stuck in traffic and miss the first segment of their flight. That person proceeds to the check in counter of the selected airline, and discovers that their entire flight reservations had been cancelled.

Even for their next connecting flight!

Suddenly, that persons jaw drops and heart skips a beat. He simply cannot believe what he is hearing. Had he read that {airlines reservation policy} ahead of time, he may have been able to avoid this from happening.

Airline Reservations & Airline Flight Policies

missed flight clip art

If you are a; No Show or Do Not Call, within a prescribed time limit prior to your departure with most major carriers, your airline reservations are normally cancelled.

Don’t ever assume that if you miss any segment of a flight reservation, that you still hold your reservations for your other flights! Flat Tire Drawing

Most airlines do have a flat tire or ⏰ 2 hour rule, that you should be
familiar with. You need to call the airlines no later than 2 hours after missing your flight, otherwise you are out of luck completely!

Read The Fine Print On Airline Flight Policies

Air India Airplane

It’s really important to read and be familiar with policies for your selected airline, prior to your departure. For example, have a quick look at …

Alaska Airlines Missed Flight Policy,
of typical airline guidelines regarding a; missed or no-show airline flight reservation.
At the bottom of the page, it clearly specifies what their rules are.

“We’ll cancel your flight reservation and all continuing and return flights.”

Airline Boarding Gate

For normal domestic flights, you need to be at the gate ready to board at least 30 minutes before departure. This is pretty standard with most airlines for domestic flights.

For international flights, you should be at the gate at least one hour before your flight.

With tougher security measures in place and with the extra waits that are now standard to pass through security,
it is even more important that you arrive extra early to get to your boarding gate.

Arrived Late And Missed Your Flight?

You must immediately proceed to your airlines customer service desk, or check in counter.

It is strongly suggested that you try to remain calm, and do not get angry with your airline representative. They will do what they can to accommodate you. In most cases they will try to arrange to get you on the next available flight.

airline reservations ticket counter

You may have to be put on standby and perhaps pay a surcharge as well, depending on availability.

Review Airline Reservation Policies Before Travel

Plane reservations

This is standard for most airlines and it is certainly better than having to purchase new tickets,
at full fare. The airlines are competing for business and they definitely want your repeat business.

So if you remain calm and be as polite as you can with the airline employee, they will certainly do their best for you.

Airlines Are Not Obliged To Book Another Flight

Airline Reservations & Flight Restrictions

Photo by Jerry Wang from Pexels

Most airlines will do what they can to assist you, but be forewarned, they are under no obligation to;
re-schedule a new flight for you.

They will hopefully be able to book new airline reservation for you and if the flights are not full, they can usually re-book you back on the same flights you had.

In the event that you are going to be late, you must call the airline as soon as you can and make them aware of your situation.

This can also be easier said than done!
Have you ever tried calling an airline? Good Luck!!

Cellphone Call

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Have you ever tried to call the airlines without remaining on hold forever?

As well, read the information on your insurance policy and see if you have any cancellation coverage.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be covered for your loss.

Just a quick tip that I feel is something everyone should be aware of, when traveling by air. Especially when connecting flights are involved. You may also enjoy reading my recent article on …

Airplane Travel Etiquette Yes, there are some simple rules of etiquette that you should follow when flying.

Safe and Healthy Travels!

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Did You Know …

“American Airlines Started The Very First Frequent Flyer Mileage Program Back In 1981.”

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