What if I miss a connecting flight on purpose?

Consequences of Intentionally Missing a Connecting Flight

Intentionally missing a connecting flight can result in a loss of the value of your ticket, as most airlines do not offer refunds or credits for missed connections. Here’s a breakdown of the potential consequences:

Loss of Ticket Value:

If you miss a connecting flight intentionally, the value of your ticket is typically lost. This means you will not be able to rebook your flight or receive a refund. The airline may consider it a “no-show” and cancel your entire reservation.

No Additional Fines:

In general, airlines do not impose additional fines for intentionally missing a connecting flight unless you have a previous history of frequent cancellations. However, the airline may charge you a fee for rebooking your flight onto a later date or time.

Minimal Compensation:

Compensation for missed connections is often minimal or nonexistent. Airlines may provide some assistance, such as rerouting you to your destination on a later flight or offering a meal voucher, but the value is usually not significant.

Other Considerations:

• Visa restrictions: If you have a layover that requires a visa, intentionally missing the connecting flight could invalidate your visa.
• Travel insurance: Some travel insurance policies may not cover missed connections due to intentional actions.
• Impact on loyalty programs: Missing connecting flights can negatively affect your status in airline loyalty programs.
• Future travel: Repeatedly missing connecting flights may flag your account and make it more difficult to book flights or obtain visas in the future.

Conclusion:

Intentionally missing a connecting flight is generally not advisable due to the potential loss of ticket value and minimal compensation. If you must miss a flight, it is best to contact the airline promptly and explain the reason for your absence. While the consequences may still apply, the airline may be more understanding and make an exception if your reasons are legitimate.