What happens if you don't cancel flight but don't show up?

Consequences of Failing to Cancel a Flight without Showing Up

Introduction

Missing a booked flight raises concerns about the possible repercussions. Passengers who forget to cancel their flight but do not show up at the departure gate face significant consequences, as outlined by airline contracts of carriage. This article explores the implications of such actions.

Forfeiture of Ticket Value

By failing to cancel a flight, the passenger forfeits the remaining value of the ticket, including any connecting legs. Airlines typically enforce this policy to protect themselves against revenue loss due to no-shows. The passenger will not receive a refund or credit for the missed flight, even if they had a valid reason for not showing up.

Automatic Cancellation of Onward Journey

For passengers with connecting flights, failure to appear for the first leg results in automatic cancellation of the onward journey. This is because airlines consider a no-show as a breach of contract. As a result, the passenger will lose the value of their entire itinerary, including any pre-purchased upgrades or additional services.

Safety and Security Concerns

Failing to cancel a flight can also raise safety and security concerns. Airlines may delay or ground flights if they receive information that a passenger who did not show up is still onboard. This can cause disruptions to the airline’s schedule and inconvenience other passengers.

Additional Penalties

In some cases, airlines may impose additional penalties for failing to cancel a flight and not showing up. These penalties can include fees or surcharges that are added to the passenger’s account. Passengers may also be restricted from booking future flights with the same airline for a certain period of time.

Conclusion

Forgetting to cancel a flight you miss has far-reaching consequences. Passengers face forfeiture of the ticket value, automatic cancellation of connecting flights, potential safety and security concerns, and additional penalties. It is crucial for passengers to be aware of these implications and to cancel their flights promptly if they cannot show up. This helps airlines manage their operations efficiently and ensures that other passengers are not affected by no-shows.