What happens if you miss a flight Alaska?

Missing a flight can be an incredibly stressful and inconvenient experience for any traveler. If you're flying Alaska Airlines and end up missing your flight, you'll want to understand their policies around missed flights, rebooking, refunds/credits, and more. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Alaska Airlines missed flight policy so you know exactly what to expect if you ever find yourself in this situation.

Alaska Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Alaska Airlines has specific policies in place for passengers who miss their scheduled flight. Here's an overview:

• Rebooking: Alaska Airlines will allow you to rebook on the next available flight free of charge as long as seats are available. You can rebook as a standby passenger on the next flight or confirm a seat on a later flight that day or in the next few days.
• Refunds/Credits: Unfortunately, Alaska Airlines does not offer refunds or future travel credits if you miss your flight. Your ticket is still considered “used” and has no residual value. However, you can reuse the unused value towards a new ticket purchase.
• Notifying the Airline: It's important to contact Alaska Airlines as soon as possible if you miss your flight. The sooner they know you won't make the scheduled flight, the sooner they can begin making arrangements to rebook you.
• Failure to Show Up: If you completely fail to show up for your booked flight without notifying the airline, Alaska Airlines will cancel your entire reservation. Any other flights associated with that reservation will also be canceled automatically.
• Exceptions: Alaska Airlines may make exceptions to their policies regarding missed flights during extenuating circumstances like family emergencies, natural disasters, and severe weather events that prevent the passenger from reaching the airport in time. These exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What If My Flight is Delayed/Cancelled?

If your Alaska Airlines flight gets delayed or canceled altogether, their policies are different than if you personally miss the flight. In these situations where the interruption is the airline’s fault, you are entitled to a full refund, even for non-refundable tickets. Alaska Airlines typically rebooks passengers on the next available flight for no additional charge as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about Alaska Airlines missed flight policies:

What if I'm late to the gate?

Unfortunately, if you arrive late to your gate, the aircraft will have likely already pushed back from the terminal and Alaska Airlines will consider this a missed flight scenario.

Can I send someone else if I can't make it?

No, only the ticketed passenger can use the flight. Alaska Airlines will not allow you to send another passenger in your place.

What about weather delays preventing me from arriving on time? If severe weather like a blizzard, hurricane, or tornado prevents you from making your original flight, Alaska Airlines may make exceptions and rebook you without fees. This would be reviewed case-by-case, though.

Conclusion

Missing a flight can derail your travel plans and be a huge headache. While Alaska Airlines does allow for same-day standby and rebooking in many cases, keep in mind that they do not offer refunds, credits, or exceptions except under extenuating circumstances. Your best bet is to plan ahead, arrive early, and contact Alaska Airlines immediately if an emergency situation arises that prevents you from boarding your originally scheduled flight. Being informed of their policies will help ease the stress if you ever find yourself missing a flight.