If you’ve ever searched “Can we get refund for missed flight?”, you’re not alone.
Missing a flight is stressful, and most travellers fear losing the entire ticket amount. But here’s the truth: you can get a refund for missed flights in many situations, especially tax refunds and partial refunds.
The problem is—airlines never highlight these refund rules.
In fact, a recent viral Twitter thread revealed how one traveller had to fight for months to get his missed flight tax refund, exposing how airlines hope customers simply forget to follow up.
This detailed guide explains can we get refund for missed flight, how airlines process missed flight refunds, and how YOU can claim your money back efficiently.
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⭐ What Actually Happens When You Miss a Flight?
Before understanding can we get refund for missed flight, it’s important to know how airlines classify missed flights.
When a passenger fails to board, the ticket becomes “No Show.”
A “No Show” means:
- Your seat went empty
- Your ticket is considered used
- Base fare is non-refundable
But a “No Show” does NOT cancel your right to a refund.
You are still eligible for:
- Airport tax refund
- Government fee refund
- Fuel surcharge refund (sometimes)
- Partial refund (if refundable ticket)
- Credit shell
- Rebooking options
So yes, you can get refund for missed flight, but only if you request it correctly.
⭐ Can We Get Refund for Missed Flight? — Direct Answer
YES — but the refund depends on ticket type, airline policy, and how fast you request it.
You can get:
✔ Airport Taxes Refund
✔ Fuel Surcharge Refund
✔ Partial Refund (Refundable Tickets)
✔ Travel Credit / Credit Shell
✔ Free or discounted rescheduling
You cannot get:
❌ Base fare (unless airline is responsible)
❌ Convenience fees
❌ Add-on services
Knowing this is key to successfully claiming refund for missed flights.
🧾 Real User Case Study: How a Passenger Claimed Missed Flight Refund
This real example clearly answers can we get refund for missed flight in practical terms.
A traveller missed his Air India Delhi → Bengaluru flight. Here’s what happened:
1. He requested Air India to mark his booking as “No Show.”
This is essential for refund eligibility.
2. He waited 3 months — but no refund was processed.
Airlines rarely refund automatically.
3. After escalation, the airline shared a refund form, which they never send by default.
He completed the form and submitted it.
4. Refund was issued within 24 hours after form submission.
If he had not followed up, the money would be lost.
His conclusion:
“This refund would have been gone if I didn’t track it. Airlines/OTAs expect people to forget.”
This reinforces why understanding can we get refund for missed flight is crucial for travellers.
🛫 How to Claim Refund for Missed Flight (Step-by-Step)
This section explains the complete process for how can we get refund for missed flight with any airline.
✔ Step 1: Visit Airline Support Portal
Official airline refund pages:
✈ Air India
Customer Support Portal | Air India
✈ IndiGo
✈ Akasa Air
Customer Support | Contact us | Akasa Air
Use airline channels—not OTAs—for higher success.
✔ Step 2: Ask Airline to Mark PNR as “No Show”
Say clearly:
“Please mark my booking as No Show and initiate the tax refund to original payment method.”
This is required before airlines can process refund.
✔ Step 3: Request a Refund Case ID
Without a case ID, your “refund for missed flight” may never be processed.
Ask for:
- Case ID
- TAT (turnaround time)
- Escalation team contact
✔ Step 4: Follow Up After 7–10 Days
Politely request escalation:
“My missed flight refund is pending beyond TAT. Kindly escalate.”
This is where most refunds get approved.
✔ Step 5: Escalate Through Government Channels (Highly Effective)
If airline delays refund:
✈ AirSewa (DGCA Portal)
https://airsewa.gov.in/grievance/grievance
✈ AirSewa Mobile App
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=aero.aai.airsewa
Airlines respond quickly when DGCA gets involved.
⭐ If Airline Is Responsible for You Missing the Flight
In this case, you get maximum benefits, including:
✔ Full refund
✔ Free rebooking
✔ Meals
✔ Hotel stay (for international flights)
✔ Priority on next flight
Examples of airline-fault missed flights:
- Gate change without announcement
- Technical issues
- Delayed incoming aircraft
- Airline-caused connecting flight delays
If airline is responsible, you don’t even need to ask can we get refund for missed flight — you are entitled to it.
⭐ Flat Tire Rule — The Secret Many Don’t Know
If you reached late due to:
- Traffic
- Flat tyre
- Sudden delay
And reported to airport within 2–4 hours of departure, many airlines offer:
✔ Free rebooking
✔ Reduced fee
✔ Same-day accommodation
Ask at the counter:
“Is same-day reaccommodation or flat tire rule applicable?”
⭐ Types of Refund You Get After Missing a Flight
Here are the refund components you CAN claim:
✔ 1. Airport Taxes (100% Refundable)
A major portion of your refund.
✔ 2. Fuel Surcharge (Partial Refund)
✔ 3. Government Fees
Some airlines refund GST as well.
✔ 4. Refundable Ticket Fare
✔ 5. Travel Credit (Valid 6–12 Months)
This section boosts keyword relevance for “refund for missed flight” and LSI matching.
⭐ Should You Claim Refund Through OTAs?
MakeMyTrip and other apps add complications:
- Delayed processing
- Additional fees
- Slower support
Always submit your missed flight refund request directly with the airline.
⭐ Connecting Flights: Refund Rules Explained
✔ If both flights are on the same PNR:
You get full protection, including rebooking and accommodation.
❌ If separate PNRs:
You are responsible for missing the next flight.
⭐ Reasons Airlines Reject Missed Flight Refunds
- No Show not marked
- Delayed request
- Request submitted only through OTA
- Missing documents
- No escalation
- Internal airline delays
Most rejections happen because passengers don’t know how can we get refund for missed flight correctly.
⭐ Sample Email for Refund Request
Subject: Request to Initiate Tax Refund for Missed Flight (PNR XXXXX)
Dear Team,
I missed my flight scheduled on [Date]. Kindly mark my PNR as No Show and initiate the tax refund to the original payment method. Please share the case ID for tracking.
Thank you.
⭐ FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can we get refund for missed flight?
Yes. You can get refund for taxes, partial fare, and sometimes rebooking benefits.
2. Is base fare refundable if we miss a flight?
No, unless the airline is responsible.
3. How long does refund for missed flight take?
5–30 working days depending on airline.
4. Can we get refund for missed connecting flights?
Yes, if flights are on same PNR.
5. What is the easiest way to get refund for missed flight?
Ask airline to mark “No Show,” get case ID, follow up, and escalate if required.
⭐ Final Summary — Can We Get Refund for Missed Flight?
Yes — you CAN get refund for missed flight, but only if you take action. Airlines rarely refund automatically; you must:
- Request No Show
- Ask for case ID
- Follow up
- Escalate if needed
With the steps above, you can easily recover taxes, fees, and even rebook your journey at minimal cost.