You see “gate closed”, your stomach drops, you blink twice hoping it’s a mistake. It isn’t. Your flight left without you — and now your brain goes into panic mode.

Breathe. Missing a flight is extremely common and the outcome depends on *why* it happened — your delay, delays caused by the airport, or issues caused by the airline. Let’s go through it calmly.

1, The first minutes, what to actually do

Before searching online, do these immediately:

• Go straight to your airline’s service desk.
• Have passport, booking code and boarding pass ready.
• Ask clearly: “What options do I have right now?”
• Write down names, times and what you were told.

2, If it was your fault

• You arrived late at the gate.
• You confused the time.
• You got lost in the duty free.

The airline is *not obligated* to rebook you for free, but these options often exist:

• Standby for the next flight.
• Rebooking by paying the fare difference.
• Same day change (many low-cost carriers offer this).

3, If it’s the airline’s or airport’s fault

• Your previous flight (same airline) arrived late.
• Security or passport control delays.
• Gate change without proper notification.

If both flights were under the same booking, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight.

4, Passenger rights in Europe

• Compensation for cancellations.
• Money or vouchers for overbooking.
• Refunds and compensation are different things.

5, Overbooking, delays, cancellations

Overbooking

The airline sold more seats than available.

Long delays

You may be entitled to meals or accommodation.

Full cancellation

You can request a refund or a new flight.

6, How to reduce the financial loss

• Compare ticket prices before accepting a rebook.
• Use free-cancellation hotels to reduce cost.
• Keep every receipt.

7, How to avoid missing a flight again

• Arrive earlier than you think.
• 2 hours for Europe, 3 for long-haul.
• Enable airline notifications.
• Avoid tight connections.

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