Missed Flight Leg: Can You Still Catch the Next One?

In the world of air travel, missed connections can be a frustrating experience. If you've booked a return flight from YVR (Vancouver) to MNL (Manila) with multiple stopovers (YVR-Seattle-Haneda-Manila and Manila-Haneda-YVR), and you're considering skipping the Manila to Haneda leg, you might be wondering if you can still catch the Haneda-YVR flight.

The short answer is: it depends on your airline's policy and the type of ticket you've purchased.

Understanding Airline Policies

Airlines have strict rules regarding missed flights or flight segments. Most airlines consider a missed flight segment as a "no-show," and they may cancel the remaining portions of your itinerary. This means that if you miss the Manila to Haneda leg, the airline might automatically cancel your Haneda-YVR flight.

However, some airlines may be more lenient, especially if you've booked a flexible or refundable ticket. In such cases, they might allow you to catch the next available flight to your final destination (YVR) without penalty.

Checking Your Ticket Type

The key factor in determining whether you can skip a flight leg and still catch the next one is the type of ticket you've purchased. Here are the typical scenarios:

Non-refundable Ticket: If you've booked a non-refundable ticket, which is often the case for economy class tickets, the airline is likely to cancel the remaining segments if you miss a flight leg. This means you may not be able to board the Haneda-YVR flight, and you might have to purchase a new ticket at a higher cost.

Refundable or Flexible Ticket: If you've purchased a refundable or flexible ticket (often more expensive), the airline may allow you to skip a flight leg and catch the next available flight to your final destination (YVR). However, you might have to pay a change fee or fare difference.

Contacting the Airline

The best course of action is to contact your airline directly and explain your situation. Be upfront about your plan to skip the Manila to Haneda leg and inquire about their policy regarding missed flight segments. Some airlines may be willing to make an exception or offer alternative options, especially if you have a valid reason for missing the flight (e.g., a tight connection time).

It's crucial to have this conversation with the airline well in advance, as last-minute changes can be more challenging and may incur additional fees or penalties.

Final Thoughts

While it may be tempting to skip a flight leg to save time or money, it's important to understand the potential consequences and review your airline's policies carefully. Skipping a flight segment without the airline's approval can lead to canceled reservations, additional costs, or even denied boarding.

If you're uncertain about your options or the airline's policies, it's best to err on the side of caution and either follow your original itinerary or make official changes through