Reconfirming your flight
If you are flying to a destination outside Europe, you will need to reconfirm all flights. This does not apply to the outbound flight, unless you make an enroute stopover of more than 72 hours. If you fail to reconfirm, you run the risk that your reservation (for the return or continuing flight) will be cancelled by the airline. Just how much in advance you will need to reconfirm varies from airline to airline.
Why reconfirm?
Reconfirming a flight means that:
- You tell the airline that you will definitely be travelling on the (reserved) flight.
- You check to see if the flight number(s) and the departure and arrival times are still correct.
How do you go about reconfirming a flight?
You should reconfirm your flight locally with the airline with which you are flying. You can either do this in person at the airport or by telephone. Local travel agents or the hotel at which you are staying can often reconfirm the flight for you or provide you with the relevant telephone number.
Reconfirming charter flights
If you are flying with a charter company it is also essential that you reconfirm your flight. In the case of charter flights the main reason for the reconfirmation is to check whether the return flight is still planned for the scheduled date and time.
You reconfirm with the representative of the travel organisation with which you booked the flight or with the airline at your destination.
Tips
- Even if the airline does not stipulate that you have to reconfirm, it is still advisable for you to do so. You are then always sure that the departure times are still correct and that you are booked on the correct flight.
- Always make a note of the date and time on which you confirmed the flight and the name of the airline employee. You might need this information if anything goes wrong.
For more information about the rules for reconfirming flights always contact the airline with which you are flying.
