What to do straight away if you are about to miss your flight
You realise you are late for your flight. This is what you do:
1. Call the airline immediately — even if you are still on your way. Some airlines can keep you on the passenger list if you call before the gate closes.
2. Go to the gate if you are already at Schiphol — the gate closes 15–30 minutes before departure, not at the moment of departure. Sometimes they wait a little longer.
3. If the gate is already closed: go straight to the airline's desk in the departure hall.
Remember: with some low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet) you lose your ticket if you miss your flight — no rebooking without extra charges.
Good to know
At Schiphol the gate normally closes 15–30 minutes before the official departure time. After that boarding is no longer possible, even if the aircraft is still on the ground.
Do you lose your ticket if you miss the flight?
This depends on the reason and the airline:
If you were late yourself (your own fault):
- Full-service airlines (KLM, Vueling, Lufthansa): you can often be put on the next flight for a surcharge. The surcharge is €50–€250 depending on availability.
- Low-cost carriers (Ryanair, EasyJet, Transavia): in most cases you lose your ticket. Buying a new ticket is the only option.
If the airline was at fault (delay, gate change):
- You are put on the next available flight free of charge
- You may be entitled to compensation under EU261 (see our guide to air passenger rights)
What does a missed flight cost?
The costs of a missed flight add up quickly:
- Booking a new flight: €100–€400 depending on the destination and availability
- Hotel overnight stay: €80–€200 if there is no direct flight left
- Meals and transport: €30–€70 for the waiting time
- Travel insurance reimbursement: check your policy — many insurers cover missed flights in cases of demonstrable force majeure (a road accident, illness)
Tip: call your travel insurer straight away if you miss your flight for a reason beyond your control. Keep all receipts.
Good to know
Travel insurance generally only covers missed flights in cases of force majeure: illness, an accident or delays on public transport. A misjudgement of your own (leaving too late) is usually NOT covered.
How do you avoid missing a flight?
Prevention is the best cure:
- Allow enough travel time: for travellers from Haarlem and the surrounding area: leave home at least 3 hours before a European flight and about 4 hours before an intercontinental flight. Schiphol and KLM advise being at the airport 2 hours (Europe) and 3 hours (intercontinental) before departure; the rest is driving time and margin
- Book a taxi instead of the train: Early in the morning only a few trains run from Haarlem and the surrounding area, and you often have to change. For an early flight the train is therefore awkward. With a taxi, the driver is at your door at any time, even at 03:30
- Check in online: so you do not get stuck in a long check-in queue
- Set an alarm for when check-in opens and for when you need to leave
- Get to security early — in summer this can take 30–45 minutes
AMS Taxi Schiphol operates 24/7 — including for flights at 04:00 or 05:00. We make sure you arrive in plenty of time.
What if you miss the taxi that is taking you to Schiphol?
Have you missed your taxi (for example because you overslept)? Call AMS Taxi Schiphol straight away:
- +31 85 400 5400 (available 24/7)
- WhatsApp: +31 6 11645043
We will try to send an alternative driver as quickly as possible. If there is still time, we will give your journey higher priority. Is the flight genuinely no longer achievable? Then we will plan a new journey for a later flight.
Tip: always set an alarm for the time the driver is expected, not just for your departure time. That way you have a double check.
