What to Do If a Crew Member Misses Their Flight

In international shipping operations, crew members often need to fly to reach the port where their vessel is docked. One common issue is missing a flight, which can cause delays in boarding the ship as scheduled. There are two primary reasons for this problem:

Crew-Related Causes:

For example, the crew member may miss the airline’s check-in time due to delays in getting to the airport or inadequate preparation.

External Factors Beyond Control:

This may include flight cancellations due to severe weather conditions, such as heavy snow or rain, preventing takeoff. Temporary airport closures may also cause issues.

What to Do If a Flight Is Missed

If a crew member misses their flight, regardless of the cause, the following steps should be taken:

Notify the Crewing Team Immediately:

Prompt notification is critical so that the crewing team can assess the situation and take necessary action. The crew member should provide important details, such as the flight number and the reason for missing the flight, to help the team fully understand the situation.

Prepare to Follow Instructions from the Crewing Team:

Once the crewing team receives the information, they will evaluate the situation and decide on the next steps. If the missed flight is on a major route with frequent flights, such as to Singapore or Hong Kong, the team might rebook the ticket or advise the crew member to do so at the airline’s counter. However, for routes with limited flights or layovers in other countries, delays may occur, and the crew member should wait for further instructions from the crewing team.

Possible Outcomes of Missing a Flight

For Busy Flight Routes:

If the missed flight is on a busy route, such as Singapore or Hong Kong, the company may be able to quickly rebook the crew member’s flight. Updated flight documents will be sent to the crew member via email.

For Less Frequent Routes:

If the flight is part of a route with fewer flights or involves a layover in another country, delays may occur. The crew member may need to wait at the airport for 3–4 hours or even take the next flight the following day, depending on the crewing team’s decision.

Conclusion

If a crew member misses their flight, they should promptly inform the crewing team to receive assistance. If the missed flight is due to unforeseen circumstances, the team will help find a suitable solution. However, if the issue is caused by the crew member’s lack of preparation, they may face penalties, such as travel or flight ticket deductions. Crew members should, therefore, accept any consequences of their actions.