Do You Need to Reconfirm Your Flight? Airline Policies Demystified

You booked your flight, got your confirmation email, and packed your bags. But then—someone tells you to reconfirm your flight. Wait, what? Isn’t that automatic?

Not always.

While reconfirmation may seem like a thing of the past, some airlines and international routes still require it. Failing to reconfirm could result in your reservation being canceled without warning—especially if you’re flying abroad or with certain carriers.

In this guide, we’ll clarify what flight reconfirmation is, when it’s necessary, which airlines still expect it, and how to avoid unwanted cancellations in 2025.

📞 1. What Is Flight Reconfirmation?

Flight reconfirmation is the process of re-contacting the airline to confirm you still intend to travel, usually within a specific time window before departure.

This was once standard practice across the industry. But with digital check-ins and e-tickets, most domestic U.S. airlines have dropped this requirement. Still, some international airlines, especially on long-haul or connecting flights, expect reconfirmation—and may cancel your ticket if you don’t comply.

📌 Bottom Line: If your airline requires reconfirmation and you don’t do it, your seat might go to someone else.

⚠️ 2. When and Why Reconfirmation Matters

You’ll usually need to reconfirm your flight if:

• You’re flying internationally, especially with foreign carriers
• You have a return flight weeks or months after your outbound leg
• Your flight is part of a multi-leg journey with different airlines
• Your airline’s policy specifically requests reconfirmation within 72 hours of departure

Airlines request reconfirmation to:

• Reduce no-shows
• Adjust staffing and seat assignments
• Ensure passengers are still committed to flying

🌍 3. Which Airlines Still Require Reconfirmation?

Most major U.S. airlines have dropped this practice, but several international and regional carriers continue to enforce it.

Airlines that may require reconfirmation:

• EgyptAir
• Ethiopian Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
• Philippine Airlines
• Royal Air Maroc

Airlines that typically do NOT:

• Delta Air Lines
• United Airlines
• American Airlines
• Southwest Airlines
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways
• Lufthansa

📌 Tip: Even if an airline doesn’t “require” it, reconfirming return flights from developing regions is smart travel hygiene.

⏱️ 4. How to Reconfirm Your Flight (If Required)

✔ Check your airline’s website under their check-in or ticketing policies
✔ Look for reconfirmation instructions in your booking email or itinerary
✔ Contact the airline’s local office 72 hours before your flight
✔ Use the airline app or customer support to reconfirm digitally if available
✔ Request a written confirmation or reference number for peace of mind

📌 Warning: Some airlines require in-person reconfirmation at a ticketing office in certain countries—plan ahead.

📉 5. What Happens If You Don’t Reconfirm?

If you skip reconfirmation on a flight that requires it, here’s what can happen:

• Your reservation may be canceled without notice
• You may lose your seat and have to buy a new ticket
• You may not be eligible for compensation or rebooking
• Your return or connecting flights could be automatically dropped

📌 Note: These consequences are especially common on return legs of international journeys or flights with smaller regional airlines.

🛫 6. Do You Need to Reconfirm Connecting or Code-Share Flights?

Yes—sometimes.

If you’re flying with an alliance partner or through a code-share arrangement, reconfirmation rules may vary between airlines. For example:

• Your outbound flight with Air France might not need reconfirmation
• But your connecting leg with Kenya Airways might

📌 Tip: If multiple airlines are involved, follow the reconfirmation policy of each—especially the operating carrier.

📋 7. How to Protect Yourself from Cancellations

✔ Read the fine print on your booking confirmation
✔ Check airline policy pages before every leg of your trip
✔ Use direct bookings or reputable travel agents for clarity
✔ Keep documentation of any communication or confirmation
✔ Monitor flight status using airline apps and alerts

📌 Pro Tip: Print your reconfirmation if done by phone or in-person, especially in regions with limited digital access.

✅ Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Reconfirmation Ruin Your Trip

📌 Bottom Line: Reconfirmation may seem outdated—but ignoring it could cancel your flight. Know the rules, take 5 minutes to reconfirm, and travel with confidence.

Plan ahead. Double-check. Fly without surprises. ✈️