Missed connection compensation

Missed your connecting flight? Don’t worry! Under EU law, you could be entitled to compensation of up to €600.

Passenger rights for missed connections

A missed connection occurs when, due to the delay or cancellation of a prior flight, you miss one or more subsequent flights as part of the same journey.

How can you prevent missing your connection?

• Make sure you have enough time between flights, especially if customs or security checks are required.

• Stay informed about potential delays or cancellations via the airline’s app or the airport’s website.

• Opt for flights with a larger time gap between them to reduce the risk of missing the connection.

What are your rights in the event of a missed connection?

Under EU Regulation EC 261, if you were traveling to or from Europe or had a connecting flight at a European airport, you may be eligible for compensation of up to €600, depending on the flight distance and the delay at the final destination. The airline is obligated to provide assistance, including food and drinks (after a 2-hour wait), hotel accommodation (for overnight delays), and alternative transportation to your destination.

What to do if you miss a connecting flight?

If you encounter an unfortunate situation like missing a connecting flight, your first step should always be to gather information and document everything. Understand your rights and how to claim compensation for a missed connection. Ask airport staff or cabin crew about the cause of the delay and make a note of their response.

An essential aspect to remember is to keep all travel documents. Your boarding pass, e-ticket, and any proof of additional expenses due to the delay or cancellation—such as receipts for accommodation or transportation—are crucial when filing a compensation claim for the missed connection.

Situations in which you may be eligible for missed connection compensation

Under EU law, you can claim compensation if:

• The plane experienced minor technical issues, which can range from aircraft malfunctions to crew-related problems.

• You arrived at your destination 3 hours or more after the scheduled time. It’s essential that the delay was not caused by you to be eligible for compensation.

• The initial flight was delayed for reasons that the airline did not provide. If the airline does not communicate the reason for the delay, it is considered their responsibility.

When are you not eligible for missed connection compensation?

There are certain circumstances where, despite missing your connection, you may not be eligible for compensation:

• The initial flight was delayed due to air traffic control issues. These are considered extraordinary circumstances, meaning they are beyond the control of airlines.

• The first flight was delayed due to weather conditions. Severe storms, heavy fog, or other adverse weather conditions can impact pilots' visibility and lead to delays or even cancellations. Unfortunately, these are also considered extraordinary circumstances, and passengers cannot claim compensation in such cases.

• You lacked the necessary documentation to board the connecting flight.

• You did not arrive at the gate on time.

Missed connection compensation: amounts you may receive

Under EU Regulation EC 261, passengers traveling to or from the European Union or connecting at a European airport may be eligible for compensation of up to €600.

The amount varies based on the distance traveled and the length of the delay:

• Short-haul flights (flight distance under 1,500 km) - Passengers receive €250.

• Medium-haul flights (flight distance between 1,500 and 3,500 km) - Passengers receive €400.

• Long-haul flights (flight distance over 3,500 km) - Passengers receive €600.

Compensation for missed connections in the EU

In the EU, flights are classified based on the distance traveled. Short-haul distances are under 1,500 km, medium-haul distances are between 1,500 and 3,500 km, and long-haul distances are over 3,500 km. The amount of compensation you can receive depends on this classification.

Airlines also offer other benefits when delays or cancellations occur. These may include free meals and drinks, hotel accommodation, free transportation between the airport and lodging, and the opportunity to make two phone calls, telex or fax messages, or emails. This measure is designed to ease the discomfort caused by such unforeseen situations.

If the delay is at least 5 hours, there is also an additional right. Passengers are entitled to a full refund of their ticket or a return flight to the first point of departure as soon as possible. This is especially useful if the delay or cancellation of the flight significantly disrupts your travel plans.

Compensation for missed connections in the USA

Unlike the European Union, which has strict regulations, the USA does not offer federal protection for passengers in case of flight issues, including missed connections. It’s important to know this to set realistic expectations if problems arise.

In the USA, airlines have the discretion to offer compensation or not for flight issues. In the absence of regulations, they may choose to provide free meals, hotel accommodations, or other benefits, such as travel vouchers or loyalty program upgrades.

Even though the USA doesn’t have strict compensation regulations for missed connections, if you have connecting flights in the European Union, the situation changes. In this case, you may claim compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This regulation entitles passengers to compensation of up to €600 for any flight causing a delay at the final destination.

How to submit a missed connection compensation claim?

To ensure a smooth and efficient process for claiming missed connection compensation, follow these simple steps:

1. Use our free online calculator to check your eligibility for compensation. Enter your flight details, and our tool will immediately tell you if you qualify for compensation and how much you could receive.

2. If eligible for compensation, submit your claim using our simple online form.

3. Once you’ve submitted the claim, our team of experts will take over. We will contact the airline, represent you in all communications, and fight for your rights.

4. If your claim is approved, the compensation will be paid directly into your bank account. You only pay us a commission if we successfully secure your compensation.

Key points to remember if you want to claim compensation for a missed connection!

• You may be eligible for compensation of up to €600 if you missed a connection due to a previous flight’s delay or cancellation (EU Regulation 261).

• The airline must provide assistance (food, drinks, accommodation) in the event of a delay.

• To be eligible, both flights must be on the same booking.

• The total delay at the final destination must be at least 3 hours.

• Types of eligible travelers: vacation packages, children’s paid tickets, business trips, low-cost airline tickets.

• Airlines may reject or ignore the initial claim. The AirClaim team is ready to handle all bureaucratic hurdles to get you the compensation you deserve!