Missing a connecting flight can be an extremely frustrating experience. Whether it’s due to a delayed flight, cancellation, or any other issue, the disruption can throw off your entire travel schedule. Luckily, under EU law, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 for missed connections. At AirClaim, we’re here to guide you through the process of understanding your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.

What is a missed connection?

A missed connection occurs when you miss a subsequent flight because the previous flight was delayed or cancelled. This situation often arises during multi-leg trips, especially when the first leg of the flight is delayed, causing you to miss your connecting flight.

What are your rights for missed connections?

Under EU Regulation EC 261, passengers traveling to or from the European Union, or those connecting through a European airport, may be eligible for compensation for a missed connection. To qualify for compensation, the following conditions must be met:

• Same Booking: Both flights (the delayed one and the connecting one) must be part of the same booking.

• Significant Delay: The total delay at your final destination must be at least 3 hours.

• Airline Responsibility: The delay or cancellation must not be due to extraordinary circumstances like severe weather or air traffic control restrictions.

If these conditions are met, the airline is obligated to provide assistance, including food, drinks, accommodation, and alternative transportation. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation based on the distance of your flight and the duration of the delay.

How much compensation can you receive?

The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the distance of your flights and the length of the delay at your final destination. Here’s a breakdown:

• Short-haul flights (under 1,500 km): €250

• Medium-haul flights (1,500 to 3,500 km): €400

• Long-haul flights (over 3,500 km): €600

If your connecting flight is delayed by more than 5 hours, you may also be entitled to a full refund of your ticket or an alternative flight to your original destination.

Steps to take if you miss a connection

1. Document Everything: Keep track of the delay, and make a note of the cause of the missed connection. Ask the airline staff or cabin crew for details and note any explanations they provide.

2. Request Assistance: If you miss a connection, your airline is obligated to provide you with assistance such as food, drinks, hotel accommodation (if necessary), and transportation to your final destination.

3. Gather All Documents: Collect your boarding passes, e-ticket, and any receipts for additional expenses caused by the delay, such as hotel accommodation or transportation costs. This documentation will be crucial when submitting a compensation claim.

4. File Your Claim: Once you’ve gathered all the necessary information, you can submit a claim for compensation. You can use AirClaim’s free online calculator to check your eligibility and the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

When are you not eligible for compensation?

While you have rights under EU law, there are certain situations in which you may not be eligible for compensation:

• Extraordinary Circumstances: Delays caused by weather conditions or air traffic control restrictions are not the airline’s fault, and compensation is not provided in these cases.

• Lack of Proper Documentation: If you failed to check in or didn’t have the necessary documents to board the connecting flight, you may not be entitled to compensation.

• Late Arrival at the Gate: If you missed your connection because you arrived too late at the gate, compensation may not be granted.

How to submit Your Missed Connection Compensation Claim

To make the process as easy as possible, follow these steps:

1. Use Our Online Tool: Start by using the free online compensation calculator to determine if you’re eligible for compensation.

2. Submit Your Claim: Once you know you're eligible, fill out our simple online form to start the claim process.

3. Let AirClaim Handle the Rest: Once you’ve submitted your claim, our team will take care of all the communication with the airline, fighting for the compensation you’re entitled to.

If your claim is successful, compensation will be paid directly to your bank account, and you’ll only pay a commission to AirClaim if we successfully secure your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How much compensation can I get for a missed connection?
Compensation for missed connections can range from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and delay at your final destination.

2. What do I need to do if I miss my connection?
First, report the issue to the airline. Make sure to document the cause of the delay, keep your travel documents, and request any assistance the airline is obligated to provide, such as food, accommodation, and transportation.

3. Can I claim compensation if my missed connection was caused by weather or air traffic control issues?
No, these are considered "extraordinary circumstances," and the airline is not required to provide compensation in these cases.

4. How do I submit a claim for missed connection compensation?
You can start by using AirClaim’s online calculator to check your eligibility. Then, submit your claim using our simple online form, and our team will handle the rest.

For more details on how we can assist you with missed connection claims and other passenger rights, visit our Travel Blog and stay informed about your rights as a traveler.

In case of missed connections, AirClaim is here to help you get the compensation you're entitled to. Don't hesitate to contact us for personalized assistance!