Missing a connecting flight is one of the most stressful situations for air travellers. Whether it’s due to delays, airline mishandling, or unforeseen events, a missed connection can disrupt your plans.
However, many passengers are unaware that they might be entitled to compensation for missed connecting flights. Knowing your rights and understanding how to handle the situation can turn a frustrating experience into a manageable one.
Common Reasons for Missed Connecting Flights
Flight Delays: Delays on your initial flight can leave you with insufficient time to make your connection.
Long Layovers: Extended layovers can lead to confusion or missed boarding calls, especially in unfamiliar airports.
Airport Congestion: Long security lines, baggage delays, or slow transfer processes can slow you down from getting to the next gate on time.
Airline Schedule Changes: Sudden changes to flight schedules by the airline can result in missed connections.
Weather or Technical Issues: Severe weather conditions or technical malfunctions often disrupt flight schedules.
What to Do if You Miss a Connecting Flight
1. Contact the Airline Immediately
As soon as you realize you’ve missed your connection, go to the airline’s customer service desk or call their helpline. Airlines are usually obligated to assist you in rebooking a flight to your final destination and informing you of your rights.
2. Know Your Rights
If your flights were booked under the same ticket, the airline is responsible for ensuring you reach your final destination. If the missed connection was due to delays caused by the airline, you may be entitled to compensation between €250 – €600.
3. Request Assistance
Depending on the length of the delay caused by the missed connection, you may qualify for meal vouchers or refreshments, accommodation if an overnight stay is required, and access to communication. You can also reach out to Skycop to tell you more about your rights and how to calculate your compensation.
4. Keep Records
Save all documents, including boarding passes, tickets, and receipts for additional expenses incurred due to the missed connection. This documentation will support your claim for compensation.
5. Understand Compensation Rights
If your missed connection caused significant delays at your final destination, you might be eligible for compensation, especially under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Compensation for Missed Connecting Flights Under the EU Regulation 261/2004
You may be eligible for compensation if:
Your flights are departing from or arriving in the European Union, operated by EU-based airlines.
The missed connection was caused by delays, cancellations, or other issues within the airline’s control.
The delay at your final destination exceeds 3 hours.
How to claim compensation:
Once you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible for compensation, request a written letter from the airline stating the reason for the disruption. Then, you can proceed to file compensation through your travel agency or a professional service for a smoother experience.
Bottom Line
A missed connecting flight doesn’t have to ruin your travel plans, which is why we have detailed what you need to do if you find yourself in such a situation. Just keep calm and be proactive while you stand up for your rights as an air passenger and be duly compensated.
