When are you entitled to compensation for a missed connecting flight?
Missed connecting flight compensation is due when a connecting flight is missed due to the previous flight of the itinerary being delayed or cancelled:
Flight delay at the final destination was 3 hours or more
The flight was operated within the EU, or via the EU by an EU registered airline
The flight disruption the airline’s fault
Legal basis for claiming missed connecting flight compensation.
Passengers are protected for EU missed connection compensation by the provisions of Regulation (EU) No 261/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004, which established common rules for compensation and assistance in the event of long delay of flights. Compensation up to €600 may be due depending on flight route distance.
How much flight delay missed connection compensation can you get?
The missed connecting flight must be due to the previous flight of the itinerary being delayed or cancelled. All flights must be part of the same ticket. Compensation is based on the total distance from itinerary departure to arrival. Read more about compensation amounts:What should you do if you missed connecting flight?
Keep all your travel documents
- Flight documents: boarding pass, booking confirmation, electronic ticket (e-ticket), delay notification, etc.
- Expenses: taxi, hotel, meals, drinks, etc.
Keep your flight information
- Flight number
- Flight schedule (scheduled time of departure and arrival)
- Amount of delay (actual time of departure and arrival)
Try to ascertain the reason for the delay
- Ask the cabin crew for written confirmation
- Check weather conditions
- Check if other flights are delayed or cancelled
Check how much compensation is due with our online compensation calculator
- Enter your flight details to check how much compensation is due
Claim compensation!
What documents do you need to be able to claim missed connection flight compensation?
Documents necessary to prove readiness for departure when making a claim include:
Boarding pass
Booking confirmation
e-Ticket
How do I file a compensation claim for a missed connecting flight due to delay?
There are two different options, the first is to take personal action and file a complaint directly with the airline. The second is to ask GIVT to look after your claim. In both cases it may take a long time for the airline to pay any compensation. If you opt to pursue a complaint with the carrier independently, you should read and understand the pertinent regulation, applicable provisions and judgments, prepare relevant documents, and be prepared to assert legal rights.
How long does a flight have to be delayed for compensation?
The delay at the final destination must be over 3 hours to be eligible for compensation, the same as for regular delayed flights.
What should I do if I missed my flight?
After certain delays your airline must provide food, refreshment, and communication. If an overnight stay is necessary they must provide transport to and from a hotel plus a room. If your delay is more than five hours you are entitled to a full or partial refund of your ticket cost and a return flight to your point of departure, in addition to compensation.
When are you not entitled to missed connection flight compensation?
Flights booked separately are not considered part of the same itinerary and are not eligible for compensation even if with the same airline. The European Commission’s website provides an example list of extraordinary circumstances which exempt the carrier from compensation liability, including:
Bad weather
Air traffic control strike
Political instability
Security risks
What other rights do you have in the event of missed connecting flight?
You have the right to:
Meals and refreshments
Ticket cost refund
Accommodation
Transport to and from the airport
Claiming is easy! See how…
Claiming is easy! See how…
We will verify your flight eligibility
In a couple of minutes we will tell you how much compensation you are entitled to.
We will enforce your rights
Our experts will contact your airline, and take all the legal steps necessary to get your flight compensation.
You could get as much as €600
We will keep you updated on your claim progress, right to the end.