If you have ever wondered whether or not you can get compensation for missed connecting flights, then you are at the right place. This does not apply if you missed your flight because you slept for too long or there was traffic on the way, as the airline can’t be held responsible for that. However, if it resulted from a delay from the airline, you may be entitled to compensation.
What’s Next After Missing Your Flight?
After making the perfect day trip plan, the last thing you want is to miss a connecting flight, as that can mess with your entire itinerary. It’s even worse if you still have another flight after that, as it’s possible to miss two or more flights simply because of a fault. However, you shouldn’t have to pay for this inconvenience the airline has brought you.
The first thing to do is to contact the airline and speak to an agent. Usually, you should be notified of the changes in your flight. But this won’t always be the case, especially for a connecting flight where it’s probably just you and a few others affected. Speak to an airline agent and request to get a seat on another flight as soon as possible.
You are protected under the EU 261/2004 regulation, which ensures you get duly compensated for a missed connecting flight. While you are within your rights, you should also be polite and gentle about it when speaking to the airline agents.
If the connecting flight is with the same airline, they will book a seat for you on another flight as soon as possible. They should get one on a different airline for you if they are unavailable. However, in the rare case that it is with a different airline, there’s little the airline can do. You may have to reschedule the flight yourself, but remember that you are still entitled to compensation for the previous flight that delayed you.
Under the EC 261 law, if you arrive at your destination three hours later than the initially scheduled time, you may be entitled to up to €250 – €600 in compensation. This is calculated based on the flight distance and not the ticket price. You are entitled to free meals and drinks for a delay longer than 2 hours and a free flight rescheduling or refund payment process for a delay longer than 5 hours. If your flight was delayed overnight, you can book a free hotel.
To Who Does This Regulation Apply?
Note that this regulation only applies to flights taking off from an EU member state or landing in one with a European airline. Also, you must have checked in for your flight at least 45 minutes before departure and have a valid ticket and booking confirmation.
Bottom Line
Embrace every offer the law enforcement presents you as a way for the airline to compensate you. While this will not hinder your travel plans from getting messed up, you will at least know that you got compensated for that and the airline didn’t go scot-free.