Travelling often involves connecting flights, especially for long-distance journeys, but there are situations where it doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. This can cause significant inconvenience that many travellers would rather not have to deal with. The good news, however, is that passengers have rights under the EU Regulation that may entitle them to compensation for missed connecting flights. Here’s a quick guide to understanding these rights and ensuring you are adequately compensated.
Why Do Passengers Miss Connecting Flights?
Missed connections can occur for several reasons, including:
- Flight Delays: A delayed first leg of your journey can prevent you from making it to your connecting flight on time.
- Schedule Changes: Airlines sometimes reschedule flights, leaving insufficient time for connections.
- Operational Issues: Overbooking, mechanical problems, or last-minute cancellations can disrupt a carefully planned journey.
- Weather Conditions: Severe weather conditions can delay flights, affecting connections.
When Are You Entitled to Compensation?
Eligibility for compensation for missed connecting flights depends on several factors. Under the EU Regulation 261/2004 (EU261), passengers are entitled to compensation if:
- The missed connection causes you to arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours later than scheduled.
- Both flights are part of a single ticket, in the same booking.
- The delay or missed connection is due to reasons within the airline’s control, such as operational delays, overbooking, staff strikes, etc.
Compensation amounts depend on the total flight distance and the delay at your final destination:
- €250: Flights up to 1,500 km
- €400: Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
- €600: Flights over 3,500 km
Additional Rights Beyond Compensation
In addition to monetary compensation, the EU261 law ensures airlines provide certain forms of assistance, depending on the situation. This includes:
- Right to Care: Airlines must offer meals, refreshments, and hotel accommodations during long and overnight delays.
- Alternative Transport: If you miss a connection, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight to your destination.
- Reimbursement: If the delay is longer than 5 hours, and you choose not to continue your journey, the airline must refund your ticket and provide a return flight to your point of departure.
Tips for Managing Missed Connecting Flights
Here are some quick tips to reduce your chances of missing connecting flights:
- Plan for Adequate Layovers: Avoid tight connections, especially in large or busy airports.
- Check Airline Policies: Some airlines offer flexible rebooking policies for missed connections.
- Use Travel Services: Services like Skycop can help you understand your rights better and guide you in claiming compensation due to missed flights.
- Stay Calm and Proactive: Contact the airline immediately to explore alternative travel options.
Bottom Line
Missed connecting flights can disrupt your journey, but knowing your rights is the first step to effectively handling the situation. Regulations like EU261 ensure passengers receive compensation for missed connecting flights caused by airline-related issues. However, you need to ensure you’re eligible and have all your documents intact to make the process as smooth as possible.
