Missed Connection Compensation
Missed connection eligibility criteria
To be eligible for compensation for a missed connection, you must meet all of the following criteria:
Your connecting flights were part of a single booking
Your missed connection is due to a delay, cancellation, or denied boarding on your first flight.
The disruption was within the airline's control (e.g., operational issues, not weather, or other extraordinary circumstances).
Your flight falls under specific regulations like UK261 or EU 261.
Your missed connection wasn't caused by something within your control. (for example, arriving too late at the departure gate, or lacking the correct documentation).
You arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours late.
How to check if your flights were on one booking
To be eligible for compensation for a missed connection, your flights must have been booked as a single journey with one airline or partner airlines. Check your booking confirmation or ticket - if you have one booking reference for all flights, you're covered. If you booked separate tickets for each leg of your journey, you may not be entitled to compensation.
Missed connection compensation amounts
The amount of compensation you can claim for a missed connection depends on the distance of your overall journey. Here are the standard compensation amounts under EU261 and UK261 regulations:
| Short distance up to 1500 km | Medium distance up to 3500 km | Long distance from 3500 km |
| e.g. London- Edinburgh | e.g. London- Athens | e.g. London – Tokyo |
| £220 | £350 | £520 |
What's Not Covered
While missed connection compensation covers many situations, there are some circumstances where you may not be entitled to compensation.
The delay was due to extraordinary circumstances
(e.g., bad weather, airport issues)
You booked flights separately
The airline informed you of changes 2 weeks in advance
You reached your destination close to the original scheduled time
Additional Entitlements
Beyond compensation, you may be entitled to additional support during your travel disruption. These rights ensure you're taken care of while waiting for your next flight.
Meal vouchers and refreshments after a 2 hour delay
Accommodation for overnight waits
Choice between refund or rebooking for cancellations
Communication assistance (phone calls, emails)
Act Quickly
Don't delay in starting the process as there are sometimes more stringent time limits in place. Depending on the country, regulation and jurisdiction, you have between 1 – 6 years to make a flight claim.
Keep Records
Keep your boarding pass and document everything related to your disruption, including any communications you may have with the airline.
Be informed
Knowing what you're entitled to is important. The airline will have to provide meals, refreshments and sometimes an overnight stay.
Hold on to receipts
Keep your receipts if your disruption costs you extra money.
Your Rights
Be careful to sign anything or accept any offers from the airline that could waive your passenger rights.