What rights do you have if you miss a connecting flight?

The stress and uncertainty of missing a connecting flight can have a major impact on any journey. But did you know that you may be entitled to compensation or other benefits in such situations? The EU Air Passenger Rights Regulation (EC 261/2004) protects passengers in the event of flight delays, cancellations and missed connecting flights. In this article, you will find out what rights you are entitled to if you miss your connecting flight and how you can successfully assert your claims.

When are you entitled to compensation?

If you miss your connecting flight due to a delay to your first flight, you are entitled to compensation under certain conditions. The decisive factor here is the total delay at your final destination. If you arrive at your final destination more than three hours later than originally planned, you may be entitled to compensation of:

• 250 EUR for flights up to 1,500 km,
  400 EUR for flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km,
  600 EUR for flights over 3,500 km.

This applies if both flights are part of a single booking, i.e. they are under the same booking reference. It therefore does not matter whether the airlines are different, as long as the flights were booked together.

Important: The right to compensation only applies if the airline is responsible for the delay, e.g. in the event of technical problems or organisational errors. If there are ‘extraordinary circumstances’ such as bad weather or strikes, there is no entitlement to compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Ideally, you should not assess such circumstances yourself but consult experts. 

Assistance with missed connecting flights

If you miss your connecting flight due to a delay, you are entitled to so-called assistance services in addition to financial compensation. These are particularly important if you have to wait for a later connecting flight. The following services must be provided to you free of charge by the airline:

• Catering and drinks: Depending on the length of the delay.
  Communication options: Two phone calls, emails or fax messages.
  Accommodation and transport: If an overnight stay is required, the airline must cover the costs of the hotel and transport between the airport and hotel.

These assistance services apply irrespective of the cause of the delay and must be provided in the event of a two-hour delay.

Have you also had difficulties claiming your compensation directly from the airline? Let us help you! Submit your case to Captain Frank and we'll take care of the rest. 

How to enforce your claims?

• The way to enforce your rights in the event of missed connecting flights can often be complicated, especially if airlines do not co-operate. Many passengers fail because airlines refuse compensation claims or do not respond to enquiries. This is where a legal services provider like Captain Frank comes in.

  Why should you file your claims through a legal service provider like Captain Frank?

  • No cost risk: You only pay if you are successful, which means there are no financial risks for you.
    Experience and expertise: Legal service providers specialise in air passenger rights and know all the legal intricacies of successfully enforcing claims.
    Efficient and fast: With automated processes and an experienced team, legal service providers can process your claims faster and more efficiently than individuals or lawyers.

  
  The support of an experienced provider increases your chances of a successful and speedy payment of your compensation.

The conclusion:

A missed connecting flight does not necessarily mean the end of your travel plans. Thanks to the EU Passenger Rights Regulation, you as a passenger have clear rights to compensation and assistance. Whether compensation for the delay or reimbursement of catering and hotel costs - your rights are protected. To ensure that you can enforce your claims, it is advisable to consult a specialised legal service provider such as Captain Frank.

Ready to get your compensation?