Missed connection compensation:the complete claim guide
If every flight is on one reservation and you reach your final destination more than three hours late, you may claim €250 to €600 per passenger.
Final-destination delay is the key test. See our main missed connection page.
Does a missed connection qualify for compensation?
Yes, when the conditions are met. The flights must normally form one reservation, EU rules must apply and final arrival must be over three hours late without an exempting extraordinary circumstance.
Three decisive questions
- Were the flights issued on one ticket or reservation?
- How late did you reach the final destination?
- What caused the first disruption?
Compensation is generally not due if you miss the connection because of security checks or because you failed to meet the boarding time.
What conditions apply?
Single reservation
The segments must form one contractual journey.
Over three hours late
Delay is measured at the final destination.
Covered journey
The itinerary must fall under EU passenger rights.
Compensable cause
The airline cannot prove unavoidable extraordinary circumstances despite reasonable measures.
One reservation or separate tickets?
One reservation
The airline must reroute you to the final destination and overall delay may qualify.
Separate tickets
The second airline is generally not responsible if the first independent ticket makes you miss its flight.
Different airlines
Several airlines may be on one reservation without automatically removing your rights.
Look for one ticket number, one booking reference and an itinerary issued together.
How much can you claim?
The relevant distance is the covered journey to the final destination.
Per eligible passenger.
Per eligible passenger.
A reduction may apply in certain rerouting cases.
What must the airline do after the missed connection?
Rerouting
Get you to the final destination at the earliest opportunity.
Food and drinks
Reasonable care while you wait.
Hotel and transfer
When the new journey requires an overnight stay.
Communications
Two calls, emails or other messages.
If no care is provided, keep itemised receipts for necessary and reasonable expenses.
How is the three-hour threshold calculated?
Compare the original scheduled arrival for the whole journey with the actual arrival of your replacement flight.
See the guide to three-hour flight delay compensation.
What should you keep?
Common missed-connection scenarios
First flight delayed
The connection is missed and final arrival exceeds three hours: compensation may be due.
Different airlines
Rights may apply when all flights form one reservation.
Separate tickets
Connection protection is generally unavailable.
Long security queue
Air passenger compensation is normally not due for this cause.
Boarding refused at connection
If the airline expects you to arrive too late because of the first delay, compensation may be due.
Extraordinary cause
Compensation may be excluded, while rerouting and care still need assessment.
How do you claim?
Collect the itinerary
Show that every segment formed one reservation.
Calculate final delay
Use arrival at the final destination.
Identify the cause
Ask why the first flight was disrupted.
Submit the claim
Attach the booking, schedules, messages and receipts.
Airlines and connecting airports
Questions about missed connections
How late must I be after a missed connection?+
You must generally reach the final destination more than three hours late, subject to the other conditions.
Must the flights be on one reservation?+
Yes. EU connection protection normally requires one reservation covering the different flight segments.
How much can I claim?+
Depending on distance to the final destination, compensation may be €250, €400 or €600 per passenger.
What happens with separate tickets?+
The second airline is generally not responsible when the first separate ticket causes you to miss its flight.
Must the airline pay for a hotel?+
If protected rerouting requires an overnight stay, necessary accommodation and transfers should normally be provided.
Do extraordinary circumstances remove care rights?+
No. They may remove fixed compensation, but not automatically rerouting and care while you wait.
See more answers in our FAQ.
Did you miss your connection?
Check whether your booking qualifies for up to €600 in compensation.
No upfront fee. A 30% fee including VAT applies only if your claim succeeds.