Missed connection: when are you entitled to compensation ?
You may be eligible for compensation if:
● Your flights were booked under the same ticket (same booking reference)
● You missed your connection due to the delay of the first flight
● Your arrival at the final destination was delayed by at least 3 hours
● The flight departed from the EU, or arrived in the EU with a European airline
● The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances
Good to know: What matters is the delay at the final destination, not the delay of the connecting flight alone.
How much compensation can you receive for a missed connection ?
If you meet the above conditions, you may receive a fixed compensation, calculated based on the total distance between the departure and final destination airports, even if several connections are involved:
- €250: distance < 1,500 km
- €400: distance between 1,500 and 3,500 km
- €600: distance > 3,500 km (between the EU and a non-EU country)
Example:
You booked Nice → Paris → Montreal.
The Nice → Paris flight is delayed by 1h30, causing you to miss the Paris → Montreal connection.
You reach Montreal 5 hours late → you can claim €600.
Single booking vs separate bookings: a crucial difference
Regulation EC 261/2004 applies only if your flights are on the same booking. In other words:
✅ Eligible: one single booking (same PNR), even with different airlines
❌ Not eligible: flights booked separately, even with a short layover
👉 Tip: Always choose combined bookings when flying with connections.
What counts as extraordinary circumstances ?
An airline may refuse compensation if the initial delay was caused by factors beyond its control, such as:
● Severe weather conditions
● Strikes by airport staff (not airline employees)
● Medical emergencies
● Security risks
⚠️ However, some airlines misuse this excuse. Fly Claim checks the validity of every refusal and challenges it if necessary.
What if your luggage doesn’t follow you ?
A missed connection may also result in delayed baggage delivery. In this case, you can:
● File a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) at the airport
● Claim essential expenses (basic purchases, clothing, toiletries)
● Request additional compensation if your luggage is lost or damaged
🎒 This process is separate from an EC 261 claim, but both can be handled simultaneously.
How to claim compensation with Fly Claim ?
1. Enter your booking details in our online tool
2. We analyse your flight for free
3. If eligible, we handle the entire procedure
You pay nothing unless you win👉 Fly Claim makes the process simple, fast, and risk-free.
Why use Fly Claim ?
Claiming directly with airlines is often frustrating: automatic refusals, no replies, vague answers…
With Fly Claim, you benefit from:
● Free eligibility check
● No paperwork
● Legal follow-up if necessary
● No upfront fees — we only get paid if you receive compensation
● Faster processing times
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happens if I miss a connection and the airline rebooks me on another flight?
➡️ As long as your total arrival delay exceeds 3 hours, you remain eligible for compensation.
Can I be compensated if different airlines operate my flights?
➡️ Yes, if the flights belong to the same booking. Otherwise, responsibility is more difficult to establish.
What if I booked through an agency or a comparison website?
➡️ The booking channel doesn't matter. What counts is the single booking reference (PNR).
