Missing a connecting flight can turn a routine trip into a stressful one. However, knowing your rights and options can help you manage the situation effectively. In many cases, passengers are entitled to compensation for missed connecting flights, especially when travelling under certain regulations like the UK261 Legislation. Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with a missed connection.
Understanding Your Rights
The right to compensation for missed connecting flights largely depends on the airline’s policies and the specific regulations governing your flight. Passengers departing from a UK airport, or flying to the UK from a non-UK airport on an EU/EEA or UK air carrier, as well as passengers flying to the EU/EEA from a non-EU/EEA airport on a UK air carrier, are protected under UK261 Regulation. This regulation provides clear guidelines on when compensation is due for missed connections.
When Are You Eligible for Compensation?
You may be eligible for compensation under the following criteria:
1. All Flights Under One Booking
Compensation rules apply only if all your connecting flights are under one booking reference. If you booked segments separately, airlines typically do not take responsibility for missed connections.
2. Cause of the Missed Connection
You are eligible for compensation if the missed connection was caused by delays from a previous flight on the same booking and these delays were within the airline’s control. Examples include mechanical issues and crew delays. You are not eligible for compensation if the delay was due to extraordinary circumstances such as severe weather, political unrest, or strikes that affect operations.
3. Arrival Time at Final Destination
To qualify for compensation, the delay must cause you to arrive at your final destination more than three hours later than the scheduled arrival time.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance, as highlighted below:
- Flights under 1,500 km: £220
- Flights within the EU over 1,500 km, and non-EU flights between 1,500 and 3,500 km: £350
- Flights not within the EU and over 3,500 km: £520
Steps to Claim Compensation
Follow these steps to claim compensation:
1. Document Your Journey: Keep all travel documents such as boarding passes, booking confirmations, and any communications from the airline regarding the delays.
2. File a Compensation Claim: Contact the airline directly to file a claim. Be sure to include all necessary documentation and a detailed account of the disruption. Specify that you are seeking compensation under the UK261 Regulation due to a missed connecting flight.
3. Follow Up: If the airline does not respond or rejects your claim, you can escalate the matter to a national enforcement body or seek the assistance of a professional service like Flightright, which specialises in helping passengers get compensation.
Additional Tips for Handling Missed Connections
- Contact the airline staff to assist you with rebooking and provide information on the options available, including lodging and food vouchers if you have to wait for a long period.
- For future travels, consider travel insurance that includes coverage for missed connections.
- Be informed of the terms and conditions of your ticket and the airline’s policies regarding missed connections.
Conclusion
While missing a connecting flight can be a frustrating experience, being informed about your rights and the compensation procedures can make the situation more manageable. Knowing how to navigate the claims process and what documentation is required will help ensure that you are fairly compensated for the inconvenience and additional expenses incurred.
