3 Tips on What to Do If You Miss Your Connecting Flight

The compensation for missed connecting flights ensures air passengers are paid for inconveniences caused by the airlines. If you missed your connecting flight due to a delay from the previous flight, you may be entitled to some compensation. Should you find yourself in such a situation, here are a few things you can do.

1. Find out why

The first thing you want to do is find out why your flight has been delayed, and that might cause you to miss your connecting flight. Walk up to the information desk or contact the airline directly and request to know why. There are several reasons why a flight could be delayed; the airline not being prepared on time, the pilot being unfit to fly, unavailability of aircrew, adverse weather conditions, security threats, and mechanical issues among others.

Knowing the reason behind the flight disruption is important, as it determines whether or not you are entitled to compensation. Reasons within the airline’s control would get you compensation. However, in cases of extraordinary circumstances, like a thunderstorm, preventing flight takeoff, you will not be entitled to compensation.

Once you’ve confirmed that the reason was within the airline’s control, get them to put it in writing. It eventually comes in handy as a supporting document to claim compensation.

2. Get another flight

Now that you have missed your connecting flight, the next thing you want to do is look for a way forward. If the connecting flight is with the same airline as the previous one, request a seat on another flight as soon as possible. The airline is responsible for ensuring you get to your final destination. If there are no available flights any time soon, the airline is expected to book you on another airline with an available flight. If you have to spend the night at the airport as a result, the airline should book free hotel accommodation for you and provide meals as necessary.

On the other hand, if the connecting flight is with a different airline, this can be a little tough. There’s little to nothing the airline with the previous flight can do for you. In this case, find a way to rebook and get a seat on another flight. However, you can eventually claim compensation for the previous flight that was delayed, causing you to miss your flight.

3. Be familiar with your rights

If you are flying from an EU airport or landing in one with a European airline, the EU 261/2004 regulation covers you. This law protects air passengers in cases of flight disruptions like this one, and you could get compensation of €250 – €600. Get familiar with your rights under this regulation and maximize them to the fullest.

Bottom Line

While you may be entitled to certain things under the law, it is also advisable to learn to be patient and polite. Despite how frustrating it might be, remember that you will mostly be interacting with the staff, who probably have no hands in the disruption. You also wouldn’t want to ruin your chances of claiming compensation due to your approach.