Missed your connecting flight? How compensation works
If a delay made you miss your connection and you reached your final destination at least 3 hours late, you may be entitled to compensation. What counts is the delay at your final destination, not on each leg, as long as all flights were on one booking.
When can you claim?
- All flights were on one booking.
- The journey departed from the EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland (EU261) or the UK (UK261), or the flight arrived in the EU on an EU airline, or in the UK on a UK or EU airline.
- You reached your final destination at least 3 hours late.
- The delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances, such as unsafe weather or air traffic control restrictions.
How much?
The amount is per person and based on the distance from your first departure airport to your final destination: €250 / £220 up to 1,500 km, €400 / £350 for 1,500–3,500 km (and for longer flights within the EU), €600 / £520 over 3,500 km.
Separate bookings and rebooking
If you booked the flights separately, each flight is normally assessed on its own, so a missed connection usually does not give compensation. Accepting a new flight from the airline does not by itself remove your right; your arrival time at the final destination counts.
Meals and hotel while you wait
During a long wait the airline must offer meals and drinks and, if needed, a hotel and transport to it.
FAQ
My first flight was only 40 minutes late – can I still claim?
Yes, if you missed the connection and reached your final destination at least 3 hours late.
Which distance sets the amount?
The distance from your first departure airport to your final destination.
I booked the flights separately – does this apply?
Normally not for the missed connection; each flight is assessed on its own.
I accepted a rebooked flight – have I lost my right?
Not automatically. Your arrival time at the final destination counts.
Who do I claim from?
The airline that operated the delayed flight.