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Connecting flight missed: compensation for delayed arrival

If you miss your connecting flight because of a delay and arrive at your final destination at least three hours late, you may be entitled to a compensation payment. The decisive point is that it was a single booking: then the delay at the final destination counts, not at the stopover.

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Your chances of getting your money back

With a single booking, what matters is the arrival delay at the final destination. If it is at least three hours, you are entitled to compensation of 250 to 600 euros depending on the total distance (EU Regulation 261/2004).
Even if the first flight was only slightly delayed: if you miss the connection because of it and arrive significantly late, the delay at the final destination counts. With separate bookings the situation is more difficult.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Check the booking

    Was it a single booking (one ticket/one booking number)? That is the basis of the claim.

  2. 2

    2. Prove the arrival delay

    Document the actual arrival time at the final destination and the scheduled one: at least three hours is decisive.

  3. 3

    3. Demand compensation

    Demand the compensation payment by total distance and the reimbursement of additional costs in writing.

  4. 4

    4. Claim care

    During a long wait you were entitled to meals and, if necessary, a hotel: also reclaim these costs.

How to spot the scam

  • The airline counts only the short delay of the first flight instead of the arrival delay at the destination.
  • It is claimed that for connecting flights there is 'no' compensation.
  • Additional costs for hotel and meals are refused.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get compensation if I miss the connection?

With a single booking, yes, if because of it you arrive at the final destination with at least three hours' delay. Then compensation of 250 to 600 euros applies depending on the total distance (EU Regulation 261/2004).

What counts, the delay at the transfer or at the destination?

The decisive point is the arrival delay at the final destination. Even if the first flight was only slightly delayed, the large delay at the final destination caused by the missed connection counts.

What if I booked separately?

With separate bookings enforcement is more difficult because the flights are not legally connected. Then often only a claim against the respective delayed airline helps. A single booking is much more advantageous.

Take action now

We put together the ready-made texts and the right places to contact for you.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.