Can you claim compensation if you miss your connecting flight?

Can You Claim Compensation for Missed Connecting Flights?

Delays and missed connections are common frustrations for air travelers. However, not all missed connections are eligible for compensation. The right to compensation depends on the cause of the missed connection.

Airline Negligence

If a missed connection is caused by an airline’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Negligence can include:

• Flight delays or cancellations due to mechanical issues or operational errors
• Incorrect boarding information provided by airline staff
• Overbooking

In these cases, the airline is responsible for the disruption and should offer compensation to affected passengers. The amount of compensation varies depending on the airline’s policy and the specific circumstances of the missed connection.

Passenger Tardiness

If a missed connection is caused by passenger tardiness, you are generally not entitled to compensation. Airlines typically provide specific boarding times and expect passengers to arrive at the gate accordingly. If you miss your flight because you arrived late, it is not the airline’s responsibility to compensate you.

Exceptions

There may be some exceptions to the rule of no compensation for passenger tardiness. For example, if the airline significantly delays a connecting flight, you may be eligible for compensation even if you missed your connection because of your own lateness.

How to Claim Compensation

If you believe you are entitled to compensation for a missed connection, you should contact the airline as soon as possible. You may need to provide documentation to support your claim, such as proof of the airline’s negligence or your timely arrival at the gate.

The airline will review your claim and determine whether you are eligible for compensation. If you are approved, the airline will typically offer a refund, travel voucher, or other form of compensation.

Conclusion

Whether or not you are entitled to compensation for a missed connecting flight depends on the cause of the missed connection. If the airline is negligent, you may be eligible for compensation. However, if the missed connection is caused by your own tardiness, you are generally not entitled to compensation.