Can You Get Compensation for Missed Connecting Flights in the UK?

Travelling with connecting flights can be stressful, and even worse when you miss your connection due to a delay or disruption. The good news, however, is that passengers in the UK may be entitled to compensation for missed connecting flights under specific circumstances. To make a big difference in these situations, you need to understand your rights and how to claim compensation.

When Are You Eligible for Compensation?

To qualify for compensation for missed connecting flights in the UK, the following conditions must be met:

1. The Flights Are Under One Booking

Confirm that your entire journey is booked under a single ticket, as the airline won’t be responsible for missed connections caused by delays on a different booking.

2. Significant Delay at the Final Destination

The total length of delay at your final destination, and not just the missed connection, plays a role in compensation. This means the delay must be at least three hours long for monetary compensation and two hours for complimentary food and drinks.

3. The Delay Was the Airline's Responsibility

There are different reasons why you may experience a delay, some of which are within the airline’s control, making you entitled to compensation. This includes operational issues, staffing shortages, or technical problems. However, delays caused by extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather conditions, air traffic control strikes, or political unrest do not meet the criteria.

4. The Flight Is Covered by EU or UK Law

Flights departing from the UK or an EU airport are protected under EU Regulation 261/2004, which remains in effect in the UK post-Brexit. Flights arriving in the UK from non-EU countries may also be covered if operated by an EU-based carrier.

How Much Compensation Can You Receive?

The monetary compensation is between £220 - £520, depending on the distance of your journey and the length of the delay at your final destination. While £220 covers a flight of 1500 km, £350 covers 1500-3500 km, and £520 for distances over 3500 km.

In addition to compensation for missed connecting flights, you are also entitled to meal vouchers and refreshments if your delay exceeds two hours. If it’s an overnight delay, you get free accommodation and transport to and from the hotel. For a delay longer than five hours, you can request to be booked on the next available flight.

Steps to Claim Compensation for Missed Connecting Flights

Follow these steps to claim compensation:

1. Document Everything

Keep all travel documents, including boarding passes, booking confirmations, and receipts for any additional expenses. You can also request a written statement from the airline explaining the delay or missed connection.

2. Seek a Professional Service

Claiming compensation can be a sometimes stressful process but you can save some time and effort by employing the service of a professional. This is where Flightright comes in, ensuring you get what you are due, under EU Regulation 261/2004.

3. Follow Up

Once you kickstart the process, follow up with the airline and look out for any notifications for further details.

Bottom Line

No one ever wants to deal with missing a connecting flight but if you find yourself in such a situation, remember that the UK and EU regulations protect your rights as an air passenger. This article highlights everything you need to know to get started and be duly compensated.