Get up to €600 compensation for missed connecting flights under EU261 - even if the delay wasn't your fault. We'll help you claim what you're owed when airlines fail to protect your journey.
Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for compensation under EU261
Answer a few questions to see if you qualify for compensation under EU261
Critical Requirements: Single booking + 3+ hour delay at final destination + missed connection due to airline delay.
EU261 applies to missed connections when all these elements are present:
Your entire journey must be booked on one ticket or reservation (even if multiple airlines are involved through a codeshare or alliance). If you booked separate tickets, EU261 does not apply.
At least one flight in your journey must be covered by EU261 (departing from EU or arriving in EU on EU carrier). If your first flight departs from the EU, EU261 applies to the entire journey.
You must arrive at your final destination at least 3 hours later than originally scheduled. The delay is measured at the final destination, not at the connection point.
The missed connection must not be caused by extraordinary circumstances (extreme weather, air traffic control strikes, security threats). If the airline could have prevented the delay, you qualify.
First flight delayed 2 hours, missed Paris connection, arrived in New York 5 hours late. Airline rebooked you on next available flight.
✅ Qualifies - Single booking, 5-hour final delay, airline's responsibility to protect connection
First flight delayed 1 hour, missed Dubai connection by 10 minutes due to tight connection time set by airline, arrived Singapore 6 hours late.
✅ Qualifies - Airline set insufficient connection time, final arrival 6 hours late
First flight delayed, missed separately-booked London-Toronto flight, arrived 8 hours late.
❌ Does not qualify under EU261 - Separate bookings mean no protection, though you may have other legal remedies
Why your booking type determines everything
EU261 only protects passengers on a **single booking or reservation**. This is the most important factor in missed connection claims. Here's what you need to know:
Many budget airlines (Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air) do not offer through-ticketing with other carriers. If you book connections separately to save money, you have NO EU261 protection if you miss the connection. Always verify you have a single booking before relying on tight connections.
Compensation is based on total journey distance from first departure to final destination
| Distance | Compensation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Flights under 1,500 km | €250 per passenger | London to Paris to Rome, Berlin to Vienna to Prague |
| Flights 1,500 - 3,500 km | €400 per passenger | London to Istanbul to Athens, Paris to Moscow to St. Petersburg |
| Flights over 3,500 km (delay 3-4 hours) | €300 per passenger (50% reduction) | London to Dubai to Bangkok (if final delay is 3-4 hours) |
| Flights over 3,500 km (delay 4+ hours) | €600 per passenger | London to New York to Los Angeles, Frankfurt to Tokyo to Sydney |
Important: Important: Distance is calculated as total journey distance from your first departure to final destination, NOT the distance of individual flight segments. The delay is measured at your final destination, not at the connection point.
Follow these steps to maximize your chances of success
Common questions about missed connection compensation
How we've helped passengers get what they're owed
Flight from London to Dubai delayed 2.5 hours, family missed Dubai-Singapore connection, arrived 6 hours late. Single booking through Emirates.
Result:
€600 per person × 4 passengers = €2,400. Airline initially offered vouchers, we insisted on cash under EU261.
Paris-Frankfurt-New York journey on Lufthansa. First flight delayed 1.5 hours, missed Frankfurt connection by minutes. Airline immediately rebooked on next flight, final arrival 4 hours late.
Result:
€600 compensation despite airline providing quick rebooking. EU261 right to compensation is independent of airline's duty to care.
Barcelona-Amsterdam-Copenhagen connection on KLM. Missed connection due to first flight delay, arrived 5 hours late. Airline rejected claim citing 'operational reasons'.
Result:
Filed complaint with Dutch enforcement body. Airline reversed decision and paid €400 per person (€800 total) after regulatory pressure.
Don't let airlines keep money that's rightfully yours. We'll help you navigate the process.