MISSED CONNECTING FLIGHT

Missed connecting flight? EU compensation and rebooking rights

A short delay on the first flight can cause a much longer disruption at the final destination. Under current EU guidance, the key questions are whether the flights were part of one reservation, how late you finally arrived and what caused the disruption.

Updated 31 August 2026

The short answer

If connecting flights were on a single reservation and an airline disruption made you reach the final destination at least three hours late, compensation may be due unless extraordinary circumstances apply. The airline should also reroute you and provide care when the waiting-time thresholds are met. Missing a connection because of security queues or because you missed the boarding deadline is different.

First check how the journey was booked

One reservation

A single booking reference covering the full itinerary is the strongest starting point. The delay is assessed at the final destination, even when the first leg was delayed by less than three hours.

Separate tickets or self-transfer

Separate contracts normally do not receive the same through-journey protection. Keep both bookings and check each disrupted flight separately, plus any travel-insurance or booking-platform terms.

What you may ask the airline for

Rebooking

Alternative transport to the final destination at the earliest opportunity, subject to the applicable conditions.

Care while waiting

Meals, refreshments and, when an overnight stay is necessary, hotel and transport.

Fixed compensation

Potentially €250, €400 or €600 when final arrival is sufficiently late and the airline cannot establish extraordinary circumstances.

Indicative EU compensation bands

€250

Journeys of 1,500 km or less

€400

Intra-EU journeys over 1,500 km and other journeys between 1,500 and 3,500 km

€600

Other journeys over 3,500 km; rerouting can reduce this band in specified cases

Check these facts before claiming

  • All connecting flights appeared on one reservation or through ticket.
  • The journey falls within the territorial scope of EU passenger rules.
  • You respected check-in and boarding deadlines at the transfer airport.
  • You reached the booked final destination at least three hours late.
  • The missed connection resulted from an airline disruption, not security queues or your own late arrival.
  • Record the airline's explanation: extraordinary circumstances can affect fixed compensation, but not every duty of care.

Evidence to keep

  • Full itinerary and booking reference
  • Boarding passes for every segment
  • Scheduled and actual arrival times at the final destination
  • Rebooking confirmation and airline messages
  • Written reason for the initial delay or cancellation
  • Receipts for reasonable meals, hotel and transport

Build the claim around the whole journey

  1. State the origin, transfer airport and final destination in one timeline.
  2. Show that every leg was covered by the same reservation.
  3. Record the actual arrival time at the final destination, not only the first-leg delay.
  4. Separate fixed compensation from rebooking and documented care expenses.
  5. Send the request to the operating airline and keep the case number and response.

Why final arrival matters

In Folkerts (C-11/11), the Court of Justice confirmed that a passenger on directly connecting flights can be entitled to compensation when the delay at departure was below the usual threshold but arrival at the final destination was at least three hours late.

See also the guide to EU flight-delay compensation →

Frequently asked questions

Does a 40-minute first-flight delay count?

It can. On one reservation, the decisive delay for compensation is normally the delay at the final destination.

What if the airline rebooks me automatically?

Keep the new itinerary and actual arrival time. Rebooking does not automatically remove a possible compensation claim.

What if I bought the flights separately?

The second airline may treat you as a no-show. Assess each ticket separately and check insurance or platform protection.

Does VEYDOIT decide whether compensation is owed?

No. VEYDOIT organises the facts and evidence and prepares the request; the airline, authority or court decides the outcome.

Explore the complete free flight case check →

Official sources

General information, not legal advice. Rights depend on the itinerary, bookings, operating carrier, facts and rules applicable on the disruption date.