Passengers missing their connecting flight : what are the eligibility criteria for compensation ?

The nightmare envelops travelers when they reach the airport and realize with horror that their original flight is significantly delayed. A fierce battle against time then begins, pushing them to desperately run towards their boarding gate for their connecting flight. The endless corridors of the airport seem to stretch without limit, while each minute cruelly slips away. Exhausted but persistent, they finally reach their gate, only to see “Last Call” appear on the notice board, and discover that their connecting flight has left without them. Their hope of reaching their destination on time dissolves, giving way to deeply felt frustration.

A missed connection is synonymous with a series of unpleasant emotions and situations for travelers. This involves not only the disarray and stress of having to restructure one’s travel itinerary, but also the inconvenience of waiting for long hours in an unfamiliar airport, often with little information or assistance. It’s a time when carefully laid plans fall apart, leaving passengers facing uncertainty and the need to quickly adapt to new schedules or routes. In short, a missed connection embodies the unpredictability and challenges often inherent in air travel.

Beyond the standard refund : Discover other passenger rights

When passengers miss their connecting flight due to delays or other problems with their original flight, they are faced with an important choice: wait for a rerouting solution offered by the airline or cancel their reservation and request a refund. The decision depends on their individual needs and circumstances. By opting for rerouting, passengers can continue their journey to the final destination, although this may involve additional delays and potentially itinerary changes. Airlines generally work to find the next availability to minimize waiting.

On the other hand, canceling the reservation and requesting a refund may be a more suitable option for those whose travel plans have become outdated or who prefer to arrange another mode of transportation on their own. In this case, affected travelers receive a full refund of their ticket, including for unused segments of the trip.

The airline is also required to provide a return flight to the original point of departure.

A missed connection may lead to compensation

When a passenger misses a connection due to a delay on their initial flight, this situation is effectively assimilated to a flight delay in the eyes of the regulations, which may entitle them to compensation. This provision is particularly relevant in the context of European Union regulations, such as EC Regulation 261/2004.

The compensation awarded to passengers is influenced by various elements, including the total duration of the delay in arriving at the final destination, the distance covered by the flight, and whether the journey is operated by a single or multiple airlines.

250 euros : awarded for short flights, that is to say for journeys up to 1500 kilometers. It typically concerns domestic flights or short flights within Europe.

400 euros : This amount is intended for medium-distance flights, between 1500 and 3500 kilometers. It often covers longer flights within Europe or some international flights to nearby destinations.

600 euros : This amount is allocated for long-distance flights, exceeding 3,500 kilometers, typically for transcontinental or intercontinental flights.

In the event that a connecting flight involves two or more airlines, and a passenger misses their connection due to a delay, the responsibility for compensation lies with the airline responsible for the original delay.

Passengers should be aware that in such scenarios, coordination between airlines may be necessary to establish liability and process compensation claims. This may prolong the claims process. Additionally, if the tickets were purchased separately from different companies, this can further complicate the situation, as each ticket is governed by its own contract of carriage.

Assessment of compensation prospects

Missing a connection may initially seem like a situation that entitles passengers to compensation, but the presentation of proof of force majeure by the airline can radically change the situation. Indeed, within the framework of aviation regulations, in particular Regulation CE 261/2004 of the European Union.

If an airline can demonstrate that the flight delay or cancellation was the result of such a situation, the passengers’ right to compensation evaporates.

Here are different scenarios where air carriers may be exempt from compensating passengers in the event of a missed connection :

Severe weather : Events such as blizzards, cyclones or volcanic eruptions, which can cause significant delays or cancellation of flights.

Airline-independent strikes : Strikes involving airport staff or air traffic controllers, which impact flight operations without being directly linked to the airline concerned.

Emergency Medical Cases : Involving passengers or crew members on board, which may cause delays or require unplanned itinerary changes.

Political unrest and conflicts : Situations of political disorder, coups d’état or armed clashes near airports, affecting flights and beyond the control of companies.

Impromptu security measures : Security emergencies, such as threats of attack or bomb threats, …

Major health crises : Events such as epidemics or pandemics, such as COVID.