Missed Connection Rights
If you missed a connecting flight because your first flight was delayed or cancelled, EU law protects you — even if the airline claims it's not their fault.
Check Your Compensation Free →When does EC 261/2004 apply?
The regulation covers specific disruption types. Knowing the difference between qualifying and non-qualifying events is the first step to a successful claim.
Qualifying events
You are entitled to fixed compensation if any of the following apply:
- ✓Missed connection due to a delay on your first flight (single booking)
- ✓Arrival at final destination 3+ hours late because of the missed connection
- ✓Missed connection due to cancellation of the first leg
- ✓Rebooking by airline resulting in 3+ hour delay at final destination
Extraordinary circumstances
Airlines may be exempt from paying compensation if the disruption was caused by:
- ✗Flights booked on separate reservations (treated as independent flights)
- ✗You had sufficient connection time but missed the gate due to personal reasons
- ✗Minimum connection time was met but you chose to shop/eat instead
- ✗Connection missed due to immigration/customs delays (not airline's fault)
How much can you claim?
EC 261/2004 sets fixed compensation amounts based on flight distance. There is no discretion — if you qualify, you are owed these amounts by law.
| Flight distance | Minimum delay | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Under 1,500 kme.g. London → Paris | 3 hours+ | €250 |
| 1,500 – 3,500 kme.g. London → Cairo | 3 hours+ | €400 |
| Over 3,500 kme.g. Frankfurt → New York | 3–4 hours | €300 |
| Over 3,500 kme.g. Frankfurt → New York | 4 hours+ | €600Maximum |
How to claim compensation
The process is straightforward. AirHelp handles the legal complexity so you don't have to chase airlines or understand EU law.
Enter your flight number and travel date. EC 261/2004 applies to flights departing from EU airports, or arriving in the EU on an EU-based carrier.
Locate your boarding pass, booking confirmation, and any communication from the airline about the disruption. AirHelp will guide you through exactly what's needed.
Submit once through AirHelp's platform. Their legal team handles all correspondence, escalation, and court proceedings — no follow-up needed from you.
Compensation lands directly in your bank account. AirHelp charges a 35% service fee only when your claim succeeds — zero upfront cost.
Frequently asked questions
Everything passengers ask before filing their first claim.
Yes. If both flights are on one reservation (single PNR), the operating carrier of the delayed first flight is responsible. This is common with codeshare agreements and alliance partners.
If the airline sold you that itinerary with a 45-minute connection, they accepted responsibility for you making it. The minimum connection time was approved. If the first flight was even slightly late, causing you to miss the second, you likely have a claim.
Compensation depends on total delay at your FINAL destination, not the delay of the first flight. If you arrived at your ultimate destination 3+ hours late, you can claim — regardless of how short the first delay was.
You're entitled to €250-€600 based on the distance to your final destination. The 5-hour delay at your final destination clearly exceeds the 3-hour threshold.
EC 261/2004 covers the entire journey if it originated from an EU airport (any airline), or if it was to an EU airport on an EU carrier. If your first flight departed from the EU, you're covered even if the connection was outside the EU.
They must provide accommodation, meals, and transport to/from the hotel. You're also entitled to compensation based on the delay at your final destination. If you arrived the next day, that's clearly 3+ hours late.
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