Your Rights under EC 261 For Missed Flights

If you miss a connecting flight within the EU due to a delay, cancellation, or overbooking, you may be eligible for compensation under EC 261. This applies when your flights are booked together and the cause is within the airline’s control.

Additionally, EC 261 ensures essential support like meals, refreshments, and accommodation if required.

EC 261/04 compensation for missed flight connections

If you miss a connecting flight within the EU, you may be eligible for compensation under EC 261. Here’s a summary of the criteria that apply:

1. If your missed connection results from a delay exceeding three hours, a cancellation, or overbooking, you could be eligible for compensation under EC 261.

2. Your connecting flights must be booked as part of the same itinerary, and either depart from or arrive in an EU country.

3. The reason for the missed connection should be within the airline’s control, not due to personal reasons, such as oversleeping and missing the next leg of your journey.

4. You can claim compensation for flights disrupted up to three years ago, regardless of whether a replacement flight was provided.

For an easier way to check eligibility, of course you can always directly contact our Experts and they will be able to help you.

For an easier way to check eligibility, of course you can always directly contact our Experts and they will be able to help you.

The scope of EC 261 for missed connecting flights

The EC 261 regulation applies to flights in Europe, regardless of the traveller’s nationality. Coverage includes flights departing from or arriving in Europe on a European airline, and it even extends to Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and some overseas territories.

In certain cases, passengers with a European connection might be eligible for compensation even if their final destination is outside Europe. Below is a table showing EC 261 eligibility for various connecting flights.

When compensation doesn’t apply

Compensation is not applicable for missed connections caused by extraordinary circumstances outside the airline’s control, such as severe weather, acts of terrorism, or air traffic control strikes. Similarly, personal reasons for missing your connection do not qualify for compensation under EC 261.

What else EC 261 entitles you to

Apart from compensation, EC 261 also guarantees care and assistance if you miss a connecting flight. This may include meals, refreshments, communication access, and overnight accommodation if necessary. You also have the right to a refund or re-routing if your delay surpasses five hours.

If you’ve missed a connecting flight, here are essential steps to take:

• Retain your travel documents: Keep your boarding pass and other travel documents; you’ll need them to file a claim.
• Contact an airline representative: Airlines generally have plans in place for missed connections, so an alternative flight might already be prepared. If not, locate the customer service desk or call your airline for assistance.
• Ask about alternative flights or refunds: The airline should arrange the next available flight to your destination. If this doesn’t suit, you may be able to request a refund or book a return to your departure point.
• Enquire about food and refreshments: If you’re delayed at the airport, the airline should provide meals and drinks, as required by European regulations.
• Request hotel accommodation: If re-booking on another flight by 6 pm isn’t possible, the airline should arrange overnight accommodation and cover transport to and from the airport.
• Check your luggage status: If your checked baggage missed the connection, ask the airline for an update. They should assist in returning it to you if you’re facing a long wait.
• Inform people at your destination: Let those expecting you know about the delay to avoid unnecessary cancellations or worry. The airline should provide a means of communication.
• Keep receipts for extra expenses: If missing your connection results in unexpected costs like hotel stays, missed reservations, or rental cars, you may be eligible for reimbursement related to the disruption.
• Check your compensation eligibility: Use an eligibility checker to determine if your missed connection qualifies for compensation and what entitlements you may have.

Key takeaways

Missing a connecting flight is often stressful, but understanding your rights and entitlements under EC 261 can help ease the experience.

It’s essential to retain all travel documentation and gather as much supporting evidence as possible to strengthen your claim. Please remember that this guide provides general advice; for specific cases, consider seeking professional guidance or contacting the relevant authorities directly.