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Do you get compensation for a missed connecting flight in the EU?

One booking or separate tickets makes the difference.

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Short answer

A missed connection can give compensation of EUR 250 to 600 if you reach your final destination more than 3 hours late and there were no extraordinary circumstances. This applies to a combined booking, which is usually the case when you buy all flights directly from one airline. Tickets bought through a ticket provider are often separate tickets, and then each flight is judged on its own. With a departure delay of 5 hours or more on a connecting trip, you can also ask for a refund and a flight back to your first departure airport.

Transport and mobility

Why

  1. The final arrival time decides the claim.
  2. A combined booking protects the whole trip.
  3. Separate tickets carry more risk on tight connections.

Details

Package trips are generally treated as a combined booking, though there can be exceptions.

Tip

If you build your own trip with separate tickets, leave plenty of time between flights.

What may differ

Whether a booking counts as combined is judged case by case, especially for tickets from travel sites.

Common misconception

Any missed connection gives compensation, however you booked.

What actually happens

The connection is protected as one trip only when the flights are on a combined booking.

People also ask

  • How much compensation do you get for a delayed flight in the EU?
  • What does the airline owe you while you wait for a delayed flight?
  • Where do you complain about an airline in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Timetables, routes and fares change, so check the operator before you travel.

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