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Missed Connection
Find out what to do when your flight is delayed and you miss your connection
Where from?
Where to?
Dates
-
Passengers & Class
1 Adult, Economy/Coach
What is a Missed Connection?
A missed connection is when you fail to make your connecting flight. This could be due to flight delays, insufficient layover times, baggage delays or other unexpected circumstances.
If you have missed your connecting flight, we can help rebook you onto the next available flight to your destination. Please contact us as soon as possible - our Customer Service team will be available to help you continue your journey.
What to Do If You Miss a Connecting Flight
It's natural to panic at first, but by following the steps below, you can continue your journey to your final destination with ease.
Contact Alternative Airlines or the airline immediately. You can call or WhatsApp us via our Contact page. Once you're in touch with us, you'll need to explain your situation and reason for missing your connecting flight.
- My flight was delayed and I missed my connection. If the missed connection was the airline's fault (e.g., delay or cancellation), you may be eligible for compensation. In this case, we'll get in touch with the airline and aim to resolve the situation.
- I missed my connection but it wasn't the airline's fault. If it wasn't the airline's fault, we can still rebook you onto the next available flight, however, you will be required to pay for this new flight, and possibly additional rebooking fees.
Top Tip: Before you travel, check if your travel insurance covers missed connections. Many policies do cover this, offering financial assistance for rebooking flights, accommodation and other expenses.
Common Causes for Missed Connections
Flight Delays
Flight delays are the most common cause of missed connections. Extreme weather, like stormy, foggy or snowy conditions, makes it difficult for aircraft to fly. It can also be caused by problems with air traffic control like congestion or technical difficulties. Mechanical issues are also a key cause of flight delays.
Short Layovers
Many airlines schedule tight connections to optimise their flight schedules, however, if there is a minor delay, it can lead to missed connections. Some airlines might miscalculate the required layover time, leaving very little time for you to transfer between flights (especially at busy airports). Check out our guide on dealing with short layovers for more on this.
Baggage Delays
If you lose your baggage or it takes a long time to get off your initial flight, you will have to wait for it to arrive in the baggage hall, potentially causing you to miss your connecting flight. Long queues in these baggage claim areas can also cause you to miss your connecting flight.
Unexpected Circumstances
Other causes of missed connections include long queues at security screenings, airport closures due to emergencies, and confusing terminal changes.
How to Avoid Missed Connections
Here are our top tips on how to avoid missing your connecting flight:
- Aim for a minimum layover time of at least 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights. Also, consider the size of the airport you're flying from and how long it will take to reach your gate. You should check out our guide on booking long layovers!
- Book direct flights wherever possible so you don't have to worry about making your connecting flight. You'll save yourself lots of time and can enjoy a stress-free journey.
- Keep an eye on your flight status. Many airlines have their own apps that can give you real-time updates on your flight, including any delays or gate changes.
- Check-in online. This way, you can avoid long queues at the airport.
- Consider a stopover flight, instead of a connection flight. You can enhance your journey by enjoying a stopover destination first before reaching your final destination.
- Most importantly, stay calm and be flexible. Have a plan ready if you do end up missing your connecting flight.
Read our guide on connecting flights if you'd like to find out more, including how they work and their benefits.
Airline Policies on Missed Connections
If you miss your connecting flight, policies will vary depending on the airline you're flying with and your reason for missing your flight.
Normally, if you miss your connection due to a delay or cancellation that was caused by the airline, they're responsible for rebooking you onto the next available flight at no extra cost. However, if the cause for the missed connection was out of the airline's control, such as arriving late at the airport or not keeping track of your layover time and missing the flight, you'll be responsible for rebooking fees and fare differences.
If you're flying within the EU or to/from the EU, you might be entitled to compensation for delays, cancellations, denied boarding and missed connections, under EU regulations.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if your flight gets delayed and you miss your connection?
If your flight is delayed and you miss your connection flight, the airline is usually responsible for rebooking you onto the next available flight. With bookings made through Alternative Airlines, you can contact us and we'll be able to help you through the rebooking process.
You should reach out to us or the airline immediately if you have missed your connection. In some cases, you might be eligible for compensation, however, this depends on the airline's policies and the reason for the flight delay.
What happens if I miss my connecting flight?
When you miss a connecting flight, the airline will rebook you onto the next available flight to your destination. However, this can result in significant delays or require overnight stays. Be prepared to pay additional costs for accommodations, meals and transportation.
If you made your booking through Alternative Airlines, please reach out to us immediately. Our Customer Service team will be able to help you with the rebooking process.
Is there compensation for missing a connecting flight?
This depends on the reason for the missed connection. You might be eligible for compensation if you miss your connecting flight due to the airline's fault (e.g., delay or cancellation).
However, if the missed connection was due to factors outside of the airline's control (such as extreme weather), you most likely won't be entitled to compensation.
We recommend checking your travel insurance policy as some policies cover missed connections.