Connecting flights offer convenience, but they also increase the risk of delays and missed connections. If your flight is delayed and you miss your next connection, you may be entitled to compensation of up to €600 under EU Regulation EC 261/2004. In this article, we’ll explain your rights and how to file a claim for missed connections.

1. What Are Connecting Flights?

A connecting flight means you have two or more flights as part of a single booking.

✅ If the flights are on one ticket, the airline is responsible for your connection.
❌ If you booked separate tickets, each flight is treated independently, and you may not be protected.

Important: EC 261/2004 applies if your flight starts in the EU or is operated by a European airline.

2. When Are You Entitled to Compensation?

Your first flight was delayed, causing you to miss your connection.
The airline did not offer an alternative flight in time.
You arrived at your final destination with a delay of 3+ hours.

Compensation Amount:

Flight Distance	Compensation (€)
Up to 1,500 km	250 €
1,500 – 3,500 km	400 €
Over 3,500 km	600 €

Example:

• You fly Sofia – Paris – New York on one booking.
• Your first flight (Sofia – Paris) is delayed by 2 hours, and you miss your connection.
• The airline rebooks you, but you arrive in New York 5 hours late.
• You are entitled to €600 compensation since your final delay was over 3 hours.

3. When Are You NOT Eligible for Compensation?

❌ Flights were booked separately.
❌ Delay was due to extraordinary circumstances (bad weather, airport strikes, political crises).
❌ The airline rebooked you on another flight, and you arrived with less than a 3-hour delay.

If a delay causes you to miss your connection and you arrive at your final destination 3+ hours late, you may be entitled to compensation up to €600.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact ClaimHelp – we’ll handle everything for you!