Imagine racing through the airport, dodging other travelers while dragging a heavy suitcase behind you.
You’re arms are getting heavy, your lungs are burning.
This is not a relaxing start to your Oahu escape—
But if you don’t make it from Terminal A to Terminal C in the next ten minutes, you’re about to miss that connecting flight to Hawaii.
Unfortunately, the experience of running (or sprinting) to a gate is one of the most stressful situations a traveler can face. Unfortunately, it’s one that they might also be helpless to prevent.
As many people have noticed, airports and airlines seem prone to great delays since the lockdown ended in late 2020. Even customs lines have gotten longer.
Missing connecting flights is a greater risk than ever before, especially as travelers look to cut down on costs by booking flights with multiple airlines.
So what do you do when the worst happens at the airport? Here’s what the experts say you should do if you missed a connecting flight.
Missing a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation
The most common reason that travelers miss connecting flights is due to airline delays.
These are often caused when companies reschedule pilots, look into mechanical problems, and manage air carrier delays.
If you missed a connecting flight due to the airline, buckle up and be patient.
You’ll likely need to wait in line to speak with an attendant who can rebook your flight with the same airline or a partner airline. I recommend burying your frustration deep inside at this time.
First, airline employees tend to face a lot of anger when delays happen, and a little kindness can go a long way in getting you a new flight (and maybe some good seats). They might also hand over a few added vouchers.
Second, (as of June 2024) the US doesn’t legally require airlines to reschedule your flight based on delays that were also outside of their control. The game of appeasement might be your only option.
(This could change soon—keep reading for more information.)
Missing a connecting flight due to weather
If your flight is delayed due to inclement weather, and this leads to you missing a connecting flight, then the airline will once again reschedule your flight.
However, they probably won’t offer any vouchers like they would in case of airline delays.
If you need to stay the night at a hotel, then you’ll be paying out of pocket. The same for any meals bought between landing at the airport and your rescheduled flight.
This is a common reason that travelers purchase insurance for their slights, as those with a policy would have their hotel and meals covered.
Missing a connecting flight due to a mistake
If you fell asleep in a massage chair or booked too tight of a connecting flight, then the waters get a little muddy. Airlines aren’t obligated to help you out, and you’ll likely face added charges when rebooking a flight.
There are a few varying pieces of advice on what to do in this case. Once more, you’ll need to dig deep to hide your frustrations—a smile and an understanding attitude in this case will go a long way.
Some experts advise heading straight to the customer service counter to ask (very politely and with great deference to your mistake) what can be done. At best, you’ll need to pay the ticket difference for the next flight from the same airline.
But, at worst, you’ll need to fully rebook the flight and pay the entire ticket cost up-front. If this scenario has your stomach in knots, then, once again, travel insurance is probably right for you.
Getting compensation for flight delays
As mentioned above, the US has had a real ‘Wild West’ approach to its airlines.
They aren’t legally required to compensate passengers for missed flights—even when the airline caused the delay.
Thankfully, the US Department of Transportation is now proposing legislation that will change this.
The idea is that airlines should be held responsible if they cause major delays for passengers. At the moment, however, airlines are still legally allowed to change their schedules as needed—which gives you little legal recourse.
In the future, US flyers might have more options for defending their rights with airlines. The Biden-Harris administration recently ruled that US airlines must compensate passengers who miss flights with cash—not meal or hotel vouchers.
I’d also like to point out that anyone with a connecting flight in Europe, the UK, and Canada has other rights. In the EU, airlines that cause delays of over three hours must compensate passengers—but passengers must apply for that compensation.
I’ve personally used AirHelp to get compensation for missed and delayed flights across Europe. All I did was send over my tickets, information about the delays, and how it impacted my overall trip. I’ve received hundreds in compensation each time.
If you faced any troubles with delays at European airports, I suggest you look into whether you could have your full or partial ticket price refunded.
Tips on preventing missed flights
Obviously, nobody plans on missing a connecting flight. But if you want to exercise a little more caution, here are a few tips.
- Avoid booking flights with multiple airlines. It’s incredibly difficult to get compensation for missed flights, even due to delays or weather.
- Give yourself plenty of time to make connecting flights when booking. If you’re using an agent, feel free to push back if they want you to take a short connecting time.
- Know your rights with each airline, along with each country.
- Have a solid plan when it comes to your luggage. If you need to repack at the last minute or if you go through security too slowly, you could face delays.
- If you’re heading to Europe and need to go through customs, give yourself plenty of time. Americans now share this line with UK travelers.