A missed connection can qualify when the flights were on one through booking and the disruption causes arrival at the final destination at least three hours late.
Through booking or separate tickets?
A single through booking links the flight legs into one journey. In that situation, the relevant delay can be the time you reach the final ticketed destination after the missed connection.
A self-transfer uses separate bookings. If the first airline’s delay makes you miss the second booking, UK261 does not normally make the first airline responsible for transport to the final destination on the separate ticket.
Which airline receives the claim?
The claim is usually directed to the operating airline responsible for the disruption that caused the missed connection. Code-share branding can be confusing, so check the boarding pass for the operating carrier.
Keep the full itinerary, all boarding passes and evidence of the final arrival time. If the airline rebooked the connection, keep that new itinerary too.
Care while waiting for the new connection
A covered through journey can bring care rights while you wait, including reasonable meals and accommodation when an overnight stay becomes necessary. Ask the airline before booking your own arrangements when possible.
If you must pay yourself, choose reasonable options and keep itemised receipts. Luxury or avoidable costs are less likely to be reimbursed.
UK261 compensation bands
These are the standard fixed amounts for an eligible claim. Cancellation and denied-boarding cases can be reduced when rerouting gets the passenger to the final destination within set time limits.
| Flight distance | Typical qualifying delay | Maximum fixed amount |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 1,500 km | 3 hours or more at destination | £220 per passenger |
| 1,500 to 3,500 km | 3 hours or more at destination | £350 per passenger |
| Over 3,500 km | 3 to 4 hours | £260 per passenger |
| Over 3,500 km | More than 4 hours | £520 per passenger |
How to prepare a claim
- Identify the operating airline, flight number, date and full route.
- Keep the booking confirmation, boarding pass and disruption messages.
- Record the scheduled and actual final arrival times.
- Keep reasonable, itemised receipts for care the airline did not provide.
- Ask the operating airline for fixed compensation, expenses and any refund as separate items.
If the airline rejects the claim or takes more than eight weeks to respond, check whether its approved alternative dispute-resolution provider can review the case.
Common questions
Does airport minimum connection time decide compensation?
Not by itself. It can affect rebooking, but UK261 eligibility depends on the booking, disruption and final arrival delay.
What if my bags miss the connection?
Baggage claims follow separate rules from flight disruption compensation.
Sources: UK Civil Aviation Authority delay guidance, cancellation guidance and eligibility guidance. Rules and outcomes depend on the facts of each journey.