Traveling can be stressful, especially when missing crucial flights due to unexpected delays. ReFly is here to assist you, providing comprehensive guidance on dealing with flight loss caused by connecting delays and on obtaining the compensation you deserve.
Compensation can vary from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance and the delay upon arrival at the final destination.
To request compensation, remember to keep all necessary details: flight information, booking, and proof of delay and missed connection.
When am I entitled to compensation for a missed flight due to coincidence?
You are entitled to compensation for missed flights (often referred to as "missed connections" in English-speaking countries) in various situations, according to applicable laws and regulations, such as those established by EU Regulation 261/2004 within the European Union.
To be eligible for compensation, it's necessary that all flights (the missed one and the connecting flight) are part of the same booking, that the cause of the missed connection is within the airline's control (excluding extraordinary circumstances such as bad weather or health emergencies), and that the delay upon arrival at your final destination is more than 3 hours.
How much compensation can I receive for a missed connection?
Compensation for a flight connection delay, according to EU Regulation 261/2004, depends on the flight distance and the delay duration at the final destination, which must exceed 3 hours. Here's an overview of the amounts you could receive:
€250
The compensation of €250 for a delayed flight specifically applies to flights of less than 1500 km.
€400
The compensation of €400 for a delayed flight applies to flights between 1500 km and 3500 km.
€600
The compensation of €600 for a delayed flight applies to flights over 3500 km.
It is important to note that these amounts are per passenger and that the right to compensation also depends on other conditions, such as the airline's responsibility for the delay and the absence of extraordinary circumstances that could have caused the delay (such as adverse weather conditions or safety emergencies).
Furthermore, if you choose to accept an alternative flight offered by the airline that takes you to your final destination with a delay between 3 and 4 hours, the compensation amount may be reduced by 50%.
For journeys outside the scope of Regulation EC 261/2004, such as international flights departing from or arriving outside the EU with non-European airlines, compensation terms and amounts may vary according to local laws or airline policies.
It only takes 2 minutes.
How can I get my compensation?
Here's how to do it in 3 simple steps:
1
Submit your compensation request.
Just 1 minute to discover the amount of your compensation
2
We work for your rights.
Our legal team will collaborate with airlines and authorities on your case.
3
Receive your compensation.
Once we win the case, you will receive the money in your bank account.
Knowing your rights in case of missed connections helps you have a better travel experience!
The rights of air passengers in case of a flight delay, especially for those traveling within or to/from the European Union, are also covered by Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004. These rights apply when all flights involved are part of a single booking. Here are the main rights:
Right to Information
The airline is obligated to inform you about your rights and the reason for the delay in the connection.
Right to Assistance
If the delay of the connection forces you to wait for several hours, you are entitled to receive assistance from the airline.
This includes:
Meals and drinks proportionate to the duration of the wait.
Two phone calls, faxes, or emails.
Accommodation in a hotel and transportation between the airport and the place of accommodation if it is necessary to stay overnight or if an additional stay is required beyond the originally planned one.
Refund or Re-routing
If the delay in the connection means that your journey no longer serves its original purpose, you can choose between a refund for the unused portion of the journey and for the parts already completed that now no longer make sense, or rerouting to your final destination as soon as possible or on a later date of your convenience.
Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if you arrive at your final destination with a delay of 3 hours or more, and if the delay was not caused by extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control. The amount of compensation depends on the flight distance and the actual delay upon arrival.
To request a ticket refunddoes not automatically meanwaiving your right to compensation under EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 if your flight has experienced a delay in connection.
What is meant by Compensation.
Compensation is an independent payment intended to acknowledge inconvenience suffered due to cancellations, significant delays (usually 3 hours or more), or denied boarding. The amount of compensation varies based on the flight distance and the duration of the delay upon arrival.
What is meant by Refund?
Refund refers to the return of your ticket cost (or a portion thereof) if your flight is cancelled, you decide not to travel due to significant delay, or you are rerouted and the new itinerary does not meet your needs. Refund may also include the return flight to the original departure point, if applicable.
You can request both a refund for your ticket and compensation if the circumstances justify it. However, if you accept a refund for your ticket following a cancellation or significant delay, and then choose not to travel, you may not be entitled to rerouting to your final destination. Compensation for any inconvenience suffered, however, remains a separate right and can be requested independently of the ticket refund.
If you believe you are entitled to both a refund and compensation, make sure to clearly communicate this to the airline when submitting your claim. If you encounter difficulties in handling your claim with the airline, you can seek assistance from the competent national authority in the EU country where the incident occurred or in the EU country where the flight departed.
It is important to note that to benefit from these rights, all involved flights must be part of a single booking. If the flights are booked separately, each segment of the journey is considered an independent flight for regulatory purposes.
If you find yourself in a situation where the airline does not provide the assistance measures stipulated by EU Regulation (EC) No. 261/2004 in the event of a flight delay, such as meals, refreshments, two telephone calls, hotel accommodations, and transportation, here are some steps you can follow:
Document the delay and lack of assistance.
Keep all documents related to your flight, including tickets, boarding passes, and any communication with the airline. If possible, note down or obtain statements from airport staff confirming the delay and lack of assistance.
Pay out of pocket if necessary.
If you need meals, drinks, or accommodation and the airline does not provide them, try to limit expenses to what is reasonably necessary and keep all receipts. These will be essential for claiming reimbursement later.
Request a refund directly from the airline.
Once you're back home, prepare a detailed refund request to send to the airline. Include a description of what happened, specify the assistance measures that were not provided to you, attach all your receipts, and request reimbursement for the expenses incurred due to the delay, possibly with the help of ReFly's expertise.
Submit an official complaint.
If the airline refuses your refund or does not respond within a reasonable period, you can file a complaint with the relevant national authority in the EU country where the incident occurred or in the EU departure country of the flight. This body can assess your case and provide assistance in asserting your rights.
Remember that you are entitled to receive assistance in the event of significant delays, including those affecting your connections. It's important to act knowledgeably and document everything to best support your case.
ReFly operates in compliance with regulations concerning passenger rights.
Only a few air travelers are aware of their rights, and many lack the necessary legal understanding to claim compensation for flight delays. Even when they are aware of their rights, the process of requesting compensation from airlines can be challenging.
