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If you require assistance with your booking or need to get in touch with us due to a missed connection, our Customer Service will be happy to help you.
Missed Connection
Find out what to do when your flight is delayed and you miss your connection
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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 happens if I miss my connecting flight?
If you suspect that you will miss your connecting flight or you have already missed it, 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.
Tip: Before you travel, check if your travel cover has missed connections. Many policies do cover this, offering financial assistance for rebooking flights, accommodation and other expenses.
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.
Common causes of missed connections
Missed connections can happen for many reasons, often due to factors outside your control.
Here are some of the most common causes:
- Flight delays caused by bad weather, air traffic control issues, or technical/mechanical problems
- Short layovers where even a small delay leaves little time to transfer between flights
- Baggage delays if you need to wait at baggage claim before continuing your journey
- Unexpected circumstances such as long security queues, airport closures, or last-minute 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.
- 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.
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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 cover policy as some policies cover missed connections.
How much layover time do I need to avoid missing a connecting flight?
A good layover time depends on the airport and whether you’re flying domestic or international, but these timeframes are a helpful guide:
- Domestic to domestic: aim for at least 60 to 90 minutes
- International connections: aim for at least 2 to 3 hours
- Changing terminals or airports: aim for 3+ hours (and more if you need to collect and re-check bags)
If you’re travelling through a large or busy airport, or flying during peak times, choosing a longer layover can make your connection much less stressful.
What’s the difference between a self-transfer and a protected connection?
A protected connection is usually when flights are booked together on one itinerary, meaning the airline may help rebook you if something goes wrong. With a self-transfer, you may be responsible for rebooking if you miss your next flight.