What to Do If You Miss Your Connecting Flight

Few travel mishaps are as stressful as missing a connecting flight. One moment, you’re furiously sprinting through the terminal, panicking as you hear the dreaded announcement: “The gate is now closed.” Or worse, you’re helplessly looking out the plane’s window as your connecting flight departs without you. Whether it’s due to a delayed departure, long security lines, or even a weather-related disruption, missing a connection can derail even the most carefully planned journey.

The good news? With a clear head and some proactive steps, you can often get rebooked and back in the air without too much hassle. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the chaos of missed connections — whether it’s due to airline delays, bad weather, or something entirely out of your control. Plus, we’ll share tips to better prepare for potential disruptions, so you can turn a stressful situation into something manageable.

Whose Fault Was It?

First things first: figuring out why you missed your flight is key to understanding what assistance — if any — you’re entitled to from the airline. If the missed connection is your fault (e.g., you overslept, spent too much time in the terminal shops, or underestimated the time needed to get through security), the airline isn’t obligated to help. Policies vary between airlines, but under most circumstances, you may need to rebook and cover any associated costs. That said, many airlines offer same-day standby or discounted rebooking options for these situations, so it’s worth checking with an agent or the airline’s app right away.

If the fault lies with the airline — perhaps your first flight was delayed due to technical issues or crew scheduling — they’re usually responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight. Similarly, if your missed connection was caused by weather or air traffic delays, airlines will often rebook you without a fee, though they may not cover additional expenses like hotels or meals. (For flights within the EU or departing from the EU, you may be eligible for compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004 if the disruption meets specific criteria.)

Here’s the bottom line: airlines aren’t legally required to provide accommodations or support for every missed connection, even when the delay is out of your control. This makes it especially important to remain friendly, calm, and cooperative when speaking to staff. Most airline representatives want to help, but their options are limited by company policies. Approaching the situation with patience and politeness can increase your chances of getting extra assistance, like rebooking on a competing airline or securing a meal voucher.

Pro Tip: Some travel insurance policies cover missed connections due to airline delays, so having insurance in place might spare you hefty out-of-pocket expenses.

Missing a Connection with the Same Airline

When your connecting flights are booked on the same airline and you miss your connection due to delays or disruptions within their control — such as mechanical issues or crew scheduling problems — the airline is generally responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight. There is usually no additional cost for this rebooking. If they can’t provide another same-day flight, they may try to accommodate you on a partner airline or, in rare cases, a competing airline. If the next flight isn’t until the following day, the airline might offer overnight accommodations, transportation to the hotel, or even meal vouchers, depending on their policies and availability.

If the missed connection is due to weather or air traffic delays, the airline will also typically help you by rebooking you on another flight. However, in these cases, they aren’t usually required to go beyond rebooking. This means assistance like hotel stays or meal vouchers might not be provided—even if you’re stuck overnight. Some airlines are more customer-friendly than others, so it’s always worth asking for extra accommodations, but it’s important to manage your expectations.

Airlines are under no legal obligation to compensate you for most missed connections unless specific rules apply. For instance, if you’re traveling on a flight that’s governed by EU laws, such as flights departing from the European Union or operated by EU carriers, you may be entitled to compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This typically applies only if the disruption was the airline’s fault and caused significant delays in getting you to your final destination. While more passenger-friendly compensation rules exist in Europe, the United States does not have similar regulations, so assistance beyond rebooking is often at the airline’s discretion.

If the Connection is with Another Airline

If your connecting flight is booked with a different airline than your initial flight, things can get a little more complicated. Airlines are not responsible for helping you make it to another carrier’s flight unless your entire trip was booked on a single ticket through a shared agreement — such as within the same airline alliance. If the two airlines have a codeshare or partnership arrangement, there’s a chance the second airline might offer some assistance or help rebook you. However, if your flights were booked and paid for separately, neither airline has an obligation to ensure you make your connection.

When traveling with flights from different airlines, it’s always important to plan extra time between your connections. Unlike a single-ticket journey, where an airline might coordinate transfers, navigating between two airlines could mean switching terminals, picking up and rechecking luggage, and going through security again. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of the connecting airport beforehand can save precious minutes if you’re short on time.

Should you miss the connection, the best course of action is to immediately inform the second airline that you’ll be missing your flight. While they aren’t obligated to rebook you without charging fees—particularly if it’s a low-cost carrier—it’s worth explaining your situation to see if they can offer a discounted rebooking option. Some airlines have policies for passengers who arrive late due to unforeseen circumstances, but this varies widely.

If you anticipate needing to book separate tickets on different airlines, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers missed connections. This can help offset the expenses of rebooking and reduce some of the stress if things go wrong.

Remember the Three P’s

When dealing with airline representatives in any stressful travel situation—especially a missed connection—it’s important to remember the Three P’s: patience, politeness, and persistence. Airline staff are often juggling a barrage of issues from frustrated passengers, and keeping your cool can make a big difference in how your situation is handled. A calm and polite demeanor will likely encourage the agent to do everything they can to assist, while raising your voice or getting confrontational is far less likely to yield results.

Persistence is equally important. If the first person you speak to isn’t offering much help, politely stand your ground and ask if there are other options available. Don’t hesitate to request to speak with a supervisor if you believe you’re not being given the best possible solution, but do so thoughtfully and without hostility. Advocating for yourself while staying composed can go a long way toward finding a resolution.

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Be Prepared

Missing a connecting flight is never ideal, but a little preparation can make a big difference if the unexpected happens. One of the smartest ways to protect yourself is by purchasing travel insurance when you book your trip. Not all plans include coverage for missed connections, so make sure to select one designed to help with rebooking fees, accommodations, and other unexpected costs in these situations. While it’s an added expense, the peace of mind it offers is especially valuable when planning extensive trips, such as multi-city flights.

Packing smartly also pays off. Always carry essentials like toiletries, medications, chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on bag. If a missed connection leaves you stuck overnight or waiting for a later flight, having these items on hand can save you a lot of discomfort. Checked luggage is often delayed during travel disruptions, so keep your most important possessions with you whenever possible.

Planning additional time between flights can also help keep things on track. When booking connections, consider opting for longer layovers, especially if your route includes customs clearance, terminal changes, or large airports where getting from one gate to another takes significant time. Airports vary in complexity, and a quick review of the layout beforehand can help you navigate more efficiently. Extra time might seem unnecessary when everything is running smoothly, but it can save you a world of stress if delays arise.

Finally, take advantage of technology to stay ahead. Most airlines have apps that provide real-time updates on delays, gate changes, and cancellations. Some even allow you to rebook missed connections instantly without waiting in line at customer service. Tracking devices like Apple AirTags or Tile can keep tabs on your checked luggage if it takes a detour during a missed connection. Additionally, services like AirHelp or SmartDelay can assist with compensation claims if your disruption qualifies, particularly on flights governed by EU rules.

FAQs: 

Q: What should I do if I realize mid-flight that I might miss my connection?
A: Inform the flight attendants immediately. They might notify the gate staff at your connecting flight or assist by providing information on next steps. Check your airline’s app for rebooking options as soon as you land, and head directly to the customer service desk or rebooking kiosk if necessary.

Q: Do airlines hold connecting flights if incoming flights are delayed?
A: Airlines rarely hold flights for delayed connections, as this can disrupt the schedule for other passengers. However, if several passengers are on the same delayed flight and there’s only a short wait, some airlines might make exceptions. This is more common for last flights of the day.

Q: Can I get a refund if I miss my connecting flight?
A: Refunds are generally only offered if the airline caused the delay and they cannot rebook you on a suitable flight. For non-refundable tickets, missed connections typically don’t qualify for reimbursement unless booked on a refundable fare or you purchased travel insurance with coverage for such situations.

Q: Will my checked luggage stay with me if I miss my connection?
A: If all your flights are booked on a single ticket, your luggage will likely be forwarded to your final destination, even if you miss your connection. However, if your tickets are on separate carriers, you may need to track and recheck your luggage yourself after rebooking. Using tracking devices like AirTags can help locate lost bags.

Q: What happens if I miss an international connection?
A: Missing an international connection may involve additional complications like re-clearing customs or needing transit visas for the next available flight. Call the airline immediately to confirm any entry requirements for your new route. Be sure to monitor your checked baggage, as it might take a different flight than you.

Q: What’s the safest layover time to avoid missing a connection?
A: A minimum of 90 minutes is generally recommended for domestic flights, and two to three hours for international connections. If you’re flying through major or unfamiliar airports, consider longer layovers to account for delays, terminal changes, customs checks, or large airport layouts.

Q: Can I book a flight with a connection shorter than the airline’s minimum connection time?
A: Airlines usually won’t allow bookings with less than the minimum connection time, which varies by airport and airline. However, airlines sometimes offer “legal” but tight connections. It’s a good idea to avoid these if possible, especially at high-traffic airports, as they leave little room for delays.

Have you ever missed a connecting flight? How hard did your airline work to get you to your final destination?