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Lost Connection Compensation: What You Need to Know
Losing a flight connection can disrupt your entire journey, leading to delays at your final destination, missed onward bookings, or unexpected additional costs. In situations where a connection is missed due to a delayed, canceled, or rescheduled flight, and all flight segments were booked together, the passenger has the right to claim compensation for the lost connection based on Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. This European legislative act obliges airlines to ensure efficient re-routing and, under certain conditions, to provide compensation.
When are you entitled to compensation for a lost connection?
Flights were booked on the same ticket (a single booking, regardless of the operator).
The delay at the final destination is at least 3 hours compared to the scheduled arrival time.
The delay was the airline's fault (e.g., avoidable technical faults, staff shortages, internal logistical problems).
The connection was lost as a result of the first flight's delay or a cancellation without adequate re-routing.
The flight took place within the last 3 years.
The journey started from an airport located in the European Union or was operated by a European carrier.
Flights are not part of a single booking (X).
The delay was caused by extraordinary circumstances (severe weather conditions) (X).
The airline offered efficient re-routing, which allowed arrival at the final destination with a delay of less than 3 hours (X).
How much can you receive in case of a lost connection?
Financial compensation is determined based on the total distance of the journey and the actual delay at the final destination. The amounts are fixed and do not depend on the ticket price:
€250
Compensation per passenger
Up to 1,500 km
€400
Compensation per passenger
Between 1,500 km and 3,500 km
€600
Compensation per passenger
Over 3,500 km
Right to re-routing and assistance
Even if compensation is not granted, passengers affected by a lost connection have the right to:
Free re-routing
Free re-routing to the final destination at the earliest opportunity.
Accommodation and transport
Accommodation and local transport in case the re-routing involves an overnight stay.
Meals and refreshments
Meals and refreshments in proportion to the waiting time.
Access to communication
Access to communication, including free phone calls and sending emails or messages.
In addition, the passenger can choose between a full refund of the ticket price (for the unused segment and, if applicable, for the rest of the itinerary) or re-routing to the final destination, either at the earliest opportunity or at a later date, depending on their preference.
What documents should you keep?
To claim compensation, it is essential to keep the following documents:
The complete booking that includes all flight segments;
Flight tickets and boarding passes;
Proof of the actual arrival time (screenshots from apps, photos of the display board, emails from the airline);
Any official correspondence regarding the delay, cancellation, or re-routing.
Check eligibility
Enter your travel details on the ClaimBee platform to quickly analyze if you are entitled to compensation.
Complete the application
Attach all supporting documents and provide details regarding the circumstances under which you lost your connection.
Submit the request
You can contact the airline directly or choose to collaborate with ClaimBee, which will manage the entire process for you.
Receive compensation
After the claim is approved, the amount is transferred directly to your bank account.
Frequently asked questions about compensation for lost connections
A connection is considered lost when a passenger cannot board their next flight within the same booking in time due to a delay or cancellation of the first flight segment. To be eligible for compensation, all flights must be included on the same ticket.
No. The Regulation only applies to flights booked together as part of a single contractual journey. In the case of separate bookings, each segment is treated independently, and the loss of connection does not fall under EU rights.
No. The right to compensation only arises when the cumulative delay at the final destination is at least 3 hours compared to the originally scheduled arrival time.
Yes, in most cases. Technical problems are considered to be under the airline's control and do not constitute 'extraordinary circumstances'. Therefore, if the delay is longer than 3 hours, the airline must pay compensation.
As long as the flights are booked together as part of a single transport contract (the same ticket), the airline responsible for the delay is obliged to offer compensation, even if the connecting flight is operated by another carrier.
You have the right to choose between re-routing or a refund, but compensation is only granted if you arrive at your final destination with a delay of more than 3 hours and the airline is responsible for the lost connection.
It depends on the airport, the airline, and local procedures. Generally, airlines do not offer connections shorter than those achievable under normal conditions. If you followed the transit instructions and still missed your connection due to the airline's fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
Usually not. Air traffic control is considered an extraordinary circumstance, being beyond the airline's control. However, you are entitled to assistance (meals, refreshments, accommodation, communication).
Yes, as long as the flight originated in the EU or is operated by a European airline and the entire journey is part of a single booking. The Regulation also applies to international layovers.
In Romania, the limitation period is 3 years from the date of the flight. It is recommended to submit the claim as soon as possible to avoid losing your right.
Yes. Although the airline is obliged to provide official information, it is helpful to keep evidence such as your boarding pass, screenshots from flight tracking apps, or any other document that confirms the actual arrival time.
The Regulation only provides for fixed amounts as compensation. Other damages (such as lost bookings, missed meetings, additional expenses) can be claimed separately in court but are not subject to the standard procedure provided by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
If your request is ignored or unjustly rejected, you can file a complaint with the National Authority for the Protection of Passenger Rights or contact a specialized service, such as ClaimBee, which can act on your behalf, including in court.
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 only applies if the initial flight departed from an airport in the EU or is operated by an airline registered in the European Union. If these conditions are not met, the right to compensation is not guaranteed.