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British Airways Missed Connecting Flight Compensation


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British Airways missed connecting flight compensation.

If your flight has been cancelled or delayed due to an airline’s error and you have consequently missed your connecting flight, European laws may entitle you to compensation from the carrier in question. This article will provide advice on how to make a compensation claim and also offer tips on avoiding potential delays and missing connections in the future.

It applies to all British Airways flights to and from Europe.


Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online.


British Airways airplane

UK / EU Flight Compensation

We have several articles on these topics.

Here is a full guide on UK / EU flight compensation regulation. There we talk about all situations, when you can get compensation from the airline and when you have a right to care. We also have separate guides on what to do if you miss connection due to delaystrike, or cancellation of one of your flights.

Here, in this article, we will focus more on the compensation – UK / EU Missed connecting flight compensation.

1. British Airways Missed Connecting Flight Compensation

British Airways is the flag carrier airline of the United Kingdom.

If British Airways (not extraordinary circumstances) causes your flight to be delayed or cancelled, you are entitled to compensation. Furthermore, if this incident leads to a missed connecting flight as well, don’t worry! You can still claim the same amount of financial compensation; we’ll call it “missed connection compensation” but in essence it is the same as delay/cancellation compensation.

In short: if British Airways causes you to arrive at your destination late, then you are eligible for UK/EU flight compensation as long as the delay is three hours or more.

There are two conditions that must be met:

  • Your flight must be at least 3 hours late. Keep in mind that you must calculate the delay time when you arrive at your destination.
  • It must be an airline-protected connecting flight. These rules don’t apply to self-transfer flights, a situation when you book your flights separately (not under one booking reference number).

Keep in mind that if your flight is delayed or cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances, you are not entitled to any compensation from the airline.

1.1 European and non-European airlines

The country of origin of your airline matters.

Travelers flying with British Airways, a European airline, can experience peace of mind knowing that their rights are safeguarded no matter if they’re departing from Europe or arriving there. With British Airways’s European origin guaranteeing protections to its customers on all flights.

However, if the flight is with a non-European (i.e., non-EU, UK, EEA) carrier such as Delta or Turkish Airlines – you as a passenger are protected only on their flights from Europe.

EU/UK to EU/UKEU/UK to Other countriesOther countries to EU/UK
EU airlines+++
UK airlines+++
Other airlines++

1.2 Self-Transfer Flights

With self transfer, it’s not as easy and stress-free.

For example, one of your flights is with British Airways and the other is with RyanairWizz Air, or any other airline. You’ve booked these flights separately, not as a single booking. This is a self transfer.

When it comes to self transfers, you are less protected. When your flight is delayed for less than three hours, resulting in a missed connection, neither compensation nor another ticket will be provided. Therefore it’s important to weigh this potential risk carefully before opting for such a connecting flight.

  • You won’t get a new flight to your destination for free, because it’s a self transfer. Airlines are not responsible for self transfers (which are often called DIY connecting flights).
  • If your flight isn’t delayed for a minimum of 3 hours, you can’t get compensation. Even if it makes you miss your connecting flight. This is a self transfer not a connecting flight, so the airline is not responsible for missed connections.

When it comes to air passenger rights, unless otherwise stated, we talk about air passenger rights in the EU, EEA and UK. When we say Europe or European, we mean EU, EEA or UK. This is done for the simplicity, since the according laws in these countries are about the same.


2. How Much Can You Claim for Missed Connecting Flight?

Mostly it’s 250, 400 or 600 euro per person.

The amounts are regulated by flight compensation regulations.

The longer the flight, the more you can get.

  • 250 EUR – if the flight distance is less than 1500 km;
  • 400 EUR – if the flight distance is between 1500 and 3500 km;
  • 600 EUR – if the flight distance is more than 3500 km.

3. How to File a Claim for Missed Connection Compensation?

There are two options:

  1. You can file a claim with compensation company.
  2. Or, you can do it all on your own.

If you choose the latter (option number 2):

  • Before you start the process of filing a claim, it’s important to understand what types of delays and cancellations are covered, what the maximum compensation amounts are, and how to properly submit your claim.
  • In order for your flight to be eligible for compensation from British Airways, it must meet certain criteria. The flight must have been delayed or canceled by the airline’s fault and the delay must have been for more than three hours. Cancellations must be within 14 days of the scheduled departure date, and denied boardings must meet specific conditions. Learn more here.
  • Once you’ve determined that your flight is eligible for compensation, you can start the process of filing a claim.
  • British Airways makes it easy to submit a claim on their website and they provide step-by-step instructions to help guide you through the process. You will need to provide information about your flight and ticket type, as well as contact information so they can get in touch with you.
  • Once your claim has been submitted, British Airways will review it and determine if you are eligible for compensation. If your claim is accepted, the airline will send you a letter or email with details about the amount of compensation you will receive. This can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the complexity of your claim. In most cases, however, it takes at least several weeks.
  • If British Airways doesn’t reply, do not hesitate to send a reminder email (or message them using social media channels).
  • If your flight compensation claim is wrongfully denied, appeal the decision. Contact the airline and explain why you believe your claim should be approved. Provide any additional evidence that supports your case.
  • If you believe your rights as an air passenger have been violated, you can file a complaint with organizations such as the National Enforcement Body of the respective country. Or you can work with a flight compensation company (see Option 1).

4. Right to Care from British Airways

On all British Airways flights you have a right to care.

According to the EU Regulation 261/2004 airline should provide:

  • Free food and drinks in a reasonable relation to the waiting time.
  • Free hotel accommodation if a stay of one or more nights is necessary;
  • Free airport transfer to hotel and back.
  • Plus, two telephone calls, telex or fax messages, or e-mails. 

It applies to all domestic and international flights with British Airways, all delayed British Airways flights. Again, it’s because British Airways is a European airline. With non-European airlines it applies only to flights departing from European airports.

In some cases with British Airways you are protected by the Regulation UK261. What you should know is that it’s basically the same law as the EU Regulation 261/2004. That’s why on this website, for simplicity, we often refer to EU, EEA and UK simply as Europe. 

Hong Kong airport layover
Hong Kong airport

5. Tips on Flight Delays and Missed Connections

Flight delays and missed connections can be a source of major stress for travelers, but there are some things that can be done to reduce the chances of encountering them.

  • Don’t risk with short layovers. When booking connecting flights, always make sure to leave yourself some time between them. This precautionary measure will provide peace of mind that no matter what happens on any one leg of your trip – be it a delay or cancellation – you won’t have to suffer through its effects on other parts of your adventure as well!
  • Pay attention to the weather forecast around your departure time and be aware that certain airports may be more prone to delays than others. Before you set out on your journey, make sure to consult the airline’s or airport’s website for any probable hold-ups or cancellations. This may not entirely prevent a delay from happening but it will surely keep you informed of the situation earlier and allow you to adjust better in case of an unexpected event.
  • Utilize flight trackers to stay informed! Ensure your journey is successful by using FlightStats to monitor the status of your flight. This way, you’ll be instantly aware of any potential changes that could disrupt your travel plans.
  • Buying travel insurance is a smart move. In the event that you have to re-book your ticket, insurance policy can cover the cost of not only the new flight but also additional fees such as hotel and transportation costs – especially when you have a self transfer (travel insurance will make your self transfer safer).
  • Arm yourself with the knowledge of your rights! European laws grant you assistance and support from airlines when any flight issues arise out of no fault of yours. Being aware of this before traveling will give you additional assurance during your trip.

What is your experience with British Airways? Have you ever missed a connecting flight with British Airways? How did the airline solve this? Did you receive missed connection compensation from British Airways?

About the author:

Co-founder and Editor at Connecting Flights Guide

Una is an organized globetrotter and foodie who’s been living a digital nomad lifestyle since 2013. She always starts her day early with a good book before diving into work. Apart from traveling and aviation, her other passions include gym, hiking and cycling. Una is also a strong proponent of AI technology. She firmly believes in its potential to simplify life and has often advocated for its wider adoption in our day-to-day activities. Her favorite airlines are Qatar Airways, Emirates, and KLM.

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Connecting Flights Guide

Your go-to guide to air travel rules and regulations. Connecting flights, self transfer, onward tickets and more – we want you to understand air travel better


This article may contain compensated links. Learn more in our disclaimer.



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