Brussels Airlines missed connecting flight compensation.
If a delayed or cancelled flight caused you to miss Brussels Airlines connection, then EU laws may be on your side! We’ll explain the details of what this means for you and how you can request compensation. Plus we’ll provide advice so that in the future, these delays don’t impact your travel plans again.
The EU laws apply to all Brussels Airlines flights to and from Europe.
Did you miss a connecting flight? File a compensation claim online.
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 delay, strike, 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. Brussels Airlines Missed Connecting Flight Compensation
Brussels Airlines is the flag carrier of Belgium.
If your flight with Brussels Airlines is disrupted due to delay or cancellation, you are entitled to compensation for the inconvenience. Moreover, if you miss your connecting flight as a result of such an incident, rest assured that you will be compensated just the same. This can simply be referred to as “missed connecting flight compensation”.
To put it simply, if your trip arrives at its destination later than anticipated due to any issues with Brussels Airlines, you are eligible for monetary compensation from them. The only requirement is that the delay must be a minimum of three hours or more.
There are two conditions that must be met:
- Your flight must be heavily delayed, and arrive at the destination at least 3 hours late. The delay time is calculated once you arrive at your destination.
- It must be an airline-protected connecting flight. These rules do not apply if you have booked several flights separately (self-transfer flights). Self transfer connections are not airline’s responsibility. It is up to you as the traveller to deal with any delays or disruptions with self-transfer connections.
1.1 European and non-European airlines
The country of origin of your airline matters.
When flying with a European airline (an airline registered in EU, EEA or UK) customers can rest assured that their passenger rights are protected regardless of whether they’re arriving to Europe or departing from Europe. And as Brussels Airlines is a European airline, you are protected on all their flights.
Nonetheless, if the flight is with a non-European carrier such as American Airlines, Qatar Airways or Aeromexico – the European regulation only applies when flying FROM a European airport but not on journeys originating from any other country.
| EU/UK to EU/UK | EU/UK to Other countries | Other countries to EU/UK | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU airlines | + | + | + |
| UK airlines | + | + | + |
| Other airlines | + | + | – |
1.2 Self-Transfer Flights
If it’s a self transfer, it’s not as stress-free.
For example, one of your flights is with Brussels Airlines and the other – with Ryanair, or any other airline. This is a self transfer. You have booked those flights separately, and each of these flights has their own booking reference number.
As you might already know you are less protected with self transfers. For example, if your flight is delayed for less than three hours and it causes you to miss a connecting plane, don’t expect any sort of compensation, reimbursement or an alternate ticket. It’s pivotal that you account for this risk before settling on a self transfer option.
- You won’t obtain a complimentary flight to your destination as it is entirely up to you – not any airline – to ensure this connection. As such, the airlines have no obligation or responsibility towards your self-created travel route (self transfer flight).
- If the delay of your first flight wasn’t for a minimum duration of three hours, you won’t receive any form of compensation — even though it caused you to miss another flight. As it is a self transfer, your flights are considered as two separate flights.
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?
You have two options:
- You can file a claim with compensation company.
- Or, you can do it all on your own.
If you choose the latter (option number 2):
- Contact Brussels Airlines directly to start the process. Write an e-mail, call or use the contact form on Brussels Airlines website.
- Provide details about your flight and disruption that occurred. Mention how much later you arrived at your destination (for connecting flights, it’s the final stop), and what was the reason for this delay.
- Be sure to mention your rights and cite the European Flight Compensation Regulation 2004 in order to receive any potential compensation.
- Submit evidence of ticket and other necessary documents.
- Wait for Brussels Airlines to review claim in order to determine eligibility.
- Receive notification from Brussels Airlines regarding the result of claim.
- If eligible, receive payment (compensation) in bank account within a couple of months.
- Follow-up in writing if you don’t hear back within a reasonable period of time.
- If Brussels Airlines refuses to pay compensation, or you aren’t happy with the outcome, contact a National Enforcement Body.
- Alternatively, you can file a claim with compensation company. See option No 1.
4. Right to Care from Brussels Airlines
On all Brussels Airlines 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. So, you can let your family know about your whereabouts, and to rearrange your travel plans.
It applies to all domestic and international flights with Brussels Airlines. Including Brussels Airlines flights to Africa. Again, it’s because Brussels Airlines is a European airline. With non-European airlines it applies only to flights departing from European airports.
5. Tips on Flight Delays and Missed Connections
The more information you have, the better.
- Don’t cut it too close. It’s best to not cut it too close to your connecting flight times; make sure there is plenty of time before the boarding gate closes in order to avoid any potential issues. To ensure you make your next flight on time, the key is to always allow extra cushion in your schedule.
- Stay informed during all stages of travel. Always keep an eye out for updates related to weather delays, mechanical issues and other potential changes that could affect your connecting flights throughout the duration of your travel journey. Before you go to the airport, check the airline’s or airport’s website for any warnings of potential delays or cancellations.
- Use FlightStats and stay informed. By closely monitoring your flight status, you’ll be able to stay in the loop regarding any changes that could impact your itinerary. Using a reliable flight tracker like FlightStats can ensure that you’re always one step ahead!
- Buy travel insurance. If you have to book another flight, travel insurance can cover that expense along with additional fees such as accommodation and transportation costs too – it’s especially beneficial if you have a self transfer (this will make your self transfer safer).
- Don’t forget to learn more about your rights! Under European laws, airlines must offer assistance and support if your flight is disrupted through no fault of yours. By being aware of this prior to traveling, you can rest assured that any issues will be addressed swiftly and effectively should they arise – allowing for a worry-free journey!
What is your experience with Brussels Airlines? Have you ever missed a connecting flight with Brussels Airlines? How did the airline solve this? Did you receive missed connection compensation from Brussels Airlines?
