Czech Airlines missed connecting flight compensation.
European laws state that if Czech Airlines flight is delayed or cancelled due to their fault, and because of that you miss your connecting flight, you might get compensation from Czech Airlines. In this article, you will learn more about missed connecting flight compensation, and how to get it. We also have included some tips on how to prevent delays and missing connections in the future.
EU regulations apply to all Czech 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. Czech Airlines Missed Connecting Flight Compensation
Czech Airlines is an airline registered in the Czech Republic (EU country).
If Czech Airlines cancels your flight, or there is a long delay, you might be entitled to EU flight compensation. If you miss your connecting flight due to delay or cancellation of your previous flight, you might get compensation, too. It is called “missed connecting flight compensation”, and it’s the same as flight delay compensation.
Simply put: if you arrive at your destination 3+ hours late, and it was due to the airline’s fault, then that entitles you to receive compensation from them. If it’s a connecting flight, your destination is your final destination.
There are two conditions that must be met though:
- Your flight must be at least 3 hours late. Flight delay time must be calculated when you arrive at your destination, not at the moment you depart from the origin airport.
- It must be an airline-protected connecting flight. These rules don’t apply to self-transfer flights. Because self transfer connections are not airline’s responsibility. You are responsible for making your connection.
1.1 European and non-European airlines
Don’t forget that the country of origin of your airline matters.
When choosing to fly with a European airline (an airline registered in the EU, EEA or UK), such as Czech Airlines, passengers can take comfort in knowing that their rights will be protected regardless of whether they are leaving Europe or traveling back home. With Czech Airlines being one of the reliable European airlines, customers can book without any hesitation and be assured that their journey is safe and secure throughout the entire trip!
But if you are traveling with an airline registered outside the EU, EEA or UK (e.g., Qatar, Delta, Pegasus), you are not protected on all of its flights. The EU regulations apply only when travelling FROM Europe. See the table below for more detail.
| 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
With self transfer, it’s not as easy and stress-free.
For example, one of your flights is with Czech Airlines and one with Ryanair, Wizz Air, or any other airline. This would be considered a self-transfer flight (you’ve booked these flights separately).
It’s important to remember that when you choose a self-transfer option, the airline won’t provide any protection. So if your flight is delayed and causes you to miss the next plane but falls short of three hours, no compensation or another ticket will be given from the airline. Because these are separate flights, not an airline-protected transfer.
- You won’t get a new flight to your destination for free, because it’s a self transfer. You are responsible for making in time for your connection.
- If your initial flight was only slightly delayed but still caused you to miss your next flight, no form of compensation for these flights will be paid out. The two flights are seen as separate entities, without the airline-protected transfer.
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?
Here are two choices:
- 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):
- Determine if the flight is eligible for compensation in the first place. Read this to understand your rights.
- Once you have determined you are entitled to compensation, the next step is to fill out a compensation claim form. Visit the website of Czech Airlines, locate the contact form and compose a message explaining the situation.
- Provide information such as your original ticket number and flight connections, as well as reasons for delay. Make sure you mention how much later did you arrive at your destination.
- Cite the Flight Compensation Regulation 2004 No 261/2004. By citing this, you are demonstrating your knowledge of the rights and privileges afforded to you. This will encourage the airline to take all necessary steps for a timely resolution.
- Attach a copy of your boarding pass.
- Once all the required information is submitted, Czech Airlines will review it and decide whether or not to approve the claim. If approved, the money will be sent to your bank account in a couple of months.
- If you are not happy with the outcome (e.g., the airline refuses to pay), you can ask a National Enforcement Body for assistance. Alternatively, you can work with a flight compensation company (see Option No 1).
- If the airline doesn’t respond at all, follow up with the airline.
4. Right to Care from Czech Airlines
On all Czech Airlines flights from Europe 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 Czech Airlines. Again, it’s because Czech 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 informed you are, the better.
- To ensure that your itinerary runs smoothly, don’t chance with too close of layover times. When booking connecting flights, allot yourself some extra time in between the flights so that if any issue arises – like a delay or cancellation – it won’t interfere with the rest of your travel plans.
- Before you head to the airport, take a peek at your airline’s or airport’s website for any warnings about possible delays and cancellations. You won’t be able to dodge every delay, but knowing what might happen ahead of time will make it easier for you—and give you peace of mind when getting ready for takeoff.
- Using flight trackers is essential for a stress-free journey. With apps like FlightStats, you can stay informed about any changes that could potentially disrupt your plans. This way, you can always be prepared and make necessary adjustments in a timely manner to ensure an optimal travel experience!
- Investing in travel insurance is a wise decision. If you need to book another ticket, travel insurance can reimburse your flight costs and associated fees such as hotel rooms and transportation – it’s especially beneficial if you’ve booked a self transfer.
- Learn more about your rights! The laws of Europe state that airlines must offer assistance and support in case of flight disruptions. Knowing this before a potential disruption happens will provide ease of mind. So arm yourself with knowledge!
What is your experience with Czech Airlines? Have you ever missed a connecting flight with Czech Airlines? How did the airline solve this? Did you receive missed connection compensation from Czech Airlines?
