SAS missed connecting flight compensation.
Missing a connecting flight can be a frustrating experience, one that can cause disruption in even the most carefully planned itinerary. However, thanks to European laws, air passengers are protected in the event of missed connections. If your flight has been cancelled or delayed because of an airline’s mistake, and that made you miss your connecting flight, you might be able to get compensation from the airline according to EU laws.
These rules apply to all SAS 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. SAS Missed Connecting Flight Compensation
SAS is a full-service traditional airline. It is the carrier of three Scandinavian countries – Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
According to the Flight Compensation Regulation 2004 No 261/2004, if your SAS flight is delayed or canceled due to the airline’s fault, you are eligible to be compensated. The same compensation applies if you miss your connecting flight, as a result of this incident (i.e., delay or cancellation of your previous flight).
To summarize, if you reach your destination late due to a SAS-related issue (like technical problems with an aircraft), then they are obligated to compensate you. This is valid as long as the delay lasts at least three hours. Delay time has to be calculated upon arriving at your destination.
If you have a connecting flight, your destination is your final destination.
There are two conditions that must be met:
- Your flight must be at least 3 hours late.
- It must be an airline-protected connecting flight. These rules don’t apply to self-transfer flights.
1.1 European and non-European airlines
The country of origin of your airline matters.
When flying with a European airline (airline registered in EU, EEA or UK), your rights are protected no matter if you’re leaving Europe or entering it. SAS, as a respected European carrier, must follow European laws and regulations and ensure passengers’s rights are protected under these laws.
However, if your flight is with a non-European carrier such as Qatar Airways, Qantas, or Turkish Airlines – the European regulations only work on their flights from European airports.
If you have a Qantas, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, etc., flight to Europe from a country outside of Europe, you won’t get any compensation. Such flights don’t fall under the Flight Compensation Regulation 2004 No 261/2004.
| 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 SAS and one with Ryanair, Wizz Air, or any other airline. This would be considered a self transfer.
When travelling with self transfers, you are not as protected as when traveling on regular connecting flights. If your flight delay is less than three hours and causes a missed connection, neither compensation nor another ticket will be provided. Thus, it’s critical to carefully consider the potential risk before booking such flights.
- Unfortunately, you will not be able to get a free flight should you miss your self transfer connection as it is no airline’s responsibility. Rather, this connection was created by you and none of the carriers are at fault.
- If your flight is not delayed by three hours or more and given that these two flights are separate entities in the eyes of the airline, you will not be entitled to any compensation for missing your connecting flight.
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:
- 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):
- Make sure you have all the information about your flight, such as original and actual departure times, length of delay, reason for delay, flight number, booking reference number, etc.
- You can make a claim by completing an online form on SAS’ website.
- Provide your booking and flight information as well as contact details.
- Submit the form, and wait for the reply from SAS. Keep in mind that it might take a few weeks until SAS gets back to you.
- Depending on the specifics of your case, SAS may require additional documentation or proof in order to fully validate your claim.
- If you are not happy how SAS handled your complaint, ask a local National Enforcement Body for assistance. Or you can work with a flight compensation company (Option No 1).
4. Right to Care from SAS
On all SAS 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. When it’s necessary, airline should give you means to contact your family, friends or anyone you may want to contact, to let them know about the changes in your travel plans. This is the main purpose of this.
It applies to all domestic and international flights with SAS. Again, it’s because SAS 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 key is to be prepared and informed about your journey.
With a little bit of research and planning, you can make sure that you have a stress-free travel experience each time you take to the skies. Happy travels!
- Allow extra time at the airport to make sure you don’t miss any connections. This is the most important thing to remember when booking a connecting flight, especially if it’s a self transfer. If there is an issue with any leg of your journey (i.e., delay or cancellation), it won’t ruin your trip.
- Monitor flight delays and cancellations throughout your journey, including on the day of travel, so that you are aware of any changes that could affect your connection times.
- Use flight trackers to stay informed. If you want your journey to go well, use FlightStats to keep an eye on your flight status. This way, you will know about any changes that could affect your travel plans.
- It’s always wise to invest in travel insurance. If you need to rebook your ticket, the right type of policy can cover the associated costs like hotel and transportation fees as well. It is particularly useful if you have a self transfer since it guarantees a safe transfer between them.
- Know your rights! Should something occur during your flight that doesn’t fall within your responsibility, European legislation ensures you receive help and support from the airline. Being aware of this prior to any potential travel disruption can provide peace-of-mind and facilitate more efficient problem solving. We all want control in these circumstances – so make sure you know what’s due to you by law.
- Have an alternate plan in place just in case something goes wrong on the trip.
What is your experience with SAS? Have you ever missed a connecting flight with SAS? How did the airline solve this? Did you receive missed connection compensation from SAS?
Featured photo by ramboldheiner from Pixabay
