Self-connecting flights and missed connections

A connection built from separate flight tickets may not have the same protection as flights sold in one reservation. If the first flight is late, the next airline can treat you as a passenger who did not arrive on time.

Identify the booking structure

Do not rely on the fact that one website sold both flights. Check the confirmation for one reservation and one through journey, or separate contracts with separate booking references. Ask the seller to state the position clearly before payment.

Official EU guidance describes missed-connection rights for flights booked as part of a single reservation when EU air passenger rules apply and the disruption was not caused by an excluded circumstance. That is not a promise for a self-connection built from separate tickets.

Add the costs a self-connection creates

The lower fare should be compared with:

• checked-bag collection and a second bag drop
• entry formalities needed to collect and recheck baggage
• transfer between terminals or airports
• a longer connection buffer
• the possible price of a replacement ticket
• food or a hotel if the connection fails

Travel insurance can help only within its wording. Check the missed-departure and separate-ticket terms, excess, evidence requirements and exclusions.

Use a risk-adjusted comparison

Add the certain costs in Trip Cost Check. Keep the replacement-ticket risk as a separate note rather than pretending it is guaranteed to occur. A small fare saving may not justify a tight, unprotected connection.

Save the booking confirmations, disruption notices and actual arrival time. If a problem occurs, contact the operating airline first and use the Passenger Rights Checker to find the official guidance that may cover the journey.