Missed connections and through-tickets

Check whether every leg appears on one reservation or through-ticket. That fact can change the operator's duty after a missed connection and which arrival time is relevant.

For flights covered by EU rules, the official guidance connects missed-connection rights with a single reservation, final-destination delay and other eligibility conditions. A security delay, missed boarding time or extraordinary circumstances can change the outcome.

If the first leg is late

1. Ask the operating carrier to confirm the protected final destination in writing.
2. Request rerouting before buying a replacement.
3. Record the actual arrival time at the final destination.
4. Keep boarding passes, booking references, delay notices and receipts.

If the tickets were bought separately, do not assume the second carrier must accept the first carrier's delay. Read both contracts and ask the seller whether it provided any separate connection guarantee.

Compare self-connection risk before booking

Use Trip Cost Check to compare a protected itinerary with separate tickets. Keep the basic ticket prices in the cash result. Record the connection risk and flexibility as notes. Do not add an invented missed-flight cost unless you are deliberately pricing a real backup ticket or insurance product.

Rail and other modes

Rail through-ticket rules and operator arrangements can differ from air rules. A journey assembled from separate operator tickets may not have the same protection as a through-ticket. Use the Passenger Rights Checker to identify the official mode page and the evidence to collect.

This is general information, not a legal decision. Route, operator, ticket, timing and disruption reason can all affect the result. Contact the operator first and use the official complaint route if the response does not resolve the problem.