It’s the number one worry for anyone travelling on separate tickets: the first flight is late, you’re running through the airport, and the second plane leaves without you. Take a breath. This guide explains what happens, what you can do right away, and what air passenger law says. It isn’t a substitute for legal advice: always check the terms of your tickets.
Why the second airline won’t necessarily help
With separate tickets, each flight is a separate contract. The airline operating the second flight doesn’t know your first plane was late, and in general it has no obligation to put you on another flight or to refund you. As far as it’s concerned, you simply didn’t show up for boarding. That’s the main difference from a single ticket, where the airline has to help you reach your destination.
What to do right away
- Go to the second airline’s desk (or its online customer service) as soon as you can, and explain what happened. Some airlines offer a goodwill gesture or a discounted change, others don’t: ask, and don’t just assume.
- Look at the terms of your ticket. Some fares allow you to change the flight, with or without a fee. Check with the airline.
- Compare other flights today and tomorrow to the same destination. A new search on Getzy can help you see the options.
- Keep all the evidence: the first flight’s boarding pass, the actual arrival time, messages from the airline. You’ll need them for a claim to the airline or to your insurer.
- Contact your travel insurer if you have one. Ask what’s covered (a new ticket, accommodation) and what you need to provide.
Your options at a glance
- Buy a new ticket for the next available flight: often the quickest solution, but not the cheapest.
- Ask the airline for a change or a goodwill gesture: nothing is guaranteed, but it costs nothing to try.
- Go through your insurance, if your policy covers this case.
- Claim from the first airline if it was its delay that made you miss your connection (see below).
What European passenger law says
The European regulation EC 261/2004 protects air passengers. In general, it applies to flights that depart from an airport in the European Union, and to flights that arrive in the European Union from a non-EU country when they’re operated by a European airline. The precise conditions (delay, cancellation, denied boarding, extraordinary circumstances) are explained on the official European Union website: Your air passenger rights (europa.eu), and the text of the regulation is available on EUR-Lex.
The important point for you: these rights concern the delayed or cancelled flight itself. In general, they don’t extend to a connection on another ticket, that is, a different booking. In other words, if your first flight is very late, you may have rights against that airline (care, a refund, sometimes compensation), but it isn’t obliged to pay for the ticket you bought for your second flight, or to get you to a booking made elsewhere.
These rules come with conditions and exceptions, and they change over time. Check your situation on the official website above and with the airline concerned before making a claim. We are not a law firm.
If you have to wait for the next flight
Sometimes the next flight only leaves the following day. In that case, think first about your comfort and safety: find somewhere to sleep, keep your bag close and make sure you have something to eat. If your bank card or insurance offers travel assistance, call the number provided: it can sometimes help you find a solution. Keep every receipt and invoice for your expenses, because you’ll need to show them if you make a claim for reimbursement.
Remember, too, to let your accommodation at your destination know, along with whoever is waiting for you. A simple message saves a lot of trouble, and it’s easier to move a booking when you warn people early.
How to avoid ending up here
- Leave plenty of time between the two flights, especially if you have to collect your bag or change airports.
- Avoid the last flight of the day for the second leg: if you miss it, you have no other option until the next day.
- Travel with cabin baggage to save time. See our guide to baggage.
- Take the first flight of the day for your outbound leg: it’s less likely to be late because of earlier flights.
- Check the visa for the stopover with the stopover visa tool, and the time needed to change airports.
- Read the complete guide to separate tickets again if you want the full picture.
Frequently asked questions
Does the second airline have to refund me if I miss my flight because of the first?
In general, no: with separate tickets, it isn’t responsible for the first flight’s delay. Ask it anyway: some airlines will make a gesture, but they don’t have to.
Can I claim anything from the first airline?
Possibly, depending on the flight, the country of departure, the airline and the cause of the delay. Look at the official European page mentioned above to see whether your situation is covered, then write to the airline with your supporting documents.
Does my travel insurance cover this?
It depends entirely on your policy. Some insurers cover missed connections, others exclude separate tickets. Read the terms before you leave, or ask your insurer.