How to Handle a Missed Connection (Without Losing Your Day)

Step 1: Confirm you'll actually miss it

Open FlightyFlow. Check the predicted arrival of your inbound flight against the departure of your connection. If you have less than your airport's published minimum connect time, assume you'll miss it.

Step 2: Rebook before you land

This is the secret weapon. Open the airline app on the inbound aircraft (most carriers offer free Wi-Fi for messaging). Tap manage reservation → rebook. Many systems allow self-service rebooking for free during irregular operations.

If self-service doesn't work, call the airline. Wait times are far shorter than the rebooking line at the gate.

Step 3: At the connecting airport

Walk straight to a customer service desk. Have your phone ready showing the next flights you'd accept (your tracker can show options on partner airlines too).

Step 4: Hotel and meal vouchers

If the missed connection is the airline's fault (mechanical, crew, scheduling), most carriers will cover hotel and meals. Weather-related missed connections are usually on you.

Step 5: Compensation

• EU/UK 261: delays of 3+ hours due to airline fault may qualify for €250–600.
• US: generally no cash compensation, but rebooking is free and refunds apply if you choose not to travel.

Step 6: Bags

Ask the gate agent — bags often follow your new itinerary automatically, but it's worth confirming the new flight number is on the tag.

Avoid it next time

• Build in at least 75 minutes for domestic connections, 2+ hours for international.
• Avoid last flights of the day at weather-prone hubs.
• Use a flight tracker with predictive delay alerts to know hours in advance whether to rebook proactively.