Rules status — reviewed 19 July 2026
Current EU261 and UK261 rules remain the basis for present-day checks. The updated EU rules approved in July 2026 enter into force 12 months and 20 days after publication in the Official Journal.
Check whether the connection was protected
Keep the booking confirmation showing all sectors. The assessment should use the first departure and final booked destination, together with the carriers operating each sector.
Care and rerouting after the missed flight
The airline may need to reroute you and provide care during the wait. Record replacement flight numbers, overnight accommodation and actual final arrival.
When final-arrival compensation may arise
Under current EU guidance, a protected missed connection can support compensation when the final destination is reached more than three hours late, subject to coverage and cause.
Evidence checklist
- Complete booking and final destination
- Flight number, date and operating carrier
- Scheduled and actual departure/arrival times
- Airline explanation and disruption messages
- Receipts for reasonable expenses