What happens if I miss my connecting flight?

If both flights are on the same ticket, the airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no extra charge. If the missed connection was due to an airline delay, you may also be entitled to meal vouchers, hotel accommodation, and in some cases compensation. If you booked separate tickets, you are responsible for rebooking costs on the second ticket.

Will the airline rebook me for free if I miss my connection?

Yes — if both flights are on the same booking (same ticket / same confirmation number). The airline is obligated to get you to your destination on the next available flight at no additional cost. If you booked separate tickets (two different confirmation numbers), you are on your own for the second flight.

Can I get compensation for a missed connection?

If the missed connection was caused by the airline (delay, cancellation, mechanical issue), you have strong grounds for compensation. This can include meal vouchers, hotel for overnight delays, and a full refund if you choose not to travel. Under 2024 DOT rules, if the resulting delay is 3+ hours domestic or 6+ hours international, you can request a full cash refund instead of rebooking.

Should I go to the gate agent or call the airline?

Do both simultaneously. Call the airline while walking to the rebooking desk or your next gate. Phone agents and app rebooking are usually faster than waiting in line. Check the airline app too — some airlines let you rebook yourself directly.

What if I miss my connection because my first flight was delayed?

If the airline's delay caused you to miss your connection and both flights are on the same ticket, the airline is fully responsible. They must rebook you at no cost, and if the delay results in a significant wait (3+ hours), you can request a full refund instead. Ask for meal vouchers if you're waiting more than 2 hours, and hotel accommodation if it becomes an overnight situation.

Missed your connecting flight?
Here's what to do right now.

Take a breath. If both flights are on the same ticket, the airline has to get you where you're going. Here's the plan.

Do these 3 things right now:

1
Check if your connecting flight is also delayed. Look at the departures board or airline app — you might still make it.
2
Call the airline while walking to the nearest gate agent. Phone agents can rebook you faster than the line at the desk.
3
Screenshot everything. Your boarding pass, the delay notification, the departures board. You'll need this for compensation claims.

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Same Ticket vs. Separate Tickets — This Changes Everything

Same ticket (one confirmation number)

✓Airline MUST rebook you on the next available flight — free
✓They must put you on partner airlines if needed
✓Meal vouchers if you wait 2+ hours
✓Hotel if it becomes an overnight wait
✓Full refund option if delay is 3+ hours

Separate tickets (two confirmation numbers)

✗You're on your own for the second flight
✗No free rebooking — you'll need to buy a new ticket
✗Travel insurance may cover this (check your policy)
✗Some credit cards include trip interruption coverage

Step-by-Step: What to Do After Missing Your Connection

Check the departures board

Your connecting flight might be delayed too — especially if weather is involved. Check the airline app or departures board. If it's running late, you might still make it by heading straight to the gate.

Call the airline + check the app simultaneously

Don't just stand in the rebooking line. Call the airline while checking the app — both can rebook you. The phone agent often has access to more options, including partner airlines.

Ask about ALL options

Don't just accept the first rebooking offer. Ask: "What's the earliest flight on ANY airline?" Airlines can endorse your ticket to competitors. Also check if a different connecting city gets you there faster.

Request meal vouchers

If you're waiting 2+ hours for your new flight, ask for meal vouchers. Most airlines provide them for connections missed due to their delays. You don't get them unless you ask.

Get hotel accommodation if overnight

If your rebooking is the next morning, ask for a hotel voucher and ground transportation. If the airline says no, save your receipts — you can claim reimbursement in your complaint later.

Know when to take the refund instead

If the new routing gets you there 3+ hours late (domestic) or 6+ hours late (international), you can choose a full cash refund instead of rebooking. This is your legal right under DOT rules.

After You're Home: Get Your Money

If the airline caused the missed connection (their delay, their cancellation, mechanical issue), you have grounds for compensation beyond just the rebooking.

→File for reimbursement of any out-of-pocket costs (meals, hotel, transport)
→Request compensation for the inconvenience — many airlines offer travel credits
→File a DOT complaint if the airline ignores you (airconsumer.dot.gov)
→Use our Disruption Kit to generate a complaint email with the right legal references

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Missed your connecting flight?Here's what to do right now.