- 31 May, 2024
You are worried because the flight has been delayed for some hours, and you missed your connection. For this, you are seeking for now what to do and what will happen. As per the Airline's missed connection rules, you will get the next scheduled flight in a few hours without taking any fare from you, meaning the next flight fare will be adjusted to the previous fare.
Do connecting flights wait for delayed passengers?
Generally, connecting flights do not wait for delayed passengers. Airlines typically operate on tight schedules, and waiting for passengers from a delayed flight could disrupt the schedules of the connecting flights and affect other passengers. However, if multiple passengers are on a connecting flight, they are delayed on the same Airline. In that case, the Airline might decide to hold the flight for a short period, especially if it's the last flight of the day to the destination or a flight operated by the same Airline.
Additionally, if you're traveling on a single ticket with connecting flights and your first flight is delayed, causing you to miss your connection, the Airline is usually responsible for rebooking you on the next available flight to your destination at no extra charge. It's a must to go through that if the airline tenders any compensation or amenities like meal vouchers or hotel accommodations in the case of significant delays.
What happens if I miss my connecting flight due to a delay in India?
If you miss your connecting flight due to uncertainty in India, the steps you should take largely depend on the reason for the delay and the ticket's terms. There are some things or possibilities you need to do:
- Contact the Airline Immediately: As soon as you realize you'll miss your connecting flight, contact the Airline. Many airlines have policies for such situations, especially if the delay was due to reasons within their control, like maintenance issues or crew delays.
- Check Ticket's Terms and Conditions: Some tickets, particularly those that are more expensive, may include protections for missed connections. These can include rebooking the next available flight at no extra charge, as well as meals and accommodation if you're stranded overnight.
- Rebooking: If the missed connection was not due to an airline fault (e.g., weather conditions), the Airline might not provide compensation, but they will usually assist in rebooking you on the next available flight. Depending on your ticket type, the rebooking fee or fare might be different.
- Travel Insurance: If you possess travel insurance, review your policy. Many travel insurance policies cover missed connections for reasons beyond your control and can reimburse you for extra travel costs, accommodations, and meals.
- Consumer Rights: Be aware that India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has guidelines that airlines must follow for flight delays, cancellations, and denied boarding. While these may not specifically cover missed connections, knowing your rights regarding flight delays or cancellations is helpful.
- Keep Receipts of Additional Expenses: For insurance claims or possible reimbursements from the Airline, keep receipts of any spare expenditure incurred due to the missed connection, such as meals, lodging, and transportation.
- Stay Calm and Patient: Delays and missed connections can be stressful, but staying calm and understanding your options can help you manage the situation more effectively. Remember that airline representatives are more likely to assist calm and polite passengers.
It's always good to plan for such contingencies, especially for itineraries with tight connections or during seasons prone to delays.
Can I get compensation for a missed connection?
You might be eligible for compensation for a missed connection, especially if you're traveling by air within certain regions and have specific travel insurance policies covering such scenarios. The compensation depends on the reason for the missed connection and the terms provided by the Airline or your insurance policy.
For airlines, you may be entitled to compensation if the missed connection is due to reasons within the Airline's control (e.g., mechanical issues, late departures) and not extraordinary circumstances (e.g., bad weather, security issues). This includes meal reimbursement, accommodation if you're stranded overnight, and rebooking onto the next available flight at no extra cost. The specific rights and compensation amounts can vary based on the Airline's policy and the regulations you're flying in or to. Read more about 2-hour rule for flight delay compensation.
Claim a compensation by claim form:
- Open the Latam Airlines website
- Seek the manage booking option
- Add booking reference and surname, view the booking
- Find the compensation option, and complete the compensation form with reliable details.
- Pawl, click the submit button and get it in a few days.
- Claim compensation by call: You can also claim compensation by calling the airlines. For that, you need to share the recommended details with them to request compensation for a missed connection. It will be processed in some time.
