Passenger Guide
What Happens When You Miss a Connecting Flight
Where to go, who to talk to and what changes if the ticket was separate
The single most important detail is invisible on the day: whether your flights were sold as one itinerary or booked separately. On one ticket, the airline carries the risk. On two, you do.
Once you know which applies, the process is straightforward and there is almost always a way onward.
If both flights are on one ticket
- Go directly to the transfer or connections desk, usually before immigration.
- Staff will often have rebooked you already; check the app while you queue.
- Duty of care applies if you are stranded overnight, meaning hotel and meals.
- Your checked bags are normally rerouted automatically to the new flight.
If the flights were booked separately
The second airline has no contract covering your late arrival. They may charge a change fee, or you may need a new ticket entirely. Ask about the same-day change fare, which is often cheaper than a fresh booking.
- Contact the second airline before their check-in closes if you can see the delay coming.
- Some carriers offer a discretionary flat fee for missed connections. It is worth asking.
- Travel insurance frequently covers this scenario. Check the policy wording for minimum connection times.
What happens to your luggage
On one ticket the bags follow you and are transferred by the airline. On separate tickets you almost always have to reclaim and re-check them, which is itself a common cause of missed connections.
If the next flight is tomorrow
- Ask for accommodation before leaving the desk, and get the voucher in hand.
- Confirm whether you need an entry permission to leave the transit area for a hotel.
- If you must stay airside, ask about rest areas or a transit hotel inside security.
Reducing the risk next time
- Book connections on a single ticket wherever possible.
- Allow 90 minutes for domestic connections and two to three hours internationally.
- Add extra time at airports that require terminal changes or re-screening.
- Avoid the last flight of the day as your connection; there is no recovery option.
Frequently asked questions
- Will I have to pay for a new flight?
- Not if both flights were on one ticket. On separate tickets you usually will, unless the airline offers a discretionary fare or insurance covers it.
- Where do I go after missing a connection?
- The transfer or connections desk in the transit area. Do not clear immigration first unless instructed.
- What happens to my checked bag?
- On a single ticket it is rerouted automatically. On separate tickets you generally reclaim and re-check it yourself.
- What is a safe connection time?
- 90 minutes for domestic connections and two to three hours for international ones, more if terminals change.
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