There you are, all excited at the idea of going on a trip, but then a missed connection sows doubt in your plans. Do not panic ! Did you know that you have rights and that you can be compensated in the event of a plane or train connection problem? Follow the guide to find out how to assert your rights and obtain compensation in the event of an unforeseen situation during your next trip. The following has valuable information in store for you on this subject.
Air passenger rights in the event of a missed connection
Missing a connection can be a real nightmare for travelers. Fortunately, in Europe, air passengers benefit from protective rights. In the event of a missed connection due to a flight delay, different options are available to you if you have a single ticket for your entire trip.
According to European Regulation No. 261/2004, if your initial flight arrives late and causes you to miss your connection, the airline is obliged to support you to your final destination. This may include financial compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the distance of the flight.
Solutions offered to air passengers
In the event of a missed connection, the airline can offer:
- A rerouting on the next available flight.
- A full refund of the ticket if the delay reaches five hours or more.
- Coverage of meal costs, transportation and hotel if necessary.
If your tickets were purchased separately, the company will not be held responsible for the missed connection and you will have to pay for the new ticket purchase yourself. However, you can claim compensation for the delay of the first flight, if it exceeds three hours.
The rights of rail passengers in the event of a missed connection
Train travelers are not left out. In the event of a missed connection, passengers’ rights again depend on the type of reservation. If you have a single ticket covering your entire itinerary, you are entitled to various forms of compensation.
SNCF offers similar protection for connections between TGV inOui, TER and other international services. If a train delay causes you to miss your connection, you can board the next train at no extra cost or at a later date.
Solutions offered to rail passengers
Here is what you can claim in the event of a missed connection:
- New reservation : Right to take the next train at no additional cost.
- Coverage of costs : Catering, accommodation and transport in case of postponement until the next day.
- Refund : Possibility of canceling the trip and obtaining a full refund.
If your tickets were purchased separately, the situation becomes more complicated. The second transport operator will not be obliged to compensate you, and you will probably have to buy a new ticket. For international journeys, however, the Onward Journey Agreement allows you to take the next available train free of charge, under certain conditions.
Recommendations to avoid inconvenience
To minimize the risk of a missed connection, here are some useful tips:
- Single reservation : Always opt for a single booking covering your entire itinerary.
- Prudent deadline : Allow sufficient time between two connections, ideally three hours.
- Insurance : Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen events.
By following these recommendations, you will be able to travel with complete peace of mind and avoid the hassle of missed connections.
International railway partnerships and agreements
For international train travel, several agreements improve the passenger experience:
- Agreement on the continuation of the journey : Allows passengers to take the next available train in the event of a missed connection, even for tickets purchased separately.
- HOTNAT : A service offered by the Railteam alliance to simplify missed connections between high-speed trains, even with separate tickets.
These measures aim to make international travel smoother and less stressful for passengers.
