Missed Connection
When a traveler fails to board a connecting flight because the inbound service arrived too late or because transit time was insufficient.
A missed connection occurs when a traveler cannot board their connecting flight because their inbound flight arrived too late, the transit time was shorter than needed, or some other disruption — lost baggage, medical issue, immigration delay — prevented them from reaching the departure gate in time. The consequences and the responsibilities of the airline versus the traveler depend on whether the journey was booked on a single ticket and whether the delay was caused by the carrier.
Why it matters
Missed connections are among the most disruptive and costly travel events in corporate programs. A missed connection on a long-haul business trip can mean an overnight delay, a rebooked meeting, and a chain of subsequent disruptions that multiply the initial cost many times over. Programme managers who set minimum connection time standards and monitor the punctuality performance of connecting pairs on key routes reduce the frequency of missed connections and their downstream cost.
How it works in practice
When a single-ticket connection is missed due to the inbound carrier's delay, the airline is obligated to rebook the passenger on the next available service to the final destination at no additional cost. If the connection is missed on a self-connected itinerary — separate tickets — the passenger bears the full cost of the new booking. In either case, compensation entitlements depend on the jurisdiction: EU261 for European-origin flights specifies minimum compensation for substantial delays; US DOT rules apply domestically; other markets have varying frameworks.
The takeaway
When a missed connection is imminent, act immediately — before the flight departs if possible. Approach the gate agent or call the TMC rather than waiting until after the flight has left. Airlines can often rebook passengers proactively on alternative services while options are still available; waiting until after departure typically reduces the alternatives substantially, particularly on routes with limited frequencies.