Missed flights

Key Takeaways

• Travel insurance might pay out for a claim if you miss a connecting flight, however it will depend on why you missed it

• It will normally cover you for things like illness, bad weather or stolen passports, but check your policy to be sure of specifics

• Aim for at least a one hour transfer window for domestic flights and two hours for international flights to avoid missed connections

Will travel insurance cover me for missed connecting flights?

It will depend on your type of policy and the reason you missed your flight, but in some instances, if you miss a connecting flight you might be able to claim on your travel insurance. However, standard policies often don’t provide this cover, so you’ll need to buy an add-on for your travel insurance when you take it out.

What will my travel insurance policy cover?

You should be able to claim on your travel insurance and recoup costs for missed flights in the following situations:

• Delays in public transport

• Road accidents, although cover might be limited to incidents on major roads like dual carriageways or motorways

• Car breakdowns, which can throw off your entire schedule

• Severe weather conditions that make travel to the airport impossible

What won’t be covered by my travel insurance?

If you miss a flight because of any of the following reasons, you likely won’t be able to claim:

• Traffic jams that didn’t result from an accident

• Civil unrest or protests that were not announced beforehand

• If you oversleep or don’t leave enough time to get through airport security through your own carelessness

Is cover for missed flights included as standard?

No, generally speaking cover for missed flights is usually only available as an add-on - it won’t be included in most standard travel insurance policies. It will likely cost you extra but this won’t seem like much compared to the cost of arranging new flights or accommodation.

Does it matter whose fault it was that I missed the flight?

Yes, this will matter significantly to your insurer in terms of your ability to make a claim and also receive compensation.

If it’s your airline’s fault

If the airline is at fault, they will typically be responsible for arranging alternative flights and covering any necessary accommodation and food costs. In these cases, travel insurance usually does not provide compensation.

For a deeper dive into what your travel insurance will cover and what falls under the airline's responsibility during disruptions like airline strikes, delays, and cancellations, be sure to read our guides.

If it isn’t your airline’s fault

If it isn’t your airline’s fault, then your ability to claim on your travel insurance will depend on if it’s:

Your fault: If the missed connection is due to personal fault, such as spending too much time in duty-free shops or bars, you're likely out of luck. Neither travel insurance nor the airline is inclined to offer compensation for missed flights in these instances

Resulting from missing your original flight: Missing your original outbound flight can have a domino effect on your travel itinerary. Whether insurance will cover a missed connecting flight due to missing the original outbound flight hinges on the reasons behind the miss. Valid reasons such as significant public transport delays or extreme weather might lead to a successful insurance claim

What do I do if I miss my connecting flight?

If you miss your connecting flight, you should go straight to the customer service desk and see if there are any alternative flights available.

What if I’ve already checked my luggage?

Travel insurance won’t usually cover situations where you miss your flight after checking in your luggage, but if the airline misplaces your luggage temporarily, they may cover essential costs. If this happens you should contact the airline's customer service desk immediately.

Will my return flight be valid?

Missing your first flight can have repercussions for your return flight, particularly if you don't notify the airline. It's likely that your return flight will be cancelled if the tickets were booked together. If purchased separately, the risk is lower, but it's still crucial to inform the airline.

How much can I claim for?

Be aware that there is a cap on the amount you can claim for missed connecting flights, which varies from policy to policy. This could range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.

How to make a claim for a missed flight

To make a claim on your travel insurance for a missed flight, you’ll need to gather evidence to support your claim:

• Keep all original travel documents, receipts, and tickets organised, including digital copies

• Get confirmations of delays or cancellations from the airline's customer service

• Document public transport delays and cancellations with photographs

• Record road delays due to accidents or weather

• If a car breakdown was the reason, get written confirmation from the breakdown company or garage

How to prevent missed connecting flights

To avoid missing your connecting flights, aim for at least a one-hour transfer window for domestic flights and two hours for international ones. Get familiar with customs requirements, terminal changes, and the schedule of the last connecting flight of the day, and make sure you get to your gate on time above all else!

Compare travel insurance quotes

Finding affordable travel insurance is quick and easy when you compare quotes with MoneySuperMarket. Just tell us about yourself, your travel plans and the type of cover you need, and we’ll search the market for policies that meet your exact requirements.