Will travel insurance cover missed connecting flights?

Key takeaways

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

• If it was your airline’s fault it will typically be responsible for arranging alternative flights and covering expenses so you won’t be able to claim

• If you missed your flight for reasons beyond your control you should gather evidence and make a claim

Will travel insurance cover me for missed connecting flights?

Whether your travel insurance covers you if you miss a connecting flight will depend on:

• Your type of policy

• The reason you missed your flight

• Whether all your flights were booked together (known as a through-ticket) or separately

There’s often some form of cover, up to a set amount, and provided it wasn’t your fault you missed your connecting flight. But you can’t claim from both the airline and your travel insurance provider, and cover levels can vary so check your policy documents carefully.

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:

• Significant public transport delays

• Road accidents or unplanned road closures

• Car breakdowns, which can throw off your entire schedule

• Unforeseen severe weather conditions that make travel to the airport impossible

What won’t be covered by my travel insurance?

If you miss a flight for any of the following reasons, you’re unlikely to be able to claim:

• Traffic jams caused by planned roadworks

• Civil unrest or protests that were announced beforehand

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

• Forgetting your passport

• Severe weather conditions which were known before your departure date

• If you decline assistance from your airline

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 likeairline 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 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.

📣 Did you know? Manchester Airport has the longest average flight delays in the UK, with travellers typically waiting nearly 20 minutes in 2025, according to analysis of Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data by the Press Association (PA).

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 if I miss a connecting flight?

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 a missed connecting flight?

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 do I 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 can I prevent missing a connecting flight?

To avoid missing your connecting flights:

• Allow plenty of time: How much time depends on whether you need to collect your bags or change terminals and whether it’s a domestic or international flight with the same airline. As a rule of thumb, allow at least a one-hour transfer window for domestic flights and two-three hours for international ones with the same airline, longer if it’s different airlines

• 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!

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