Missing a connecting flight can be a frustrating experience. If you miss your connecting flight due to a flight delay, cancellation, or being denied boarding, you could be eligible for compensation up to €600 ($650). However, this applies only if both your flights are part of the same booking.
Passenger Rights in Case of Turkish Airlines Missed Flight Connection
When you miss a connecting flight with Turkish Airlines, it’s essential to know your rights. To be eligible for compensation or a refund, both legs of your journey must be booked together as a single reservation. In such cases, the airline is accountable for any delays or cancellations that disrupt your travel plans.
If you arrived at the airport on time and the delay or cancellation was due to the airline’s fault, Turkish Airlines is obligated to compensate you up to €600. This compensation ensures that you are not financially disadvantaged due to circumstances beyond your control.
When Are You Entitled to Missed Connecting Flight Compensation?
To qualify for Turkish Airlines missed connecting flight compensation, certain conditions must be met. Firstly, the missed connection must be due to a flight delay, a canceled flight, or denied boarding because of overbooking. Secondly, your delayed flight must result in arriving at your final destination more than three hours later than scheduled. It’s also crucial that your connecting flights are under a single booking. Lastly, the airline must be responsible for the issue that caused you to miss your Turkish Airlines flight. If these criteria are met, you could be entitled to Turkish Airlines compensation for missed flight.
Turkish Airlines Missed Connecting Flight Compensation
Let’s consider three situations where you might be eligible for compensation if you miss a connecting flight with Turkish Airlines.
Missed Connection due to Flight Delay
If a delay on your first flight causes you to miss your connecting flight and you arrive at your final destination at least three hours late, you may be entitled to Turkish Airlines missed connecting flight due to delay compensation. The amount varies based on the length of the delay and the route distance:
| Distance | Less than 3 hours | 3 to 4 hours | More than 4 hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| All flights 1,500 km or less | ❌ | ✅ 250€ | ✅ 250€ |
| Internal EU flights over 1,500 km | ❌ | ✅ 400€ | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights 1,500-3,500 km | ❌ | ✅ 400€ | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km | ❌ | ✅ 300€ | ✅ 600€ |
In these situations, the Turkish Airlines flight compensation is designed to mitigate the inconvenience and potential expenses incurred due to the missed connection.
Missed Connection due to Flight Cancellation
If your flight is canceled and Turkish Airlines does not provide an alternative flight, you are entitled to request a full refund for both connecting flights. Even if an alternative flight is offered but you choose not to take it, you can still ask for a full refund of the cost of the connecting flights.
Moreover, if the alternative flight offered by the airline results in arriving at your final destination more than three hours later than originally planned, you can claim Turkish Airlines missed connection compensation. Additionally, if your initial flight was canceled less than 14 days before departure, you are eligible for compensation under EU regulations.
Compensation for delayed arrival at the final destination is outlined in the table below:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ €125 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | ✅ €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| ✅ €200 | ✅ €200 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| ✅ €200 | ✅ €200 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | ✅ €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| ✅ €300 | ✅ €300 | ✅ €300 | ✅ €600 | ✅ €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
These compensation amounts help cover the inconvenience and potential costs incurred due to the missed connection.
Missed Connection due to Denied Boarding
Being denied boarding due to an overbooked flight can be highly disruptive, especially if it causes you to miss a connecting flight. In such cases, you may be eligible for Turkish Airlines compensation for missed connection. The amount of compensation you can claim depends on the distance of the flight and the specific route:
| Flight Distance and Itinerary | Compensation Amount |
|---|---|
| All flights 1,500km or less | ✅ 250€ |
| Internal EU flights over 1,500 km | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights between 1,500-3,500km | ✅ 400€ |
| Non-internal EU flights over 3,500km | ✅ 600€ |
This compensation is designed to address the inconvenience and potential expenses you incur due to being denied boarding and subsequently missing your connection.
Which Turkish Airlines Flights are Covered by EU 261
EU 261 regulations provide a significant level of protection for air passengers. These rules apply to all flights within Europe, flights departing from a European airport, and flights landing in Europe if operated by a European airline. This ensures that passengers are covered in various travel scenarios involving European routes and carriers.
| Itinerary | EU Air Carrier | Non-EU Air Carrier |
|---|---|---|
| From inside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From inside the EU to outside the EU | ✅ Covered | ✅ Covered |
| From outside the EU to inside the EU | ✅ Covered | ❌ Not covered |
| From outside the EU to outside the EU | ❌ Not covered | ❌ Not covered |
This table helps clarify when you can expect to be covered under EU 261 regulations, ensuring you know your rights whether you are flying within Europe or on routes connecting to European destinations.
What is Not Covered by EU 261?
It’s crucial to understand that there are situations where airlines are not required to compensate passengers under EU 261. The regulation exempts airlines from liability if the disruption was due to extraordinary circumstances. These are events beyond the airline’s control that could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken.
Examples of extraordinary circumstances include:
- Strikes initiated by airport employees or air traffic control
- Political unrest
- Inclement weather
- Security risks
In such cases, while the inconvenience is unfortunate, the airline is not obligated to provide compensation for the delay or cancellation. Knowing these exceptions can help set realistic expectations about when you are entitled to compensation under EU 261.
How to Claim Turkish Airlines Missed Connecting Flight Compensation
Flight disruptions can occur for various reasons, but if you’ve been inconvenienced by a missed connection with Turkish Airlines, you might be entitled to compensation. The process to claim compensation for a missed flight connection is straightforward.
- Complete this Necessary Form: Start by filling out the form designated for such claims. Make sure to include all necessary details about your disrupted flight, such as the flight number, the date of travel, and a thorough description of what went wrong. Providing accurate information is crucial for a smooth claims process.
- Submit Your Information: After entering all the relevant details, submit the form. Our team of experts will then take over. We will handle your case and work diligently to secure the Turkish Airlines missed flight compensation you deserve under EU 261 regulations. By entrusting us with your claim, you enhance your chances of receiving the maximum compensation for your inconvenience.
This streamlined approach ensures that you can effectively claim compensation for missed connections, minimizing your stress and maximizing your potential compensation.
Other Rights Covered by Regulation EU261
In addition to monetary compensation for Turkish Airlines flight delays, Regulation EU261 provides passengers with several other important rights to ensure your well-being during travel disruptions.
Right to Care
When your flight is delayed for more than two hours, regardless of whether the airline is at fault, Turkish Airlines is required to offer you basic amenities. This includes food, drinks, and access to communication, such as two phone calls, emails, or faxes.
If the delay extends beyond six hours, the airline must also provide you with hotel accommodation. This includes transportation to and from the airport, ensuring you have a comfortable place to rest while you wait for your rescheduled flight. These provisions are designed to alleviate the stress and inconvenience of long delays, ensuring you are taken care of until your journey can continue.
Ticket Refund or Re-routing
In addition to compensation for the inconvenience, if your delay exceeds five hours, you have the right to request a full or partial refund of your original ticket. Furthermore, you can also request a return flight to your point of departure if the delay has significantly disrupted your travel plans. This ensures that you are not left out of pocket for services you didn’t receive.
Upgrading and Downgrading
If you are offered an alternative flight and receive an upgrade, you won’t be charged any extra for the improved service. Conversely, if the airline places you in a lower class than what you originally booked, you are entitled to a reimbursement. This refund can range between 30-75% of the original ticket price, compensating you for the downgrade in service.
FAQ
What is the Minimum Connecting Time?
The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) is the shortest amount of time required to transfer from one flight to another at an airport. Each airport sets its own MCT based on factors like terminal layout and typical security procedures. If your first flight is delayed and the time left to catch your connecting flight is less than the MCT, you might still be eligible to board the next available flight.
What Happens if You Miss a Connecting Flight Due to Delay?
If a delay causes you to miss your connecting flight and you arrive at your final destination three hours or more late, you are entitled to compensation. Additionally, if you’ve been waiting at the airport for more than two hours due to the delay, the airline must provide you with food and refreshments. This ensures that passengers are taken care of during extended wait times.