Connecting Flights: Understanding the Differences and Why They Matter

Passenger rights

As a claim administrator, I have to check every flight and determine its eligibility for compensation. Many times, passengers apply for missed flight compensation believing their flights are connecting when they are actually two separate trips on the same day.

What is a Connecting Flight?

A connecting flight is a journey where a passenger must switch from one airplane to another to reach their final destination. This type of flight is often the only way to travel when there are no direct flights available between the airports, or when a trip with a connection is more cost-effective. A good example of such a trip would be a flight from New York to London with a stop in Reykjavik. Connecting flights usually have layovers that can range from 30 minutes to several hours or even overnight. Baggage is also usually checked through to the final destination, especially if the flights are on the same airline or partner airlines.

Third-Party Bookings

Many websites are offering cheap flights.  While they can find good deals, these offers aren’t always the smartest choices for making sure you reach your final destination smoothly. Flights might be under one booking on a third-party website, but in reality, they are managed by different providers and involve different airlines with no connection to each other. That is why it is important to remember that such flights are considered as two separate trips.

For instance, as seen in the picture below, it might appear that the flight from Lamezia Terme to Vilnius is with a connecting flight, but it actually involves two different airlines that have no connection to each other and both trips are actually separate trips.

Traveling with cheap flight airlines is a nice way to save money. I have to admit that I do that myself, , but I always make sure, that between the first and the second trip, there is a big time gap in case of any unexpected flight delays, like the one you can see in the picture above with a so-called 15 hour layover.

Booking Number (PNR)

It sure would be useful to know how to identify if a trip you are about to book is actually connecting. You’ll need a booking number or PNR. PNR is short for  “Passenger Name Record”. It is a record in the database of a computer reservation system (CRS) containing the main information about a trip for a passenger or a group of passengers traveling together. The PNR is used by airlines and travel agencies to manage bookings and is crucial for various travel processes. It is a 6-symbol code made of letters and numbers.

For connecting flights, the PNR is the same for the whole trip. However, if your flights are not connecting but under one reservation, it will be different. For example:

 

If the PNRs are different, your trip is considered as two separate flights.

When You Are Eligible For A Connecting Flight Compensation?

Compensation for issues with connecting flights typically falls under various regulations and airline policies. It depends on different reasons such as the airline’s location, and the specific circumstances of the travel disruption. According to European Union Regulation (EC) No 261/2004:

• If a connecting flight within the EU is delayed by more than 3 hours upon arrival, passengers may be entitled to compensation ranging from €250 to €600, depending on the flight distance.
• If one of the connecting flights is canceled and alternative arrangements are made to reach the final destination.
• If a passenger is involuntarily bumped from a flight and misses a connecting flight, they may be entitled to compensation.

Each airline has its own policy regarding compensation for missed connections. That is why it is essential to review the airline’s contract or its terms and conditions.

Claiming Compensation for Non-Connecting Flights

When the flights are two different trips (have 2 different PNR numbers), the airlines are not obligated to provide compensation, even though such disruptions cause stress and significantly affect the traveler’s plans. It can result in financial losses and even more missed flights. Passengers must ensure there is enough time between separate trips to reach their final destination.

More often than you can imagine clients fail to understand that their flights are not connecting and mistakenly claim compensation. Here is an example:

The passenger experienced a significant loss, but since the trips mentioned were never considered to be connecting flights, compensation is impossible. It would not be possible even if the flights would be delayed more than 3 hours or canceled. 

Understanding the difference between connecting flights and separate trips is crucial for travelers, especially when it comes to claiming compensation for missed or delayed flights. Knowing whether your flights are truly connected can help you set realistic expectations and avoid unnecessary financial losses. 

As a claim administrator, the hardest part of dealing with claims is explaining to passengers why they are not entitled to compensation when their trip did not have a connecting flight, but actually consisted of two or more separate trips. Claimers usually do not understand that third-party websites sell trips from point A to point C, but it is the buyers’ responsibility to know if this trip is connecting or not. 

So, when booking through third-party websites, paying extra attention to the layover times is crucial. Understanding the importance of PNR number and familiarizing yourself with airline and regulatory policies can further safeguard your travel plans. By staying informed and vigilant, you can better navigate the complexities of air travel and make your journey as smooth as possible.

In any case, Skycop is here to help you get the compensation you are entitled to for your flight disturbance! Wish you a pleasant trips!