Layover Blues: Why Some Layover Claims Get Rejected?
As a claim company, we often receive questions and even messages of frustration from clients wondering why their claims were rejected. The passengers might have experienced a six-hour delay but may not concede that their layover plays a big role in compensation eligibility.
- 2025-01-23
- 3:00 PM GMT

Not all passengers are in the same boat; some have different final stops and layover times, which can mean different rules for who gets compensated. Let’s break it down so you know where your disruption stands!
Introduction to Layovers
The time between connecting flights is not only the time you spend visiting souvenir shops or using the airport’s wireless internet. First and foremost it is for passing through security and, in some cases, passport control. It is crucial to make air travel more efficient and cost-effective by making layovers as short or long as you like. If the passenger only needs to connect to the next flight without any additional checks, the passenger can choose a shorter layover time; if the passenger needs to go through more procedures, it is best to choose a longer layover time.
At the same time, it is very important to consider the size of the airport. If it is a small airport, it may only take 50 minutes to go through the procedures, whereas if it is a larger airport, the 50 minutes will be enough just to get to the check-in counter.
Types of Layovers
Layovers are categorised into short and long layovers.
Short layovers that last less than a few hours are often quick transitions where passengers move swiftly between flights.
Long layovers last several hours or even overnight, allowing passengers to rest, undergo needed procedures, renew souvenir collections, or explore the layover city.
Pros and Cons of Layovers
Advantages:
- Flights with layovers cost less than direct (non-stop) flights.
- Long layovers make you feel more comfortable in case a small delay happens on the first flight and put you at ease when there is no need to rush by passing all required procedures.
- Layovers can provide a break during long-haul flights, allowing passengers to rest and recharge.
Disadvantages:
- Layovers can extend travel time, making the journey longer, which is not that fun if you are in a hurry.
- Long layovers can be exhausting and you could almost feel like Tom Hanks’s character in the movie “The Terminal.” Didn’t watch it yet? Here’s an opportunity to do so, as it can be quite educational.
Passenger Choices and Layover Options
Airlines, such as Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), often provide passengers with multiple layover options, ranging from short (approx. 50 minutes) to longer layovers (up to several hours or even overnight). This flexibility allows passengers to choose an option that best suits their travel needs and preferences. As the choice is the passenger’s responsibility, it is important to think carefully about the details of the journey when you buy your tickets.
Impact on Compensation
When passengers select shorter layovers, they run a higher risk of missing their connecting flights if delays occur. In these cases, compensation might be more likely. However, choosing a longer layover provides a buffer, reducing the likelihood of missing the next flight. If a delay occurs but still allows ample time for the next connection, passengers may not be eligible for compensation since they can still make their flight.
When you arrive at your final destination, rather than the length of the delay that occurred on the first flight, the most important thing is the fact that the passenger still makes the second flight and arrives at the final destination with a delay of less than three hours.
Some clients like to add up flight delays. For instance, the first flight was delayed for one hour, the second for two hours, and as a result, the client claims a delay of more than three hours. It may seem logical, but unfortunately, such a formula does not work in the compensation procedure.
Situation One
Imagine two passengers are on the same plane from Paris to Copenhagen, and it is delayed for 3 hours. For one passenger it is a connecting flight with a four-hour layover to Helsinki and they manage to catch their next plane despite a delay. For the other passenger their final destination is Copenhagen. The latter may receive compensation due to the significant delay at their final destination, while the former might not be eligible since they made their connection. This highlights how compensation depends on the specific circumstances of each passenger’s journey.
Situation Two
Consider two passengers with a three-hour layover and a two-hour delay. The first passenger quickly navigates through security and passport control, making it to their connecting flight on time. In contrast, the second passenger takes their time, visiting the restroom and browsing souvenirs, and misses their flight. Although both were affected by the same delay, the second passenger might face more challenges in claiming compensation or receiving assistance for a new ticket. This underscores the importance of promptness and individual actions in such situations, as compensation eligibility can be affected by how passengers respond to delays.
If you wish to seek advice or find the situation too confusing. We recommend that you submit your flight tickets to www.skycop.com and our team will check the information and let you know if the claim is valid for compensation or not.