Air Canada missed connection compensation.
What can you claim if you miss your connecting flight?
If you experience a missed connecting flight with Air Canada, you may be eligible for compensation. The specific amount you can claim depends on your circumstances. Your nationality, ticket price, or travel insurance level do not affect your eligibility for compensation. This is because Air Canada adheres to certain EU regulations, which apply only to Air Canada flights departing from Europe.
You have the option to file the claim on your own or seek assistance from experts.
1. EU Missed Flight Connection Compensation
Can you claim Air Canada missed connection compensation?
If you missed your Air Canada connecting flight, you might be qualified for compensation. The rules relevant to such situations are clear.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
1.1 Missed Connecting Flight Due to Delay: Compensation
If you missed a connecting flight because of a delay on your first Air Canada flight, you may be eligible for compensation under EU laws.
If the delay is the airline’s fault, you could claim up to €600 if your flight is from Europe. As Air Canada is not a European airline, this rule is only applicable to Air Canada flights leaving from Europe. From a legal perspective, “Air Canada missed connection compensation” doesn’t exist as it falls into the same category as Air Canada flight delay compensation.
For a valid claim to Air Canada flight compensation, you should arrive at your final destination 3 or more hours later than originally planned. In conclusion, you are entitled to compensation if:
- The delay is 3+ hours (calculated at the time of arrival);
- The responsibility lies with Air Canada;
- The flight is from Europe.
The same rules apply to Air Canada connecting flights. Keep in mind that in this case, your final destination is the last airport (not any of the stopover airports).
Consider this example. You have a connecting flight with Air Canada from Madrid to Bangkok via Toronto. Your final destination is Bangkok. If you experience a delay of 3 or more hours with Air Canada causing you to miss your connecting flight in Bangkok, you are entitled to compensation for the entire “Madrid – Bangkok” trip. Please note that Toronto is just a stopover airport in this case.
Don’t forget to submit a compensation claim!
1.2 Missing a Connecting Flight Due to Cancellation
If one of your flights is cancelled, causing you to miss your connecting flight and arrive at your final destination with a delay of 3 or more hours, you may be eligible for compensation from Air Canada, similar to flight delays.
This stands if the cause of the cancellation is the airline’s responsibility, and you’re traveling from or within Canada. The compensation sum is determined by the distance of your flight.
In conclusion, you can get Air Canada missed connection compensation if:
- Your earlier flight is cancelled (or delayed) due to Air Canada’s fault;
- You arrive at your destination 3+ hours later;
- The flight is from or within Europe.
Ready to claim compensation?
Don’t forget to make a compensation claim!
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
1.3 What About Self-Transfer Flights With Air Canada?
If you have booked your flights separately for your travel (i.e., self-transfer), the above-mentioned regulations do not apply. In such situations, if one of your flights gets cancelled or delayed, you will not be eligible for compensation for the other flight.
For example, if you have a booking with Air Canada and another with Ryanair, and Air Canada cancels their flight, you may be eligible for compensation for the cancelled flight. However, please note that Air Canada is not responsible for your Ryanair flight, and they will not offer assistance if you miss that flight.
Be cautious of this when making individual flight bookings.
By Europe and EU here on this page (and on this website in general) we mean all EU Member States, the United Kingdom (UK), Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Reunion, Mayotte, Saint Martin (French Antilles), the Azores, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
2. Extraordinary Circumstances
These are the scenarios that fall outside the control of Air Canada.
In exceptional situations, the airline is not obligated to provide compensation. Examples of such events include severe weather, political instability, or a pandemic outbreak. To avoid misunderstandings, it is important to verify the information provided by the airline. Take the time to check the details regarding refunds and compensation to ensure that the airline is not providing misleading information.
Consider seeking the assistance of a flight compensation company to assess your situation and avoid any misleading information. For instance, mechanical issues with the aircraft are typically the airline’s responsibility and do not qualify as extraordinary circumstances, despite what some airlines may claim.
Conditions that are not recognized as extraordinary circumstances include:
- A large portion of technical problems related to the aeroplane
- Most of Air Canada’s employee strikes
- Air Canada’s staff shortages
3. Right to Care (from Air Canada)
In the event of flight cancellation, delay denied boarding or a missed connection, Air Canada must provide you with the right to care aeroplane.
Air Canada is required to assist you while you wait for another flight. Additionally, if you miss a connection through no fault of your own, the airline must offer a replacement flight at no charge.
When it comes to assistance, if your wait at the airport extends over three hours, you are eligible for care from Air Canada.
- After a 3-hour wait, Air Canada should provide you with complimentary meals and beverages proportional to the waiting time, along with two free instances of communication, be it phone calls, emails, or faxes.
- If the delay runs overnight, the airline must also provide free hotel accommodation and free transfer to and from the airport.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
4. How to Claim Air Canada Flight Compensation?
How to claim Air Canada missed connection compensation?
There are two ways how to claim Air Canada compensation.
Your first alternative is to contact Air Canada directly. You can go to their website and get in touch with their customer support centre to claim compensation for your flight. Please note that this process may take some time, and you may need to negotiate with the airline to receive the compensation you deserve. It will be helpful to have evidence of your delay at the destination.
Your second, and more convenient option, is to seek legal help.
In this approach, legal professionals will handle all elements of your claim. Our partners provide such services – see details below.
When choosing this option, here is all you will have to do:
And that’s it — the rest is handled by professionals.
* Your boarding pass and passport or ID copy.
4.1 How Long Does It Take To Get Compensation?
How much time does an airline usually take to process compensation?
In general, it may take a few months to receive compensation.
If your case needs to be taken up with a national enforcement body or court, the process could extend a couple more months, and in some instances, even an additional six months.
Numerous factors can affect the time taken to receive compensation. If the airline promptly acknowledges and agrees to pay your compensation claim, the process could be faster. However, if the airline disputes your claim, it may take longer, and you may need to go through an extended legal procedure to receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Also, the complexity of your case can influence the time taken to receive compensation.
Every case is different.
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
5. How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
How much is Air Canada’s missed connection compensation?
The compensation amount is set and ranges from €250 to €600.
Keep in mind that your destination is the final stop, and you should calculate compensation based on the entire distance travelled.
Here is how you can compute the amount of your Air Canada flight compensation:
When your destination is within the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
When your destination is outside the EU/UK:
€250
If the distance of your flight is
up to 1,500 km
€400
If the distance of your flight is between 1,500 – 3,500 km
€600
If the distance of your flight is more than 3,500 km
There’s one exception. When the distance is 3500 kilometres or more and you reach your destination 3 to 4 hours later, you are entitled to compensation of €300, not €600. If the delay is longer than 4 hours, you will get full compensation of €600.
5.1 Air Canada Voucher Refund or Cash?
There is a possibility that Air Canada might present you with a voucher instead of cash compensation.
However, you have the right to decline a voucher and choose bank transfer compensation instead. It’s critical to understand that airlines are legally obliged to offer compensation and refunds in cash or bank transfer, and not in the form of vouchers or coupons, according to European law.
Keep in mind that these regulations only apply to Air Canada flights from Europe. If your Air Canada flight departs from a third country, accepting vouchers as compensation or refund may be your only option.
6. What Is a Connecting Flight?
When someone takes a connecting flight, they don’t go straight to their end location.
They instead take two or more planes and stop at one or more cities along the way. This means that they don’t fly straight from point A to point B; instead, they stop at point C and maybe even make more stops. If you stay at one of these airports between trips for less than 24 hours, it’s called a holdover. After this point, it’s called a break.
The requirement for a connecting flight usually arises from the non-availability of a direct flight, or because a connecting flight might be more affordable.
There are normally two types of connecting flights:
- airline-protected transfers,
- self-transfer flights.
6.1 Airline-Protected Transfer
How can you know if your transfer is protected by the airline?
- If you’ve secured a connecting flight, through either the airline directly or a third-party service like Kiwi, Expedia, or eDreams.
- Your multi-flight journey has been assigned a unique booking reference number by the airline. It’s crucial to remember that this must be an airline booking reference number and not the travel agent’s booking reference number. You should be able to manage your complete travel itinerary by entering your booking reference number on the airline’s website.
6.2 Self Transfer
What characterizes a self-transfer flight?
- If your travel includes multiple flights that were separately booked, you’re on a self-transfer flight.
- If each of your flights carries its reservation number, it’s a self-transfer flight.
- If you had to separately pay for each flight, you’re categorized as self-transferring.
Distinguishing between self-transfer and airline-protected connecting flights can appear complex. To clarify them, check your tickets. If each flight portion has a different reservation number or booking reference, it’s presumably a self-transfer. Online travel agencies such as Kiwi or Expedia also specify if the flight is a self-transfer.
7. Missed Connection
When a traveller cannot catch their next flight during the journey, it is called a missed connection.
There are many reasons why you might miss a connection, like if your previous flight is delayed or cancelled, or if you have a very short layover time. If your layover is only 1 or 1.5 hours, there’s a good chance you won’t make your next flight.
It’s important to remember that airlines are usually understanding when passengers miss connecting flights due to delays or cancellations. If you’re willing to arrive at your destination later than planned, the delay could be beneficial as you may be entitled to compensation of up to 600 euros per person.
Did you miss your connection because of a delayed or cancelled flight?
7.1 Missed Airline-Protected Transfer
Choosing an airline-protected transfer is the safest option for travellers.
In instances where you miss your connecting flight due to unforeseeable situations, the airline provides support and protection.
If a flight delay or cancellation results in a missed connection, passengers are safeguarded and may be entitled to compensation. The airline typically arranges a new flight. If the next flight is scheduled for the following day, they may provide a complimentary hotel stay. To resolve any issues, reach out to the airline’s representatives at the airport.
What about reimbursement or flight compensation?
Refunds are typically not provided for missed flights. However, if your flight is under the coverage of EU Regulation 261/2004, you might qualify for compensation for your entire journey. This compensation is similar to flight delay compensation or flight cancellation compensation.
Be sure to submit a compensation claim!
As Air Canada is a non-European airline, these EU regulations apply only to Air Canada flights departing from the EU and the UK.
7.2 Missed Self-Transfer Flight
A self-transfer implies arranging multiple flights separately.
What are the implications if you miss your self-transfer connection? If any flight within your planned travel itinerary is delayed by 3 hours or more, cancelled, or if you’re denied boarding, you might qualify for compensation for that particular flight. However, none of the airlines involved will be responsible for your entire journey or any missed connections.
For example, consider you have a flight with Ryanair to Frankfurt (let’s call it “flight 1”), and after a 3-hour layover, you have a connecting flight with Air Canada to Toronto, referred to as “flight 2”. If your connection is missed due to the delay or cancellation of flight 1, neither airline will be liable for the missed connection.
If flight 1 is significantly delayed (3+ hours), you might qualify for compensation from Ryanair. If there’s a last-minute cancellation, you might qualify for a new flight, refund, and compensation from Ryanair for flight 1, as per Regulation (EC) No 261/2004.
However, if this causes you to miss your Air Canada flight, you will have to arrange a new flight to your destination (Toronto in this case). Neither Ryanair nor Air Canada will offer any compensation for flight 2, and no compensation for a missed flight connection will be offered.
The same applies to the Air Canada flight – flight 2. If it’s delayed or cancelled at the last minute, you may receive compensation for this specific flight. However, if it’s cancelled at the last minute and you are given a flight 2 hours earlier than you can make, you will have to handle the situation on your own.
If you have insurance for missed flights, contact your insurance provider. They may be able to assist you based on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
My flight ticket was cheap. Can I still get full flight compensation? Will if affect my compensation?
Compensation amounts are fixed. Compensation depends on flight distance.
Flight ticket price doesn’t affect flight compensation amount.
You still can get compensation. Even if your flight was cheap.
What if I don’t have travel insurance?
You don’t need insurance to claim compensation.
If your flight is eligible to compensation, you can get it even if you don’t have travel insurance.
Can my kid get compensation from Air Canada?
Yes, 100%.
The age doesn’t matter.
If you are entitled to compensation, your child/baby will be, too.
Even if you are travelling with an infant who has a special infant ticket.
Can I claim compensation for someone else (family member, friend, relative)?
Yes, you can.
Even if you weren’t on that flight yourself.
You can claim compensation for someone else, as long as you have a copy of the person’s boarding pass and passport/ID. Also, they will need to sign a couple of documents.
But the rest you can do on their behalf.
How far back can I claim compensation?
It depends on the laws of the country.
In many countries (especially in Europe) you can claim compensation even for old flights. Even if your flight was 2-3 years ago, you still might be able to claim compensation.
What to do if Air Canada refuses to pay compensation?
Air Canada is refusing to pay compensation.
Do you think you are entitled to compensation, but the airline wrongly has refused your claim? Is it possible to continue with the process? Yes! There are two options.
The best option is to work with a flight compensation company. Hand over your case to a flight compensation company, for them to continue the negotiations with the airline.
Or, you can contact the national enforcement body of the country your flight was from. There are national enforcement bodies in all the EU Member states.
EU – Non-EU Flights, Tourists From Abroad
I’m flying to the EU from a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
If you’re flying with Air Canada then no, you can’t.
If it’s Air Canada, European regulations only work on their flights from European airports.
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
I’m flying from the EU to a country outside the EU. Can I get UK/EU flight delay compensation?
Yes, you can.
The same applies to all Air Canada flights from the UK.
I am not a European citizen. Can I get compensation?
Yes.
Your nationality doesn’t matter.
Air Canada Delayed Flight > Missed Connection
What will happen to my checked baggage if I miss my Air Canada connecting flight?
If it’s an airline-protected transfer, the airline will take care of your baggage.
Air Canada will book you on another flight to replace the missed one.
In addition to that, the airline will transfer your baggage to that new flight.
Learn more: Lost baggage, Delayed baggage, Damaged baggage
I missed my Air Canada connecting flight due to bad weather. Can I get compensation for this flight disruption?
No, because it’s not the airline’s fault.
Weather conditions are considered “extraordinary circumstances”, events that the airline can’t control. If you miss your connecting flight because the previous flight was delayed or cancelled because of bad weather or other extraordinary circumstances, you are not entitled to compensation.
However, you will still be given a new flight to your destination for free.
You have a right to care, too.
Flight Cancellations
What happens if my flight is cancelled more than 2 weeks before departure, and I miss my connecting flight?
Is it an airline-protected connecting flight?
If it is a protected connecting flight, the airline will ask you to choose a new flight (free of charge). And if that means missing your connection because of that, you can also choose a new connecting flight (also for free). If you can’t make changes yourself, contact Air Canada. As it isn’t a last-minute cancellation, you can’t get flight cancellation compensation.
You can’t get a new flight for free if it’s a self-transfer.
Other Situations
Air Canada provided me with a free hotel stay and a free alternate flight to my destination. Can I still get compensated for the delay?
Yes, if the flight departed from the EU / UK.
You can have both a free hotel stay and a free flight to your destination.
If your flight is eligible for compensation, in addition to the free hotel stay and free flight, you are entitled to receive compensation from the airline.
Air Canada took me to my destination. Can I still get compensation?
Did you arrive late? Was it 3+ hours later than scheduled?
If the answer is yes to both, you might be entitled to flight delay compensation from Air Canada. As long as the flight was from Europe and it was delayed due to the airline’s fault.
Have you ever missed a connection? Was it a connecting flight with Air Canada? Share your experience. Do you have any questions about Air Canada missed connection compensation policies? Ask in the comments.