Happening Right Now
I missed my connection. What happens next?
Missing a connection is confusing because the answer depends on how the ticket was booked. First decide whether your flights are on one booking or separate tickets. That single detail changes who can help and what options are realistic.
What to do first
- Check whether both flights are on the same booking reference.
- Go to the airline connection desk or service desk for the operating airline.
- Open the app and look for automatic rebooking.
- Check whether your checked baggage will continue or needs collection.
Step-by-step instructions
- Step 1
Look at your booking confirmation. If both flights share one reservation code, the airline usually controls the onward plan.
- Step 2
If the flights are separate tickets, contact the second airline quickly because they may treat you as a no-show if you do not act.
- Step 3
Ask for the new boarding pass and confirm the airport, terminal, and time. A rebooked connection may depart from another terminal.
- Step 4
If the next option is tomorrow, ask about hotel, meals, and baggage access. Do not assume you can retrieve checked bags during a short overnight stop.
- Step 5
If you are crossing a border, check whether you need to enter the country before the new flight. Transit rules can change when the schedule changes.
- Step 6
Message anyone waiting for you only after you have a realistic new arrival time.
Important things to check
- One ticket or separate tickets
- New flight number
- Terminal and gate
- Baggage routing
- Visa or entry requirements for an overnight stop
Common mistakes
- Running to a closed gate instead of checking rebooking
- Assuming separate-ticket protection works like one booking
- Forgetting the second airline if the onward flight is unrelated
- Leaving the secure area without asking about re-entry
What to do next
After rebooking, rebuild the trip from the new departure point. Check your documents, baggage, onward transport, and any hotel bookings affected by the later arrival.
Related guides
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