Which regulation applies?
DGCA CAR Section 3 Series M Part VI (single PNR/through-ticket coverage) + IATA Resolution 735d (interline rebooking obligations)
Source: https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/CARS
Source: https://www.dgca.gov.in/digigov-portal/CARS
Step-by-step: what to do now
- 1 Immediately go to the operating airline's transit desk (NOT the airline counter — the transit desk handles missed-connection cases). Show your boarding pass for both legs.
- 2 If both legs are on the same PNR (one ticket number, even if different airlines under an interline agreement), demand free rebooking on the next available flight. The airline cannot charge.
- 3 If you are on separate PNRs (two independent tickets), the second airline owes you nothing. Contact the second airline immediately — some offer goodwill rebooking with only the fare difference, especially for premium fares.
- 4 If you have travel insurance with "missed connection" coverage (e.g. Acko Flight Protection on HappyFares), file the claim within 24 hours with: original booking confirmation, missed-connection certificate from the first airline, proof of new ticket purchase.
- 5 If you booked the entire trip on a single HappyFares booking — even if airlines differ — contact HappyFares customer care. We arrange rebooking coordination as part of our service.
- 6 Always ask the FIRST airline (the one that caused the delay) for a "missed connection certificate" or written delay confirmation — this is the document insurance companies require.
Compensation / refund table
| Scenario | Amount / outcome | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Same PNR — missed connection due to first leg delay | Free rebooking on next available flight | Plus meals/hotel if overnight wait required |
| Same PNR — missed connection due to YOUR delay (slow security, long arrival immigration) | No automatic right; airline may rebook at fare difference | Minimum 90-120 min connection time is standard recommendation |
| Separate PNRs — missed connection | No legal entitlement; goodwill rebooking with fare difference at best | Travel insurance / Smart Saver covers this scenario |
| International connection missed in India (e.g. Mumbai stopover) | Same-PNR rule applies; separate PNRs need transit visa awareness | TWOV / Transit Without Visa rules differ by nationality |
Time limit: Notify the airline within 4 hours of the missed connection for fastest rebooking. Insurance claims: within 24-48 hours typically.
HappyFares SmartSaver can help
HappyFares Smart Saver (Cancel for Any Reason — CFAR) lets you cancel ANY flight up to 24 hours before departure and recover 60-80% of the fare. Covers missed connections on separate PNRs that no other product covers.
Learn more →Frequently asked questions
How much connection time is enough between flights in India?
For same-airport domestic transit: 60-75 min minimum. International transit: 90-120 min for visa-free, 150+ min for visa-required. Different airport (Delhi T1 to T3): add 45 min for inter-terminal transfer. Mumbai T1 to T2 is connected by AeroBridge; allow 60 min.
Is HappyFares responsible if I miss a connecting flight?
HappyFares is responsible for the same-PNR coordination — we ensure flights you book together are routed via our interline rebooking partners. For separate-PNR scenarios, we recommend Smart Saver coverage at booking time.
Can I claim compensation if the first airline's delay caused me to miss an onward flight on another airline?
If the entire journey was on one through-ticket PNR (interlined), yes — the first carrier is responsible for getting you to the final destination. If two separate bookings, the first airline is only liable for the leg they operated; the second airline owes nothing.
What if I miss my international connection due to immigration / security queues?
Most airlines treat this as passenger responsibility. EU261 doesn't cover queue-induced delays; DGCA doesn't either. Mitigate by booking longer connection times (3+ hours for international transit in India).
Does HappyFares help arrange rebooking for missed connections?
Yes — HappyFares customer care contacts the operating airline on your behalf for same-PNR bookings. For separate PNRs, we help you find the cheapest replacement fare and file the insurance/Smart Saver claim.