Missed your connecting TAP flight due to a delay or cancellation?
If your connecting TAP flight was missed because of a delay or cancellation, you may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004. This applies even if you were offered a rebooking, voucher, or refund your rights go beyond basic reimbursement, and you can still submit a flight compensation claim if certain conditions are met.
What is a missed connection compensation?
A missed connection occurs when your initial TAP flight is delayed, cancelled, or overbooked, preventing you from catching your next flight even if you arrived at the airport on time.
Under EU Regulation 261/2004, you may be eligible for TAP missed connection compensation if:
- Both flights were booked under a single reservation
- You arrived at your final destination more than 3 hours later than planned
- The disruption was not caused by extraordinary circumstances
What are considered extraordinary circumstances according to TAP?
TAP can refuse to pay compensation if the cause was beyond their control. These are considered extraordinary circumstances.
Examples include:
- Air traffic control strikes (non-airline staff)
- Severe weather (storms, snow, hurricanes)
- Natural disasters (volcanic ash, floods)
- Political unrest or security threats
Not considered extraordinary:
- Technical problems with the aircraft
- Crew shortages or scheduling errors
- Operational failures or staffing problems
What are my rights under EU 261/2004?
If you miss a TAP connection due to a qualifying disruption, EU law grants you:
- Financial compensation up to €600
- Rebooking or reimbursement at no extra cost
- Right to care (meals, accommodation, transport) during delays
- Information about your passenger rights
Applies to TAP flights that:
- Depart from an EU airport
- Arrive in the EU and are operated by TAP (EU-based airline)
Does TAP pay missed flight compensation voluntarily?
In most cases, TAP does not automatically pay compensation for missed connections. The airline may:
- Avoid proactively informing passengers about their rights.
- Offer travel vouchers instead of cash compensation.
- Claim “extraordinary circumstances” to reject valid TAP compensation for missed connection claims.
We specialise in challenging these denials. Our legal team handles every step of the process from the initial flight claim submission to possible legal action ensuring you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
✅ 90% success rate
✅ Legal team ready to act
✅ No upfront fees
Tip: Even if TAP rebooked your onward flight or provided alternative transport, you may still be entitled to additional monetary compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004.
Not sure if you're still eligible? Check compensation →
More about TAP
Founded on 14 March 1945 under the name Transportes Aéreos Portugueses, TAP conducted its inaugural commercial flight on 19 September 1946, connecting Lisbon to Madrid aboard a DC-3². Over the decades, TAP has modernized its fleet with iconic aircraft like the jet-age Caravelle in the 1960s, the Boeing 747 “Jumbo,” and most recently, the world’s first Airbus A330neo introduction in 2018. Celebrating its 80th anniversary in 2025, TAP stands as Portugal’s largest global ambassador—transporting over 16 million passengers in 2024 with a fleet of 99 aircraft, reaching 84 cities across the globe. It has also earned a reputation for safety, ranked Europe’s safest airline and among the top globally by Airline Ratings.
Despite its stature, TAP has struggled with punctuality and operational disruptions. During the first five months of 2025, a staggering 37% of TAP flights arrived at least 15 minutes late—the worst record among European carriers. In the first half of the year, only 67% of flights ran on time, meaning over 5 million passengers experienced disruptions, with TAP carrying more than 4.5 million passengers—about 60% of whom had smooth journeys. Lisbon Airport, TAP’s main hub, was particularly affected: just 59% of flights there were disruption-free, contributing to over 110,000 passengers eligible for compensation. On top of operational hiccups, TAP's Q2 2025 net profit plunged 42.5%, to €37.5 million, despite a 4.5% rise in passenger numbers. Rising staff and traffic costs—up 18.3% and 9.2% respectively—and bottlenecks at Portuguese airports amid tighter border controls weighed heavily on results.
How much can you claim for a missed TAP connection?
Compensation depends on your flight distance.
You may also claim expenses for food, accommodation, and transport.
250€
Up to 1500 km
400€
From 1500 km to 3500 km
600€
More than 3500 km
How to claim TAP Missed Connection Compensation
Step 1: Complete the Missed Connection Claim Form
Enter your departure airport and final destination. Make sure to indicate if your booking included one or more connecting flights.
Step 2: Add Your Disruption Details
- Select the type of disruption (missed connection, delay, or cancellation).
- Enter both the scheduled and actual arrival times.
- Provide any known cause of the disruption can help strengthen your claim.
Step 3: Submit and Let Us Handle the Rest
Once you submit your claim, we’ll:
- Analyse your case in detail.
- Contact TAP on your behalf.
- Manage all the paperwork and legal steps at no upfront cost to you.
Our process covers all types of air travel disruptions from flight cancellations and missed flights to flight delays and overbooking ensuring you get the compensation you’re entitled to under EU261 regulations, including reimbursement for alternative transport or additional expenses when applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions About TAP Missed Connection Compensation
Yes, from your children to your work coleagues, all might be entitled to a compensation of up to 600€. Just fill their information in the form.
Airlines have the ability to complicate compensation claims, delaying or rejecting them and making the process irritating. We can help with that. We take care of all the paperwork, discussions, and even court appearances, saving you the trouble. Our professionals maximize your chances of winning because they are experienced in air passenger rights laws. Additionally, we don't charge a service fee until we are successful in getting you paid.
Yes, EU261 protections apply based on where your flight departed and whether you were flying with an EU-based airline, not on your citizenship.
If your missed connection was due to a delay or cancellation, you may still be eligible. See our guide on flight cancellation compensation for more details.