Can we claim for missing our connecting flight due to bad weather?

Have a question? Ask our expert Simon Calder

We decided to get the train from Heathrow to Manchester due to nine-hour delay (AP)

Q I flew from New York to Manchester via Heathrow with British Airways. The flight from New York was late due to bad weather (strong winds) at Heathrow and consequent air traffic control restrictions. We missed our connection and the next flight was offered nine hours later. We declined and went by train instead. Can we claim?

Michael F

A Missed connections are everyday events for BA at Heathrow, due to the extreme congestion at the airport. The standard procedure is to re-book affected passengers on the next available flight. The key word there is “available”. British Airways has eight flights a day from Heathrow to Manchester, with a maximum gap between them of three hours 20 minutes. But besides the “normal” booked passengers, at times of disruption they fill up quickly with travellers who have missed earlier connections. So while waiting at Heathrow, you would have seen three or four flights depart to Manchester without you.