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Missed connection with different airlines because of baggage delays

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Looking for some guidance, on the return leg of my hols my virgin atlantic flight landed but the bags took 2 hrs to come at Heathrow.  Connecting flight back to Scotland was missed, both airlines weren't interested and had to book new flights to come home.  Travel insurance is now dragging their heels because the delay was on the return journey - anyone else had similar experiences and have advice on how to claim back some of the costs

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  • Voyager2002
    Voyager2002 Posts: 16,220 Forumite
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    Were the two flights on different tickets?

  • eskbanker
    eskbanker Posts: 36,944 Forumite
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    NicRW said:
    Looking for some guidance, on the return leg of my hols my virgin atlantic flight landed but the bags took 2 hrs to come at Heathrow.  Connecting flight back to Scotland was missed, both airlines weren't interested and had to book new flights to come home.
    This suggests that you were collecting the bags from the carousel at Heathrow before dropping them again with the domestic airline, rather than having the bags checked through end-to-end, which implies two separate bookings rather than one joined-up proper connection?

    If so, then it's unlikely that either airline will be liable to reimburse anything, but if you feel your insurer should be on the hook then you'd need to study the relevant policy wording to counter their argument....
  • Westin
    Westin Posts: 6,309 Forumite
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    There is always a risk when you book two unconnected tickets. A delay to the first flight, border security delays, baggage delays - all can happen and with an unprotected connection you are on your own for the rebooking of onward travel.
  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Posts: 13,507 Forumite
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    The potential savings made by booking two trips is compensation.  This time the gamble didn't pay off.
  • Hoenir
    Hoenir Posts: 7,632 Forumite
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    How much time did you allow between the scheduled arrival time and the check in closure time of the departure. 
  • Caz3121
    Caz3121 Posts: 15,832 Forumite
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    I suspect, if not covered by your insurance policy, you are going to have take the loss yourself.
    There is a risk with booking separate tickets and usually 4 hours+ is suggested between flights to build in some contingency. How long had you allowed?
  • NicRW
    NicRW Posts: 2 Newbie
    First Post
    I had allowed 3.5 hrs but the flight time was changed to slightly later.  It is a mistake I won't make again!

  • ThorOdinson
    ThorOdinson Posts: 347 Forumite
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    Heathrow baggage is shocking for some reason.
  • silvercar
    silvercar Posts: 49,492 Ambassador
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    I always wonder whether it would be cheaper to make the connection and wait for your luggage to eventually be delivered, even if there is a charge for doing so. Most people, once home, could manage without their dirty washing for a few days.
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