This checklist does not decide eligibility and is not legal advice. Official airline, regulator, court, insurance, and contract information controls.
Build your evidence pack
Tick what you have saved. Keep original files and receipts in a secure folder.
Record the flight and actual timing
Save the operating airline, flight number, date, booking reference, ticket number, origin, destination, scheduled times, and actual final-arrival time. When a journey has connections, note whether every flight was on one booking and which delay caused the missed connection.
Save the airline's reason and messages
Keep written notices, app screens, email, SMS, and any explanation given by staff. Record the time, place, and role of the person you spoke with. Do not rely only on memory or a disappearing app notification.
Keep reasonable expense receipts
Save itemized receipts for meals, accommodation, and transport related to the disruption. Note what the airline offered, what you accepted, and why any replacement purchase was necessary. Coverage depends on the applicable rules and terms.
Organize missed connections and baggage records
Keep rebooking notices, replacement boarding passes, baggage tags, delayed-baggage reports, and proof of the final arrival. Separate baggage issues from delay expenses so each record is easy to follow.
Use official claim and complaint paths
Start with the operating airline's official form and the regulator or dispute-resolution path that applies to the itinerary. Check deadlines, required documents, and whether travel insurance has a separate notification period.
FAQ
Does this checklist decide whether compensation is due?
No. It organizes facts and documents only. Eligibility depends on the itinerary, facts, applicable rules and current official guidance.
Should I keep original receipts?
Yes. Keep itemized originals or clear digital copies and note how each cost relates to the disruption.
What if the airline reason changes?
Save each written version with its date and source. Use official complaint, regulator, insurance or legal channels for disputed facts.