Which rules apply at Heathrow: EU261 or UK261?

UK-origin or UK-carrier-operated flights attach UK261. EU-origin flights attach EU261. Both have near-identical substance; the key difference is currency (GBP vs EUR).

What is LHR's minimum connection time?

90 minutes for international to domestic; more for terminal changes (up to 2.5 hours). Customs queues add 30 to 60 minutes on some inbound.

Does BA automatically rebook missed connections?

Usually yes on BA-operated flights with one reservation. Check the BA app immediately on landing.

Can I get compensation for a missed connection at LHR?

Yes if total arrival delay at final destination is 3+ hours. UK261 or EU261 compensation applies by route distance.

What is LHR Terminal 5?

BA's dedicated terminal for most operations (plus Iberia intra-Europe). Most BA rebooks happen in T5.

Does UK261 cover flights after Brexit?

Yes. UK261 mirrors EU261 and applies to UK-origin flights and UK carrier arrivals from outside UK/EU. Substance is near-identical.

Do I need to file separately for UK261 and EU261?

Only one applies per flight. Use UK261 for UK-origin or UK-carrier flights, EU261 for EU-origin or EU-carrier flights. Same claim form typically works.

← Back to blog

Airport GuidesApril 23, 2026•7 min read

Missed Connection at Heathrow: EU261 Rights

Missed connection Heathrow EU261 rights apply exactly like any EU-origin missed connection, with the UK-specific UK261 variant where applicable. LHR is a congested hub; connection times run tight. Here is what UK and EU261 actually cover.

Missed Connection Heathrow EU261: Which Rules Apply

Missed connection Heathrow EU261 applicability depends on the route and operator. UK-origin or UK-carrier-operated flights attach UK261 (GBP 220/350/520 bands). EU-origin flights arriving at LHR attach EU261 (EUR 250/400/600 bands). Both rules have near-identical substance since UK261 mirrored EU261 post-Brexit.

LHR minimum connection time: 90 minutes for international to domestic, longer for terminal changes. Below that, connection risk is high, especially with customs queues.

Rebook Paths at LHR

1
Check your airline's app immediately on landing.
2
Auto-rebook common on BA, VS, AA, IB, QF and other alliance partners.
3
If not: go to the airline's transfer desk in Terminal 5 (BA) or Terminal 3 (most oneworld), Terminal 2 (Star Alliance), Terminal 4 (SkyTeam).
4
Lounges (BA Concorde, Chelsea, First Wing) assist elite passengers with rebook.
5
Use alliance partner rebook desks if rebook on same airline fails; alliance partner rebook is often offered.

UK261 vs EU261 Differences

›
UK261 currency: GBP; EU261: EUR.
›
UK261 bands: GBP 220 / 350 / 520.
›
EU261 bands: EUR 250 / 400 / 600.
›
Both apply to flights 3+ hours delayed at final destination.
›
Both have Article 9 care obligations (meals, hotel, ground transport, 2 calls).
›
Both have extraordinary circumstances defense.
›
UK CAA enforces UK261; EU national enforcement bodies enforce EU261.

See missed connection because first flight late: automatic rebooking for the general auto-rebook rule.

Typical Missed Connection at LHR

Example scenario: BA flight from JFK arrives LHR 90 minutes late due to ATC slowdown. You have a 2-hour connection to MXP. You miss it. BA auto-rebooks you to the next MXP flight 4 hours later. Final arrival at MXP: 5 hours late. UK261 compensation GBP 520 applies (>3,500 km from JFK). Article 9 care: meals for the 4-hour wait, lounge access.

LHR Terminal Quick Reference

›
Terminal 2: Star Alliance (UA, LH, AC, ANA).
›
Terminal 3: oneworld non-BA (AA, JL, QR, QF, IB).
›
Terminal 4: SkyTeam and KE, DL, AF, KL, VS.
›
Terminal 5: British Airways and Iberia intra-Europe.
›
Terminal transfers add 20 to 45 minutes; plan accordingly.

Cross-Reference

Related playbooks: missed connections summer 2026 edition for weather-heavy season, missed connections new year's edition for winter storm disruption. See also missed connection at Frankfurt: Lufthansa rebooking for comparison with the other major European hub.

Pillar Link and Authority Sources

See the full pillar at Connecting Flight Missed: Compensation. Primary sources: UK CAA Consumer Advice, Regulation (EC) 261/2004, and Air Passenger Rights and Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.

Missed connection at LHR? TravelStacks files UK261 or EU261 claims at 25 percent. Start a claim in 30 seconds.

Think your flight qualifies?

Check in 30 seconds. Free to find out.

Check my flight