Missed connection: when the whole journey matters
Missed connection claims are usually about the full itinerary, not just the delayed first leg.
The same booking is the starting point
A missed connection is usually stronger when all flight segments were bought together under one booking reference. In that case, the journey can be reviewed as one connected trip.
If the passenger bought separate tickets independently, the first airline may not be responsible for the missed second flight in the same way.
Final arrival delay is central
The delayed flight that causes the missed connection may not be three hours late by itself. What matters is often the delay at the final destination on the original itinerary.
A short delay on the first leg can become a serious claim if it causes a much later arrival at the final destination.
The disruption must be linked to the airline
Potential claims usually involve delay, cancellation, or denied boarding caused by the airline. A missed gate because of personal delay, passport issues, or separate self-transfer is a different situation.
The booking confirmation, boarding pass, new itinerary, and airline messages are all useful evidence.
Rerouting and care still matter
The airline should reroute passengers to their final destination when the connection is missed for airline-controlled reasons. Depending on waiting time, meals, communication, hotel, and transport may also be required.
These practical rights are separate from fixed compensation and should be considered together.