Travelling from place A to B with Lufthansa with intermediate stop in Frankfurt (F). We started on time from A. Expected wait time in F, 1.5 hours. The flight from A to F was bumpy and the pilot chose a long path which delayed the flight for more than an hour.
We arrived in F about 30 minutes before the departure time and we were in hurry to get out of the plane and find the gate for the flight to B. We found the gate which was on the other side of the airport. Unfortunately, we arrived five minutes after the scheduled departure time and the gate was closed since 5 minutes ago. We went to the passenger service of Lufthansa, and they put us in the next flight to B which was, 4-5 hours later.
After 4 hours we get into the plane. The time was passing and the airplane was not moving. Suddenly, the pilot speaking. I quote: "We are sorry for the delay, we have two extra passenger and we wait the catering company to bring us two extra sandwiches".
Question: Is this something that happens frequently? Is there any safety net for passengers in such situations? By safety net I mean particular regulations that help the passenger in such situations. Does Lufthansa (or any airline) have the right to deny boarding when they know we are on a marginally delayed flight?
Update: Apparently, according to EU regulations and as pointed out in this question, the EU compensation scheme should apply to my case. Unfortunately, no compensation was given and no option offered: they just rushed us in the next flight. I wrote a letter of complaint to Lufthansa, received a complaint id, but there was no answer from their side. Does anybody have any idea if there are any alternatives to pursue my rights as an EU citizen and traveler?