Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. According to EU261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
European Union Regulation 261 is the regulation that deals with air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this legislation covers different situations, such as delays, flight cancellations, rebooking, etc., and obligates airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to receive compensation. Furthermore, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
EU Regulation 261 includes regulations concerning the compensation process, including assistance for passengers experiencing issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can expect to receive is up to 600 euros per person. This sum varies, depending on your specific case.
Compensation for Air China Flight Cancellation
First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline is required to notify them about the flight cancellation. In case the airline notifies you under fourteen days before the date of your flight and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261 regulation, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the original flight was supposed to, the passenger may also be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations according to the duration of the delay:
| Under 2 hours | 2-3 hours | 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Never arrived | Distance |
| €125 | €250 | €250 | €250 | €250 | All flights 1,500 km or less |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Internal EU flights over 1,500 km |
| €200 | €200 | €400 | €400 | €400 | Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km |
| €300 | €300 | €300 | €600 | €600 | Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km |
Compensation for Air China Flight Delay
When a flight is delayed for 3+ hours, the airline is obligated to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for 5 hours or more, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or an alternative flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline also must provide a passenger with food, drinks, and accommodation. See key information on compensation in the table below:
| Less than 3 hours | Between 3-4 hours | Over 4 hours | Distance |
| €0 | €250 | €250 | All flights up to 1500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km |
| €0 | €400 | €400 | All intra-EU flights over 3500 km |
| €0 | €300 | €600 | All non-EU flights over 3500 km |
Right to Care
Right to Care pertains to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out common rules on assistance and compensation for travelers in cases of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU 261/2004 obliges airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers experiencing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Meals and drinks appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the hotel
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is good to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t have to pay additional fees for this service.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to get reimbursement. In this case, it’s important to note that the amount of compensation is determined by the distance of a flight:
- 30% of the flight tickets cost for a 1,500 km distance or less;
- 50% of the flight tickets cost (specifically, for intra-EU flights that are over 1,500 km and all other flights with a 1,500 km and 3,500 km distance;
- 75% of the ticket price for flights with a 3,500+ km distance.
Be aware that these rights cover any flights inside the European Union, as well as flights departing from or arriving in the European Union by airlines based in the EU.
When Are You Not Entitled to Compensation?
Unfortunately, there are situations, when passengers will not receive compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are outside of the airline’s control. Some of the examples are as follows:
- Bad weather conditions and natural disasters;
- Political circumstances (related security risks, terrorist attacks);
- A collision of the aircraft and foreign objects (birds, for instance);
- Unruly or very ill passengers;
- Strikes (that are not caused by the airline’s crew).
Moreover, if the airline might have been able to do something to avoid problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. This regulation also extends to flights arriving in the EU if the airline is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
However, Air China isn’t a European airline. Consequently, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This is true even for their flights to the European Union if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from the EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at the EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Air China Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Those who are unlucky enough to face a flight delay or cancellation should know exactly how to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details such as your flight number, date, and the problem you faced.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.
Recent Flight Delays and Cancellations
Was your flight delayed or cancelled without a valid reason? Check our table for the latest flight delays and cancellations. Assess your right to compensation using our claim checker, and let us protect your rights and pursue compensation for you.
Did not find your flight in our table? Try our compensation form, and we will check it for you.
| Date | Airline (Flight number) | Route | Status | Your compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20.06.202507:05 | Air China LTD 8721 | Qingdao (TAO) Shenyang (SHE) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
20.06.202500:10 | Air China LTD 942 | Dubai (DXB) Beijing (PEK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:30 | Air China LTD 6672 | Tokyo (HND) Shanghai (PVG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:05 | Air China LTD 8688 | (PKX) Dalian (DLC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:30 | Air China LTD 8620 | Taizhou (HYN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:10 | Air China LTD 6711 | Tokyo (KIX) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:00 | Air China LTD 8306 | Nantong (NTG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:40 | Air China LTD 2917 | Tianjin (TSN) Dalian (DLC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:15 | Air China LTD 8649 | (PKX) Yinchuan (INC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:10 | Air China LTD 5190 | Auckland (AKL) Tauranga (TRG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:00 | Air China LTD 8618 | Shantou (SWA) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:35 | Air China LTD 8687 | Dalian (DLC) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:25 | Air China LTD 8614 | Yancheng (YNZ) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:45 | Air China LTD 6194 | Berlin (BER) Frankfurt (FRA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:30 | Air China LTD 8387 | (PKX) Ningbo (NGB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:40 | Air China LTD 5332 | Lanzhou (LHW) Gonggar (LXA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:30 | Air China LTD 1887 | Beijing (PEK) Jingdezhen (JDZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:00 | Air China LTD 183 | Beijing (PEK) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:55 | Air China LTD 8685 | Shanghai (PVG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | Air China LTD 6002 | Berlin (BER) Frankfurt (FRA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | Air China LTD 3281 | Shanghai (SHA) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:10 | Air China LTD 6715 | Tokyo (KIX) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:50 | Air China LTD 6112 | Berlin (BER) Munich (MUC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:20 | Air China LTD 8664 | Yichang (YIH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:20 | Air China LTD 8597 | Wenzhou (WNZ) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:05 | Air China LTD 8622 | Guilin (KWL) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:55 | Air China LTD 8659 | (PKX) Qiqihar (NDG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:15 | Air China LTD 4995 | Jinan (TNA) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:05 | Air China LTD 2869 | Tianjin (TSN) Kunming (KMG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:00 | Air China LTD 4990 | Urumqi (URC) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:00 | Air China LTD 8225 | Wuhan (WUH) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:55 | Air China LTD 8630 | Zhuhai (ZUH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:55 | Air China LTD 8605 | (PKX) (BZX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:55 | Air China LTD 8279 | Wuhan (WUH) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:45 | Air China LTD 172 | Seoul (ICN) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:45 | Air China LTD 3411 | Shenzhen (SZX) (YIC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:20 | Air China LTD 6471 | Frankfurt (FRA) Turin (TRN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:20 | Air China LTD 3949 | Xining (XNN) Xigaze/Rikaze (RKZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:20 | Air China LTD 9112 | Shenyang (SHE) (LLV) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:05 | Air China LTD 6721 | Toyama (TOY) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:55 | Air China LTD 2814 | Shenzhen (SZX) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:45 | Air China LTD 8637 | (PKX) Yanji (YNJ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:20 | Air China LTD 8621 | (PKX) Guilin (KWL) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:15 | Air China LTD 4996 | Lanzhou (LHW) Jinan (TNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:05 | Air China LTD 2838 | Xiamen (XMN) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202511:00 | Air China LTD 8627 | (PKX) Nanchang (KHN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202510:45 | Air China LTD 2902 | Guilin (KWL) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202510:35 | Air China LTD 1896 | (SQD) Beijing (PEK) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202510:25 | Air China LTD 1207 | Beijing (PEK) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:50 | Air China LTD 4901 | Zhuhai (ZUH) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:25 | Air China LTD 9021 | Lanzhou (LHW) Hami (HMI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202509:20 | Air China LTD 4208 | Lanzhou (LHW) Chengdu (CTU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:55 | Air China LTD 6170 | Brussels (BRU) Munich (MUC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:45 | Air China LTD 1239 | Beijing (PEK) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202508:30 | Air China LTD 6004 | Brussels (BRU) Frankfurt (FRA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:55 | Air China LTD 8223 | Wuhan (WUH) (LFQ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:25 | Air China LTD 1895 | Beijing (PEK) (SQD) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202507:15 | Air China LTD 6712 | Tokyo (HND) Tokyo (KIX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202523:00 | Air China LTD 4956 | Dalian (DLC) Jinan (TNA) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202521:10 | Air China LTD 6711 | Tokyo (KIX) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:55 | Air China LTD 9068 | Fuzhou (FOC) Hengyang (HNY) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:35 | Air China LTD 1277 | Beijing (PEK) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202519:05 | Air China LTD 9566 | Jeddah (JED) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202518:55 | Air China LTD 8674 | (PKX) Chongqing (CKG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202518:50 | Air China LTD 9101 | Chongqing (CKG) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202518:20 | Air China LTD 5037 | Dalian (DLC) Seoul (ICN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:40 | Air China LTD 5332 | Lanzhou (LHW) Gonggar (LXA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:30 | Air China LTD 9103 | Shijiazhuang (SJW) Caledonia (CDE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:10 | Air China LTD 8606 | (BZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:00 | Air China LTD 4965 | Dalian (DLC) Jinan (TNA) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202517:00 | Air China LTD 9564 | Jeddah (JED) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:30 | Air China LTD 1118 | Ordos (Dongsheng) (DSN) Beijing (PEK) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:20 | Air China LTD 6716 | Tokyo (HND) Toyama (TOY) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:10 | Air China LTD 6715 | Tokyo (KIX) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202516:00 | Air China LTD 5343 | Xining (XNN) Yushu (YUS) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:40 | Air China LTD 2896 | Yinchuan (INC) Tianjin (TSN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:35 | Air China LTD 8677 | Guangzhou (CAN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:35 | Air China LTD 8372 | Xilinhot (XIL) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:30 | Air China LTD 132 | Seoul (ICN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:30 | Air China LTD 421 | Beijing (PEK) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:20 | Air China LTD 8664 | Yichang (YIH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:00 | Air China LTD 723 | Beijing (PEK) (UBN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202515:00 | Air China LTD 8673 | Chongqing (CKG) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202514:55 | Air China LTD 2705 | Chongqing (TFU) Ordos (Dongsheng) (DSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202514:15 | Air China LTD 6699 | Guangzhou (CAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202514:05 | Air China LTD 4901 | Tianjin (TSN) Changchun (CGQ) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:55 | Air China LTD 761 | Hangzhou (HGH) Dubai (DXB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:55 | Air China LTD 8630 | Zhuhai (ZUH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:45 | Air China LTD 2954 | Chongqing (TFU) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:45 | Air China LTD 9036 | (WUT) Shanghai (XIY) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:40 | Air China LTD 8609 | (PKX) Dayong (DYG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202513:40 | Air China LTD 2866 | Guiyang (KWE) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:55 | Air China LTD 8371 | (PKX) Xilinhot (XIL) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:50 | Air China LTD 104 | Hong Kong (HKG) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:45 | Air China LTD 2962 | Chengdu (CTU) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:40 | Air China LTD 8632 | Mian Yang (MIG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:40 | Air China LTD 2895 | Tianjin (TSN) Yinchuan (INC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:30 | Air China LTD 2888 | Zhuhai (ZUH) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:30 | Air China LTD 4872 | (LNL) Shanghai (XIY) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
18.06.202512:20 | Air China LTD 6471 | Frankfurt (FRA) Turin (TRN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
