Whenever flights are delayed or cancelled, it can be frustrating and inconvenient for passengers. However, the EU has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in such situations. Under EU261, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
EU Regulation 261 is the legislation that deals with air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this legislation covers different situations, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the incident happens because of the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences has a right to get compensation. Furthermore, passengers can receive certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.
Right to Compensation
EU Regulation 261 encompasses rules regarding the process of compensation, including aid to travelers experiencing issues with flights. Specifically, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum ranges, according to your specific case.
Compensation for China Southern Airlines Flight Cancellation
First and foremost, passengers need to know that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. In case the airline notifies you under fourteen days before your flight date and does not offer any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger might be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations depending on 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 China Southern Airlines Flight Delay
When a flight is delayed for three or more 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 another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, in such situations, the airline must also provide a passenger with beverages, some food, 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 refers to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which establishes regulations on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.
The “Right to Care” under EU261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain assistance and services to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Food and drinks appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Emails or faxes and two free phone calls
Upgrading and Downgrading
When a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is important to understand upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for instance, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay additional fees for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you have a right to obtain reimbursement. Here, it’s important to note that the amount of compensation is entirely based on 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.
Consider that these rights cover all flights within 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 cases, when passengers won’t get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Specifically, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are not within 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).
In addition, if the airline might have been able to do something to prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you can claim compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from EU airports. It also applies 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, China Southern Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required 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 China Southern Airlines Compensation
Flight delay or cancellation can be a frustrating experience 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 be aware of the process to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Fill in our form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will manage the process. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
20.06.202506:55 | China Southern Airlines 6132 | (PKX) Dalian (DLC) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
20.06.202506:50 | China Southern Airlines 9867 | Shenzhen (SZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
20.06.202506:45 | China Southern Airlines 4827 | Hangzhou (HGH) Zunyi (ZYI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202523:55 | China Southern Airlines 6013 | Urumqi (URC) (NQZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:40 | China Southern Airlines 5098 | Almaty (ALA) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:30 | China Southern Airlines 1970 | Hangzhou (HGH) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:10 | China Southern Airlines 9632 | Qingdao (TAO) Chengdu (CTU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202522:00 | China Southern Airlines 6281 | Guangzhou (CAN) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:55 | China Southern Airlines 1979 | (PKX) Ningbo (NGB) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:40 | China Southern Airlines 6769 | Changsha (CSX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:35 | China Southern Airlines 8542 | Wuhan (WUH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:30 | China Southern Airlines 6131 | Dalian (DLC) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:25 | China Southern Airlines 8853 | (PKX) Hangzhou (HGH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:20 | China Southern Airlines 1952 | Dali City (DLU) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:15 | China Southern Airlines 7860 | Abu Dhabi (AUH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:15 | China Southern Airlines 8992 | Nanning (NNG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:10 | China Southern Airlines 4261 | Guangzhou (CAN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:10 | China Southern Airlines 8906 | Changde (CGD) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:10 | China Southern Airlines 8058 | Dubai (DXB) Guangzhou (CAN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:10 | China Southern Airlines 8944 | Shashi (SHS) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:00 | China Southern Airlines 3107 | Guangzhou (CAN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202521:00 | China Southern Airlines 4072 | Xiamen (XMN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:45 | China Southern Airlines 3163 | Changsha (CSX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:45 | China Southern Airlines 4451 | Shanghai (PVG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:40 | China Southern Airlines 4271 | Shenzhen (SZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:35 | China Southern Airlines 1976 | Ningbo (NGB) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:30 | China Southern Airlines 8868 | Shantou (SWA) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:30 | China Southern Airlines 8953 | (PKX) Fuzhou (FOC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:25 | China Southern Airlines 9598 | Tianjin (TSN) Chengdu (CTU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:25 | China Southern Airlines 4078 | Fuzhou (FOC) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:10 | China Southern Airlines 3916 | Zunyi (ZYI) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:10 | China Southern Airlines 1914 | Wuxi (WUX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202520:00 | China Southern Airlines 3161 | Guangzhou (CAN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:55 | China Southern Airlines 9811 | Jinjiang (JJN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:45 | China Southern Airlines 8886 | Shanghai (SHA) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:45 | China Southern Airlines 1923 | (PKX) Changzhou (CZX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:40 | China Southern Airlines 4461 | (SQJ) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:35 | China Southern Airlines 8881 | Shanghai (PVG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:35 | China Southern Airlines 4922 | Tianjin (TSN) Jinghong (JHG) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:30 | China Southern Airlines 6913 | Urumqi (URC) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:30 | China Southern Airlines 6910 | (PKX) Urumqi (URC) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:30 | China Southern Airlines 8790 | Hangzhou (HGH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:30 | China Southern Airlines 3155 | Shenzhen (SZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:30 | China Southern Airlines 8750 | Wenshan (WNH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202519:00 | China Southern Airlines 4724 | Yinchuan (INC) Hangzhou (HGH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:40 | China Southern Airlines 4096 | Hangzhou (HGH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:30 | China Southern Airlines 1971 | (PKX) Hangzhou (HGH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:30 | China Southern Airlines 1978 | Ningbo (NGB) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:30 | China Southern Airlines 3935 | Changsha (CSX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:30 | China Southern Airlines 3173 | Shenzhen (SZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:10 | China Southern Airlines 3340 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Guangzhou (CAN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:10 | China Southern Airlines 1944 | Wuxi (WUX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202518:00 | China Southern Airlines 3111 | Guangzhou (CAN) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:30 | China Southern Airlines 4450 | (PKX) Shanghai (PVG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:30 | China Southern Airlines 3147 | Changsha (CSX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:30 | China Southern Airlines 3191 | Shenzhen (SZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:15 | China Southern Airlines 3694 | Tianjin (TSN) Changsha (CSX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:05 | China Southern Airlines 8816 | Chongqing (CKG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:00 | China Southern Airlines 1969 | Hangzhou (HGH) (PKX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202517:00 | China Southern Airlines 4128 | Xiamen (XMN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:50 | China Southern Airlines 4774 | Shenzhen (SZX) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | China Southern Airlines 1369 | Amsterdam (AMS) Berlin (BER) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:45 | China Southern Airlines 156 | Shanghai (SHA) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:40 | China Southern Airlines 1920 | Nanjing (NKG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:35 | China Southern Airlines 9810 | (PKX) Jinjiang (JJN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:30 | China Southern Airlines 3915 | (PKX) Zunyi (ZYI) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:20 | China Southern Airlines 4828 | Zunyi (ZYI) Hangzhou (HGH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:05 | China Southern Airlines 1963 | Hangzhou (HGH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:05 | China Southern Airlines 1906 | Enshi (ENH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:05 | China Southern Airlines 8601 | (PKX) Xiamen (XMN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:00 | China Southern Airlines 3611 | Guiyang (KWE) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202516:00 | China Southern Airlines 4819 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Harbin (HRB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:30 | China Southern Airlines 6283 | Nanning (NNG) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:25 | China Southern Airlines 8030 | Tokyo (KIX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:20 | China Southern Airlines 3189 | Shenzhen (SZX) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:20 | China Southern Airlines 7777 | Amsterdam (AMS) Berlin (BER) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:10 | China Southern Airlines 6798 | Urumqi (URC) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:00 | China Southern Airlines 3903 | (PKX) Chengdu (CTU) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202515:00 | China Southern Airlines 4074 | Xiamen (XMN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:55 | China Southern Airlines 9830 | (PKX) Guiyang (KWE) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:55 | China Southern Airlines 4764 | Jinjiang (JJN) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:40 | China Southern Airlines 4921 | Jinghong (JHG) Tianjin (TSN) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:40 | China Southern Airlines 4684 | Zhuhai (ZUH) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:40 | China Southern Airlines 3085 | Guangzhou (CAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:30 | China Southern Airlines 1966 | Hangzhou (HGH) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:30 | China Southern Airlines 8909 | (PKX) Kunming (KMG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:30 | China Southern Airlines 1903 | Lanzhou (LHW) Jiayuguan (JGN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:30 | China Southern Airlines 6108 | Chongqing (TFU) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:05 | China Southern Airlines 1935 | Jiagedaqi (JGD) Harbin (HRB) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:00 | China Southern Airlines 3109 | Guangzhou (CAN) (PKX) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202514:00 | China Southern Airlines 6949 | Lanzhou (LHW) Kunming (KMG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:50 | China Southern Airlines 4081 | (PKX) Jinjiang (JJN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:40 | China Southern Airlines 1968 | (PKX) Hangzhou (HGH) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:30 | China Southern Airlines 9356 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Chongqing (TFU) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:25 | China Southern Airlines 3718 | (PKX) Changsha (CSX) | cancelled | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:20 | China Southern Airlines 4111 | (PKX) Hangzhou (HGH) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:15 | China Southern Airlines 9765 | Haikou (HAK) Shijiazhuang (SJW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202513:00 | China Southern Airlines 1959 | (PKX) Shanghai (PVG) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:55 | China Southern Airlines 9171 | Chongqing (TFU) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Claim Refund |
19.06.202512:55 | China Southern Airlines 4957 | Lanzhou (LHW) Yining (YIN) | delayed | Claim Refund |
