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 EU 261, if your flight is cancelled or delayed, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance. This article will focus on Air China flight compensation, explaining when you may be entitled to it and how to claim it.
Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004
The EU 261 is the law that deals with air passengers’ rights. Specifically, this regulation covers different situations, such as flight cancellations, delays, rebooking, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with care and fairness. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any passenger who underwent 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
The EU 261 contains rules concerning the process of compensation, including aid for passengers experiencing issues with flights. In particular, the amount of compensation you can be eligible for is up to 600 euros per person. This sum varies, based on your circumstances.
Air China Flight Cancellation Compensation
First and foremost, travelers need to know that the airline must inform them about the flight cancellation. If the airline notifies you under fourteen days before your scheduled departure and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261, is obligated to compensate you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.
At the same time, if a passenger is offered an alternative flight but reaches 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 according to the length 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 |
Air China Flight Delay Compensation
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the delay time, with longer delays generally resulting in higher compensation amounts. When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is required to provide compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger may receive a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.
Furthermore, this is the case when the airline is also required to provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, and accommodation. See essential details 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 |
When submitting a compensation claim for a delayed flight, providing accurate flight details is essential to support your case.
Right to Care
Right to Care relates to a specific aspect of EU Regulation 261/2004, which establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of long delays, denied boarding, or flight cancellations.
The “Right to Care” under EU261/2004 obliges airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:
- Snacks and drinks appropriate to the waiting time
- Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
- Transport between the airport and the place of accommodation
- Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes
Upgrading and Downgrading
In situations where a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is good to know about upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.
In cases, when the airline provides you with a higher class (for example, you had Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you won’t be charged additional fees for this upgrade.
Regarding downgrading in class (if you had a Business class flight, but were downgraded to Economy), you are entitled to get reimbursement. Here, 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.
Keep in mind 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 situations, when passengers aren’t eligible for compensation for cancelled or delayed flights. Particularly, we talk about extraordinary circumstances that are outside of the airline’s control. A few 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 potentially could have done something to prevent issues regarding the flight and failed to handle the situation, you might be entitled to compensation.
Which Flights are Covered by EU 261/2004?
EU 261 covers all flights departing from airports in the EU. It also covers 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.
Nevertheless, Air China is not a European airline. Consequently, they don’t have 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 cancellation or delay is an unpleasant situation that can not only upset you but also ruin all your travel plans. Passengers who unfortunately encounter a flight delay or cancellation should understand the steps to seek compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:
- Complete 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 manage the process. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will do our best to obtain your rightful compensation. You are only charged 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 | Flight number | Route | Status | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
08.01.202612:05 | Air China LTD 9090 | (BAV) (CKG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.01.202608:45 | Air China LTD 5173 | (AKL) (APW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.01.202608:25 | Air China LTD 5105 | (AKL) (ADL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
08.01.202607:35 | Air China LTD 9089 | (CKG) (BAV) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
08.01.202601:25 | Air China LTD 5174 | (APW) (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202622:35 | Air China LTD 798 | (HKT) (PEK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202621:50 | Air China LTD 2604 | (NTG) (TFU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202621:45 | Air China LTD 2640 | (TNA) (TFU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:55 | Air China LTD 9032 | (HGH) (BAV) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:45 | Air China LTD 8288 | (PKX) (WUH) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:25 | Air China LTD 5172 | (AKL) (APW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:15 | Air China LTD 116 | (HKG) (PEK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202620:00 | Air China LTD 1131 | (PEK) (HLD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:20 | Air China LTD 4943 | (TNA) (YCU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202619:10 | Air China LTD 4953 | (TNA) (CKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:50 | Air China LTD 8170 | (HLH) (HET) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:30 | Air China LTD 8769 | (TNA) (HYN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:25 | Air China LTD 107 | (PEK) (HKG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:10 | Air China LTD 7906 | (TNA) (CAN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202618:00 | Air China LTD 4621 | (TNA) (SZX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:55 | Air China LTD 8863 | (TNA) (SIN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:35 | Air China LTD 4920 | (SZX) (YNT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:10 | Air China LTD 4922 | (NKG) (YNT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:10 | Air China LTD 106 | (HKG) (DLC) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202617:10 | Air China LTD 3645 | (CAN) (YNT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:45 | Air China LTD 2751 | (TFU) (HFE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:40 | Air China LTD 4972 | (TNA) (YNT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:35 | Air China LTD 5928 | (AKL) (TRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:35 | Air China LTD 5946 | (AKL) (TRG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:30 | Air China LTD 8278 | (KRL) (LHW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:15 | Air China LTD 4902 | (TNA) (HRB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:10 | Air China LTD 797 | (PEK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:05 | Air China LTD 4956 | (TNA) (CGQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:00 | Air China LTD 8169 | (HET) (HLH) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202616:00 | Air China LTD 9022 | (LHW) (CKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:45 | Air China LTD 4995 | (TNA) (LHW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:35 | Air China LTD 5172 | (AKL) (APW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:35 | Air China LTD 5171 | (AKL) (APW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:30 | Air China LTD 1553 | (WNZ) (PEK) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:20 | Air China LTD 1149 | (PEK) (DSN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:15 | Air China LTD 115 | (PEK) (HKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Air China LTD 6010 | (HAM) (FRA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202615:00 | Air China LTD 1749 | (HGH) (CTU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:30 | Air China LTD 5068 | (MPM) (ADD) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:25 | Air China LTD 8125 | (HET) (TGO) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:20 | Air China LTD 144 | (ICN) (YNJ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:10 | Air China LTD 9111 | (CKG) (XUZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:05 | Air China LTD 3943 | (TNA) (JHG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202614:05 | Air China LTD 4982 | (TNA) (NNG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:50 | Air China LTD 4485 | (CKG) (DLU) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:45 | Air China LTD 412 | (HKG) (TFU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:45 | Air China LTD 4340 | (SZX) (CTU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:30 | Air China LTD 9011 | (CKG) (JUZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:25 | Air China LTD 8628 | (HAK) (PKX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:20 | Air China LTD 9022 | (HMI) (LHW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:20 | Air China LTD 6718 | (HND) (KIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:15 | Air China LTD 2636 | (HFE) (TFU) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:10 | Air China LTD 5377 | (CKG) (SYM) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:05 | Air China LTD 4956 | (CKG) (TNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202613:00 | Air China LTD 1303 | (PEK) (SZX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:55 | Air China LTD 8178 | (XIL) (HET) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:40 | Air China LTD 4918 | (CAN) (YNT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202612:00 | Air China LTD 3338 | (HGH) (SZX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:55 | Air China LTD 1554 | (PEK) (WNZ) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:40 | Air China LTD 3884 | (HFE) (SZX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:35 | Air China LTD 4888 | (TSN) (ZUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:20 | Air China LTD 6455 | (MUC) (FLR) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:10 | Air China LTD 2846 | (HGH) (TSN) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:10 | Air China LTD 3647 | (HFE) (CGQ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:10 | Air China LTD 821 | (PEK) (HKT) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:05 | Air China LTD 5926 | (NSN) (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:05 | Air China LTD 4927 | (WUH) (ZUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:05 | Air China LTD 5186 | (NSN) (AKL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:00 | Air China LTD 4880 | (CSX) (TNA) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:00 | Air China LTD 8177 | (HET) (XIL) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202611:00 | Air China LTD 3691 | (SZX) (NKG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:45 | Air China LTD 8134 | (TGO) (HET) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:35 | Air China LTD 4731 | (CGO) (KRL) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:30 | Air China LTD 761 | (HGH) (DXB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:20 | Air China LTD 3591 | (SZX) (WUX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:20 | Air China LTD 3682 | (JUH) (SZX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:15 | Air China LTD 3972 | (HGH) (LZO) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:05 | Air China LTD 4734 | (HGH) (ZUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:05 | Air China LTD 4996 | (URC) (LHW) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:05 | Air China LTD 2635 | (TFU) (HFE) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:05 | Air China LTD 4734 | (HGH) (ZUH) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202610:00 | Air China LTD 9021 | (LHW) (HMI) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:55 | Air China LTD 4339 | (CTU) (SZX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:50 | Air China LTD 6114 | (HAM) (MUC) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Air China LTD 3481 | (SZX) (WNZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:45 | Air China LTD 3481 | (SZX) (WNZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:40 | Air China LTD 3843 | (SZX) (ICN) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:35 | Air China LTD 3584 | (SYX) (NTG) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:35 | Air China LTD 7941 | (SZX) (KIX) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:30 | Air China LTD 8287 | (WUH) (PKX) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:30 | Air China LTD 4626 | (ZUH) (WNZ) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:20 | Air China LTD 411 | (TFU) (HKG) | Cancelled | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:20 | Air China LTD 7972 | (SZX) (HRB) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:10 | Air China LTD 1773 | (HGH) (GYS) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
07.01.202609:10 | Air China LTD 7989 | (SZX) (BKK) | Delayed | Claim Refund |
