Passengers of Air Japan who have faced a flight cancellation or delay are legally entitled to compensation. Under EU 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers if there’s a significant disruption. In this article, we’ll examine your rights and the steps you should follow to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
Air Japan Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the Air Japan compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of flight cancellation or delay.
Air Japan Compensation for Flight Delay
According to UK and EU laws, passengers may be entitled to up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight arrives late. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s landing time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you arrive at your final destination.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you may receive if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by several factors, such as the duration of the delay and the route length of your flight:
| 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 |
Keep in mind you may not always be compensated for every flight delay. Air Japan isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances beyond their control happen. This includes bad weather, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will generally not be given compensation as it is not the airline’s fault.
Air Japan Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines have to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you could qualify for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, based on the flight distance. However, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid paying compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:
| Advance Notice | Re-routing Requirements |
| 14 Days | None |
| 7 – 13 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight |
| Less than 7 Days | Alternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight |
Even when accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their claim for compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is determined based on two criteria: the distance of the flight and the length of the delay, according to the table provided below:
| 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 Japan doesn’t have to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as adverse weather conditions or when airline workers go on strike.
Are Air Japan Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
European Union Regulation 261 covers 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 European Union member states as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, Air Japan isn’t a European airline. Therefore, they aren’t required to pay you compensation if their flights operate outside of Europe. This applies even to their flights to Europe if they start outside the EU.
| Itinerary | Covered by EU 261 |
| Flights departing from EU airports | ✔️ Yes |
| Flights arriving at EU airports | ❌ No |
How to Claim Compensation from Air Japan
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight delay or cancellation with Air Japan, it’s important to know that you might be entitled to compensation under EU laws. For this reason, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Complete our 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 understand the EU laws comprehensively and will do our best to get you your compensation. You are only charged if we win your case.
These steps will assist you in filing your claim quickly and improve your chances of getting the compensation you’re owed. There may be plenty of time after your flight to submit a claim, but it’s best to do it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
Air Japan goes the additional mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions happen, Air Japan is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, kicks in when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with meals and beverages appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: Air Japan offers two free phone calls, emails, or fax messages to keep passengers connected with family or business contacts.
- Accommodation: If the delay extends for the night or requires an additional stay, Air Japan arranges hotel room accommodation. This also covers transportation to and from the airport and the hotel.
- Special Assistance: Extra care is given to passengers with reduced mobility or special needs.
To access these services, you can simply approach airline staff at the airport for immediate assistance.
Rebooking and Refunds
When Air Japan cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This flexibility is crucial for minimizing travel inconveniences and supporting passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances effectively.
- Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can get full reimbursement for the parts of your trip that you didn’t use, including any tickets you only partly used. Also, if the cancellation means your trip no longer serves its original purpose, you may get a flight back to where you first started at the earliest chance.
- Rebooking: if you choose to continue your journey, Air Japan will provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to select an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, Air Japan will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, even in a higher class, at no additional cost to you if that’s the only available option.
It’s essential to keep in mind some additional considerations. If you’re rebooked on a lower class than originally booked, you’re eligible for a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking involves connecting flights, Air Japan will assist in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether choosing a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to ensure this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.