Passengers of China Airlines who have experienced a delayed or cancelled flight are legally entitled to compensation. According to EU Regulation 261/2004, airlines must compensate passengers in case of a significant disruption. In this article, we will look at your rights and the steps you should follow to receive the compensation you deserve from the airline.
China Airlines Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation
Before claiming the China Airlines compensation, you should be aware of the conditions and the amount of compensation you may expect to get in case of delay or flight cancellation.
China Airlines 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 is delayed. It’s essential to note that this flight delay compensation depends on the flight’s arrival time, not the departure time, so the key to your claim hinges on the actual time you reach your destination airport.
Let’s take a look at how much compensation you can get if your flight is delayed. The amount of compensation is determined by various criteria, including 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 |
Remember you may not receive compensation for every flight delay. China Airlines isn’t required to pay compensation when extraordinary circumstances outside their control occur. This covers severe weather conditions, airport issues, or air traffic controller strikes. In these cases, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.
China Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation
EU Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines must notify passengers of flight cancellations at least 14 days before departure. If the airline doesn’t provide timely notification, you might be eligible for flight cancellation compensation ranging from €250 to €600 per passenger, depending on the flight distance. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it may avoid 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 |
When accepting an alternative flight, passengers retain their entitlement to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The amount of compensation is calculated according to two factors: the flight distance and the duration of the delay, in line with 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 |
China Airlines isn’t required to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives close to the same time as your original flight. Moreover, you usually won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline workers go on strike.
Are China Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?
EU Regulation 261 applies to all flights departing from European Union airports. It also covers flights arriving in the EU if the airline originates in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.
Nevertheless, China Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they don’t have 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 China Airlines
If your travel plans have been affected by a flight cancellation or delay with China Airlines, it’s important to understand that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. This is why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:
- Fill in this form. You’ll need to provide details including your flight number, date, and the issue you encountered.
- Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We understand the EU laws comprehensively and will strive to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.
These steps will help you file your claim quickly and improve your chances of getting the compensation you’re entitled to. There may be plenty of time after your flight to make a claim, but it’s best to complete it as soon as you can while you still remember all the details.
What You Can Get Besides EU Flight Compensation
China Airlines goes the extra mile to support passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.
Right to Care
When flight disruptions occur, China Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. The right, established under EU Regulation 261/2004, becomes applicable when flight delays exceed two hours. The services provided include:
- Meals and Refreshments: Passengers are provided with food and drinks appropriate to the length of delay. This may include vouchers for airport restaurants or direct distribution of snacks and drinks.
- Communication: China Airlines 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, China Airlines provides 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 China Airlines cancels a flight, passengers can choose to get a full refund or rebook on an alternative flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel disruptions and assisting passengers to manage unforeseen circumstances efficiently.
- 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, China Airlines shall provide rebooking on the next available flight to your destination. You also have the option to choose an alternative route if there are seats available. If the next available flight is scheduled for the following day or later, China Airlines will arrange accommodation and transfers as necessary. Additionally, you have the right to be rebooked, including 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 entitled to a partial refund of the cost difference. Furthermore, if your booking includes connecting flights, China Airlines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not just the cancelled segment.
Whether opting for a refund or arranging a new flight, the procedures are designed to make this process as smooth as possible, understanding the stress and inconvenience caused by cancellations.