China Airlines Compensation for Flight Delays and Cancellations

Yurii Semikopenko
08.08.2024

Passengers of China Airlines who have experienced a flight cancellation or delay have a legal right to compensation. According to EU 261, airlines must compensate passengers when there is a significant disruption. Here, we will look at your rights and the steps you need to take to receive the compensation you are entitled to 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 the event of flight cancellation or delay.

China Airlines Compensation for Flight Delay

In line with UK and EU regulations, passengers can receive up to €600 in compensation per person if their flight is delayed. It’s essential to note, that this delay compensation is calculated using the flight’s arrival 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 varies based on various criteria, such as the duration of the delay and the distance of your flight:

Less than 3 hoursBetween 3-4 hoursFour hours +Distance
0€250€250All flights up to 1500 km
0€400€400All flights between 1500 km and 3500 km
0€400€400All intra-EU flights over 3500 km
0€300€600All non-EU flights over 3500 km

Keep in mind you may not be compensated for every flight delay. China Airlines is not obliged to compensate passengers when extraordinary circumstances they cannot control occur. This covers severe weather conditions, airport issues, or a strike by air traffic controllers. In these instances, you will generally not be compensated as it is not the airline’s fault.

China Airlines Compensation for Flight Cancellation

European Union Regulation 261/2004 states that airlines are required to inform passengers of cancellations at least 14 days before the scheduled flight. If the airline fails to notify you in time, you may be entitled to compensation of between €250 and €600 per passenger, according to the distance of the flight. Nevertheless, if the airline provides you with an alternate flight, it could potentially avoid compensation for the cancelled flight if the following conditions are met:

Advance NoticeRe-routing Requirements
14 DaysNone
7 – 13 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 2 hours before and arriving less than 4 hours after the original flight
Less than 7 DaysAlternative flight departing no more than 1 hour before and arriving less than 2 hours after the original flight

When accepting another flight, passengers retain their right to compensation if they still experience significant delays at their final destination. The compensation amount is determined based on two factors: the flight distance and the length of the delay, in line with the table below:

Under 2 hours2-3 hours3-4 hoursOver 4 hoursNever arrivedDistance
€125€250€250€250€250All flights 1,500 km or less
€200€200€400€400€400Internal EU flights over 1,500 km
€200€200€400€400€400Non-internal EU flights 1,500 km- 3,500 km
€300€300€300€600€600Non-internal EU flights over 3,500 km

China Airlines is not obliged to compensate you if they offer an alternative flight that departs and arrives near the same time as your original flight. Additionally, you generally won’t receive compensation if the flight is cancelled due to circumstances beyond the airline’s control, such as bad weather or when airline staff goes on strike.

Are China Airlines Flights Covered By EU 261/2004?

EU Regulation 261 covers all flights departing from European Union airports. It also applies 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, China Airlines is not a European airline. Consequently, 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.

ItineraryCovered 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 delay or cancellation with China Airlines, it’s important to be aware that you might be entitled to compensation under EU regulations. That’s why it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the process of claiming compensation. Here’s what you need to do:

  • 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 take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws thoroughly and will do our best to get you your compensation. You only pay us if we win your case.

These steps will help you file your claim quickly and increase 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 file 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 additional mile to help passengers during travel interruptions by providing services that complement flight compensation.

Right to Care

When flight disruptions happen, China Airlines is committed to ensuring passenger comfort through the Right to Care provision. This 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 meals and beverages 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 arranges hotel accommodation. This covers transportation between 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 airport staff at the airport for instant assistance.

Rebooking and Refunds

When China Airlines cancels a flight, passengers have the option to get a full refund or rebook on a different flight. This option is crucial for minimizing travel interruptions and helping passengers to handle unforeseen circumstances successfully.

  • Full Refund: if you request a refund, you can receive 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 trip, China Airlines shall 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, China Airlines shall arrange accommodation and transfers as needed. 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 crucial 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, China Airlines shall help in rebooking your entire journey, not only 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.

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