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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
09.05.202523:10 | China Southern Airlines 4668 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202523:00 | China Southern Airlines 9358 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Chongqing (TFU) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202521:25 | China Southern Airlines 3610 | Qingdao (TAO) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202521:10 | China Southern Airlines 3708 | Jinan (TNA) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202520:05 | China Southern Airlines 9357 | Chongqing (TFU) Xuzhou (XUZ) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202520:00 | China Southern Airlines 3810 | Wenzhou (WNZ) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202519:55 | China Southern Airlines 4668 | Changchun (CGQ) Xuzhou (XUZ) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202519:20 | China Southern Airlines 9710 | Kuqa (KCA) (QSZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202519:00 | China Southern Airlines 6279 | Nanning (NNG) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202518:35 | China Southern Airlines 8743 | Wuhan (WUH) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202517:45 | China Southern Airlines 7068 | Hohhot (HET) Ulanhot (HLH) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202517:45 | China Southern Airlines 4764 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Dalian (DLC) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202517:40 | China Southern Airlines 9025 | Hangzhou (HGH) Zhaotong (ZAT) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202517:20 | China Southern Airlines 3609 | Guangzhou (CAN) Qingdao (TAO) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202517:00 | China Southern Airlines 4324 | Jinjiang (JJN) Kunming (KMG) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202516:35 | China Southern Airlines 4486 | Jinjiang (JJN) Guiyang (KWE) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202516:25 | China Southern Airlines 4980 | Hefei (Luogang Airport) (HFE) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202516:10 | China Southern Airlines 3573 | Guangzhou (CAN) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202516:05 | China Southern Airlines 6956 | Wenzhou (WNZ) Changsha (CSX) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202516:00 | China Southern Airlines 1831 | Jinjiang (JJN) Macau (MFM) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202516:00 | China Southern Airlines 6467 | Dalian (DLC) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202515:35 | China Southern Airlines 6926 | Chongqing (TFU) Korla (KRL) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202515:00 | China Southern Airlines 6327 | Dalian (DLC) Shenzhen (SZX) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202514:55 | China Southern Airlines 4764 | Jinjiang (JJN) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202514:30 | China Southern Airlines 5899 | Guangzhou (CAN) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202514:15 | China Southern Airlines 4826 | Lijiang City (LJG) Zhi Jiang (HJJ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202514:10 | China Southern Airlines 7054 | Jiagedaqi (JGD) Harbin (HRB) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202514:00 | China Southern Airlines 4424 | Xiamen (XMN) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202513:50 | China Southern Airlines 7064 | Wenzhou (WNZ) Zhengzhou (CGO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202513:30 | China Southern Airlines 6121 | Dalian (DLC) (PKX) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202513:20 | China Southern Airlines 7769 | Barcelona (BCN) Amsterdam (AMS) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202513:20 | China Southern Airlines 4779 | Yinchuan (INC) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202512:55 | China Southern Airlines 9192 | Dalian (DLC) Chongqing (TFU) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202512:55 | China Southern Airlines 3799 | Guangzhou (CAN) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202512:10 | China Southern Airlines 4819 | Shenzhen (SZX) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202512:05 | China Southern Airlines 9198 | Anshan (AOG) Chongqing (TFU) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202511:45 | China Southern Airlines 3535 | Guangzhou (CAN) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202511:45 | China Southern Airlines 5843 | Shenzhen (SZX) Qingdao (TAO) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202511:05 | China Southern Airlines 7768 | Barcelona (BCN) Amsterdam (AMS) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202510:30 | China Southern Airlines 9355 | Chongqing (TFU) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202509:00 | China Southern Airlines 7371 | Rome (FCO) Barcelona (BCN) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202508:50 | China Southern Airlines 385 | Guangzhou (CAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202508:30 | China Southern Airlines 7781 | Hamburg (HAM) Amsterdam (AMS) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202508:20 | China Southern Airlines 8812 | Wenzhou (WNZ) (PKX) | cancelled | Refunds |
09.05.202508:15 | China Southern Airlines 9197 | Chongqing (TFU) Anshan (AOG) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202508:10 | China Southern Airlines 7649 | Amsterdam (AMS) Barcelona (BCN) | delayed | Refunds |
09.05.202507:10 | China Southern Airlines 4488 | Jinjiang (JJN) Chongqing (CKG) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202520:35 | China Southern Airlines 7128 | Lanzhou (LHW) Chongqing (TFU) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202520:30 | China Southern Airlines 8868 | Shantou (SWA) (PKX) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202518:50 | China Southern Airlines 7128 | Jinchang (JIC) Lanzhou (LHW) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202517:15 | China Southern Airlines 3374 | Changsha (CSX) Meixian (MXZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202516:40 | China Southern Airlines 7127 | Lanzhou (LHW) Jinchang (JIC) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202516:30 | China Southern Airlines 9640 | Jinan (TNA) Chengdu (CTU) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:05 | China Southern Airlines 3339 | Guangzhou (CAN) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202515:00 | China Southern Airlines 7083 | (FYJ) Jiamusi (JMU) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202514:45 | China Southern Airlines 9784 | Shijiazhuang (SJW) (UCB) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202514:40 | China Southern Airlines 3085 | Guangzhou (CAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202514:10 | China Southern Airlines 7127 | Chongqing (TFU) Lanzhou (LHW) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202513:55 | China Southern Airlines 9014 | Kunming (KMG) Zhongwei (ZHY) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202513:30 | China Southern Airlines 9356 | Xuzhou (XUZ) Chongqing (TFU) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:55 | China Southern Airlines 1460 | Hotan (HTN) (RQA) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:55 | China Southern Airlines 9171 | Chongqing (TFU) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202512:45 | China Southern Airlines 1904 | Dunhuang (DNH) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:50 | China Southern Airlines 4983 | Lanzhou (LHW) Kashi (KHG) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:45 | China Southern Airlines 12 | Shanghai (XIY) Guyuan (GYU) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:20 | China Southern Airlines 9140 | Haikou (HAK) Tianjin (TSN) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:20 | China Southern Airlines 6797 | Lanzhou (LHW) Urumqi (URC) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:15 | China Southern Airlines 4188 | Zhengzhou (CGO) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:10 | China Southern Airlines 1903 | (PKX) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202511:10 | China Southern Airlines 7049 | Jinan (TNA) Hami (HMI) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202510:45 | China Southern Airlines 4653 | Chongqing (TFU) Korla (KRL) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202510:30 | China Southern Airlines 3205 | Guangzhou (CAN) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202509:30 | China Southern Airlines 4763 | Dalian (DLC) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:40 | China Southern Airlines 5187 | Shantou (SWA) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:25 | China Southern Airlines 8985 | Guangzhou (CAN) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:15 | China Southern Airlines 4983 | Qingdao (TAO) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:15 | China Southern Airlines 3257 | Guangzhou (CAN) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202508:00 | China Southern Airlines 288 | Hangzhou (HGH) (LFQ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202507:40 | China Southern Airlines 9353 | Chongqing (TFU) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202507:05 | China Southern Airlines 9043 | Hangzhou (HGH) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
08.05.202507:00 | China Southern Airlines 6773 | Haikou (HAK) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
08.05.202506:45 | China Southern Airlines 3649 | Shenzhen (SZX) Lanzhou (LHW) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202523:00 | China Southern Airlines 6779 | Haikou (HAK) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202520:55 | China Southern Airlines 3952 | Taiyuan (TYN) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202520:15 | China Southern Airlines 3377 | Guangzhou (CAN) Taiyuan (TYN) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202519:40 | China Southern Airlines 5888 | Haikou (HAK) Shantou (SWA) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202519:40 | China Southern Airlines 3696 | Taiyuan (TYN) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202518:30 | China Southern Airlines 3791 | Taiyuan (TYN) Urumqi (URC) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202518:00 | China Southern Airlines 6783 | Haikou (HAK) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202517:20 | China Southern Airlines 3951 | Guangzhou (CAN) Taiyuan (TYN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202516:15 | China Southern Airlines 1466 | Aksu (AKU) Xinyuan (NLT) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202516:10 | China Southern Airlines 3695 | Guangzhou (CAN) Taiyuan (TYN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202516:00 | China Southern Airlines 6467 | Dalian (DLC) Guangzhou (CAN) | cancelled | Refunds |
07.05.202515:50 | China Southern Airlines 4114 | Xiamen (XMN) Taiyuan (TYN) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:50 | China Southern Airlines 4534 | Changzhou (CZX) Jinzhou (JNZ) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:20 | China Southern Airlines 4766 | Haikou (HAK) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202515:05 | China Southern Airlines 3339 | Guangzhou (CAN) Xuzhou (XUZ) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202514:40 | China Southern Airlines 3085 | Guangzhou (CAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202514:35 | China Southern Airlines 3791 | Zhuhai (ZUH) Taiyuan (TYN) | delayed | Refunds |
07.05.202514:10 | China Southern Airlines 7800 | Guangzhou (CAN) Tokyo (HND) | delayed | Refunds |
