Shenzhen Airlines Compensation and Reimbursement for Cancelled and Delayed Flights

Whenever flights get cancelled or delayed, it can be annoying and inconvenient for passengers. However, the European Union has a regulation 261/2004 that helps protect passengers in these situations. According to EU261, if your flight is disrupted, the airline has to provide you with compensation and assistance.

Passenger Rights Under EU 261/2004

EU Regulation 261 is the law that covers air passengers’ rights. More precisely, this law covers different situations, including rebooking, delays, flight cancellations, etc., and requires airlines to resolve individual cases with fairness and care. If the situation occurs due to the airline’s fault, any traveler who experienced certain inconveniences is entitled to obtain compensation. Furthermore, passengers may be entitled to certain benefits, which we will discuss further in the article.

Right to Compensation

European Union Regulation 261 contains rules concerning the process of compensation, including aid to travelers who suffered from 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 Shenzhen Airlines Flight Cancellation

First and foremost, passengers should be aware that the airline must inform them about the cancellation of their flight. If the airline notifies you less than fourteen days before your flight date and does not provide any alternative flight, the airline, according to the EU 261/2004, must pay you compensation of 250 – 600 euros.

At the same time, if a passenger is provided with an alternative flight but arrives at his destination later than the scheduled arrival time of the original flight, the passenger could be entitled to compensation. The table below shows the airline’s obligations based 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 Shenzhen Airlines Flight Delay

When a flight is delayed for three or more hours, the airline is required to pay compensation. If the flight is delayed for five or more hours, the passenger can expect a ticket refund or another flight to the final destination.

Furthermore, in such situations, the airline is also required to provide a passenger with refreshments, meals, 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 pertains to a specific aspect of European Union Regulation 261/2004, which sets out standard rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in cases of flight cancellations, long delays, or denied boarding.

The “Right to Care” under EU261/2004 requires airlines to provide certain services and assistance to passengers facing significant delays or cancellations. These include:

• Food and drinks appropriate for the waiting time
• Hotel accommodation if an overnight stay becomes necessary
• Transport between the airport and the hotel
• Two free phone calls, emails, or faxes

Upgrading and Downgrading

When a passenger receives an alternative flight, it is good to be aware of upgrading and downgrading the flight’s class.

In situations, when the airline provides you with an upgraded class (for example, you booked Economy but were upgraded to Business class), you will not have to pay additional fees for this service.

Regarding downgrading in class (in case you booked a Business class ticket, but were downgraded to Economy), you can receive reimbursement. In this case, 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 cases, when passengers will not receive compensation for delayed or cancelled flights. Particularly, we refer to 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).

Moreover, if the airline potentially could have done something to prevent problems with the flight and failed to handle the situation, you may be eligible for compensation.

Which Flights are 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 is based in the EU. This includes airlines from EU countries as well as Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland.

Nevertheless, Shenzhen Airlines is not a European airline. Therefore, they are not obliged to pay compensation if their flights operate outside of the European Union. This applies even to 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 Shenzhen Airlines Compensation

Flight cancellation or delay 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 know exactly how to claim compensation. To apply for compensation, follow these steps:

1. Complete this form. You’ll need to provide details like your flight number, date, and what went wrong.
2. Let our experts help you. Once you submit the form, our team will take over. We are well-versed in the EU laws well and will make every effort to get you your compensation. You only incur a fee if we win your case.

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