Do You Get Compensation for Cancelled Flights on Air China?
Air China, China’s flag carrier, operates international routes connecting China with Europe, North America, and beyond. So if your flight with Air China is cancelled, can you claim compensation or get your money back? The answer depends on:
- Who cancels (you or Air China),
- Where your flight departs from (EU/UK vs non-EU),
- Notice given (how many days in advance),
- Cause of cancellation, and
- Applicable laws (EU Regulation 261/2004, UK261, Montreal Convention).
Let’s explore your rights and how to enforce them.
1. When Air China Cancels Your Flight: Your Rights
A. Flights Departing From EU or UK Airports
If your cancelled Air China flight departs from an EU or UK airport, you’re protected by EU Regulation 261/2004 (and UK equivalent). In these cases, you’re legally entitled to:
- Full refund for unused ticket portions (including return flights), or
- Rerouting under comparable conditions at the earliest opportunity, or at your convenience, and
- Cash compensation if cancellation notice came less than 14 days before departure—unless due to “extraordinary circumstances.”
- Depending on distance and departure/arrival timing, you may receive €125–€600 per passenger.
Air China must also provide care and assistance, including meals, phone access, communication, hotel and transport for delays or rerouting taking place overnight.
B. Flights Departing From Non-EU Airports
If your flight originates outside the EU or UK, EU regulations don’t apply—unless it’s booked under a European itinerary with onward EU sectors or sold by a European airline. Air China may still comply voluntarily but has no legal obligation to compensate beyond contractual refunds or Montreal Convention provisions.
2. Compensation Levels Under EU/UK Rules
If your flight is cancelled by Air China with less than 14 days’ notice, and the cause is its responsibility (e.g. staffing or operational issues—not extreme weather), you may claim the following per passenger:
| Distance | Maximum Compensation (€) |
|---|---|
| ≤ 1,500 km | €125–€250 |
| 1,500–3,500 km | €200–€400 |
| €300–€600 |
Compensation is reduced if your replacement flight arrives within the thresholds defined by EU 261: e.g. if arrival delay is less than 3–4 hours depending on distance.
Even if you accept Air China’s rerouting offer, you may still claim compensation if the alternative flight is significantly delayed or doesn’t meet timing thresholds.
3. What’s a “Full Refund”?
Under EU/UK law, a full refund covers:
- Remaining unused segments of your ticket
- Return flights (if booked) if outbound cancellation makes return pointless
- Ancillary fees and taxes related to ticket—not necessarily optional extras unless included in fare
For non-EU flights, refunds depend on Air China’s own policy—which generally allows a refund when the airline cancels, but not standardized compensation unless covered by conventions like the Montreal Convention.
4. Air China’s Internal Cancellation & Delay Pay Rules
Air China’s own Conditions of Carriage provide additional guarantees—especially for delays and operational cancellations allá internal Chinese regulation:
- Air China may offer involuntary refunds or rebooking free of charge if cancellation is on the airline’s part—even outside EU law.
- For domestic and international flights, they promise meals, accommodation, and communication if you are delayed or rerouted due to their fault (maintenance, crew, scheduling).
- Compensation for delays (not cancellations): up to RMB 200 for delays of 4–8 hours; RMB 400 for delays over 8 hours.
5. How to Claim Compensation or Refund
Step 1: Contact Air China
Submit a written complaint via Air China’s website, email, or local ticketing office. Outline:
- Flight details, booking reference
- Cancellation or delay info
- Request: refund or rerouting, plus compensation if applicable
Step 2: Wait for Response
Under EU regulations, you can escalate after 8 weeks if Air China doesn’t respond. For UK-related cancellations, ADR schemes like AviationADR can mediate.
Step 3: Escalate if Needed
If you’re within EU/UK jurisdiction, submit to aviation ombudsman or dispute resolution body. Otherwise, consider legal help or Montreal Convention claims for damages outside Europe.
6. Cases Where Compensation Is Not Owed
Air China is not required to pay compensation if:
- Cancellation occurred with 14+ days’ notice;
- Delay or cancellation was due to extraordinary circumstances, such as severe weather, air traffic control strikes, security incidents, political unrest—things the airline could not control.
However, airlines must still offer care and assistance even in extraordinary cases—even without compensation. That includes meals or hotel only if covered under EU/UK rules or corporate policy.
7. Connecting Flight & Code‑Share Protections
Under EU law, if your Air China flight is part of a single booking with connecting flights, the airline must provide compensation even if the connecting segment is operated by another carrier—provided itinerary is sold by Air China or a European partner. This is established by EU Court rulings and enforced via EU 261 regime.
So even if your second flight is on a codeshare, compensation may still apply if the connection causes arrival delay.
8. Traveler Experiences & Common Challenges
Feedback from claim platforms shows:
- Many customers struggle with opaque communication or delays—especially when Air China cites weather or technical issues as “extraordinary.” This may reduce claim success.
- Claims filed via legal or ADR services typically secure payouts in €250–€600 range for valid cancellations.
- Credit card chargebacks sometimes succeed when airlines delay refunds beyond legal timeframes, especially for EU flights not compensated within 7 business days.
9. Summary Table: Rights by Scenario
| Scenario | EU/UK Legislation Applies? | Refund? | Compensation? | Care & Assistance? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight canceled ≥ 14 days before departure | Yes | Full refund | No | Possibly (if delays arise) |
| Canceled < 14 days before departure | Yes | Full refund | €125–€600 depending on distance/delay | Yes |
| Flight canceled due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g. weather) | Yes | Full refund | No | Yes |
| Canceled departure outside EU/UK | No | Refund (per carrier terms) | Not required | Possibly (per contract) |
| Connecting flight causing delay | Yes | Refund/alternate | Compensation possible | Yes |
10. Tips to Maximize Your Claim Success
- Book directly with Air China or reputable agents when possible
- Keep documentation: flight notifications, emails, boarding passes, receipts
- Submit a clear written claim with all details
- If waiting longer than 8 weeks in EU/UK cases, escalate to ADR or Civil Aviation Authority
- Use legal or consumer rights groups like AirHelp or Skycop if needed
- In non-EU cases, consider Montreal Convention claims for losses beyond airfare (e.g. missed connections, expenses)
- If offered rerouting that results in delay beyond thresholds, still claim compensation under EU rules—even if you accepted options earlier
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will Air China pay compensation for cancellations due to COVID restrictions?
A: If the airline cancels your flight within 14 days of departure and it’s their fault—not government mandate—you may still qualify for EU/UK compensation if departing an EU/UK airport. Government-forced cancellation is likely “extraordinary” and not compensable, though refund is owed.
Q: What if my ticket was partially used when cancellation occurs?
A: EU law refunds unused portion; compensation may still apply for delay to onward flights. Air China internal rules waive refund fees for involuntary cancellations, but check if rule applies only to unused segments.
Q: How long do I have to claim compensation?
A: Under EU261, claims must typically be filed within 2 years, though exact limits depend on local civil codes. Montreal Convention claims usually within 2 years as well.