Dealing with a canceled flight by Air China: Refund claim

When faced with an Air China flight cancellation, refund may become the way to go for many passengers. However, it is essential that travelers are aware of all the options available to them. Reimbursement is only one aspect of passengers’ rights, and passengers should be encouraged to explore all possible avenues for fair compensation for their inconvenience.

Request your refund in a few easy steps 

Right to compensation

An often overlooked aspect of passenger rights concerns the right to compensation. Travelers are eligible for compensation for the moral inconvenience caused by the cancellation. Unfortunately, many are unaware of this possibility, and airlines make little effort to communicate it.

Calculate your compensation

The amount of compensation is not left to chance. It is calculated based on the distance of the journey and the delay time recorded on arrival at the final destination. This complex formula aims to ensure compensation proportional to the impact of the inconvenience suffered by the passenger.

– Short distance (less than 1,500 km)

For flights covering less than 1,500 kilometers (delayed by 3 hours), passengers may be eligible for compensation of 250 euros.

– Average distance (between 1,500 and 3,500 km)

Flights covering between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometers (delayed by 3 hours), may result in more substantial compensation. In this case, passengers could receive up to 400 euros.

– Long route (more than 3,500 km)

Finally, for long-haul flights, exceeding 3,500 kilometers (delayed by 4 hours), passengers may be eligible for the highest compensation, reaching up to 600 euros.

Exceptional cases (No compensation)

– Departure airport: However, the EU261/2004 EC compensation rule, which governs the rights of air consumers in Europe, does not apply universally to Air China. This company is not European, so the rule only applies to its flights taking off in Europe.

– Extraordinary circumstances: European regulations, within the well-known framework of EU261/2004 EC, give air passengers considerable rights in the event of flight cancellation. However, it is essential to note that these rights are not absolute, and a notable exception applies in the event of force majeure.

Events qualifying as force majeure or extraordinary circumstances may include natural phenomena such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, armed conflicts, major strikes, or decisions by public authorities affecting aviation safety.

Claim compensation from Air China

Administrative hurdles, extended delays, and sometimes ambiguous communication can make it difficult for passengers seeking redress. The procedure is not always transparent, and this becomes an additional obstacle for those seeking to assert their rights.

Seek help from legal experts

Faced with these obstacles, the ideal solution emerges: entrust the mission of claiming compensation to legal professionals specialized in this field. These experienced lawyers have the ability to navigate the complexities of aviation regulations. They can read between the lines of sometimes opaque airline communications, as well as manage red tape and ensure robust representation of passengers’ rights.

Zero financial impact

The remuneration of lawyers is closely linked to the success of the process. In other words, these legal professionals only receive compensation when they manage to successfully complete the procedure.