China Southern Airlines Compensation

Your rights in the event of a delayed or canceled China Southern flight

When you face disturbances like cancellations or delays with China Southern, it's important to know that British regulations protect your rights as an air traveler. Under certain conditions, you may be eligible for compensation of up to £520 and a full ticket refund if your China Southern flight is canceled.

Was your China Southern flight delayed? If you arrive at your final destination with a delay of at least 3 hours, you are likely to qualify for flight compensation.

Was your China Southern flight canceled? If you prefer not to take an alternative flight provided by the airline, you have the right to a refund. Moreover, if the flight was canceled less than 14 days prior to your scheduled departure, you might qualify for compensation.

Irrespective of the disruption's cause, airlines must offer passengers with special assistance known as the 'right to care.' This includes food and beverage vouchers, communication services, and, if necessary, lodging and transportation. To claim these benefits, visit the airline's service desk at the airport. If the airline doesn't give you a voucher, you can purchase the needed items, and the airline must reimburse your reasonable expenses.

Please note: If your flight was delayed or canceled because of 'extraordinary circumstances,' you may not be qualified for compensation. Compensation is usually provided when the airline is responsible for the disruption.

China Southern — Can I claim flight compensation with a non-EU airline?

You have the right to seek compensation for flight disruptions even when flying with a non-EU airline like China Southern. The EU261 regulation, which protects air passenger rights, applies to flights departing from EU airports or run by European carriers.

This means that if your China Southern flight departed from an EU airport or arrived in the EU and experienced delays, cancellations, or other eligible disruptions under EU261, you are qualified for compensation.

Examples of eligibility involve flights with British carriers like British Airways from Tokyo to London, EU carriers such as KLM from Amsterdam to London, or non-UK/non-EU carriers like Japan Airlines from London to Tokyo. However, flights with non-UK/non-EU carriers to the UK, such as Tokyo to London with Japan Airlines, are generally not covered under EU261.

China Southern compensation for delayed flight 

Travelers are entitled to seek compensation for a delayed China Southern flight if the delay exceeded 3 hours, the flight departed from a European airport, and China Southern is considered to be at fault for the delay.

When can I claim compensation for my canceled China Southern flight?

Passengers can request compensation for a canceled China Southern flight if the cancellation was under the airline's control, not because of extraordinary circumstances.

The cancellation occurred less than 14 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

Based on when the cancellation notice was given:

• If informed less than 7 days in advance and an alternative flight departs 1 hour earlier or arrives 2 hours later, compensation is applicable.
  
  

• If informed 7-14 days before and an alternative flight departs 2 hours earlier or arrives 4 hours later, compensation is applicable.
  
  

• If no substitute flight was provided and the cancellation notice was given less than 14 days in advance, passengers are entitled to compensation and a refund.

When can I claim a refund for my canceled China Southern flight?

If China Southern cancels your flight and they are responsible for the cancellation, you have the option to reject rebooking on an alternative flight and seek a refund for the ticket price.

Can I get flight compensation if I cancel my China Southern flight?

You generally cannot claim flight compensation if you prefer to cancel your China Southern flight voluntarily. Compensation is usually suitable when the airline cancels a flight or if there are considerable delays caused by the airline's operational issues or other factors within their control, like overbooking. 

If you cancel your flight because of personal reasons or a change in plans, it's considered a voluntary cancellation. In such situations, you may need to comply with the airline's cancellation policies, which could incur fees depending on the fare class and type of ticket you bought.

How much compensation can I get from China Southern Airlines for a delayed or canceled flight?

The compensation amount you receive differs depending on the distance of your flight. Here’s the information :

• For flights less than 1,500 km, you are qualified to receive £220 per passenger.
  
  

• Flights between 1,500 km and 3,500 km qualify for £350 per passenger.
  
  

• Flights within the EU that exceed 1,500 km are also entitled for £350 per passenger.
  
  

• For flights outside the EU that are over 3,500 km in distance, the compensation amount is £520 per passenger.

Extraordinary circumstances — can China Southern deny me compensation?

Extraordinary circumstances refer to situations beyond China Southern's control that avoid the airline from compensating passengers for delays or cancellations. Some common examples involve:

• Severe weather conditions like dense fog, heavy rain, or thunderstorms.
  
  

• Strikes, especially those including air traffic control workers or other aviation industry personnel.
  
  

• Political factors such as terrorist attacks or security threats due to political instability.
  
  

• Natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions or hurricanes.
  
  

• Collisions with birds or other objects during flight.
  
  

• Instances involving disruptive passengers who pose safety risks.
  
  

• Delays caused by airport staff issues, like unusually long security queues.
  
  

Especially, a strike by China Southern's own crew members is not considered an extraordinary circumstance and could potentially make passengers qualify for compensation.

How long do I have to claim my China Southern compensation and refund?

The duration for claiming compensation or a refund for China Southern flights varies depending on the country of departure, as the airline is not European. For example, passengers departing from the UK can seek compensation up to 6 years after their China Southern flight. In France, the limit is 5 years, and in the Netherlands, it is 2 years.

How long will it take to get my China Southern compensation / China Southern refund?

Usually, passengers who file claims through AirTicketChanges receive their compensation or refund within a few weeks. However, if the airline proves uncooperative, legal action may be essential, prolonging the process from several months to a few years.

During this period, we remain committed to keeping you updated with regular updates on the progress of your claim. Our main focus is to carefully  pursue your compensation to ensure a favorable outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions on China Eastern Airlines Compensation

What are the typical reasons for compensation claims with China Southern Airlines?

Compensation claims are usually made for flight delays, cancellations, denied boarding, and mishandled baggage.

How do I claim compensation for a delayed or canceled flight with China Southern Airlines?

You can typically claim compensation by contacting China Southern Airlines directly through their customer service or filling out a compensation request form on their website. Make sure to provide all necessary details such as your flight information and reasons for the claim.

What compensation am I entitled to for a delayed or canceled flight with China Southern Airlines?

The compensation amount varies depending on the length of the delay, the distance of the flight, and local regulations. Generally, you might be entitled to compensation in the form of monetary reimbursement, meal vouchers, accommodation, or transportation.

How long does it take to receive compensation from China Southern Airlines?

The time frame for receiving compensation can vary. It may take a few weeks to process your claim and issue compensation, depending on the airline's policies and the complexity of your case.

What should I do if my baggage is lost or damaged on a China Southern Airlines flight?

Immediately report the issue to China Southern Airlines staff at the airport. They will provide you with a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) which you'll need for your claim. Keep all receipts for any essential items you purchase due to the baggage mishap.

How can I track the status of my compensation claim with China Southern Airlines?

You can track your claim by contacting China Southern Airlines customer service department or checking the status online if they provide such a service. Ensure you have your claim reference number handy.

Can I get compensation if I'm denied boarding on a China Southern Airlines flight?

Yes, you may be entitled to compensation if you're denied boarding due to overbooking or other reasons within the airline's control. The compensation amount varies depending on the circumstances.

What should I do if I'm not satisfied with the compensation offered by China Southern Airlines?

If you feel the compensation offered is inadequate or if your claim is denied unjustly, you can escalate your case by contacting consumer rights organizations, regulatory authorities, or seeking legal advice.