Posted by Andrew on 9 January 2008, 7:15 pm
Airlines operating in Thailand are to face tough new legal requirements making them more accountable to passengers when flights are delayed or cancelled.
Under rules set by the Transport Ministry effective this month, passengers on scheduled domestic routes will be entitled to ticket refunds and/or compensation in the case of delays and cancellations.
The new regulations are similar to what international airlines have been providing passengers for years and are particularly aimed at Thailand’s low-cost carriers.
For example; passengers can claim a refund and/or compensation of 1,200 baht per leg if the flight is cancelled or delayed more than three hours, or 600 baht if the aircraft departs within three hours of the scheduled departure time.
If a passenger is denied boarding, depending on the circumstances, they will also be entitled to a full refund and possible compensation of 1,200 baht.
Airlines must also provide food and drinks for delayed passengers and allow them the use of a telephone, fax, or email service twice. The airline must also provide free accommodation and airport transfers for flights delayed for a day or more.
Cases associated with passenger health, airline security, air safety and travel document-related problems may see the airline deny refunds and/or compensation.
Furthermore, if the airline has warned passengers of the delay/cancellation at least three days prior to the departure, or the delay is down to severe weather, political upheaval or airport security, for instance, then the airline in question cannot be held accountable.
Flying in Thailand and Thai airports
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