New Rules Improve Air Passengers' Rights On Local Flights

[sriracha john]

AVIATION CONSUMER PROTECTION

New rules improve passengers' rights on local flights

Airlines operating in Thailand are facing stringent new legal requirements that make them more accountable to passengers in cases of flight delays, cancellations and boarding denials. Effective this month, passengers on scheduled domestic routes are entitled to ticket refunds and compensation under rules set by the Transport Ministry. Modeled on European Union (EU) rules, the regulations promise to make it fair and transparent for passengers in terms of what they can legally expect in events that affect reserved air travel. The rules also include clear guidelines on how airlines are expected to treat passengers and avoid disputes that often are raised through the media and the Consumer Protection Board. Notably, they will make low-cost carriers more accountable for on-time performance and better passenger treatment in case of delays, cancellations and denied boarding. The regulations are similar to what international airlines provide passengers when flights are affected. The terms of compensation for domestic services vary depending on the extent and cases.

Details continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/Business/05Jan2008_biz32.php

[Shrubbery]

It will be interesting to see how this goes.

Is an aircraft going "tech" a "good reason".

Whenever possible the airlines will no doubt find ways to avoid paying out compensation.

[THAILIBAN]

did anybody ever try to get back the already paid "international airport Tax" on an unused AirAsia flight ? They do have such a refund system in Malaysia (Probably cause the government there forced them to return that money to the customers as the airline didnt have to pay to the airport as well if a passenger didnt show up for his flight or failed to check-in on time), though I dont know of any person having successfully called that customer-service-hotline after 3 hours in the waiting line.

Does anybody know if such thing (in theory!) exists in Thailand too ? Now after the airport Tax is included in the ticket price and increased to 700 baht, that would be interesting to know.....

[Travel2003]

Interesting.

very interesting.

I can not count how many times I have taken a domestic flight in Thailand.

Every time, I try to make a bet with my fellow travelers about whether the flght is delayed or not.

Nobody will bet, since 99,999999999999999% of the flights always are late.

Always!

Yes, I know this has a very negative tone, but honestly, I can not remember a domestic flight that was on time.

Can only imagine how long time it would take to get a refund case through, since it is not always the air line's fault when they are delayed, and this will be used as a legal excuse when the claims are rejected.

[billp]

Funny, because in my case at least 95% of domestic flights I've taken have in the last 2 or 3 years departed exactly on time (give or take 5 or 10 minutes).

Maybe these new rules will stop Nok Air from their recent shenanigans of removing flights from their schedule (like the late flight to Krabi) and then failing entirely to inform passengers already booked on those flights.

[Travel2003]

Funny, because in my case at least 95% of domestic flights I've taken have in the last 2 or 3 years departed exactly on time (give or take 5 or 10 minutes).

Really?

Amazing!

The flights I normally take is BKK/Khon Kaen/BKK

[sriracha john]

Thailand's airline passengers get more rights

Passengers on all Thailand airlines have been awarded additional rights through a new series of legal requirements set by government officials.

Based on the new regulations from Thailand's Transport Ministry, all airlines operating in the Asian country will be more accountable to their passengers in areas such as canceled flights or lengthy flight delays.

While the new rules will force airlines to take additional steps to honor passengers' rights, Department of Civil Aviation official Chaisak Angkasuwan said they remain reasonable.

It is fair for both passengers and the service providers, the aviation official said.

The improved regulations were modeled after recent rules implemented by the European Union, with the aim for both legislative efforts being that passengers understand the problems associated with air travel.

Among the added rights of Thai air passengers are complimentary hotel stays should their flight be delayed by more than a day and appropriate refreshments for travelers during delays.

- United Press International

[naka]

Sorry Sir ... This rule not apply Farang.

Naka.

[Travel2003]

Sorry Sir ... This rule not apply Farang.

Naka.

That is fair enough.

Hopefully it will be effecient anyway.

[sriracha john]

New regulations on passenger compensation

Passengers of airlines licensed in Thailand will enjoy better protection under new civil aviation regulations if their flights are delayed or cancelled. Civil Aviation Department deputy director-general Kannika Khemawuthanont said under the new regulations, effective this month, if a flight is delayed longer than two hours, the airline must provide passengers with food and beverages and a phone, fax or email service. If the delay is longer than three hours, the airline must either offer passengers a refund, an alternative flight or an alternative mode of transport. If the delay is longer than a day, the airline must also provide passengers with accommodation and two-way transport from the airport to the hotel. In case of flight cancellation, passengers are eligible for a refund plus compensation, or a change in their mode of transport. Airlines failing to abide by the new regulations will not be

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/News/08Jan2008_news08.php