Thailand clarifies airline compensation rules for delays and cancellations
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) said yesterday (Apr 29) that it finalised the rules with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board on Tuesday.
Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority clarified airline compensation rules on April 29, setting out refund deadlines and passenger rights that apply nationwide, including flights serving Phuket. The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand said it finalized the rules with the Office of the Consumer Protection Board on Tuesday after carriers adjusted schedules amid wider cost pressures.
Refund deadlines and rebooking options
For flight cancellations, airlines must notify passengers at least seven days in advance for international services and at least three days ahead for domestic flights, except when disruption is caused by unforeseen events.
Passengers are entitled to full refunds within 14 days for cash payments, 45 days for credit card purchases and 60 days for tickets bought through online travel agencies.
If a traveler accepts compensation as flight credit, a travel voucher, mileage rewards or another alternative, the airline must provide it within seven days after the required documents are submitted.
Airlines must also arrange replacement travel for passengers who still need to fly, using their own services or other carriers to the booked destination or a nearby point as soon as possible. Those substitute flights may depart the same day or later, depending on the passenger’s decision.
Claims for related expenses and airline communication
Passengers can also seek compensation for consequential losses, including accommodation costs and related travel expenses linked to a cancellation.
If a passenger and airline cannot agree on payment, the traveler can pursue legal action or ask the Office of the Consumer Protection Board to intervene on their behalf.
The CAAT also directed airlines to strengthen communication channels for receiving passenger complaints. The agency said it will discuss the issue with airlines on Tuesday.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said the global energy crisis had pushed many airlines to revise schedules to manage costs and optimize passenger loads. He said those operational changes do not remove airlines’ obligation to follow compensation rules.
Source: https://www.thephuketnews.com/compensation-for-flight-delays-and-cancellations-clarified-100085.php
