Low-Cost Domestic Carriers Ordered to Offer Compensation

There is an article on Page 1 of today’s Bangkok Post stating that the Transport Ministry will start to clamp down on low-cost airlines which subject passengers to flight delays or cancellations.

Permanent secretary for transport Supoj Saplom said yesterday that the ministry had recently asked all budget airlines operating domestic routes to inform passengers about their rights in the event of flight delays . . .

 

Under the ministry's regulation, a low-cost airline must serve meals and drinks and provide communication services to passengers if flights are delayed more than two hours but not exceeding three hours.

 

The airline must give ticket refunds if passengers do not want to board delayed flights.

If the airline wants to make refunds in the form of vouchers or other items, it must receive consent from affected passengers.

 

If a flight is delayed by up to five hours, the airline must provide a replacement flight or a flight to the nearest destination with no additional cost, or repay the difference if the replacement fare is cheaper. Passengers must also be served with food and drinks.

 

If a flight is delayed for more than five hours, passengers are entitled to compensation of 600 baht from the airline. But there are exceptions if delays are caused by a political situation, weather conditions or work stoppages.

 

Mr Supoj said the regulation was issued following complaints from many passengers about repeated flight delays, unfair ticket prices and extra fees charged by budget airlines.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/aviation/239557/no-frills-airlines-told-to-play-fair

Why the new regulations only cover low-cost carriers operating flights within Thailand and not all flights out of Thailand, I have no idea. But at least it’s a start. And the provision of refunds is long overdue as some airlines presently only allow you to re-book on a future date.