Low Cost Airlines Given Rules on Delayed Flights

30th May 2011

Low-cost airlines have been given new instructions to provide food and drinks or ticket refunds to delayed passengers according to Thai Transport Ministry regulations.

Airlines are also required to provide wheelchairs free of charge to disabled passengers. Furthermore, the airlines must publish their minimum and maximum fares on their websites and also submit these to consumer protection agencies.

Low-cost airlines must serve meals and drinks and provide communication services to passengers if flights are delayed more than two hours but not exceeding three hours. They must also give ticket refunds if passengers do not want to board delayed flights. Refunds can only be given as vouchers with the consent of the passengers affected.

For flights delayed by more than 5 hours, the low cost carrier must provide a replacement flight to the same destination, or one close by at no additional cost to the passenger. If the replacement fare is cheaper the airline must pay the difference back to the customer.

The new regulations have come about following complaints from passengers regarding repeated flight delays and to make sure the rights of all passengers are protected.

Despite complaints by passengers concerning delays, the 2 major Thai budget airlines, Thai Air Asia and Nok Air have recently reported a decrease in flight delays following purchases of additional aircraft.

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