Know Your Passenger Rights! What Can You Claim When Your Flight Is Delayed?

Have you ever encountered unexpected flight delays or cancellations? Do you know what rights you have that airlines must uphold? Let’s find out!

The Ministry of Transport has clearly established measures to protect passenger rights, ensuring that passengers receive appropriate care during unforeseen events such as flight delays or cancellations. Airlines are responsible for taking care of passengers, including providing accommodation, food, or drinks, as well as compensating for any damages incurred.

Here are the rights you should know when your flight is delayed or canceled:

• Notification: Airlines must inform passengers in advance if there are any changes to the flight.
• Care: Airlines must provide food, drinks, and accommodation if the flight is delayed beyond a certain limit.
• Compensation: If the flight is delayed beyond the limits set by the Ministry of Transport, passengers have the right to receive compensation.
• Choice to Change Flights or Request Refund: Passengers have the right to choose to change their flight or request a refund for their ticket.

If a flight is delayed, the level of care provided to passengers varies according to the duration of the delay:

• 2-3 hours delayed: Passengers receive food and drinks and can request a refund for their ticket.
• 3-5 hours delayed: In addition to the above rights, passengers can choose to change their flight or travel via other means.
• 5-6 hours delayed: Passengers receive compensation of 600 baht (unless it’s due to extraordinary circumstances).
• Over 6 hours delayed: Passengers are treated as if the flight has been canceled, receiving compensation of 1,200 baht and possibly accommodation if an overnight stay is necessary.

If a flight is canceled, passengers have the right to request a refund for their ticket to change their flight. Additionally, they may be entitled to compensation in some cases and may receive food, drinks, and accommodation if necessary.

For charter flights, rights may vary depending on how much notice is given for cancellations or delays.

Currently, the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) is working on updating the Ministry of Transport's announcement to ensure that passenger rights are more comprehensively protected. Any changes will be communicated by CAAT in due course.

All passengers have the right to receive care and fairness when flights are delayed or canceled. Knowing your rights will help you demand fairness and receive appropriate care.

For Additional Information: Know Your Passenger Rights! What Can You Claim When Your Flight Is Delayed?

Link: https://www.caat.or.th/