Here's what you can do when your flight gets canceled, delayed according to PH's air passenger rights
Isn't it such a hassle when your flight gets delayed or canceled?
Passengers at the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) had their flights either rerouted or suspended after a Korean plane overshot the runway late Oct. 23.
What can you do in these situations when cancelations happen on the day of your departure or when you're already at the airport?
In a TikTok video Oct. 18, Atty. Chel Diokno shared some air passenger rights that you need to take note of, so you'll know what you're entitled to when you experience these delays.
@attycheldiokno Delayed na naman ba ang flight mo? Narito ang mga karapatan at benepisyo na dapat mong makuha! #LegalLifehack #AirTravel #AirPassenger #TravelTiktok #fyp ♬ Don't Stop - FASSounds
What you can do when your flight is canceled
If your flight is canceled less than 24 hours before the time of departure and it's the air carrier's fault, Diokno said you have these options:
- Ask for a full refund if you don't want to push through with the flight
- Get endorsed to another air carrier without paying any fare difference
- Rebook your ticket without additional charge
Those who are already at the airport and get their flights canceled have rights to amenities such as refreshments, food, hotel accommodations accessible from the airport, transportation from the airport to the hotel, and free phone calls, texts, or emails.
Should flights be canceled because of force majeure (unforeseeable circumstances) or safety reasons, you have the right to ask for a refund.
What you can do when your flight is delayed
Passengers who are already at the airport but get their flights postponed for at least three hours after the estimated time of departure on their ticket have the right to avail of free refreshments or meals and free phone calls, texts, or emails.
They also have the option to rebook or refund their tickets and be endorsed to another carrier.
Meanwhile, if you have been waiting for at least six hours after the departure time and the delay is attributable to the carrier, the flight can be considered canceled. You can also get additional compensation in the form of cash or vouchers and the right to board the flight if it takes more than six hours after ETD and you haven't rebooked or refunded your ticket.
Those already aboard but experiencing at least a two-hour delay on the tarmac are entitled to food and beverage.
Refunds can be received on the same day at airport counters and at the airline's main office or branches. If the air carrier does not comply with the air passenger's bill of rights, passengers can file a complaint with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB). You can do so by visiting the CAB station at your airport or by filling out an online passenger complaint form here.
The rights of air passengers are detailed in the Joint Department of Transportation and Communication - Department of Trade and Industry Admin. Order No. 1.