Recently, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines announced policies that allow eligible passengers to receive full refunds or fare differences when ticket prices drop after purchase, aiming to better protect passengers' rights.

Air China

After purchasing a ticket, passengers can log into the app (中国国航) or WeChat mini-program (中国国际航空) of Air China to check the itinerary, fare, and tax amount after real-name registration. If any discrepancy is found, they may call the customer service hotline at +86-95583. Once verified, Air China will refund the price difference and take disciplinary action against the responsible sales agent in accordance with relevant agreements.

Passengers who purchase a one-way, non-stop domestic ticket through the airline's app or WeChat mini-program may apply for a free refund of the original ticket within a specified period, in the case where a lower-priced ticket for the same passenger and itinerary is subsequently purchased through any domestic sales channel.

Passengers who purchase tickets via Air China's app or WeChat mini-program are entitled to the following annual benefits: 

- Two domestic no-questions-asked refund vouchers;

- Two international and regional no-questions-asked refund vouchers;

- Full or partial refunds within two hours of purchase.

China Eastern Airlines

After purchasing a ticket, passengers can access the app (东方航空) or the WeChat mini-program (中国东方航空) of China Eastern Airlines. In the "Service Hall" (服务大厅), select "Ticket Verification" (客票验证), enter the required information, and check ticket authenticity as well as the fare and tax details. If any discrepancy is found, passengers may go back to "Service Hall" (服务大厅) and report via "Feedback" (意见反馈) or call the customer service hotline at +86-95530 to provide feedback. Once verified, China Eastern Airlines will refund the differential amount and hold the responsible agent accountable in accordance with applicable agreements.

If the fare drops on the original purchase channel, passengers who repurchase a lower-priced ticket for the same itinerary through the same sales channel within 24 hours of the original purchase may apply for a full refund of the original ticket, subject to applicable conditions.

Passengers may also use the "Two-Hour Full Refund" (2小时全额退) service via the airline's official website and app. Eligible tickets may be refunded if the request is made within two hours of purchase and at least 12 hours prior to departure. Passengers are entitled to up to two such full refunds within 180 days.

China Southern Airlines

After purchasing a ticket, passengers can access the app (南方航空) or WeChat mini-program (中国南方航空) of China Southern Airlines, select "Itinerary" (行程) at the bottom of the page, enter the required information, and check the itinerary and fare.

When checking, if any of the following issues are identified:

- inconsistency between the ticket price and that shown on the itinerary receipt;

- overcharged fees for ticket changes or refunds; or

- additional charges for services that should be free,

passengers may submit feedback through the app or the WeChat mini-program, or by calling +86-95539. Once verified, China Southern Airlines will refund the fare difference.

Any passenger who purchases a domestic flight ticket through any of the airline's official channels and subsequently finds a price drop may submit an application within 24 hours of ticket issuance. After purchasing a lower-priced ticket, the original ticket may be fully refunded.

(Source: Beijing Fabu)