A large number of flights from China to popular Southeast Asian destinations such as Bangkok, Phuket, and Vientiane were recently canceled.
Most of the airlines involved are non-Chinese ones, including several Southeast Asian airlines. Experts attribute these cancellations to skyrocketing fuel prices, a serious impact of disruptions in the jet fuel supply chains caused by the recent wars in the Middle East. In some cases, these airlines cancelled flights for lack of fuel. Several European airports are also experiencing a systemic jet fuel shortage.
Does any of these cancellations constitute a breach of contract? A flight ticket is technically a contract between its holder (passenger) and the airline. Relevant provisions state that if an airline cancels a flight for its own reasons without the passenger's consent, the act shall be deemed a breach of contract unless the cancellation results from force majeure events, such as weather conditions or security issues. In this case, the airline concerned is obliged to compensate the passenger.
However, compensation policies vary from one airline to another, depending on the details, such as the time when passengers were notified of the cancellation. Travelers are advised to analyze each situation individually to determine whether compensation is warranted.
Travelers are hereby advised to protect their rights in the following five ways in cases of cancellations:
Negotiate with the airline;
File a complaint with the competent authority;
Lodge a complaint with a consumer association;
Request arbitration;
File a lawsuit.
Currently, jet fuel prices have reached a decade-high level, exerting severe pressure on airlines worldwide. So, what can passengers do when buying tickets? Experts offer the following suggestions.
Prioritize major airlines, which usually operate relatively more routes and flights. If one flight is canceled or changed, other flights may be available as a substitute.
Read the airline's transportation policies carefully before buying a ticket (especially for international flights). If a change occurs to your flight, save all relevant evidence to protect your rights.
If possible, choose hotels that don't charge refund/cancellation fees, to lower the additional costs resulting from possible cancellations or changes.
PS: We hope that this hasn't happened to you, but if it has, we hope that this article might be of some help.
(Source: Official WeChat account of CCTV News)
