Good news for Malaysian air travellers! The country has officially passed recent regulations that provide greater protection for air travel consumers. Passengers who’ve experienced flight delays are actually entitled to a refund.
Through the amendment to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC) 2016, the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has ordered airlines to supply passengers with a full refund if their flight is delayed by five hours or more, valid from September 2nd.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke hailed the brand new rules as a major step forward in consumer protection, as previously airlines were only required to supply basic amenities comparable to food.
Under the regulation, passengers might be entitled to a full refund if their flight is delayed by five hours or more, no matter whether or not they select another flight or cancel the flight and buy a brand new one.
New Returns Policy: What You Need to Know!
As per the most recent amendment, refunds for passengers might be processed using the unique payment method. This policy also covers situations where flights are cancelled attributable to emergencies comparable to extreme weather changes. However, airlines may offer alternative options comparable to vouchers, but the ultimate decision rests with the passenger.
From January next 12 months, airlines might be obliged to tell passengers of their planned departure date not less than two weeks before its scheduled date, unless the change is attributable to unexpected circumstances or urgent technical problems.
In addition, as a part of consumer protection measures, all cancelled flights should be faraway from all ticket booking platforms, each online and offline. In the case of overbooking, airlines must inform passengers from the outset, either at check-in or on the departure gate.
More excellent news is that the deadline for filing complaints about flight issues might be prolonged to 2 years. This means passengers could have more time to report any complaints they might have.
The Malaysian government has also set a maximum wonderful of 200,000 ringgit ($46,290) for airlines that violate the brand new rules. The fines may very well be higher for airlines that commit repeat offenses.
A fast guide to flight delays
Each airline in Malaysia has different policies and procedures for handling flight delays. Therefore, before selecting an airline, potential passengers should understand each airline’s policy on managing flight delays.
Passengers Malaysian Airlines Flight delay customers who want to apply for a refund can contact customer support at 1-300-88-3000 (for domestic calls) or +603-7843-3000 (for international calls).
Where a delay ends in passengers being unable to take their connecting flight, the airline will try to transfer passengers to another flight or one other carrier, provided the connecting flight was booked on the identical ticket.
Meanwhile, Air Asia offers flexibility to passengers who’re faced with flight disruptions. Passengers can change their flight date at no extra charge, save the worth of their ticket as a credit for future travel or request a refund.
For FireflyIf a flight is delayed, they are going to arrange another flight at no extra cost if the brand new price is higher. However, if the brand new price and charges are lower, the airline will refund the difference. The airline may even provide meals, drinks, web access, accommodation or airport transfers if obligatory.
If the problem stays unresolved, passengers can file a criticism with MAVCOM via the FlySmart website. The company will provide an initial response inside seven days and can review the criticism inside 30 days.
