Passenger rights in Asia

Feb 13 2025 MFR travel team

While travel in Asia can be very exciting, flight delays and cancellations have the potential to ruin even the best carefully crafted plans. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or taking your first trip, you absolutely must know your rights as a passenger. This way you can navigate any disruption that comes your way like an absolute pro. Compensation policy in Asia depend on the country and airline, but some general tips can help you handle these situations. In this article, we’ll cover your rights when flying within Asia, how to claim compensation, and tips to ensure your travel plans stay on track.

Passenger rights: General framework in Asia

Unlike regions such as Europe (with Regulation EC 261/2004) or the United States, where passenger rights are highly regulated, Asia lacks a unified legal framework for handling flight disruptions. Instead, compensation for passengers is determined by:

• Local aviation laws: Countries like India, China, and Japan have specific laws defining passenger rights for delays and cancellations.
• Airline policies: Many Asian airlines establish individual compensation rules, which can vary widely. It all depends on the country and airline.
• International treaties: The Montreal Convention applies to most of Asia and governs compensation for luggage and significant delays. You better learn more about this one!

Rights by key countries in Asia

India:

India has one of the most robust aviation regulatory systems in Asia, overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Now let’s learn more about it!

• Delays: Airlines must provide meals, refreshments, and accommodation if delays exceed certain thresholds (2-6 hours, depending on flight distance).
• Cancellations: Passengers are entitled to a full refund or an alternate flight, along with compensation if the cancellation is airline-related.
• Denied boarding: Compensation ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹20,000, depending on the delay duration caused by overbooking.

China:

Passenger rights in China are regulated by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Here’s the most important information you need to know!

• Delays: Airlines must provide meals and accommodation during long delays but are not obligated to offer monetary compensation unless stated in the ticket’s terms and conditions.
• Cancellations: Passengers have the right to request rebooking or a full refund, but monetary compensation is rarely offered unless explicitly mentioned. Read the policy of the airline!
• Luggage issues: Compensation extends to the Montreal Convention, with limits based on weight or value.

Japan:

Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) are known for excellent service, though compensation policies are less regulated.

• Delays: Assistance, such as meals and accommodation, is provided for airline-related delays, but financial compensation is rare.
• Cancellations: Passengers can choose between a refund or rebooking, so be sure to choose the most comfortable option for yourself. Accommodation is often offered for airline-related cancellations.
• Denied boarding: Compensation is not standardized and handled case by case.

Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, etc.)

Southeast Asian countries generally rely on airline policies rather than strict government regulations. Reminder, make sure to go through their policies very well, so you know what to do.

• Delays and cancellations: Airlines like Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, and Thai Airways typically offer assistance such as meals, rebooking, or accommodation. Monetary compensation is rare unless explicitly stated in the airline’s terms.
• Customer service standards: Premium airlines usually provide better assistance than budget airlines, which may charge extra for rebooking or additional services.

Major airlines in Asia: Compensation policies

Singapore Airlines:

Widely know for their excellent service, Singapore Airlines offers:

• Rebooking or refunds: It is available for cancellations, or flights that are significantly delayed.
• Accommodation and meals: Available for long delays.
• Monetary compensation: It is a rare case to be provided with one, unless the international territory requires the airline to pay compensation by law.

AirAsia:

As a budget carrier, AirAsia has limited compensation policies, so let’s look through them:

• Rebooking: They offer rebooking when the flight was cancelled or delayed if it’s the airline’s fault.
• Meals/accommodation: They provide it if the delay is major and the airlines at fault.

Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong)

Cathay Pacific have traveller-friendly policies:

• Refunds and rebooking: Provided for cancelled or significantly delayed flights.
• Meals and accommodation: Available only for when the disruptions are coming from the airline.
• Monetary compensation: This is a rare case, except in cases of overbooking, or baggage issues under the Montreal Convention.

ANA and JAL (Japan)

Those two carriers exceed expectations very well and here is why:

• Rebooking/refunds: Standard for cancellations or airline-related delays.
• Assistance: Meals, hotel, and transport are usually provided by the airline.

Steps to take if your flight is disrupted in Asia

• Contact the airline immediately: Check with the airline’s customer service desk for updates, assistance and options for rebooking or refunds.
• Keep all documents: Retain your boarding pass, receipts, and any communication with the airline to support your claim.
• Check the terms and conditions: Review your ticket’s terms for compensation or assistance details.
• Leverage travel insurance: Many travel insurance policies cover expenses like meals, accommodation, or alternative transport during disruptions.
• Use consumer protection agencies: Some countries, like India and China, have aviation authorities that mediate disputes between passengers and airlines.

Tips for minimizing travel disruptions

Choose premium airlines: Full-service airlines like Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific often provide better assistance than budget carriers. But choose wisely and within your budget!

• Travel early in the day: It’s less likely to experience delays or cancellations if you fly early in the morning.
• Monitor flight status: Apps like FlightAware or airline-specific apps for real-time updates can be your best friend for this travel.
• Have a backup plan: Backup plans are a must, so be aware of your alternatives in case of cancellation and how to get to your destination with minimal disruption in your travel plans.

Flying in Asia can be a very memorable experience, but as always, the essential thing here is to be prepared for any flight disruption that might come your way. Be aware of your passenger rights that vary depending on the region you are traveling to. Remember that countries like India and China have stronger consumer protection compared to Southeast Asia. Yes, financial compensation can be quite challenging to receive, or even impossible, compared to Europe, most of the airlines will assist you for rebooking your flights, meals, or hotel stay during delays and cancellations. Know your rights and travel safely!