A handling fee of up to 30 percent of the total fare could be charged on ticket refunds for domestic flights during long holidays, according to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications’ draft airfare refund rules.
The ministry yesterday announced draft amendments to its Mandatory Provisions to be Included in and Prohibitory Provisions of Standard Form Contract for Domestic Flight Transportation Services (國內線航空乘客運送定型化契約應記載及不得記載事項).
The draft amendments aim to increase cancelation charges for domestic flights during statutory holidays of three days or more, so that air transportation services could be used to their full extent during peak days.
Photo: Chang Hsuan-tse, Taipei Times
The draft amendments stipulate that a cancelation charge of 10 percent of the fare may be levied if the refund is requested at least seven days in advance of the departure day, or 20 percent of the fare if the request is made from one to six days before the departure day.
If the refund is requested ahead of departure on the day, the ticket seller may charge 30 percent of the fare as handling fee.
However, passengers may be exempt from handling fees if they cancel a flight due to family deaths, personal illness or causes to which they cannot be imputed and request refund with relevant supporting documents submitted prior to the departure time.
If they fail to request a refund due to force majeure, ticket sellers may address their request based on the proof they provide.
The draft amendments also stipulate that passengers using concession tickets on domestic flights should provide identity documents while purchasing a ticket and boarding the flight.
For example, residents of outlying islands pay preferential fares for domestic flights, in accordance with the Civil Aviation Act (民用航空法), the Offshore Islands Development Act (離島建設條例) and the Regulations Governing Airfare Subsidies for Offshore Island Residents (離島地區居民航空票價補貼辦法).
They should show their national identity card or household certificate while purchasing a domestic flight ticket or boarding the flight to exercise their preferential right.
They can choose only one preferential program at a time, pursuant to regulations, and may not combine two or more preferential discounts.
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