Non-expiry of airline travel funds, faster refund scheme pushed

The situation looks set to be even grimmer. REUTERS via The Straits Times/Asia News Network

MANILA, Philippines — The Makabayan bloc is pushing for the non-expiry of airline travel funds and the implementation of a faster refund system for flights affected by drawn-out natural disasters and pandemics.

Under House Bill No. 9516 filed on May 29, a copy of which was sent to the media on Tuesday, a uniform scheme for refund and rebooking of airline tickets in flights affected by prolonged natural disasters and pandemics shall be implemented.

The Makabayan lawmakers pointed out that current rules and regulations on rebooking and travel refunds only rely on the unilateral guidelines set by the airline companies.

“While travel is put on halt, one of the issues that will arise is the procedure of refunding or rebooking tickets, as there is no uniform policy as set by law to give guidance to airlines, especially with the situation that would entail massive flight cancellations such as the one brought by this pandemic,” the Makabayan lawmakers said.

“Regulators and authorities have not anticipated the massive effect of the pandemic to the airlines and its passengers. The current Air Passenger Bill of Rights did not anticipate this pandemic, and as legislators, we shall institutionalize measures that the situation may see fit,” they added.

Thus, under the measure, the following uniformed scheme upon declaration of a travel ban, health emergency, or a prolonged natural calamity is proposed:

For refund:

• The passenger can avail of the refund through payment reversal, no fees shall be imposed by the airline or the payment processor;
• The refund can be initiated up to one year after the ban is in place

For rebooking:

• The passengers can rebook their tickets for other destinations at any time, no additional fees shall be charged, except for the fare difference, if there’s any;
• The rebooking can be initiated at any time

Travel fund:

• Passengers may opt to have their ticket value converted into a travel fund which can be used to book another flight, or to avail of any allied services provided for by the airline in their respective booking portals;
• The travel fund shall not expire and must be enabled for an actual cash refund by the passenger if they see it fit

The Makabayan bloc is composed of Bayan Muna Partylist Reps. Carlos Zarate, Ferdinand Gaite and Eufemia Cullamat; Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Arlene Brosas; ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro’ and Kabataan Partylist Rep. Sarah Jane Elago.

KGA