Lesson 3

• Major rights of an air passenger

  • Right to be provided with accurate information before purchase
  • Right to receive the full value of the service purchased
  • Right to Compensation
• Right to be processed for check in


  A passenger shall not be considered late or a no-show, and shall not be denied check-in if he or she is within the air carrier's cordoned or other designated check-in area at least one (1) hour before the published Estimated Time of Departure (ETD), or within the prescribed time set by the air carrier
• Right to Sufficient Processing Time


  1. Check-in counters in international airports and in other airports designated by the DOTC must be open at least two (2) hours before the (ETD)

  2. A separate dedicated counter must be opened for a flight nearing check-in deadline to facilitate the checking in of passengers at least one (1) hour before the published ETD

  3. There must be at least one (1) check-in counter which will prioritize PWDs, senior citizens, and persons requiring special assistance or handling, if practicable

  4. FOR ALL OTHER AIRPORTS, check-in counters must be open at least one (1) hour before the ETD
• Right to Board Aircraft for the purpose of Flight


  A passenger cannot be denied the right to board the aircraft without his consent
• Right to compensation and amenities in case of cancellation of flight


  1. Cancellation at least 24 hours before the ETD, attributable to the air carrier: Right of passenger is to be notified beforehand of the fact of cancellation or rebook or reimburse the passenger, at the option of the latter

  2. Cancellation less than 24 hours before the ETD, attributable to the air carrier: Right of passenger are To be notified beforehand of the fact of cancellation, To amenities, To be reimbursed of the value of the fare, taxes and surcharges, and other optional fees, To be endorsed to another air carrier without paying any fare difference, and To rebook the ticket without additional charge

  3. Cancellation due to other causes: Right of passenger is to To be reimbursed of the full value of the fare
• Right to Compensation and Amenities in Case of Flight Delay and Exceptions Thereto


  1. Terminal delay of at least three (3) hours after the ETD, whether or not such is attributable to the carrier: Rights of passenger is to avail of refreshments or meals To free phone calls, text or e-mails, and first aid, if necessary To rebook or refund his/her ticket To be endorsed to another carrier

  2. Terminal Delay of at least six (6) hours after the ETD for causes attributable to the carrier: Rights of passenger are To consider the flight cancelled for the purpose of availing the rights and amenities provided for in case of actual cancellation Additional compensation equivalent to at least the value of the sector delayed To board the flight if it takes place more than six (6) hours after the ETD and the affected passenger has not opted to rebook and/or refund

  3. Tarmac Delay of at least two (2) hours after the ETD: Rights of passenger is To sufficient food and beverage
• Right to Compensation for Delayed, Lost, and Damaged Baggage


  1. Be informed of the fact of off-loading

  2. Php2,000 compensation to the passenger for every twenty-four (24) hours of delay

  3. Refund of checked baggage fees if the baggage was not delivered within twenty-four (24) hours from the arrival of flight

  4. If the baggage is lost or if it suffered any damage: FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: The relevant convention shall apply. FOR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: The passenger has the right to a maximum amount equivalent to half of the amount in the relevant convention (for international flights) in its Peso equivalent

  5. PRESUMPTION OF LOSS: If after a period of seven (7) days from when the passenger or consignee should have received the baggage and it is not delivered, it is presumed lost
• Right to Compensation in Case of Death or Bodily Injury of a Passenger


  1. FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS: The relevant convention and inter-carrier agreements apply

  2. FOR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS: Compensation will be based on the stipulated amount in the relevant convention which governs international flights
• Right to Immediate Payment of Compensation


  1. PAYMENT MUST BE AVAILABLE TO THE AFFECTED PASSENGER: at the air carrier's counters at the airport on the date when the incident occurred, or at the main office or any branch of the air carrier, at the discretion of the passenger

  2. MODE: By tendering a check, or Cash, or The document necessary to claim the compensation or benefits. The document shall be convertible to cash within fifteen (15) days from the date when the occasion occurred