It is a common experience among travellers for their flights to experience delays, but when this happens, you won’t always get a refund from your airline. Well, in certain circumstances, this will change starting next month with the implementation of an enhanced Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code (MACPC).
According to transport minister Anthony Loke, the updated protection code will be gazetted by the ministry of transport through the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) on 2 September 2024. With this, all airlines operating within the country will be required to offer a full refund in the original payment method for flight delays of five hours or more, as well as flight disruptions cause by “extraordinary circumstances”.
Notably, airlines may still offer alternative reimbursement methods such as travel vouchers or credit shells, but it is ultimately up to the customers if they want a refund through their original payment method instead. Loke said that the refund period for users is 30 days.
Other changes that will come into effect with the enhanced protection code include full disclosure in air fare in advertising, meaning that the prices advertised must include all fees and charges. Starting from January 2025, airlines must notify customers of any change in the scheduled departure time at least two weeks before departure.
