Global General

Brazilian gov't to improve air passengers' rights

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-03-13 15:35

BRASILIA - Air passengers will be better compensated for flight delays and cancellations under new Brazilian legislation, which is waiting for approval by Congress.

Under the bill signed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, passengers facing a flight delay or cancellation or who are otherwise prevented from boarding, must be offered another flight by the same airline on a date chosen by the passengers, a ticket to travel by another airline or other means of transportation, Brazil's Official Journal said Friday.

Passengers rejecting these options will receive a full refund plus further compensation of 50 percent of the ticket price, including taxes.

If the client is notified of the cancellation by the airline seven days in advance, compensation will not be paid, but the refund will be guaranteed.

In addition, passengers prevented from flying at no fault of their own will be offered food, phone cards, internet access and waiting at a suitable place at the company's expense.

The bill also requires airline companies to send monthly reports on such occurrences to the National Civil Aviation Agency.