New Domestic Flight Refund Rules in Taiwan: What You Need to Know Before Your Next Holiday Trip in 2026

Domestic flights have long been a popular mode of transportation for people traveling during long holidays. However, ticket refund restrictions often create concerns among travelers. To address these issues and offer better protection for consumers, the Executive Yuan has recently approved amendments to the “Standardized Contract for Domestic Air Passenger Transportation”. These revisions, set to take effect on March 9, 2026, will focus on enhancing holiday refund rules and provide stronger force majeure protections, making the rights of passengers clearer.

Key Changes in Domestic Flight Refund Policies

One of the most significant changes brought about by these new regulations concerns the refund mechanisms during long holiday periods. Historically, passengers who wanted to cancel tickets for consecutive holidays often faced steep cancellation fees, especially during the Spring Festival or national holidays. However, under the new system, if the transportation period extends for three consecutive legal holidays or more, passengers will experience a more favorable refund policy.

The refund fees for these longer holidays will now be calculated based on the time between the refund request date and the flight departure date, with a maximum refund fee set at 30% of the ticket price. This change encourages passengers to finalize their travel plans earlier and helps avoid duplicate bookings, thereby allowing airlines to release seats to other travelers who may need them during peak times.

This adjustment in the refund policy aims to ensure that passengers who change their plans earlier receive a fairer refund rate while also helping airlines manage high demand during busy holiday seasons.

Force Majeure Protection for Passengers

Another critical improvement is the introduction of more robust protections in cases of force majeure events. These are circumstances that prevent passengers from being able to board their flights due to reasons beyond their control, such as natural disasters, bereavement, or sudden illness. In these situations, the new rules state that passengers will not be required to pay refund fees, provided they notify the ticketing agency before the departure time and submit the necessary supporting documents.

This move is designed to alleviate additional financial burdens on passengers who face unexpected challenges but still wish to cancel or reschedule their trips. Whether it’s due to a family emergency or an unforeseen event such as a typhoon, travelers will now have clearer guidelines on how to proceed without incurring extra costs.

Measures to Prevent Misuse of Discounted Tickets

The new rules also bring attention to the issue of discounted domestic tickets. In the past, there have been cases where such tickets were misused, especially by individuals who did not meet the eligibility requirements for discounts. To address this concern, passengers purchasing discounted tickets will now be required to present original identification documents both at the time of purchase and when boarding their flights.

This policy change aims to ensure that fare discounts are used only by those who genuinely qualify, helping to maintain fairness and transparency within the system. The consumer protection authorities are urging passengers to carefully review refund terms and ensure they understand the policies before purchasing discounted tickets.

Consumer Advice and How to Protect Your Rights

As these new rules come into effect, it will be essential for travelers to stay informed and understand their rights when booking domestic flights. The government is advising consumers to carefully review the refund policies and to reach out to the ticketing agency promptly if they encounter situations involving force majeure. It’s important to act early and follow the correct procedures to ensure passenger rights are protected.

In the event that a flight needs to be canceled due to circumstances such as an illness or emergency, passengers should contact the airline or travel agency before departure to avoid losing their rights to a full refund. Ensuring that all necessary documentation is provided will be essential for a successful claim.

The Importance of Clear Consumer Protection

These updates in the refund and protection policies are a step in the right direction in terms of consumer rights. As domestic travel continues to play a significant role during holiday periods, these measures will help reduce confusion and make the booking process more transparent. It’s expected that travelers will now feel more confident in planning their holidays, knowing that they have clearer rules to follow if their travel plans change unexpectedly.

The new regulations provide a fairer and more flexible approach for consumers while also helping airlines manage peak holiday traffic. With a stronger focus on passenger rights and more efficient refund systems, the rules will contribute to a smoother and more reliable travel experience for everyone involved.

Conclusion

In summary, the new domestic flight refund rules set to take effect in March 2026 represent a significant change aimed at protecting passengers during the busy holiday season. The inclusion of force majeure protections, clear refund mechanisms, and more stringent ticketing policies for discounted fares will improve the overall travel experience for domestic flight passengers. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed, review refund policies, and reach out to ticketing agencies promptly when facing unforeseen circumstances.

With these updates, the government hopes to create a more equitable and transparent travel environment, ensuring that passengers’ rights are safeguarded and that they can enjoy their holidays without the added stress of unclear policies and unexpected fees.

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