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Thailand Flight Delays, Cancellations, and Lost Baggage: What to Do

For scheduled international flights departing Thailand, you may receive food and drinks and a means of communication for delays over 2 hours; for delays over 5 hours, compensation of 1,500 baht and, if needed, accommodation and transport. If your flight is canceled, ask to choose between a refund, rebooking, or another suitable form of transport. If your baggage does not arrive, report it at the airline desk before leaving the airport and get a PIR and case number. Reporting deadlines and required documents for delayed baggage vary by airline, so keep your baggage tag and boarding pass.

At a glance

What can I receive if my flight departing Thailand is delayed?

CAB Regulation 101 applies to scheduled international flights departing Thai airports, regardless of the airline's country of origin. It covers confirmed bookings and tickets purchased at publicly available fares. Unless the flight is canceled, you must arrive at the airport by the check-in deadline.

  1. Delay over 2 hours

    Ask for food and drinks or a meal voucher appropriate to the waiting and meal times, and a means of communication if needed.

  2. Delay over 5 hours

    You can ask for 1,500 baht in cash compensation. If you agree, you may receive a voucher, miles, or another option worth more. Payment is due within 14 days. When needed and appropriate, at least 1 night's accommodation and free transport between the airport and your accommodation are also included.

  3. Delay over 10 hours

    Compensation depends on the flight distance: 2,000 baht for 1,500 km or less, 3,500 baht for over 1,500 km up to 3,500 km, and 4,500 baht for over 3,500 km. Payment is due within 14 days.

How do I request a refund or alternative flight if my flight is canceled?

Ask for written information at the airline check-in counter or departure gate, and state which option you want: a refund, the earliest available rebooking, or another suitable form of transport. You can also request care under the regulation.

  1. 1. Get the information in writing

    Ask for information that includes the reason for the cancellation and how to file a complaint. Confirm whether an alternative flight, refund, meals, or accommodation will be provided.

  2. 2. Confirm the refund processing deadline

    Under the rules, refunds must be processed within 14 days for cash purchases and 45 days for credit card purchases after the airline receives complete documents. You must agree to receive a voucher or miles instead.

  3. 3. Check whether a compensation exemption applies

    Compensation may be waived for cancellations notified at least 7 days before departure, alternative flights that meet certain conditions, or cancellations caused by exceptional circumstances.

Where do I report baggage that has not arrived or is damaged?

If your baggage has not arrived, go to the airline's baggage service desk before leaving the airport. Korean Air advises passengers to notify airport staff and the last operating airline. Asiana Airlines also recommends reporting the issue promptly at the arrival airport.

  1. Baggage has not arrived

    Show your baggage tag and boarding pass to file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report), and keep the case number. Korean Air requires delayed baggage to be reported within 21 days of the delay.

  2. Baggage is damaged or partly missing

    For checked baggage on Asiana Airlines, report the issue within 7 days of receipt. Prepare the passenger's name, flight number, date, baggage tag, photos and a description of the damage, and the brand and purchase price.

  3. You need to buy essentials

    Korean Air says it provides about 50 dollars once toward essential purchases for delayed baggage, except when the arrival destination is the passenger's residence. Keep your receipts and any documents showing the airline's reimbursement amount.

What records should I keep for a claim with the airline or insurer?

Keep the airline's information and claim receipts as photos or documents, and gather separate records for an insurance claim. Check your policy for the documents required and coverage provided by your insurer.

What to do in each situation

Delay

Get written information at the airline counter or gate. Check what meals, communication services, compensation, and accommodation are available based on the delay duration. If you are on board and the aircraft is delayed on the ground for over 3 hours with no confirmed takeoff time, also ask whether you can disembark.

Cancellation

Ask the airline for written information and how to file a complaint, then choose between a refund, the earliest available rebooking, or another suitable form of transport.

Baggage has not arrived

Report it at the baggage service desk before leaving the airport and get a PIR and case number. Keep your baggage tag and boarding pass as well.

Damaged bag

Photograph the damaged area and report it to the airline right away. Asiana Airlines advises reporting damage within 7 days of receiving the baggage.

Pre-departure checklist

FAQ

What can I receive if an international flight departing Thailand is delayed by more than 2 hours?

You can request food and drinks or a meal voucher suited to the waiting and meal times, and a means of communication if needed, at no charge.

How much compensation is there if an international flight departing Thailand is delayed by more than 5 hours?

You are entitled to 1,500 baht in cash compensation. If needed and appropriate, at least 1 night's accommodation and free transport between the airport and your accommodation are also included.

If my flight departing Thailand is canceled, is a refund my only option?

You have the right to choose between a refund, the earliest available rebooking, or another suitable form of transport.

By when must I report delayed baggage to Korean Air?

You must report it within 21 days of the delay, and you will need your baggage tag.

What is the reporting deadline if Asiana Airlines damages my baggage?

You must report it to the airline within 7 days of receiving your baggage.

What documents do I need for an insurance claim for delayed baggage?

Follow your insurer's instructions. Prepare the airline-issued PIR, ticket and itinerary, a copy of your passport, and a delay confirmation. Receipts for essential purchases or additional documents may also be required.

Official sources & check dates

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Site updated: 2026-10-28