Domestic flights are a key transportation option for returning home or traveling during long holidays, but ticket refund restrictions often cause concern for consumers. The Executive Yuan has recently approved amendments to the “Standardized Contract for Domestic Air Passenger Transportation,” with the new regulations taking effect on March 9, 2026. The revisions focus on holiday refund rules and force majeure protections, making passenger rights clearer.
The most significant impact for consumers concerns refund mechanisms during long holiday periods. For announced transportation periods of three consecutive legal holidays or more, if tickets include expiration refund restrictions, refund fees will be calculated based on the length of time between the refund date and the flight departure date, with a maximum of 30% of the ticket price. This approach encourages passengers to confirm their travel plans early, reduces duplicate bookings, and allows released seats to be made available to other travelers in need.
If passengers are unable to board due to force majeure or non-attributable reasons such as natural disasters, bereavement, or sudden illness, they may be exempt from refund fees, provided they notify the ticketing agency before departure and submit supporting documents when required. This prevents consumers from bearing additional losses under involuntary circumstances.
In addition, the new rules clearly require passengers purchasing discounted domestic tickets to present original identification documents at the time of purchase and boarding, ensuring that fare discounts are not misused. Consumer protection authorities remind the public to review refund terms carefully before purchasing tickets and to contact ticketing agencies promptly in force majeure situations to safeguard their rights.
