Redress for China air delays: booze, board, tours

BEIJING, (Reuter): China has adopted a new tactic in its losing war on airport delays, mandating that idled passengers be placated with food, drink, sightseeing and hotel rooms.

Free telephone and facsimile use would also be available during mechanical delays under new rules issued by national carrier Air China and disclosed on Friday by the official Xinhua news agency.

If bad weather is to blame, however, telephone and fax privileges would apply only to first-class travelers and others deemed "important", the rules say.

Delays and other passenger discomforts have soared in recent years as a booming economy has pushed demand for flights far past capacity. Passenger volume is surging 30 percent a year.

Although weather is usually blamed for delays, bad management and poor maintenance are major contributors.

Under the new rules, two-hour delays would merit free drinks and food. If delays extend to four hours, "passengers should be sent to hotels or sightseeing and other entertainment activities".

Overnight delays merit board and lodging in a four-star hotel or better for first-class passengers. Economy-class travelers must accept two-star accommodation.

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