(Yicai Global) March 16 -- China’s aviation authority will roll out new regulations for changing flight tickets and seeking refunds from Sept. 1 to bring clarity to an area long prone to disputes.

The revisions elucidate policy on ticket sales, refunds, changes and overbooking to protect passengers' right to know, choose and claim compensation, Yu Biao, director of the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s transport department, said yesterday.

Passengers shall not be charged for any change to their tickets caused by the carrier, according to the revised Regulations on the Administration of Passenger Services in Public Air Transport.

Airlines and ticket agents must complete refunds within seven working days, the regulations said. There used to be no set period for refunds and getting one’s money back could take a long time.

If flights are overbooked, the airline should seek out passengers who are willing to change flight, and not deny boarding to travelers chosen at random, they added. Those who are denied boarding must be fully compensated.

Airlines can now also set their own baggage size and weight restrictions as well as free luggage allowance, to provide a more diversified service.

Editor: Kim Taylor