Main image via Shutterstock

There is a famous quote that reads: “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong”. And sadly, this may apply even when you travel by air. However, there’s no need to panic! Thanks to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016, air travellers are now protected when flying in and out of Malaysia. With that said, it’s important that you practice these 5 things before you fly:

• Check your travelling status at http://sspi2.imi.gov.my/ (for Malaysians only).
• Keep a digital copy of your travel documents and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months.
• Keep all valuables such as cash, jewellery, and important documents in your carry-on luggage.
• Snap a photo of your luggage as reference in case it gets lost. Place your contact details or business card inside your bag in case the airline/airport needs to contact you.
• Provide contact details at the point of booking your tickets to receive updates on flight changes.

It’s also equally as important that you’re aware of your rights as a passenger with regards to the following…

Lost or damaged baggage

With over 52 million people served by KLIA in 2016 alone, it is regretful that baggage sometimes gets lost or damaged. However, as a passenger, you will have to be ready to ensure that you get the best outcome of the situation.

If your baggage doesn’t arrive on the same flight, or is lost or damaged, you may claim compensation from your airline of up to 1,131 Special Drawing Rights (SDR). The value of the SDR is based on five major currencies – the US dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, Pound Sterling and Chinese Renminbi (all of which fluctuate against the Ringgit from time to time). You can check the current SDR rate here: https://www.imf.org/external/np/fin/data/rms_sdrv.aspx

Denied boarding

All good things must come to an end, but not before they even begin. If you are denied boarding –  assuming it’s not because of reasons due to safety and security, health or inadequate travel documents – then you are entitled to receive compensation such as meals, phone calls, internet access (if available) as well as hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel (if applicable).

You also have the choice of being re-routed or be reimbursed of the ticket price.

Flight delays and cancellations

Flight delays and cancellations are part and parcel of air travel. Yet, when it happens to us, it’s still frustrating and disappointing. Before you rush to vent at the nearest airline employee, know that for delays of more than 2 hours, you are entitled to compensation such as meals, phone calls and internet access (if available) as well as hotel accommodation and transport to and from the hotel, if the delay is more than 5 hours.

In the case of cancelled flights, you have the option to either be reimbursed for the ticket price or be re-routed to another destination.

For further details, you can refer to the Malaysian Aviation Consumer Protection Code 2016 at www.mavcom.my.

If you need to lodge a complaint with the airline or airport, this can be done in just two easy steps:

• Contact the relevant airline or airport.
• If your complaint is not resolved by the airline or airport within 30 days from date of submission, or if you are not satisfied with the reply, you can submit a complaint to MAVCOM at http://www.mavcom.my/en/consumer/make-a-complaint/.

Happy flying and safe travels!