Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 680 
Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
“Honesty is the best policy,” and “time is gold” are two popular sayings that to 
this representation best encapsulate the manner by which air carriers should deal 
with their passengers. 
However, there are reports and allegations that airline companies are not 
forthright to the flying public with respect to the terms and conditions of their fares 
resulting in confusion. This is made worse by the persistent delay and cancellation of 
flights. 
While the DOTr, formerly DOTC, and DTI already promulgated Joint 
Administrative Order No. 1, series of 2012 regulating the Air Bill Passenger Bill of 
Rights, it is necessary that a legislation on this matter be enacted by the 
representatives of the people in order to further enhance the rights of passengers and 
provide it more legal weight. 
As such, this bill seeks to establish, under the conditions specified herein, the 
different rights of airline passengers including when (a) they are denied boarding 
against their will; (b) their flight is canceled; (c) their flight is delayed; (d) their baggage 
is lost, delayed or damaged and (e) when there is death or bodily injury. The right to 
full, fair, and clear disclosure of the service offered is also provided in this proposal. 
In addition to the usual remedies granted to passengers, the proposed measure 
also provides the passenger another right in the nature of additional compensation at 
July 1, 2025
8:00 am




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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 680 
Introduced by Representative Roman T. Romulo 
AN ACT  
PROVIDING FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE RIGHTS OF 
AIRLINE PASSENGERS AND PENALIZING ACTS IN 
VIOLATION THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
2 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known and cited as the “Air Passenger 
3 
Bill of Rights Act.” 
4 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
5 
promote the welfare of airline passengers and strengthen the regulatory framework 
6 
that will ensure safe, efficient, convenient, and secure services to the riding public in 
7 
civil aviation. The State shall pursue a policy mandating full disclosure of all aspects 
8 
relating to the contract of air carriage. The State shall adopt the generally accepted 
9 
principles of relevant international laws to which the country is a signatory. Pursuant 
10 
thereto, the State shall penalize any act of air carriers that violates the rights of air 
11 
passengers as defined under this Act. 
12 
SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. – As used in this Act: 
13 
(a)
Air Carrier  refers to an airline providing transportation services in a
14 
contract of air carriage; 
15 
(b)
Baggage  refers to  any personal property carried by the passenger
16 
which has been checked-in with the airline. Off loaded Baggage refers to checked 
17 
baggage but has either not been subsequently removed from the cargo hold of the 
18 
carrier; 
19 


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(c)  
Cancellation refers to the act of calling off a flight. This shall include the 
1 
following instances: 
2 
(1)  
Cancellation by the air carrier before the estimated time of 
3 
departure (ETD) whether or not the reason for the cancellation is due to the air 
4 
carrier’s fault; 
5 
(2)  
Cancellation by the air carrier after an unduly long delay; and 
6 
(3)  
Cancellation by the passenger or a situation deemed cancelled 
7 
as provided under this Act. 
8 
(d)  
Check-in Deadline refers to a reasonable point in time before the 
9 
published ETD as may be prescribed by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) at which a 
10 
passenger may physically present travel documents to the air carrier at the latter's 
11 
check-in counter; 
12 
(e)  
Check-in Period refers to the time when the air carrier's check-in 
13 
counters are open for accepting and processing passengers checking in for their flights 
14 
which starts at least two (2) hours before the ETD in international airports and in 
15 
airports designated by the Department of Transportation (DOTr). In other airports, the 
16 
check-in period shall start at least one (1) hour before the ETD; 
17 
(f) 
 Confirmed Reserved Seat refers to a seat on a specific date and on a 
18 
specific flight and class of service of a carrier, which has been requested by a 
19 
passenger, and which the carrier or its agent has verified, by appropriate notation on 
20 
the ticket, as being reserved for the accommodation of the passenger; 
21 
(g)  
Convention refers to the applicable international agreement, convention, 
22 
or treaty on carriage of goods or persons by air; 
23 
(h)  
Delay refers to the deferment of a flight to a later time. Terminal delay 
24 
refers to a delay that occurs while passengers are still inside the terminal waiting for 
25 
boarding, while tarmac delay is a delay that occurs while passengers are already on 
26 
board the aircraft; 
27 
(i) 
Denied Boarding refers to a situation where a passenger who has 
28 
physically presented travel documents pertaining to a confirmed seat reservation at 
29 
the proper time and place, and has fully complied with the carrier's check-in 
30 
reconfirmation procedures, and the carrier's tariff requirement, was not allowed to 
31 
board the aircraft;  
32 
(j)  
Denied Check-in refers to a situation where a passenger, who has 
33 
physically presented travel documents to an air carrier's check-in counter checked in 
34 
at the appointed area and at the appointed time, is denied or is not processed for 
35 
boarding a particular flight; 
36 


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(k)  
Fare refers to the payment in consideration for the carriage of a 
1 
passenger but shall not include charges for ancillary services. Regular fare is any fare 
2 
that is offered on a regular basis, is nondiscounted, and offers the advantage of 
3 
cancellation, changing flight time or schedule, rerouting, or rebooking, by the 
4 
passenger, whether for a fee or penalty, or not. Promotional fare is any fare that is 
5 
generally lower than a regular fare and is offered for a specific period. This includes 
6 
offers of "no frills" fare, wherein the nonessential features for flights such as free food 
7 
and drinks onboard flights have been removed to keep the price low, and discounted 
8 
fares which require prior approval by the CAB; 
9 
(l)  
Free Tickets refer to tickets provided by carriers to passengers, tickets 
10 
available for free to employees, and tickets claimed based on mileage, which do not 
11 
have confirmed status, are subject to space availability, and do not qualify as either 
12 
regular or promotional fare; 
13 
(m)  
General Sales Agent means a person who is not a bonafide employee 
14 
of an air carrier, and who as authorized by the air carrier, by itself or through an agent, 
15 
sells or offers for sale any air transportation, or negotiates for, or holds out by 
16 
solicitation, advertisement or otherwise as one who sells, provides, furnishes, 
17 
contracts, or arranges for, such air transportation; 
18 
(n)  
Government Requisition of Space refers to a formal request by the 
19 
government or its agencies to an air carrier for the use of an aircraft, or any part 
20 
thereof, for regulatory, safety, security, and emergency purposes. Such request shall 
21 
be submitted by the requesting agency to the CAB which, in turn, shall make a request 
22 
to the air carrier concerned, detailing the number, identities and affiliation of the 
23 
persons requesting for space and the date, time and destination of the flight; 
24 
(o)  
No Show refers to the failure of the passenger to appear at the check-in 
25 
counter within the check-in deadline or to show up at the boarding gate at the time 
26 
indicated on the boarding pass; 
27 
(p)  
Non-scheduled Services refer to an arrangement where an aircraft has 
28 
more flexibility in terms of time, schedules, routes, and choices of airports and similar 
29 
operational characteristics subject to the approval of the Civil Aviation Authority of the 
30 
Philippines (CAAP) each time; 
31 
(q) 
Overbooking refers to the practice by air carriers of selling confirmed 
32 
reserved seat beyond the actual seat capacity of the aircraft. This shall include a 
33 
situation wherein an air carrier downgrades an aircraft for grounds other than safety 
34 
or unforeseen operational reasons that results in the bumping off of passengers; 
35 
(r)  
Passenger refers to a person actually travelling by air. A person who is 
36 
named in the flight ticket shall be considered a passenger for the purpose of this Act;  
37 


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(s)  
Person with Disability or PWD refers to those who have long-term 
1 
physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments, which, in interaction with various 
2 
barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis 
3 
with others; 
4 
(t)  
Philippine-based air carrier refers to an air carrier holding a Certificate of 
5 
Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) or a Temporary Operating Permit (TOP) 
6 
issued by the CAB for scheduled or non-scheduled services; 
7 
(u)  
Sales Promotion refers to the techniques intended for broad consumer 
8 
participation which contain promise of gain, such as prizes, in cash or in kind, as 
9 
reward for the purchase of a product, security, service or winning in a contest, game, 
10 
tournament, and other similar competitions which involve determination of winner/s 
11 
and which utilize mass media and widespread media of information. It also means 
12 
techniques purely intended to increase the sales, patronage and goodwill of a product; 
13 
and 
14 
(v)  
Scheduled Services refer to an arrangement wherein an air carrier 
15 
follows a fixed, regular, and published timetable and routes and which does not have 
16 
flexibility in terms of time, schedules, routes, and choices of airports and similar 
17 
operational characteristics. 
18 
SEC. 4. Scope of Application. — This Act shall apply to all aspects of contract of air 
19 
carriage for flights or portions of a flight, within the territory of the Philippines or from 
20 
the territory of the Philippines, operated by Philippine-based air carriers, flights or 
21 
portions of a flight from the territory of the Philippines operated by foreign air carriers, 
22 
as well as charter flights and the conduct of individual ticketing: Provided, That the 
23 
compensation provisions of this Act shall not apply to air carriers flying into the territory 
24 
of the Philippines if the laws of the country of origin provide similar or higher 
25 
compensation. 
26 
SEC. 5. Applicability of International Laws and Pertinent Conventions. — In case 
27 
of conflict between the provisions of this Act and the provisions of any treaty or 
28 
convention where the Philippines is a signatory, the provisions of the latter shall 
29 
prevail. Where the Philippines is not a signatory, the provisions of any treaty or 
30 
convention shall have suppletory effect in the implementation of this Act insofar as the 
31 
same are not contrary to the provisions herein contained. 
32 
CHAPTER II 
33 
CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE BY AIR 
34 
SEC. 6. Contract of Air Carriage. — By the contract of air carriage, an air carrier 
35 
obliges itself to transport the passenger or one's baggage, if any, from one place to 
36 
another, through airspace, without any damage or injury upon the latter's person, or 
37 


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loss, damage or unreasonable deterioration of his baggage, if any, and when the 
1 
passenger obliges oneself to pay a just and reasonable air fare. 
2 
SEC. 7. Perfection of the Contract of Carriage. — The contract of air carriage is 
3 
perfected from the moment the air carrier and the passenger gives their respective 
4 
consent to the said agreement. 
5 
There is consent when the air carrier issues a confirmation of airline ticket in 
6 
favor of a passenger, who accepts and holds it in his/her possession, with the 
7 
corresponding full payment of the fare by said passenger. 
8 
SEC. 8. Diligence Required of the Carrier. — Air carriers, due to the nature of air 
9 
transportation, it being imbued with public policy and interest, are obliged to observe 
10 
extraordinary diligence in the performance of their obligations under the contract of air 
11 
carriage. Air passengers are required to observe ordinary diligence while the contract 
12 
of air carriage is effective. 
13 
SEC. 9. Presumption of Negligence. —  In case of damage or injury to the person 
14 
of the air passenger, or loss, damage, or unreasonable deterioration of his/her 
15 
baggage, if any, the air carrier shall be presumed negligent, unless it proves that it 
16 
exerted extraordinary diligence to avert the same. Diligence observed in the selection 
17 
and supervision of employees shall not be a defense to rebut this presumption. 
18 
In the case of carriage of goods and baggage, the presumption of negligence 
19 
shall not apply if the loss, damage, or unreasonable deterioration is caused or 
20 
occasioned by any of the following: 
21 
(1) Flood, storm, earthquake, lightning, or other natural disaster or calamity; 
22 
(2) Act of the public enemy in war, whether international or civil; 
23 
(3) Act or omission of the shipper or owner of the baggage/goods; 
24 
(4) The character of the goods or defects in the packing or in the containers; 
25 
and 
26 
(5) Order or act of competent public authority. 
27 
SEC. 10. Cancellation. — An air carrier may cancel a flight for any of the following: 
28 
(1) Infrastructure limitation as certified by the CAAP; 
29 
(2) Safety reasons due to a technical problem; 
30 
(3) Security reasons; or 
31 
(4) During the occurrence of a fortuitous event. 
32 


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The passengers affected may avail of pertinent applicable remedies provided 
1 
under this Act. 
2 
SEC. 11. Overbooking. — Overbooking shall not be allowed for all air carriers. 
3 
SEC. 12. Construction. — In case of doubt, the contract of air carriage shall be 
4 
construed liberally in favor of the passenger and strictly against the air carrier. 
5 
CHAPTER Ill 
6 
RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PASSENGERS 
7 
A. RIGHT TO FULL AND TRUTHFUL INFORMATION OF THE 
8 
CONDITIONS OF THE CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE 
9 
SEC. 13. Clear, Truthful, and Understandable Information. — In addition to the 
10 
information enumerated under Section 15 hereof, every passenger shall, before 
11 
purchasing any ticket for a contract of carriage, have the right to the full access and 
12 
fair and clear disclosure of information, in English and in Filipino, from an air carrier or 
13 
general sales agent on the following terms and conditions of the contract of carriage: 
14 
(a) Fare and other fees and ancillary charges (taxes, insurance, fuel surcharge, 
15 
seat reservation, etc); 
16 
(b) Travel restrictions; 
17 
(c) Baggage allowance and limitations; 
18 
(d) Check-in and boarding requirements and deadlines; 
19 
(e) Air carrier's responsibilities and passenger's rights and compensation for 
20 
delayed and cancelled flights, and for death and injuries and lost, delayed 
21 
or damaged baggage; 
22 
(f) Air carrier's liability limitations; 
23 
(g) Procedures for claims against the carrier; 
24 
(h) Services and amenities provided by the air carrier; and 
25 
(i) Other crucial and necessary conditions of the contract of carriage. 
26 
SEC. 14. Method of Disclosure. —  An air carrier shall cause the disclosure under 
27 
the immediately preceding section to be printed on or attached to the passenger ticket, 
28 
boarding pass, or incorporate such terms and conditions of carriage by reference. 
29 
Incorporation by reference means that the ticket or boarding pass shall clearly 
30 
state that the complete terms and conditions of carriage are available for perusal or 
31 


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review on the air carrier's website, or in some other document that may be sent to or 
1 
delivered by post or electronic mail to a passenger upon request. 
2 
The air carriers are required under this Act to post on their website, or other 
3 
online accounts, the information which the passenger has a right of full access and 
4 
disclosure. 
5 
In case of booking through a ticketing office or agent, the disclosures shall be 
6 
explained by the agent in a language that is easily understood by the purchaser. 
7 
In case of online booking, the air carrier must establish a system wherein a 
8 
purchaser is fully apprised of the required disclosures under this section twice prior to 
9 
the final submission of an online offer to purchase. The first disclosure shall include 
10 
the full information to which the passenger has a right of access and disclosure. The 
11 
second disclosure before the final submission of an online offer to purchase shall 
12 
substantially include the following message, in English and Filipino: 
13 
"By confirming purchase of this ticket, you agree to the terms and conditions 
14 
which include: 
15 
(a) Refund policy; 
16 
(b) Rebooking policy; 
17 
(c) No-Show policy; and 
18 
(d) Other important information specific to the ticket purchased." 
19 
"Sa pagpili ng tiket na ito, kayo ay sumasang-ayon sa mga kondisyon at 
20 
restriksyon kabilang na ang: 
21 
(a) Panuntunan sa pagsasauli ng ibinayad; 
22 
(b) Panuntunan sa pagpalit ng tiket; 
23 
(c) Panuntunan sa hindi pagdating sa tamang oras; at 
24 
(d) Iba pang importanteng impormasyon ukol sa ticket. " 
25 
SEC. 15. Advertisements. - Advertisements of fares shall be clear, truthful, and not 
26 
misleading and shall capacitate the passenger to make an informed purchase or 
27 
availment of the airline ticket such that the passenger fully understands the 
28 
consequences of purchasing such ticket. 
29 
The advertisement of the promotional fares shall be made only after the same 
30 
has been approved by the CAB 
31 


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The following disclosures are required to be part of the airline advertisement in 
1 
print medium which shall occupy not less than thirty percent (30%) of the advertising 
2 
material: 
3 
(a) Conditions and restrictions attached to the fare type; 
4 
(b) Refund and rebooking policies; 
5 
(c) Government taxes and fuel surcharges; 
6 
(d) Other fees and charges; 
7 
(e) Contact details of the carrier which include phone numbers, websites, 
8 
emails and online accounts; 
9 
(f) Other information that is necessary to apprise the passenger of the 
10 
conditions and full price of the ticket which may include incorporation by reference 
11 
of websites and other available information portal or office where the passenger 
12 
can read or ask the full terms and conditions of the fare and the air passenger bill 
13 
of rights; and 
14 
(g) In case of promotional fares, the number of seats offered on a per sector 
15 
basis, the CAB permit or approval number and the duration of the promo. 
16 
B. RIGHT TO FAIR AND REASONABLE FARE AND TO THE FULL 
17 
VALUE OF THE SERVICE PURCHASED 
18 
SEC. 16. Right to Receive the Full Value of the Service Purchased. — A 
19 
passenger shall have the right to fair and reasonable fare and to receive the full value 
20 
of the services that they purchased. An air carrier shall not deny nor diminish any 
21 
service that an air passenger has paid for. However, an air carrier may upgrade its 
22 
services in favor of a passenger free of charge, subject to the consent of the 
23 
passenger. 
24 
This right includes the convenience on the part of the passenger during the 
25 
flight. 
26 
SEC. 17. Right to Mandatory Fare Discount. - Qualified senior citizens, PWDs, and 
27 
students are entitled to a twenty percent (20%) discount on all regular fares. 
28 
To avail of the discount, the persons concerned are required to show competent 
29 
proof that they are senior citizens, PWDs or students. Competent proof includes 
30 
government-issued identification cards or school identification cards. 
31 
To avail of the discount, a student, at the time of the purchase of the airline 
32 
ticket, must be enrolled in preschool, elementary, secondary or collegiate school or 
33 
institution, whether academic, vocational or technical, duly recognized by the 
34 


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government. For the purpose of this Act, it does not include those taking up post-
1 
graduate courses like medicine, law and masteral and doctoral degrees as well as 
2 
short-term courses and seminars and classes like dancing, singing and driving 
3 
lessons. 
4 
Qualified senior citizens, PWDs and students are likewise exempt from the 
5 
payment of the value-added tax. 
6 
Where the air carrier offers promotional fares, the fare that is more beneficial 
7 
between the discounted fare and the promotional fare shall be given to the passenger. 
8 
For purposes of taxation, the discounts herein imposed shall be allowed as 
9 
deduction on the gross income of the air carrier. 
10 
SEC. 18. Right to Refund. — Every passenger holding a refundable airline ticket shall 
11 
have the right to the refund of fares. This includes the refund of other fees such as 
12 
checked baggage fees and other optional service fees such as insurance, and seat 
13 
selector fee, if any. 
14 
SEC. 19. Right to Cancel a Flight. - If the passenger cancels the confirmed flight 
15 
more than twenty-four (24) hours before the ETD, the passenger shall be reimbursed 
16 
seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost of the ticket less charges for ancillary services, 
17 
and the remaining twenty-five percent (25%) shall be retained as the cancellation fee. 
18 
There shall be full reimbursement of such charges for ancillary services not availed of 
19 
including, but not limited to, baggage fees and terminal fees. 
20 
If the passenger cancels the confirmed flight twenty-four (24) hours or less 
21 
before the ETD, or does not show up altogether, the ticket shall be considered flown; 
22 
there shall be full reimbursement of the charges for ancillary services not availed of 
23 
including, but not limited to, baggage fees and terminal fees. 
24 
SEC. 20. Right to Rebook a Flight. — Every passenger who was fully and truthfully 
25 
informed that the ticket purchased is rebookable shall have the right to rebook the 
26 
flight in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the rebooking policy. 
27 
SEC. 21. Right to be Processed for Check-in. - A passenger holding a confirmed 
28 
ticket, whether under a promotional or regular scheme, with complete documentary 
29 
requirements, and who has complied with the air carrier's check-in procedures, shall 
30 
be processed accordingly at the check-in counter within the check-in deadline. For this 
31 
purpose, the CAB shall, consistent with global aviation practice, provide a uniform 
32 
schedule of the opening of check-in counters and check-in deadline for both local and 
33 
international flights giving the passenger enough time to be processed for check-in. 
34 
The air carrier shall, therefore, and subject to infrastructure limitations, clearly 
35 
designate the boundaries of its assigned check-in areas or counters in a manner 
36 
convenient to the passengers. 
37 


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The air carrier shall ensure that all its passengers for a particular flight, including 
1 
those who are in queue prior to the check-in deadline have already checked-in before 
2 
accepting passengers from previously delayed or cancelled flights, and chance 
3 
passengers, in that order, when there are still seats available. 
4 
SEC. 22. Right to Board Aircraft for the Purpose of Flight. - Except when the 
5 
passenger is at fault, or due to legal or valid causes such as immigration issues, safety, 
6 
security, and health concerns when there is a legal or other valid cause, a passenger 
7 
who has checked-in for a particular flight has the right to board the aircraft for the 
8 
purpose of flight. A passenger shall be considered at fault if such passenger is acting 
9 
in violation of a law or the contract of air carriage affecting the safety and security of 
10 
another passenger or crew during the voyage. 
11 
C. RIGHT AGAINST ANY ACT OF DISCRIMINATION AND VEXATION 
12 
SEC. 23. Right to Equal Protection. — Every passenger is entitled to all the rights 
13 
set forth in this Act and in all aspects of the contract of carriage regardless of race, 
14 
sex, gender, education, income, social status, language, physical characteristics, 
15 
mental characteristics, sensory impairments, age, religion, marital status, political 
16 
belief, and other circumstances. No air carrier shall deny a passenger from enjoying 
17 
the rights set forth in this Act because of criminal or summary convictions, or a 
18 
previous grievance against the air carrier. 
19 
SEC. 24. Right to be Respected. — Air passengers shall have the right to be 
20 
respected at all times by the air carrier. Airline employees and crews shall serve 
21 
passengers with utmost courtesy and respect. 
22 
D. RIGHT TO SAFETY 
23 
SEC. 25. Access to Emergency Measures, Medical Assistance, Safety Devices 
24 
and Essential Services. — A passenger has a right to have access to and to use 
25 
emergency and safety devices, medical assistance, and proper application of first aid 
26 
procedures during emergency situations or when the passenger's health requires it. 
27 
Air carriers shall train flight personnel and crews in handling and responding to 
28 
emergency situations and shall provide at least one (1) flight crew who is certified to 
29 
be trained in the application of first aid procedures. An air carrier shall always inform 
30 
its passengers of emergency measures in cases of evacuation before the start or 
31 
during the first hour of the flight. 
32 
A passenger has a right to disembark from an aircraft when in the passenger's 
33 
determination, continuing the journey or being onboard the aircraft constitutes a risk 
34 
to health. The air carrier shall consult with the passenger who wishes to disembark 
35 
and determine whether it is to the best interest of the passenger to deplane. 
36 


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A passenger shall have access to essential services such as adequate food 
1 
and potable water, clean and safe lavatory facilities, and cabin ventilation and 
2 
comfortable cabin temperatures. 
3 
E. RIGHT TO REDRESS AND COMPENSATION 
4 
SEC. 26. Right to Bring Action, Satisfaction or Relief of a Wrong or Injury. — 
5 
Every passenger has a right, without fear of retribution, to take action against the air 
6 
carrier for any wrong or injury caused to the passenger by reason of the contract of 
7 
carriage under this Act and applicable treaties or conventions. 
8 
SEC. 27. Right to Immediate Payment of Compensation. — A passenger shall have 
9 
the right to be compensated, promptly and expeditiously, in case of flight delay or 
10 
cancellation, death or injury upon his/her person, and loss or deterioration to one's 
11 
baggage and property, as the case may be. Compensation under this Act does not 
12 
preclude the passengers to seek redress in a court for damage caused by any violation 
13 
of the rights of the passenger as provided for by this Act or any other laws or treaties 
14 
concerning air transportation. 
15 
An air carrier liable for any of the required compensations provided under this 
16 
Act shall make the same available to the affected passenger at the air carrier's 
17 
counters at the airport on the date when the occasion entitling the passenger to 
18 
compensation occurred, or at the main office or any branch of the air carrier at the 
19 
discretion of the passenger. The air carrier shall tender a check or cash for the amount 
20 
specified, or the document necessary for claiming the compensation herein stated. 
21 
If not paid within the prescribed period, the compensation granted in this 
22 
chapter shall earn an interest computed at the current legal rate until full payment 
23 
reckoned from the time of the expiration of the said period, unless the non-payment is 
24 
prevented by a legal cause. 
25 
SEC. 28. Rights of a Passenger for Delayed Flights. — Every passenger has the 
26 
right to be compensated for flights not flown within a reasonable time from ETD. The 
27 
provisions of this section shall be the minimum entitlement of a passenger in case of 
28 
delay and shall not prohibit the air carrier from granting more favorable conditions or 
29 
recourses, as it may deem appropriate. 
30 
(a) Terminal Delay 
31 
In case the flight is delayed for at least two (2) hours after the ETD, 
32 
whether or not such is attributable to the carrier, a passenger shall have the 
33 
right to: 
34 
(1) Be notified via public announcement of the reason for the delay and 
35 
the ETD as soon as this information is available; 
36 


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(2) Be provided a minimum level of care immediately, on the spot at 
1 
terminals/stations while waiting for the beginning or the continuation of the 
2 
delayed journey; 
3 
(3) Be offered free of charge: (i) sufficient meals and refreshments in a 
4 
reasonable relation to the waiting time; (ii) free phone calls, text messaging, fax, 
5 
emails, or other means of communications; (iii) free internet access; and (iv) 
6 
first aid, if necessary. In applying this section, the operating air carrier shall pay 
7 
particular attention to the needs of persons with reduced mobility and any 
8 
person accompanying them, as well as to the needs of unaccompanied 
9 
children; and 
10 
(4) Declare that he/she is cancelling his/her reservation and ask for 
11 
refund or rebooking in accordance with Sections 18 and 20 hereof; or ask for 
12 
endorsement to another carrier. 
13 
In case the flight is delayed for at least three (3) hours after ETD for 
14 
causes attributable to the carrier, the flight shall be deemed cancelled and the 
15 
affected passenger shall be entitled to the remedies provided under Section 
16 
29(a). 
17 
(b) Tarmac Delay 
18 
Every passenger shall likewise have the right to adequate food and 
19 
beverage in cases of tarmac delay of at least two (2) hours after ETD, reckoned 
20 
from the closing of the aircraft doors or when the aircraft is still at the gate with 
21 
the doors still open but passengers are not allowed to deplane. In case the 
22 
delay exceeds three (3) hours, the passenger may request disembarkation. 
23 
(c) Arrival Delay 
24 
In case there is a delay in the aircraft's arrival at the airport of destination 
25 
for at least one (1) hour, the air carrier shall give the affected passengers free 
26 
food and beverages. 
27 
If the said delay is due to the air carrier's negligence, it shall be liable to 
28 
pay damages to the air passenger amounting to ten thousand pesos 
29 
(P10,000.00) or the actual damages suffered, whichever is higher. 
30 
In the case of a multi-sector journey where the air carrier is at fault, in 
31 
addition to the rights and entitlements stated under this section, a passenger 
32 
shall be entitled to an additional compensation at a rate which is equivalent to 
33 
at least the value of the sector cancelled by reason of the delay: Provided, That, 
34 
in case of connecting flights with other carrier, the passenger has allotted 
35 
sufficient connecting time of at least three (3) hours for international flights and 
36 
two (2) hours for domestic flights: Provided, further, That the passenger shall 
37 


- 13-  
 
not be entitled to the compensation of the value of the sector deemed cancelled, 
1 
if the passenger is endorsed to another carrier and the passenger is able to 
2 
complete his/her journey. 
3 
SEC. 29. Rights of a Passenger for Cancelled Flights or Flights Deemed 
4 
Cancelled. — A passenger as a right to compensation in cases of flight cancellation 
5 
subject to the following rules: 
6 
(a) If a flight is cancelled due to a cause attributable to air carrier, a passenger 
7 
shall have the right to: 
8 
(1) 
Be notified beforehand or as soon as possible of the situation via public 
9 
announcement, written/published notice and flight status update service either through 
10 
text or electronic mail; 
11 
(2) 
Be provided a minimum level of care immediately, on the spot at 
12 
terminals/stations; 
13 
(3) 
Be offered free of charge:  
14 
(i)  
Sufficient meals and refreshments in a reasonable relation to the 
15 
waiting time; 
16 
(ii)  
Hotel accommodation near the airport in cases where a stay of 
17 
one or more nights becomes necessary, or where a stay additional to that 
18 
intended by the passenger becomes necessary; and 
19 
(iii) Transportation service between the airport and place of 
20 
accommodation. In addition, passengers shall be offered free phone calls, text 
21 
messaging, fax, emails, or other means of communications, free internet 
22 
access, and first aid, if necessary. In applying this provision, the air carrier shall 
23 
pay particular attention to the needs of persons with reduced mobility and any 
24 
person accompanying them, as well as to the needs of unaccompanied 
25 
children;  
26 
(4) 
Subject to the provisions of Sections 10 and 19 hereof, be reimbursed 
27 
within five (5) days, either by cash, by electronic bank transfer, bank orders or 
28 
bank cheques or with the signed agreement of the passenger, in travel 
29 
vouchers and/or other services of the full cost of the ticket at the price at which 
30 
it was bought, for the part or parts of the journey not made and for the part or 
31 
parts already made if the flight is no longer serving any purpose in relation to 
32 
the passenger's original travel plan, together with, when relevant, a return flight 
33 
to the first point of departure, at the earliest opportunity. 
34 


- 14-  
 
If payment is made through credit card, the reimbursement should be credited 
1 
back to the payor's credit card account within seven (7) days without additional 
2 
cost to the passenger. 
3 
(5) 
Be endorsed to another air carrier without paying any fare difference, at 
4 
the option of the passenger, and provided that space and other circumstances 
5 
permit such re-accommodation; or 
6 
(6) 
Rebook the ticket without any additional charge. 
7 
In the case of multi-sector journey, in addition to the rights and entitlements 
8 
stated under this section, a passenger shall be entitled to an additional compensation 
9 
at a rate which is equivalent to at least the value of the sector cancelled by reason of 
10 
the cancellation. 
11 
(b) In case the carrier cancels the flight because of force majeure, safety, and/or 
12 
security reasons as certified by the CAAP, a passenger shall have the right to: 
13 
(1)  
Rebook the trip to another trip in the future, subject to the payment of 
14 
the fare difference, if any; 
15 
(2)  
Reimbursement of the value of the fare; 
16 
(3)  
Endorsement to another airline, at the option of the passenger. 
17 
This provision shall be the minimum entitlement of a passenger in case of 
18 
cancellation and shall not prohibit the air carrier from granting more favorable 
19 
conditions or recourses as it may deem appropriate. 
20 
SEC. 30. Rights of Passengers Denied Boarding. — A passenger who has 
21 
checked-in for a particular flight cannot be denied from boarding the aircraft except for 
22 
legal or other valid causes such as immigration issues, safety, security, and health 
23 
concerns. 
24 
In a case where a passenger is denied boarding because the number of 
25 
volunteers is not due to overbooking, government requisition of space, downgrading 
26 
of an aircraft or legal orders, the flight in respect to the affected passenger shall be 
27 
deemed cancelled and the compensation shall be governed by the following rules: 
28 
(a)  
If the denial of boarding the aircraft is by reason of overbooking, aircraft 
29 
downgrading, the passenger concerned shall be compensated in accordance with the 
30 
provisions of Section 29(a) hereof; 
31 
(b)  
If the denial of boarding the aircraft is for some legal or justifiable reason 
32 
relating to the security or safety of other passengers or applicable regulations as 
33 
sanctioned by the CAAP or legal order of other authorities, the passenger concerned 
34 


- 15-  
 
shall be entitled to refund, rebooking or endorsement to another carrier subject to 
1 
payment of fare difference or any administrative charges when applicable; 
2 
(c)  
If the denial of boarding the aircraft is due to government requisition of 
3 
space, the affected passenger shall be compensated and shall be entitled to the 
4 
remedies in the preceding paragraph with the cost chargeable against the air carrier 
5 
subject to reimbursement by the requesting agency if allowed; and 
6 
(d)  
In the case where a passenger is denied boarding for acting in violation 
7 
of law or the contract of air carriage affecting the safety and security of another 
8 
passenger or crew during the voyage, such passenger shall not be entitled to any relief 
9 
provided under this Act. 
10 
Provided, That no passenger shall be denied boarding for two (2) consecutive 
11 
times on the same day, except when public safety, order, health or moral requires: 
12 
Provided, further, That PWDs, persons with special needs, senior citizens, pregnant 
13 
women and unaccompanied children shall be given preference against denied 
14 
boarding. 
15 
SEC. 31. Filling-up of Empty Seats. — Vacant seats due to cancellations by the 
16 
passenger and no shows shall be offered by the air carrier, first to the passengers of 
17 
delayed or cancelled flights of the same air carrier or of another carrier, through 
18 
endorsement between the two (2) air carriers. If there are still empty seats remaining, 
19 
it shall then be offered to the chance passengers. 
20 
SEC. 32. Loss, Damage, and Delay of Baggage. — Every passenger has a right to 
21 
compensation for any loss, damage, or delay of baggage attributable to the fault of the 
22 
air carrier. Compensation for loss of baggage shall be in the following amounts: 
23 
(i) 
For international flights, twenty dollars (USD20) per kilo for checked-in 
24 
baggage and four hundred dollars (USD400) for hand-carried baggage. 
25 
(ii) 
For domestic flights, the equivalent amount in pesos shall apply. 
26 
A passenger's baggage is presumed lost if, within a period of seven (7) days 
27 
counted from the time the passenger or consignee should have received the same, 
28 
the baggage is not delivered to said passenger or consignee. 
29 
Once the baggage is declared to be permanently lost in case of domestic flights, 
30 
the provisions set in the contract of carriage shall apply in the valuation of lost 
31 
belongings. In case of international flights, the limits set by the Warsaw Convention or 
32 
the Montreal Convention, whichever is applicable, shall apply. 
33 
In case a checked-in baggage has been off-loaded for operational, safety, or 
34 
security reasons, the air carrier shall inform the passenger at the soonest practicable 
35 
time and in such manner that the passenger shall readily know of the off-loading that 
36 


- 16-  
 
his/her baggage has been off-loaded and the reason thereof. If the passenger's 
1 
baggage has been off-loaded, the air carrier shall make the appropriate report and 
2 
give the passenger a copy thereof, even if it announced that the baggage shall be on 
3 
the next flight. 
4 
The air carrier shall carry the off-loaded baggage in the next flight with available 
5 
space, deliver the same to the passenger either personally or at his/her residence and 
6 
tender an amount of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) for every two (2) days of late 
7 
delivery, as compensation for the inconvenience. The passenger shall also have a 
8 
right to the refund of the checked baggage fees if the baggage was not delivered to 
9 
the passenger within twenty-four (24) hours from the arrival of flight. 
10 
Air carriers are liable for provable consequential damages up to the amount of 
11 
their liability limit in connection with the loss and delay in the delivery of baggage, in 
12 
accordance with the limits set by the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention, 
13 
whichever is applicable. 
14 
Damaged baggage shall be compensated at one hundred pesos (P100.00) per 
15 
kilogram if it is in a domestic flight unless the passenger has declared a higher 
16 
valuation of the baggage at check-in time. For international flights, item (i) under this 
17 
paragraph shall apply. 
18 
SEC. 33. Compensation for Death and Bodily Injuries. — 
19 
(a) 
In the case of international flights, the rules of the relevant convention 
20 
shall apply as to compensation for death or bodily injuries sustained by a passenger 
21 
in the contract of carriage. 
22 
(b) 
For domestic flights, the passenger shall be entitled to the compensation 
23 
subject to the provisions of the contract of carriage or the compensation as provided 
24 
in the provisions of the relevant convention, in its Philippine currency equivalent, 
25 
whichever is higher. 
26 
SEC. 34. Compensation for Violation of Airline Passenger Rights. — In case the 
27 
air carrier violates the rights of air passengers, the former shall pay the latter damages 
28 
amounting to at least fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), exclusive of other damages 
29 
or injury the air passenger has suffered. 
30 
CHAPTER IV 
31 
RIGHTS, DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE AIR CARRIERS 
32 
SEC. 35. Prevention of Harm to Passengers and Maintenance of Aircrafts. — An 
33 
air carrier shall event harm and hazard to passengers by ensuring that it follows all 
34 
regulations on tr airworthiness of the aircraft, complies with rules on hazardous 
35 


- 17-  
 
materials, protects the passengers from unreasonable harm, and actively responds to 
1 
harm caused by the aircraft structure, materials, and chemicals. 
2 
SEC. 36. Designation of an "All-Flight" or "Per Route" Counters. — Air carriers 
3 
may operate all-flight counters which will serve passengers without regard to 
4 
destination. As far as practicable, the air carrier shall, in addition to all-flight counters, 
5 
open a separate counter dedicated for a flight nearing check-in deadline to facilitate 
6 
the checking-in of passengers at least an hour before the published ETD. 
7 
SEC. 37. Special Accommodation of PWDs, Persons with Special Needs, Senior 
8 
Citizens, Pregnant Women and Unaccompanied Children. — To ensure the full 
9 
enjoyment of the rights enumerated under this Act, the provisions of the following laws 
10 
and their implementing rules and regulations, whenever applicable, shall form part of 
11 
this Act as far as the passengers in this section are concerned: 
12 
(a)   
Republic Act No. 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons as 
13 
amended by Republic Act No. 9442 and its implementing rules and regulations; 
14 
(b)   
Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 or the Accessibility Law; 
15 
(c)   
Republic Act No. 7432 as amended by Republic Act No. 9257 and 
16 
Republic Act No. 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and its 
17 
implementing rules and regulations. 
18 
The contract of air carriage shall clearly enumerate the necessary terms and 
19 
conditions affecting the rights of PWDs, senior citizens, persons with special needs, 
20 
pregnant women and unaccompanied children. 
21 
Air carriers and its agents, in coordination with the agencies charged with 
22 
protecting the rights and welfare of the abovementioned passengers, shall implement 
23 
a system allowing this group of persons enough and convenient opportunity to comply 
24 
with aviation requirements and their special needs, facilities and assistance by reason 
25 
of their individual circumstances throughout the flight. 
26 
For this purpose, air carriers shall designate at least one (1) check-in counter 
27 
dedicated to persons with disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, persons with special 
28 
needs, pregnant women, and unaccompanied children between seven (7) and twelve 
29 
(12) years old. 
30 
SEC. 38. Responsibility of the Air Carrier When the Number of Passengers is 
31 
Beyond the Capacity of the Aircraft. — If a certain flight has more ticketed 
32 
passengers than the allowed capacity of the aircraft by reason of overbooking, 
33 
government requisition of space, as well as the downgrading of the aircraft for safety 
34 
or unforeseen operational reasons as certified by the CAAP, the air carrier shall 
35 
perform the following: 
36 


- 18-  
 
(a)  
Determine the number of passengers in excess of the actual seat 
1 
capacity of the aircraft; 
2 
(b)  
Announce that the flight is overbooked, and that it is looking for 
3 
volunteers willing to give up their seats in exchange for air carrier compensation; 
4 
(c)  
Provide the interested passengers or volunteers a list of amenities and 
5 
offers from which they can choose, which shall always include priority booking in the 
6 
next available flight and/or cash incentive; and 
7 
(d)  
In cases the number of volunteers is not enough, the air carrier shall 
8 
increase the compensation package by a certain degree by adding more 
9 
amenities/services until the required number of volunteers is met. 
10 
No flight shall be delayed pursuant to the settlement of the air carrier's 
11 
obligation under this section. 
12 
SEC. 39. Duty of the Carrier in the Event of Flight Deviation. — Flight deviation 
13 
happens when there is a change in the airport of origin or destination. If such is the 
14 
case, an air carrier shall provide the necessary transportation to ferry a passenger 
15 
from the originally-designated airport of departure to the actual airport of departure or 
16 
from the airport of actual destination to the airport of the originally-designated 
17 
destination, as the case may be. 
18 
If, by reason of the deviation, a certain right of a passenger has been violated, 
19 
the applicable provisions of this Act shall govern the availment and grant of remedies 
20 
and compensation. 
21 
SEC. 40. Provision of Assistance Desk. — Air carriers shall provide Customer 
22 
Service Representatives (CSR) who can address common problems on the spot, 
23 
which include arranging for meals, hotel rooms and accommodation for stranded 
24 
passengers, write checks for denied boarding compensation, arrange luggage 
25 
resolutions, and settle other routine claims or complaints. 
26 
In addition, the CAB shall provide Complaints and Assistance Desks manned 
27 
by CAB or CAB-deputized personnel in all airports who shall assist passengers, whose 
28 
rights have been violated, including the filing of the complaint. 
29 
SEC. 41. Remedies of the Passengers. — Every passenger whose right provided in 
30 
this Act is violated shall have the following remedies: 
31 
(a)  
Go to the CSR of the air carrier at their designated counter. Ask for two 
32 
(2) copies of the report form and write the nature of the complaint. 
33 
(b)  
Submit the forms to the CSR and get acknowledgment receipt. Give one 
34 
(1) copy to the CSR for processing. 
35 


- 19-  
 
(c)  
Give the other copy at the Complaints and Assistance Desk (CAD) of 
1 
CAB or CAB-deputized personnel at the airport and attach the report form from the air 
2 
carrier on the report form from the CAB. 
3 
(d)  
Get acknowledgment receipt of complaint from the CAB. 
4 
(e)  
Get resolution slip from the air carrier's CSR and attach it on the CAB 
5 
report form and submit it to the CAB-CAD.  
6 
(f)  
If case is not resolved, go to the CAB-CAD and report such incident 
7 
together with documents, and other evidence, to support the claim. 
8 
SEC. 42. Operational Spare. — An air carrier shall, in adopting its flight schedules, 
9 
exert all efforts to manage the disposition of its aircraft in such a way as to be able to 
10 
reallocate aircraft to take the place of another aircraft in case the latter cannot carry 
11 
the passengers due to operational requirement, aircraft maintenance, and other 
12 
similar situations. 
13 
SEC. 43. Immediate Reporting of Off-loaded Checked Baggage. — In case a 
14 
checked baggage has been off-loaded for operational, safety, or security reasons, the 
15 
air carrier shall inform the concerned passenger, at the soonest practicable time and 
16 
in such manner that the passenger shall readily know of such off-loading and the 
17 
reason thereof. If the passenger's baggage has been off-loaded, the air carrier shall 
18 
make the appropriate report and give the passenger a copy thereof, even if it 
19 
announced that the baggage shall be on the next flight. 
20 
CHAPTER V 
21 
OBLIGATION OF THE CAAP, CAB AND AIRPORT OPERATORS 
22 
SEC. 44. Availability of Check-in Counters. — The CAAP, airport authorities or 
23 
airport operators, as the case may be, shall provide adequate number of check-in 
24 
counters for every air carrier operating in a particular airport. 
25 
They shall ensure that the number of check-in counters of an air carrier in a 
26 
particular airport shall be proportionate to the volume of passengers who are checking-
27 
in for a particular flight. In no case shall the queue exceed twenty (20) persons per 
28 
check-in counter. 
29 
SEC. 45. Assignment of Technical Personnel in Airports. — The CAAP shall 
30 
ensure that every commercial airport is manned by technical personnel capable of 
31 
verifying and certifying reports of technical or infrastructure problems or other reasons 
32 
leading to delays and cancellations. The technical personnel concerned shall submit 
33 
a periodic report of all delays and cancellations and the corresponding reasons thereof 
34 
to the CAAP Central Office. 
35 


- 20-  
 
SEC. 46. Complaints Desk. — The CAB shall provide the necessary personnel to 
1 
cater the unresolved complaints of passenger in every commercial airport. It shall be 
2 
the duty of the assigned personnel to report all complaints to the CAB at the earliest 
3 
time possible, taking into account the nature of the relief sought by the passenger. 
4 
CHAPTER VI 
5 
REMEDIES AND GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES 
6 
SEC. 47. Amicable Settlement. — A passenger and air carrier shall exhaust all efforts 
7 
toward settling dispute amicably in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Act. 
8 
If no amicable settlement is reached, the government, through the CAB, may take 
9 
cognizance of the case. 
10 
CHAPTER VII 
11 
PENAL PROVISIONS 
12 
SEC. 48. Penalties. — Any violation of this Act shall be penalized in accordance with 
13 
the pertinent provisions of Republic Act no. 776 or the Philippines, Republic Act No. 
14 
9442, Batas Pambansa Bilang 344 and Republic Act No. 9994, as the case may be. 
15 
Failure on the part of the air carrier to comply with any of the obligations stated 
16 
in this Act, upon the order of the CAB shall, after due hearing, be a ground for 
17 
suspension of its franchise or license to operate. 
18 
Grave and repetitive violations after the lifting of the suspension of its franchise 
19 
or license to operate shall be a ground for revocation of such franchise or license to 
20 
operate. 
21 
SEC. 49. Review of Penalties. — The CAB, in coordination and consultation with the 
22 
DOTr, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and CAAP shall, after three (3) years 
23 
from the effectivity of this Act and every three (3) years thereafter, review the 
24 
applicability and enforcement of all foregoing pecuniary penalties and initiate actions 
25 
for amending or upgrading the same as may be necessary in accordance with law. 
26 
CHAPTER VIII 
27 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
28 
SEC. 50. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). — Within sixty (60) days from 
29 
the effectivity of this Act, the CAB shall, in coordination with the DOTr, DTI and CAAP, 
30 
and after consultation with accredited passenger organizations, air carriers and other 
31 
directly affected stakeholders, promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to 
32 
effectively implement the provisions of this Act. 
33 


- 21-  
 
SEC. 51. Congressional Oversight Committee. — A Congressional Oversight 
1 
Committee for Air Passenger Rights is hereby constituted in accordance with the 
2 
provisions of this Act. The committee shall be composed of the Chairman of the 
3 
Senate Committee on Public Services and the Chairman of the House Committee on 
4 
Transportation and four (4) additional members from each House to be designated by 
5 
the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, respectively. 
6 
The Committee shall, in aid of legislation: 
7 
(a)  
Monitor and ensure the proper implementation of this Act; 
8 
(b)  
Review the collection performance of the Authority; and 
9 
(c)  
Review the proper implementation of the programs of the Authority and 
10 
the use of its collected fund. 
11 
In furtherance of these objectives, the Committee is empowered to require the 
12 
DOTr, DTI, CAAP and CAB, to submit all pertinent information, including complaints 
13 
filed by the passengers and the complaints resolved by the air carriers and the CAB. 
14 
The Committee shall be in existence for a period of five (5) years, and 
15 
thereafter, its oversight functions shall be exercised by the Senate Committee on 
16 
Public Services and the House Committee on Transportation acting separately. 
17 
SEC. 52. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Transportation and Communications 
18 
shall immediately include in the Department's program the needed operational 
19 
requirement in upholding the enumerated rights in this Act, the initial funding of which 
20 
shall be charged against the current appropriations for the CAB. Thereafter, such 
21 
sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be 
22 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
23 
SEC. 53. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared 
24 
unconstitutional or invalid, such parts or portions not affected thereby shall remain in 
25 
full force and effect. 
26 
SEC. 54. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, 
27 
issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of 
28 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
29 
SEC. 55. Effectivity. - Notwithstanding the non-issuance of the IRR, this Act shall 
30 
take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a 
31 
newspaper of general circulation. 
32 
Approved,