Two tourism insurance clauses have just been issued to cover compensation for flight delays, the first of their kind in China. Passengers can receive 300 to 1,800 yuan in compensation. 

Two tourism insurance clauses have just been issued to cover compensation for flight delays, the first of their kind in China.

Passengers who are delayed for more than six hours because of bad weather, mechanical problems, strikes or hijacking can receive 300 to 1,800 yuan (US$36 to 210) in compensation for every six hours delayed.

Delays caused by faults in flight schedules and services are not covered in the insurance clauses.

One of the clauses, insurance for possessions carried by passengers, only covers international flights. The other one, insurance for business travelers, targets both domestic and international flights by corporations only, not for individuals.

Air passengers have to buy these two types of insurance for protecting themselves. Also, to receive compensation, a paper from the airline verifying the delay is required.

(CRI.com September 20, 2004)