On November 6, Mr. Saranya Benjanirat, Deputy Director of the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) for Economic Aviation Development, announced collaborative efforts to handle the anticipated surge in air travel during the New Year period, particularly from December 28-29, 2024, and January 1-2, 2025. CAAT has engaged in discussions with Thai airlines, the Airport Authority of Thailand (AOT), and the Department of Airports (DOA) to ensure adequate seat availability. Airlines will review aircraft allocation, routes, seating capacity, and schedules to meet demand.

CAAT has directed AOT and DOA to prepare additional staff to manage passenger traffic. DOA is also set to extend operating hours at six provincial airports during peak travel times to prevent passenger congestion. These airports include Ubon Ratchathani, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Trang.

Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead during the high season, booking tickets 2-3 months in advance for potential savings of 30-50% and for better access to promotional fares. CAAT also advises checking the domestic fare cap, available on its website, and allocating extra time for security checks and check-in due to the increased number of travelers.

Direct bookings with airlines, whether through websites or ticket counters, are recommended to avoid unregulated price markups. Passengers should stay informed about flight schedules and potential disruptions, such as weather or air traffic issues, to manage delays and rebooking options more effectively.

To ensure travel rights, CAAT outlines compensation policies for flight delays attributable to airlines. For delays over two hours, passengers are entitled to food and beverages; over three hours, airlines must provide accommodation for overnight delays; and over five hours, passengers can request a full refund or a no-cost flight change to the same destination.

Lastly, Mr. Saranya reminds travelers to review airline policies and retain travel documents as evidence for claims if needed. Being informed about travel rights and prepared with documentation can contribute to a smoother journey, even in unforeseen circumstances.