Denied Boarding by Hainan Airlines? Know Your Rights and What to Do Next
If you were denied boarding by Hainan Airlines (or another airline), it may have been overbooking on the airline’s part or an issue at the gate. Either way, you have rights as an airline passenger. Here, you will find some hopefully helpful information and steps to take if you are denied boarding on a Hainan Airlines flight.
Why Would Hainan Airlines Deny My Boarding?
Even if you show up on time with a paid ticket and your proper documents in-hand, you could still be denied boarding the flight. Most often when this happens, it’s because an airline overbooked your flight. Airlines risk this occasional inconvenience because empty seats mean lost profit; overbooking helps keep ticket prices low.
There are a few other reasons you might have been denied boarding:
Issues with your travel documents
Expired passport
Missing visa
Health and/or safety concerns
Late airport arrival
Unforeseen delays with customs or security
If the boarding issue wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to some sort of compensation in reparation.
Your Rights as a Passenger
Compensation entitlement depends on the other locations on your flight itinerary:
Within China: Chinese aviation laws don’t guarantee compensation. However, Hainan Airlines often do offer rebooking, upgrades, or travel vouchers as a goodwill gesture to its customers.
Flying to or from the European Union: If flying to or out of the EU, you may qualify for cash compensation under EU Regulation 261/2004; this can be up to €600.
Departing from the United States: U.S. Department of Transportation rules say you may be owed cash compensation. This can be as much as 400% of your one-way fare when denied boarding beyond your control.
What to Do if You're Denied Boarding
No matter what, here are the steps you should take if denied boarding:
Ask for written proof stating why you were denied boarding.
This will be valuable if you decide to file a complaint later.
Get rebooked on the next available or most convenient flight out for you.
For comfort, ask about compensation or travel perks like meal vouchers or hotel stays.
Claiming Airline Boarding Denial Compensation
Start by submitting a complaint through the Hainan Airlines customer service live support portal. Have all your flight details ready to recite and explain what happened.
If the issue isn’t resolved easily, you can submit your claim to a consumer protection agency like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). There are also many third-party services that specialize in delivering consumers’ deserved airline compensation.
Avoid Boarding Denial in the Future
To reduce your chances of being denied boarding:
Check in early
Online check-in
Online check-in is unavailable for passengers travelling with infants, and other passengers requiring special services.
Checking in same-day at the airport
If you can’t check in online, it is advised to arrive at the airport at least 1 hour earlier than you previously planned. You will need additional time to verify your identity, possibly pay additional charges for checking in, and other possible delays.
Arrive at your gate at least one hour before departure
Avoid booking layovers that last less than 3 hours
Join Fortune Wings Club, Hainan’s frequent flyer program
This can give you priority and other helpful perks in overbooking situations.
Before You Go
You may be stuck at the gate watching your plane take off without you. When denied boarding, you do have options with Hainan Airlines. Know your rights and regulations to reference, keep a record of everything, and don’t hesitate to speak up. A little preparation can go a long way toward getting you back in the air or getting the compensation you deserve; following the steps in this article will be a great start! Good luck.