By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
Every summer is typhoon season, which frequently disrupts travelers' overseas plans. Not only can booked flights fail to take off, but local accommodations may also be impacted. Below are six methods to protect your own interests when facing a typhoon.
Sometimes flights are delayed due to weather, mechanical issues, scheduling, etc. (Image/stocksnap)
1. Confirm hotel cancellation policies in advance
If a flight is confirmed to be canceled or postponed due to a typhoon, whether you cancel your trip or postpone it, your accommodation arrangements will be affected. Therefore, it’s best to understand in advance when booking whether the accommodation provider offers free cancellation or any options for check-out or postponement.
2. How to get refunds from travel agencies for canceled or delayed flights
Whether a group tour can proceed as planned during a typhoon depends entirely on whether the flight operates. Usually, travel agencies prefer to postpone the original group’s departure time and travel together later. If the flight is canceled or postponed, there are two refund scenarios.
The first is that if an unavoidable factor prevents the group from departing as scheduled, and you wish to cancel the subsequent dates or itinerary arrangements with the travel agency, you can request a refund. However, the refund will deduct non-refundable fees such as hotel and flight cancellation procedures and visa fees.
The second is that if you can cooperate with the travel agency to postpone the departure date and accept some changes to the itinerary, the travel agency will refund the reduced amount related to the shortened duration and itinerary adjustments.
Two refund scenarios from travel agencies when encountering a typhoon (Image/Unsplash)
3. How to get refunds from travel agencies if the flight departs as scheduled
If a typhoon is approaching but the flight still departs as scheduled, and you wish to cancel, there are several refund scenarios.
The first is that if you can provide proof that you couldn’t reach the airport due to the typhoon—such as severe flooding near your home, train delays, or transportation disruptions preventing you from catching the flight—these proofs of unavoidable circumstances, as long as you contact the travel agency in advance and subsequently submit the relevant evidence, can allow you to apply for a refund. However, the travel agency may charge a handling fee.
The second is that if you cannot provide relevant proof, you must follow the terms of the standard contract, and cancellations on the day of departure will not result in a refund.
Providing proof of being unable to reach the airport due to a typhoon for a refund (Image/WEN-LING)
4. Purchase additional travel insurance
Although travel agencies usually provide a certain level of insurance for group trips, you might still consider purchasing additional "travel delay insurance." If your itinerary or flight is delayed, be sure to obtain a "delay certificate" from the airline, as this document is required for the claims process.
5. Online check-in and staying updated with airline news
Many airlines allow online check-in up to 24 hours before departure, where you can also stay informed about the latest updates from the airline. If your flight is confirmed to be delayed or canceled, you don’t need to go to the airport too early. Passengers who have already arrived at the airport should stay there and await further updates from the airline.
When purchasing travel delay insurance, pay close attention to the claim terms to ensure you buy the right policy for your needs (Image/stocksnap)
6. Request a flight delay certificate
If you confirm that your flight is delayed due to uncontrollable factors like weather, be sure to request a delay certificate from the airline. This serves as documentation for any subsequent compensation claims and can also streamline the related procedures.
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