Ho Dong Thanh, 19, a student at Guangdong University of Finance and an avid traveler, booked a Hainan Airlines flight from Shenzhen to Hohhot, the capital of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, for 7:40 on 3/4.

One week before departure, the airline announced that the flight would depart at 7:30 due to "operational reasons." Ho Dong Thanh had to book a hotel near the airport the night before to check in on time, incurring a cost of 100 yuan (15 USD).

"An earlier departure time by 10 minutes also meant that the check-in and boarding deadlines were moved up by 10 minutes, putting me at risk of missing my flight. That day, I asked Hainan Airlines for a refund or a free ticket change, or to cover my accommodation and taxi fare for the night before the flight, but the airline refused, citing that the adjustment time did not exceed their 15-minute threshold," Ho said in an interview on 25/6.

May bay cua hang hang khong Hai Nam tai san bay quoc te thanh pho Hai Khau, tinh Hai Nam, Trung Quoc, nam 2022. Anh: Xinhua

He decided to file a lawsuit with the Bao'an District People's Court in Shenzhen on 27/3, seeking compensation for the hotel cost and a 50 yuan litigation fee from Hainan Airlines.

According to Chinese regulations on civil aviation passenger services, airlines must assist passengers in cases of ticket changes. However, each airline sets its own rules regarding free changes or compensation.

Hainan Airlines argued that the 10-minute earlier flight change was within the scope of normal adjustments. The airline's policy was to offer free ticket changes or refunds only when a flight was rescheduled 15 minutes or more earlier.

Ho Dong Thanh maintained that this policy was unfair. While passengers are considered to have breached the contract and their tickets cancelled if they arrive late, the airline could unilaterally change the schedule without bearing any corresponding responsibility.

"I believe that holding airlines accountable is something I must do as someone who loves to travel by plane," the student stated.

According to Ho Dong Thanh, the issue was not about money but whether passengers should bear the inconvenience caused by airline schedule changes. He argued that even a minor adjustment significantly affects those who rely on public transport and meticulously planned schedules.

The Bao'an District Court accepted the lawsuit on 7/5. Hainan Airlines agreed on 22/5 to cover all hotel expenses for Ho Dong Thanh and, by 30/5, committed to reviewing its refund policy for rescheduled flights before 30/7.

"I have received compensation from Hainan Airlines. After the airline revises its terms of carriage and both parties have no objections, we will sign a mediation agreement," Ho said.

Chinese media reported that other domestic airlines have revised their policies following Ho Dong Thanh's lawsuit. In early June, Tianjin Airlines and Spring Airlines removed the 15-minute liability exemption for early flight reschedules. They also announced that passengers could request free flight changes or ticket refunds if the airline altered flight times.

Many people have praised Ho Dong Thanh's courage and efforts.

"Arguing with airlines is very difficult," one person wrote. "Many people often give up due to the cumbersome procedures, preferring to accept unfair treatment."

"Society needs brave individuals like him to progress," another commented.

Hong Hanh (According to Sixthtone, East Money, iFeng)