Cathay Pacific has introduced a system for refunding passengers whose flights have been affected by the government's outbound travel alerts. From today, passengers travelling on their own will be able to rebook or reroute for free, or obtain a full refund, if their destination is the subject of a black or red travel alert. In the case of a less severe alert, a HK$250 handling fee will be charged. Passengers on package or group tours will have to pay a handling fee ranging from HK$400 to HK$800 when there is a black or red alert. Rerouting and rebooking fees will still be waived. To be eligible for the new arrangements, a ticket must have been issued in Hong Kong on or before the day the red or black travel alert was issued and for travel on Cathay Pacific flights within seven days of the travel alert's announcement. When a tour operator suspends a group trip to an affected destination, the airline will refund the air-ticket portion through the travel agent. 'We acknowledge the concerns of Hong Kong's travelling public when their travel plans are disrupted by incidents that are beyond the control Cathay Pacific,' an airline spokeswoman said. Outbound travel alerts issued by the government's Security Bureau have affected travel to several destinations this year. Black outbound travel alerts remain in force for the Philippines and Syria, with red alerts in force for Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon and four Japanese prefectures affected by the March 11 disaster.
