Official denied boarding despite confirmed Trang flight

A Thai government official claims he was denied boarding on a domestic flight from Trang to Don Mueang on August 10, despite possessing a confirmed reservation, a guaranteed window seat, and a pre-ordered meal. The airport staff informed him the flight was full after 189 passengers had already checked in. Subsequently, they told him the flight would be delayed by around 40 minutes and requested he wait.

However, he was told there was no seat available. The airline offered him compensation of 1,500 baht, a 150 baht meal voucher, and the option to fly with another airline for 3,800 baht, but he declined, asserting he had an appointment in Don Mueang and needed to be there before 6pm. He opted to purchase a ticket with another carrier and arrived late for his appointment.

The staff initially attributed the issue to a system error. The official is now questioning how oversold seats are reallocated when passengers do not show up and how the airline records the revenue from them. He is seeking a transparent investigation and an explanation from the airline. Overbooking is a legal and common practice worldwide, and it is governed by regulations in Thailand.

According to Civil Aviation Board guidelines, passengers who hold confirmed bookings, are denied boarding against their will, and are not at fault are entitled to compensation, rebooking, or a refund, as well as care such as meals while waiting. The 1,500 baht compensation offer likely falls under the lower tier of payment if the airline reroutes the passenger with minimal delay.