HK Express Flight Oversold: Passengers Offered Compensation for Change to Tokyo Flight
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Passengers on a recent HK Express flight from Sendai to hong Kong experienced an oversold situation. The airline offered substantial compensation to passengers willing to change their flight to one departing from Tokyo. The offer included 30,980 Japanese Yen (approximately HK$1,639) in cash and covered the cost of transportation to Tokyo via Shinkansen. Many netizens praised the offer, calling it “呢個deal有誠意！” (This deal has sincerity!).
The post about the compensation sparked considerable discussion online. one passenger who intended to accept the offer reported that the airline ultimately withdrew it. Details of the situation are outlined below.
HK Express Overselling Incident: Generous Compensation Initially Offered
A user on the “HK Express 香港快運及旅行資訊關注組” Facebook page shared a letter detailing the compensation offered for an HK express flight from Sendai to Hong Kong that was oversold. According to the post, the affected flight was scheduled for March 9th. The letter explained that due to a higher-than-expected number of travelers, HK Express flight UO891 to Hong Kong could not accommodate all passengers with reservations.
The letter stated that passengers willing to take an choice flight would receive 30,980 Japanese Yen (about HK$1,639) in cash as compensation. The handwritten note indicated that passengers would be rebooked on HK Express flight UO623 from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Hong Kong. This flight was scheduled to depart at 11:55 PM, arriving in Hong Kong at 4:15 AM the following day. Flightaware data showed the original Sendai flight was scheduled to depart at 2:16 PM and arrive in Hong Kong at 6:40 PM.
In addition to the flight details, the letter included the handwritten notation “日元30980 + 新幹線” (30,980 Yen + Shinkansen), confirming that the compensation package included the cost of the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo.
Netizens React: Praise for the Compensation Offer
The post generated important buzz, with many netizens commending the airline for its generous offer. The original poster commented, “今次發達啦，免費送落東京食餐omakase” (This time I’m rich, a free trip to Tokyo for an omakase meal). Others chimed in, suggesting that if they weren’t in a rush to return to Hong Kong, it would be like a free half-day trip to Tokyo: “如果唔趕時間，有得諗啦，仲可以玩多半日東京，食埋個晚餐，掃多的貨先走，呢個deal有誠意既” (If I wasn’t in a hurry, I’d consider it. I could spend another half-day in Tokyo, have dinner, and buy more souvenirs. This deal has sincerity). Another user added, ”包新幹線又好似ok” (Including the Shinkansen seems okay).
Some users were excited about volunteering their seats:
- “算好有誠意，我買張仙台來回機票都唔使1600(元)” (That’s very sincere. A round-trip ticket from Sendai doesn’t even cost 1600 (dollars)).
- “嘩！如果有呢個賠償，我即刻企出嚟自願讓位” (Wow! If there’s this compensation, I’ll instantly stand up and volunteer my seat).
Some even considered extending their trip,with comments like:
- “錢照收，改後幾日仙台走” (Take the money and leave Sendai a few days later).
- “改遲一日東京都好” (Changing to a later day in Tokyo is also good).
However,some questioned the legality of the handwritten offer: ”冇簽名自己寫，咁樣用筆改你覺得有法律效力？” (No signature,written by yourself,do you think this kind of pen alteration has legal effect?). Another user pointed out,”改嗰啲位唔使公司章，但每個改過嘅位都要簡簽返” (Those altered places don’t need a company chop,but each altered place needs to be initialed).
Compensation Offer Withdrawn
Ultimately, a passenger on the flight reported that the airline withdrew the compensation offer because several passengers were no-shows, freeing up enough seats: ”我都係坐呢班，想take呢個offer，但佢話班有幾個人no show，然後就收返。仲諗住玩多陣東京添” (I was on this flight, wanted to take this offer, but they said several people were no-shows, and then they took it back. I was still thinking of playing in Tokyo for a while).
Here’s a Q&A-style article based on the provided text,designed to be informative and evergreen.
HK express Flight Oversold: Understanding Your Rights and Compensation
Q: What happens when an HK Express flight is oversold?
A: When an HK express flight is oversold, it means the airline has sold more tickets than available seats. In these situations, airlines often seek volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for compensation.
Q: What kind of compensation might HK Express offer for an oversold flight?
A: Compensation can vary, but in a recent incident on a flight from Sendai to Hong kong, HK Express offered 30,980 Japanese Yen (approximately HK$1,639) in cash, plus covered transportation via Shinkansen (bullet train) to Tokyo, where passengers would be rebooked on an option flight to Hong Kong.
Q: Was the changed flight as convenient?
A: No, in this specific case, passengers were rebooked on a flight from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) that departed later, resulting in a significantly later arrival time in Hong Kong compared to their original flight. The original flight was scheduled to depart at 2:16 PM and arrive in Hong Kong at 6:40 PM, while the alternative flight was scheduled to depart at 11:55 PM, arriving in Hong Kong at 4:15 AM the following day.
Q: Is HK Express required to offer compensation for oversold flights?
A: This requires searching the internet. While the article doesn’t explicitly state legal obligations, it’s standard practice for airlines to offer compensation to passengers inconvenienced by overselling. Airlines are legally obligated to compensate passengers. The specific regulations and amounts may vary depending on the jurisdiction (e.g., Hong Kong, country of departure). Sources like the Hong Kong consumer Council or official government transportation websites are good places to research passenger rights.
Q: What should I do if I’m on an oversold HK Express flight?
A:
Listen carefully to announcements: Pay attention to airline staff announcements regarding volunteering and compensation.
Assess the offer: Consider the compensation offered (cash, vouchers, alternative flights) and weigh it against your need to arrive at your destination on time.
Inquire about details: Ask specific questions about the alternative flight (departure/arrival times, connections), and any additional expenses covered (meals, accommodation if needed).
Negotiate: It may be possible to negotiate for a higher compensation, but this isn’t guaranteed.
Get it in writing: If you accept the offer, ensure you receive written confirmation outlining the details of the compensation and the alternative flight arrangements.
Q: Is a handwritten compensation offer legally binding?
A: This is tricky and sparked debate amongst netizens. While the article mentions concerns about the legality of a handwritten offer without a signature or company chop,it’s generally advisable to have any alterations initialed by an airline representative to help validate the agreement. A formal, printed document is always preferable.
Q: Can the airline withdraw the compensation offer?
A: Yes, as illustrated in the article, the airline can* withdraw the offer if the situation changes (e.g., passengers are no-shows, freeing up seats). This highlights the importance of acting quickly if you’re interested in volunteering.
Q: What are netizens saying about HK Express’s handling of oversold flights?
A: in the specific case detailed in the article, many netizens praised the initial compensation offer as generous and sincere. Though, the withdrawal of the offer due to no-shows suggests that the situation can be fluid and that you should carefully consider your options and act quickly.
