Several airlines have begun to compensate ticket holders at least 200 yuan (US$27) for overbooked flights, if the passenger failed to board the scheduled plane.

Hainan Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Sichuan Airlines published a letter on their Websites about compensation standards.

Passengers can get a 30 percent refund if they fail to get on the scheduled plane and board the next one within four hours. Those forced to wait four to eight hours can get a 60 percent refund and those that wait more than eight hours can get fully reimbursed, according to Hainan and Shenzhen airlines.

The two airlines will also offer free food to passengers and arrange hotels for those who wait for more than four hours.

Sichuan Airlines will compensate passengers based on economy class ticket prices instead of the real ticket fee.

Other airlines haven't issued such rules although the Administration of Civil Aviation issued a notice in May requiring all carriers to map out compensation standards for passengers on an overbooked flight.

Many airlines sell more tickets than seats to ensure all seats on a flight are occupied as some passengers may change their tickets.

(Shanghai Daily December 7, 2007)