Airlines should prepare for peak season: watchdog
Airlines should prepare for emergencies during the travel peak season and avoid repeatedly changing flight arrangements, Hong Kong's consumer watchdog said on Thursday after receiving several complaints regarding Cathay Pacific.  The flagship carrier cancelled some fights at short notice over the Christmas holidays, before announcing further cuts to services over the next two months. Cathay said earlier that it underestimated the number of pilots it needed in reserve to maintain normal operations.  The cancellations have drawn criticisms from those affected, including lawmaker Gary Chan and travel writer Akio Hong.  Hong, who bought a ticket with another airline to travel to Japan from Taiwan for work, said Cathay had failed to actively follow up after his flight was cancelled.  The Consumer Council said it has received eight complaints regarding flight cancellations or changes since December 29.  It called on airlines to plan for emergencies in peak seasons, fulfil their service commitments, and avoid constantly changing flight arrangements so as not to hurt Hong Kong's reputation as an international aviation hub.  The body urged airlines to refund customers hit by cancellations as soon as possible and ensure enough manpower to handle queries. Carriers should also offer replacement flights as close as possible to the original bookings without charging customers extra, the council added.