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Air China and Singapore Airlines have the highest compensation rates for flight delays, while local airlines trail on less than 50 percent.
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A research study by portal MoneySmart found that almost 70 percent of Hong Kong travelers had experienced flight delays in the past 12 months. However, over 40 percent who had experienced delays and cancellations said they did not receive any compensation.
It said there has been a significant 126 percent increase in online searches for "travel insurance claim" in the period.
The website had surveyed more than 700 adults who flew from last May to this May, and found that 69 percent of these Hong Kong travelers had experienced flight delays while 53 percent encountered flight cancellations.
Around 50 percent of passengers who took Cathay Pacific flights encountered delays while 34 percent had flights canceled.
Cathay's budget airline HK Express also saw delays in 46 percent of its flights, according to travelers.
Flights operated by Hong Kong Airlines were apparently more punctual, as only 38 percent reported delays while 33 percent faced cancellations.
Air China and Singapore Airlines were most likely to compensate for delays, coming in at 64 percent.
Forty-five percent of Cathay Pacific travelers who saw delays received compensation, followed by Hong Kong Airlines and HK Express at 43 percent and 41 percent, respectively.
Around 51 percent of Cathay Pacific and Hong Kong Airlines passengers reported receiving compensation after their flights were canceled.
MoneySmart's Hong Kong general manager Joanne Hon said flight delays and cancellations have an "immense impact" on people's travel plans.
"Planning for the perfect holiday could all come to waste if we fail to account for these potential risks. Our survey has uncovered very recent negative experiences by modern travelers, and we recognize the critical role travel insurance plays in mitigating these risks," she said.
"Travel insurance offers peace of mind, ensuring unforeseen disruptions are met with comprehensive support and financial protection that one may not necessarily receive from airlines. We believe that every traveler should enjoy a worry-free travel experience."
More details of the survey are available at its website: https://www.moneysmart.hk/en/travel-insurance/flight-cancellations-delays-hong-kong-ms
