Students from China's Taiwan Province say they are disappointed by their inability to buy tickets for the direct chartered flights between the Taiwan and the mainland during the imminent Chinese Lunar New Year holidays.

"We are disappointed and real grieved," says Cai Zhiguan, a student at the prestigious Beijing University. Cai blamed the Taiwan Authority for denying the approximately 5,000 Taiwan students on the mainland, the right to access the preferable flight arrangement which has been cited by China as a breakthrough in cross-strait affairs.

Under the arrangement, some mainland and Taiwan airliners will carry out two-way operations during the busy holidays to and from the island province. The passengers will enjoy non-stop flights and cheaper ticket prices, making the trip journey much easier and more convenient.

The students, nevertheless, are not covered by the program. A return ticket for the direct chartered flights costs approximately 3,000 yuan (about 360 US dollars) is more affordable for students, says Chen Dagang, who studies at the top People's University of China in Beijing.

Special chartered flights during the traditional Spring Festival are not what the students really need, says Chen. Regular direct flights should be opened to cross the straits, to accommodate students who want to go home during vacations, Chen said.