From banning flights from China, the Covid-19 pandemic has led to country lockdowns as seen in Italy and Spain. In the Philippines, it advanced to the recent declaration of President Duterte of enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
Our “This is getting real” moment with coronavirus is when local governments have closed seaports and airports. With the summer vacation and Holy Week, many of us have booked our flights and the same goes for frequent business travelers within the country.
If you have flights booked during the quarantine period, I have collected travel advisories from three airlines local routes in the Philippines – Cebu Pacific Air, AirAsia, and Philippine Airlines.
How to Rebook Flights with Cebu Pacific Air and/or Modify Bookings
How to Rebook Flights with AirAsia and/or Modify Bookings
How to Rebook Flights with Philippine Airlines and/or Modify Bookings
Unfortunately, I can’t find any infographics from Philippine Airlines. Instead, I will copy paste what I read from their website.
Can I rebook / reroute / refund my flight?
A. Passengers whose flights are affected by COVID-19 cancellations or are banned for travel (even if their flight is not canceled) have the following options:
- Rebook or reroute without penalties to a later flight with available seat(s) within the ticket validity period
- Convert the unused value of their ticket to a voucher for future use
Note: The said passengers may also refund the unused value of their ticket without penalties. Domestic tickets that are canceled due to lockdowns may still be processed after April 14, 2020. Rebooking and rerouting must be within the same booking class or applicable fare difference and taxes will be collected.
B. For voluntary changes (flights not affected by cancellations or travel bans), passengers may rebook or reroute without penalties to a later flight with available seat(s) within the ticket validity period. To avail of this benefit, passengers must rebook/reroute:
- Up to 24 hours before departure for flights on or before March 31, 2020
- Up to 7 days before departure for flights on April 1, 2020 onwards
Note: Rebooking and rerouting must be within the same booking class or applicable fare rules and taxes will be collected
Who can I contact for changes on my flight booking?
Passengers who booked through the PAL website, mobile app, ticket office, or Reservations Hotline may contact Reservations Hotline (+63 2) 8855 8888 or visit the nearest PAL ticket office for changes in their tickets.
Passengers with tickets issued by travel agents may contact or visit their issuing Travel Agent.
Flights Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
To summarize, airlines provide options to their passengers. These are:
- Rebooking/Rerouting
- Travel Credit/Funds
- Full Refund (except for Philippine Airlines, please correct me if I’m wrong – I can’t see their refund terms).
Check the best options that’ll work for you. Let’s give our contribution in fighting the spread of coronavirus by staying home! Keep safe, everyone!
