PAL upgrades service offerings for senior citizens

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Thursday announced the launch of a package of products and services to ensure that senior citizens passengers will have a comfortable and stress-free trip.

The airline companywill unveil the package of products on September 9, Grandparents' Day.

"PAL values all our passengers, especially those who need special assistance, our Senior Citizens and PWDs. Their needs are our priority. We want to make their travel experience comfortable and delightful," said PAL chief customer experience officer Jessica Abaya in a press release.

"Our direct flights to the US, London and Australia are convenient and popular among our Senior Citizen passengers. They also appreciate the special care our cabin crew provide them during their flight, assisting them to go to the lavatory, stow their bags, help them with forms," Abaya added.

The special privileges include the following:

• 20 percent Discount and VAT-exemption for Domestic Flights
• Online Booking and Check-In
• Special Meals, including Pre-Cut Meals
• Curbside Drop off and Pick Up Points
• Priority Check-In and Immigration Lanes
• Courtesy Waiting Areas and Seats
• Special Wheelchair Assistance from Departure to Arrival
• Priority Boarding
• Wheelchair-friendly Airport Terminal Transfer Buses
• Courtesy Area for Baggage Retrieval

Abaya said senior citizen passengers may now avail special meals that suit their dietary requirements with the option for soft-diet or pre-cut meals. But to avail of this service, they will just have to declare their meal requirements and other requests for assistance during booking/reservation or at least 48 hours before travel.

She also said Curbside Drop off and Pick Up points, Priority Check-In Lanes, Courtesy Areas and Seats, Priority Boarding lanes can be easily noticed as PAL sets up easy-to-spot signage.

At the Baggage Claim, specific areas are designated for senior citizens for the convenient retrieval of their luggage, Abaya said. — BAP, GMA News