PAL raises ticketing fees in favor of online transactions

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is increasing its fees on selected transactions at ticket offices to decongest queues and drive online traffic.   “The service charge only involves transactions at PAL ticketing offices, so we recommend that passengers do their transactions on the website,” an official of PAL’s Corporate Communications office told GMA News Online.   The official asked not to be named, saying there is already an official statement on the matter.   According to the PAL statement Monday, the service charge hike will start on April 1.   The charge for issuance of tickets will increase to P100, excluding value-added tax for domestic tickets and $5, including VAT, for international tickets.   In addition, the charge for issuance of a booking and flight certificate will increase to P200, while the issuance of an itinerary receipt will cost P50.   All charges and fees are non-refundable.   The fees do not apply to reissued tickets. PAL Million Milers (frequent flyers) are exempted from the ticketing service charge.   “Pagpunta mo sa ticket office, we do the printing for you, we do the booking for you. [Those are] what the fees will cover,” the PAL official said.   Passengers can print tickets bought online, but booking certificates and itinerary receipts are only available at ticketing offices, PAL noted. —Amanda Lago/VS, GMA News