Local carriers to stranded people: Don't go to airport without confirmed flight; check e-mail first

The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines (ACAP) on Saturday urged locally stranded individuals (LSIs) hoping to catch a flight back to their home provinces not to proceed to the airports if they don’t have confirmed flights.

This as the “situation is very fluid as travel restrictions from the national and LGUs (local government units) change as they manage the current public health situation,” according to ACAP.

ACAP comprises local carriers Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, AirAsia Philippines, Cebgo, and PAL Express.

“Flights are limited at the moment as airlines comply with these restrictions,” the group said.

Earlier reports said the number of LSIs under the NAIA elevated expressway continued to increase. Assistance poured in from private individuals and groups after the media reported about their situation.

ACAP said it understands the need of the travelers, especially LSIs, to fly back to their respective home provinces at the soonest time possible.

However, the group also said it considers the concerns of the national government and concerned LGUs with regards to the risks surrounding the surge of travelers from Metro Manila.

“We are working with the Department of Transportation, the Civil Aeronautics Board, the Manila International Airport Authority and other government agencies to find ways to expedite the mounting of additional flights,” ACAP said.

“In the meantime, we appeal to all our passengers to proceed to the airport only when they have confirmed flights,” it added.

The group said guests who arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) whose flights are canceled or have a different travel date will not be allowed to enter the terminal by airport security.

Similarly, those who are unable to present boarding documents at the terminal entrance will also not be allowed to enter the airport premises.

“Passengers are strongly urged to check the email address and mobile numbers provided to the airlines upon booking their flights for any changes to their flight schedules. Those who booked through travel agencies or asked others to book their flights should also check with them for any updates,” ACAP said.

Contact details

For guests booked with AirAsia Philippines, ACAP said they may check their up-to-date flight status at airasia.com/flightstatus.

They may also reach out to the AirAsia support team via support.airasia.com or Emergency Hotline number (02)8722-2742.

For Cebu Pacific or Cebgo, guests are advised to check their real-time flight status via https://bit.ly/CEBFlightStatusCheck.

“For other concerns, they may message via the official Cebu Pacific Facebook or Twitter accounts, or through  http://bit.ly/CEBrequest,” ACAP said.

“They may also call +632-8702-0888. Passengers can also rebook their flights online via http://bit.ly/CEBmanageflight,” it added.

For Philippine Airlines and PAL Express passengers, passengers may check their up-to-date flight status through the Flight Status Tab on PAL's Website or our updated public advisories in PAL's official Facebook Page. 

“They may also call PAL's hotlines (+632 88558888 or toll free number 1-800-I-FLYPAL) and press 2 (Arrival and Departure Information),” ACAP said.

The group said that LSIs may also reach out to the NCR Crisis Intervention Unit Hotline at (02)8734-8635.

“They may also reach the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through text hotline 0917-8396242 or 0918-9186242 or call the voice hotline 88771-1111 for inquiries,” ACAP said.

Airlines’ guests are reminded that necessary travel documents must be secured before proceeding to the airport for one’s confirmed flight.

“A Travel Authority or Travel Pass issued by the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, as well as a medical certificate from the municipal or city health office, is required to travel across provinces or regions,” the group said.

“Other travel documents required by local government units (LGU) may be applicable. Guests are strongly advised to check with the LGU of their destination for local travel requirements,” it added. -MDM, GMA News