Travelers with affected trips amid GCQ bubble can rebook for free, says DOTr exec

Travelers from Metro Manila and its neighboring areas within the NCR Plus bubble who booked trips but got canceled due to the recent mobility restrictions can rebook the same free of charge, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said Wednesday.

During the Laging Handa briefing, Transportation Undersecretary Artemio Tuazon said the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) issued orders that travelers with affected trips due to the NCR Plus bubble policy can rebook free of charge.

Under the NCR Plus bubble policy, residents of Metro Manila and adjacent provinces Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and Laguna are prevented from going outside the NCR Plus border unless it will be for essential trips, including going to the workplace.

Officials initially said the NCR Plus bubble restriction also prevents people outside the bubble from entering the area unless it was an essential trip. 

Movement within the bubble, meanwhile, will not be restricted as long as it is outside the curfew hours, which is from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and as long as health protocols like the wearing of face mask and face shield are practiced.

“Magandang balita lang po sa ating mga mamamayan na nakanselahan ng booking dahil sa pinahigpit na mga alituntunin sa NCR Plus bubble, pwede silang mag-rebook nang libre at puwede rin silang mag-refund ng kanilang mga nabayaran sa mga airlines at shipping companies,” Tuazon said.

(Good news for those whose flights got cancelled due to stricter restrictions under the NCR Plus bubble, they can rebook their flights for free and refund the cost of their tickets they paid to airlines and shipping companies.)

The Transportation official said the pandemic is considered as a force majeure, thus travelers can rebook or refund their tickets for free. — RSJ/KBK, GMA News