Flight bookings pick up amid Alert Level 1

Several Filipinos flocked to different destinations as flight bookings increased following the shift to Alert Level 1 of National Capital Region and other areas.

According to Cedric Castillo’s “24 Oras” report on Thursday, local carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL), AirAsia Philippines, and Cebu Pacific have increased their flight frequencies as the government eased protocols for travelers after the country’s borders opened to foreign visitors.

“As of March 1, the Philippine Airlines Group operated a total of 155 regular commercial flights, representing 51% of the pre-pandemic number of regular commercial flights. Clearly, flight frequencies are increasing. We are working towards achieving pre-pandemic levels,”  Philippine Airlines said.

“AirAsia Philippines has already recorded a whopping 145,978 seats sold for travels from March 1 to 31, 2022 alone. This is an increase of 131% from the same month of 2021. We attribute this significant increase to revenge traveling with relaxed travel protocols being implemented in most of its destinations,” AirAsia said.

Meanwhile, five local destinations of Cebu Pacific have recorded more flights compared to pre-pandemic. Among these destinations are Boracay, Cagayan de Oro, Cauayan (Isabela), Pagadian, and Tacloban.

The country opened its borders for business and leisure travelers starting February 10, for the first time in two years since the pandemic hit.

Several Filipinos have shared their dream destinations amid the relaxed protocols for travelers in the country.

“Palawan po, baka mag-lockdown ulit sayang yung opportunity na medyo maluwag na ngayon,” a passenger said.

(Palawan, we should grab the opportunity to travel with the loose restrictions.) 

“Korea po, mga 10 years from now. Ipon po muna,” another passenger said.

(Maybe in Korea, about 10 years from now. I need to save first.)

The Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded travelers to strictly follow guidelines and requirements, noting that some destinations are still requiring RT-PCR and antigen tests.

“It is always dependent on the pupuntahan mong destination. So they have to check, kunwari pupunta ka ng Boracay kung ano ang hinahanap ng Boracay local government unit (LGU) and of course when you travel abroad you have to check kung ano yung requirements ng pupuntahan mo,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat said.

(It is always dependent on the destination you are going to. So they have to check, for example you are going to Boracay, you need to comply with the LGU and of course when you travel abroad you have to check what are the requirements of your destination.)

The National Capital Region (NCR) and several other areas in the country were placed under Alert Level 1 from March 1 to 15, 2022.

Under Alert Level 1, intrazonal and interzonal travel shall be allowed without regard to age and comorbidities. All establishments, persons, or activities, are allowed to operate, work, or be undertaken at full on-site or venue/seating capacity provided it is consistent with minimum public health standards.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News