Full refund, waive rebooking fees for passengers with canceled flights

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez tasked the Civil Aeronautics Board and airlines to give full refund or waive the rebooking fees for passengers whose flights were canceled due to inclement weather amid Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

Dozens of flights were canceled on Friday, September 26, due to Opong.

“Dapat wala nang rebooking fees at dapat waived na rin ang other fees, and kung ang option ng ating pasahero is to refund, dapat full refund,” said Lopez.

(There should be no rebooking fees and other fees should be waived, and if passengers asked for full refund, it should be granted.)

“Ipinag-utos na rin natin sa Civil Aeronautics Board na ang ating mga airlines dapat kumontak na sa kanilang mga pasahero, para ipaalam kung ang kanilang mga flights ay kanselado o hindi,” dagdag pa niya.

(We tasked the Civil Aeronautics Board to require airlines to contact their passengers to inform them whether or not their flights are canceled.)

The acting DOTr chief also ordered airport and port managers to provide food and beverages to stranded passengers.

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have hoisted a “no sail policy” to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Lopez said that the DOTr is in a heightened alert as part of preparations for the effects of Opong.

“Nag-utos na rin po tayo na lahat ng ating Coast Guard ay nakadeploy na. Mayroon po tayong humigit kumulang na 5,600 personnel na dineploy sa sinasabi nating lugar na tatamaan ng bagyo,” he said.

(We tasked all our Coast Guard personnel to be deployed. We have about 5,600 personnel deployed in areas to be hit by the storm.)

“Sa typhoon path nga po, last night po nagdeploy na tayo ng 166 boats, 122 vehicles. Meron din tayong naka-deploy na barko ng coast guard, mga rescue boats, para meron tayong magamit para alalayan ang ating mga kababayan,” he added.

(Last night we deployed 166 board and 122 vehicles along the typhoon path. We have deployed Coast Guard boats, rescue boats to assist those who will be affected.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News