Safely but Surely

Airline protocols you should know before you fly

- VIANCA GAMBOA

Long before the pandemic, people have been anxious about security measures at commercial airports. Upon approval of a visa, there also comes a 50/50 situation in immigration from both arrival and departure. This problem heightens along with health-related concerns.

Although the expedited process and onboard regulations mitigate the chances of jostling encounters to tackle transmission, some people are far more worried about additional documents that somehow bump up the ratio of rejection. Of course, we now have to face a division between essential and nonessential travel, which is prohibited as of now, but the problem lies on the duration of this insecurity. Filipino travelers, for instance, are expecting a longer list of requirements and rigorous health screening for long-haul flights, all coinciding with an airport protocol that can keep passengers away even when they are allowed to travel.

The truth is, the new rules start the moment you leave your home to catch your flight and go all the way to when you leave the airport at the destination, and it won’t be a casual experience. We all want to travel, but if we must, we should not put our safety on the line, even if it means going through the additional hassle. You should be worried about those documents, yes, but everything can be learned before boarding.

Besides the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields, here are some new protocols specific for your chosen airline.

Cebu Pacific

The airline encourages online check-in and a proper way of holding a boarding pass for scanning. Those on cancelled flights may choose to place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund valid for two years—full refund, or an option to rebook to any other travel date within three months without charge.