MANILA, PHILIPPINES — AirAsia Philippines, the world’s best low-cost airline has recorded its best performance yet since the pandemic began in March 2020. This comes as the national government eases travel requirements and protocols to key destinations across the country.
Topping the list of AirAsia’s most preferred domestic flights within the peak Christmas travel period between December 20 to January 05 are Manila to Caticlan with 24% of total passenger booking, Manila to Tacloban with 15%, and Cebu to Manila with 14%. The recently resumed Hong Kong to Manila route, meanwhile tops the list of the airline’s current international flights.
AirAsia Philippines Spokesperson Steve Dailisan said, “At AirAsia, we are proud to make air travel more affordable and inclusive this Christmas season with great value for money flights and holiday promotions. We believe that it is important we enable our kababayans to travel to see their loved ones this holiday period to help boost their morale and make their Christmas celebrations even more special after almost two years of battling and living in a global health crisis. We look forward to increasing our flight frequencies and broadening our destinations as the situation improves. But for now, we are thankful to be among the preferred airlines of Filipino travelers.”
The significant rise in flight bookings is attributed not only to the relaxing of protocols but also to the longing of Filipinos to be with their families this Christmas season — some of whom have not seen each other for almost two years.
As the peak end-of-year travel season fast approaches, AirAsia Philippines wishes to share timely reminders and tips to avoid Christmas travel hassles and to ensure the safety of guests:
- Safety
AirAsia Philippines abides by strict safety protocols mandated by the government and as advised by medical experts. In light of this, guests are asked to follow implemented stringent safety measures on ground and in flight, such as physical distancing and the wearing of face masks.
All guests are also requested to download the TRAZE mobile app for contact tracing and scan the QR codes before entering the airport.
For international guests, those without a valid COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken XX hours prior to departure will be denied entry. Guests coming from abroad into Manila are required to register and complete the electronic Health Declaration Card (eHDC) through the Bureau of Quarantine’s Platform, three days prior to departure. They then must save the transaction number which will be sent through their registered email address. On the day of departure, guests must update their OneHealthPass (OHP) registration with a seat number, health declaration, and other details. It is recommended that guests print the QR code sent to their emails.
For more info on AirAsia’s safety protocols, guests may visit https://www.airasia.com/aa/about-us/en/gb/travel-safe-with-airasia.html.
2. Guests are advised to arrive at the airport at least two to four hours before the scheduled flight departure to help avoid any unforeseen delays
Flight schedules occasionally change due to changes in travel protocols and other unforeseen circumstances. AirAsia recommends that guests arrive at least two hours prior for domestic services and three to four hours before their departure time for international flights to accommodate for any potential delays, particularly during the peak period.
Additionally, with the number of travelers surging by the day, being early minimizes the risk and hassle of getting caught up in traffic on the way to the airport, or within the airport vicinity as well as potentially long queues during pre-flight procedures. AirAsia reminds guests that the gate closes strictly 45 minutes prior to departure.
3. Maximize contactless transactions using the airasia Super App
Guests are encouraged to check-in early using the airasia Super App or the airasia.com via the Manage My Booking feature. Pre-departure check-in via these platforms may be done as early as 24 hours before the scheduled flight.
AirAsia also partnered with digital payment giants, Gcash, and Paymaya among others to provide contactless solutions during their journey.
AirAsia Philippines prioritizes guest safety and convenience as the country continues to face and emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. The world’s best low-cost airline implements stringent multi-layered safety protocols and measures. All AirAsia Airbus A320 aircraft are equipped with High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters in all of its aircraft, killing up to 99.9 percent of viruses including COVID-19. Additionally, the entire AirAsia ground and flying crew are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and have started to take booster shots as an added layer of protection. They are also being equipped with the necessary safety and protection gear. Deep and thorough cleaning and sanitation are also undertaken after each flight.
