PAL advises passengers to arrive 4 hrs. before check-in, bring printed ticket

Philippine Airlines (PAL) has advised passengers to arrive early at the airport for check-in and bring a printed copy of their tickets as the carrier is upgrading its IT system.

In an advisory, PAL said it is upgrading to a "more advanced and passenger-friendly" IT system called the Altea Suite by Amadeus, which "will result in faster and more convenient customer transactions, including reservations, ticketing and check-in."

During the transition period from March 23 to 24, the airline said there will be temporary limited access to certain IT services such as online check-in, ticket purchases/bookings and purchase of certain travel extras and redemption of mileage privileges.

With the limited access to certain IT services, PAL advised passengers traveling on March 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 to arrive at least four hours before the flight at the airport for check-in.

Passengers are also told to bring a printed and digital copy of tickets and receipts together with any government-issued ID or passport.

PAL also said that travel extras should be purchased before March 23. Special requests such bassinets, meals, wheelchair, among others should be made up to 72 hours before flight, but not later than March 22.

"If you are travelling on the weekend of March 23, please purchase your tickets before March 23," it said.

PAL also said that the following services will be limited or not available on the days/times specified:

• Online bookings and ticket purchases via the PAL website and the PAL Mobile App - from March 23, 6 PM to March 24, noon time
• Ticket purchases at ticket offices and PAL contact center - from March 23, 8 PM to March 24, noon time
• Bookings via other channels (travel agents, etc.) - from March 23, 10 p.m. to March 24, noon time
• Rebooking/re-routing/refunding of tickets - from March 23, 8 p.m. to March 24, noon time
• Purchase of Swingaround tour package - from March 23, 6 p.m. until further notice
• myPAL Upgrade bidding suspended for all flights from March 21 to March 25 (upgrades may be done at the airport instead)
• Online check-in via website, Mobile App or airport check-in kiosk - from March 22 to March 25
• Issuance of onward boarding passes for connecting flights (Note: bags can still be checked through to the final destination) - from March 22 to March 24 
• Purchase of Travel Extras (choice seats, prepaid bags, etc.) - from March 23 to March 24, noon time
• Redemption of Mabuhay Miles, Upgrade Travel Certificates and service class upgrades (for Mabuhay Miles members) - from March 23 to March 24, noon time
• Special requests for special meals, bassinets, oxygen, stretchers - from March 23 to March 24, noon time

"These services will resume after the completion of the upgrade targeted on March 24 noon time," it said.

"For inquiries, passengers may call PAL Reservations (632) 855-8888 or visit the PAL website - www.philippineairlines.com/Reservations -for local PAL numbers in their areas," it added. — MDM, GMA News