US-bound PAL passengers face more inspections

United States-bound passengers of Philippine Airlines (PAL) should expect, beginning on Monday, stricter security measures as part of a dry run of regulations to be enforced by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

The “further enhancing” of security measures for US-bound flights—Manila-Los Angeles, Manila-San Francisco, Manila-Honolulu, Manila-Guam and Vancouver-New York—shall be in the form of additional/expanded check-in procedures,” PAL said in a statement.

“This planned move is in line with the regulatory requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security for all flights operating from the ‘last point of departure to the United States,’” PAL spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna said.

In preparation for this procedure, PAL will be conducting the dry run at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal “to simulate time and motion experience.”

PAL advised passengers of US-bound flights to expect a slightly different check-in set up and to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure.

“The airline is seeking the understanding and kind cooperation of passengers as it carries out this ‘run through’ designed to ensure a seamless implementation of the expanded check-in procedure sometime in the future,” Villaluna said.
Electronic devices

PAL effected the phase of DHS’ enhanced security measures—the use of an explosive trace detection device on large portable electronic devices—in July.

Meanwhile, PAL assured its customers that negotiations were ongoing with the government to resolve with dispatch the issue of unpaid navigational fees and other charges to ensure the flag carrier’s continued and unhampered operations.

PAL said its representatives had been meeting with government counterparts to address the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (Caap) collection of the air carrier’s P965 million in unpaid air navigation fees and other charges.

“After a series of exchanges of communications, PAL remains optimistic that the matter will be settled in the spirit of national interest. We echo the Caap’s assurance that the welfare of the riding public is of topmost priority,” PAL said.