PAL ready to serve Balikbayans with nonstop flights

Philippine Airlines hails the decision to open up Balikbayan visits and will offer regular direct flights to facilitate travel to the Philippines.

The flag carrier welcomed Resolution No. 85 of the Inter Agency Task Force on Infectious Disease (IATF) allowing the visa-free entry of ‘Balikbayans’, effective from December 7, 2020.

This latest visa-free privilege also applies to foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals, provided they travel with the Filipino nationals.

“We are ready to do our part to serve our Balikbayans and perk up the Philippine tourism industry to help sustain Filipino jobs and livelihoods,” says PAL in a statement.

“Travelers from the United States, Canada, the U.K., Australia and much of Asia will get to enjoy PAL’s nonstop flights to the Philippines, designed for a safe travel experience that avoids connecting via other countries, and offering strong health and safety measures to protect our passengers,” added PAL. “This is the most convenient way for them to be reunited with their families.”

Balikbayans and overseas Filipinos may choose from a wide range of regular PAL flights every week, as follows:

From the United States

– Los Angeles – Manila (up to six flights per week)

– San Francisco – Manila (up to four flights per week)

– New York – Manila (two flights per week)

– Honolulu – Manila (up to two flights weekly)

– Guam – Manila (up to two flights weekly)

From Canada

– Toronto – Manila (once weekly)

– Vancouver-Manila (two flights weekly weekly)

“The flag carrier observes the highest safety standards in all phases of the travel experience. Our HEPA filters disinfect cabin air of bacteria and viruses with 99.99% efficacy. Our cabin crew wear protective gear throughout the flight. We carry out intensive disinfection of aircraft surfaces before and after every flight.”

For passengers arriving in the Philippines who are non-OFWs, PAL established a One Stop Shop testing center for the mandatory RT-PCR tests at NAIA Terminal 2, for a lower charge of PHP4,000, with test results within 12 to 24 hours.

OFWs will be swabbed by the government testing center at the airport, free of charge (the cost

shouldered by the Philippine government).

The following travelers are also allowed entry based on existing government regulations:

-Foreigners with Philippine Resident Visas

-Seamen /Foreign Airline crew (crew visa)

-Accredited foreign government officials/International Organization Officials and their dependents (diplomatic visa)

-Holders of Special Non-Immigrant Visas

-Dual Citizens (show PH passport or official certification documents)

Passengers arriving at Manila airport are required to register at least three days prior to their date of departure to arrange for the mandated COVID-19 swab test (RT-PCR) to be administered upon arrival.

For OFWs: — https://e-cif.redcross.org.ph/

For all non-OFW passengers (including returning overseas Filipinos, authorized foreign nationals, etc.) — https://bit.ly/3ffoAIK — Philippine Airlines

(C) The FilAm 2020