Integration of the Domestic Passenger Service Charge into Airline Ticket

Good News! There is a new system that allows domestic passengers to skip one line before boarding  the plane. Isn't it music in our ears? Of course it is! That means to say ONE LESS QUEUE.

Morning of May 17 at the NAIA terminal 3, Department of Transportation and Communications and the Manila International Airport Authority formalized the agreement with major airline companies to integrate the fees into the total cost of airline tickets.  Hence, the new system enables all departing domestic passengers to skip one line before they board the plane. Who would not love this idea? They no longer need to queue and pay terminal fees in all domestic airports in the country. In so doing, it  allows passengers to do other things before boarding the plane. Time is so precious and I believe more and more people will smile upon hearing this news particularly those who are constantly traveling. In Ninoy Aquino International Airport they are serious to go the extra smile. 

But what really is the Domestic Passenger Service Charge? It is actually the P200 that a departing passenger pays at the terminal which is used to improve, maintain and operate an airport terminal.  And understandably, it is another booth that passengers have to pass through. Include me in the list of those who are against this fee being excluded from the my total airfare. More of a hassle on my part and very inconvenient. Currently, passengers had to complete four procedures – the initial screening upon entering the terminal, check-in counter to get their boarding pass, payment of terminal fee, and the final security screening – before boarding their flights. But this will soon be considered a thing of the past. The new system shall take effect by August 1, 2012 for domestic flights alone. However, ticket holders who bought prior to this date will still have to shoulder the terminal fee at the counters.  Passengers such as athletes, overseas workers, senior citizens and babies under 2-years old are the only ones exempted. They will line up at designated claim booths for refund.I can now see myriads of positive feedbacks this very moment regarding the issue. Furthermore, before the end of the year terminal fees for international flights will also be incorporated in the plane ticket.

“We appreciate the airline companies’ full cooperation ‘who worked assiduously’ in instituting the new system to provide a better and efficient airport service to air travelers”

“This is just one part of the whole program we are implementing to smooth and speed up the ground operations of our airports, and ensure the convenience of air passengers,” Roxas said. 

Present during the signing ceremony were Mr. Mar Roxas, Secretary of Department of Transportation and Communications, Jose Angel Honrado, General Manager of Manila International Airport Authority and head of airline companies like  Inigo Zobel, President and CEO of Air Philippines; Lance Gokongwei, President and CEO of Cebu Air, Inc; Ramon Ang, President and COO of Philippine Airlines; Avelino Zapanta, President and CEO of Seair Inc.; Ramon Guico III, President and CEO Sky Pasada; and Alfredo M. Yao, President and CEO of Zest Air.

DOTC Sec. Mar Roxas joined the bloggers table

The integration will therefore benefit millions of passengers via all NAIA terminals. We are expecting it to be beneficial because the new memorandum promised us of lesser congestion in airports and great travel experience. Now, we should be thankful for all concerted efforts of airlines in collecting the service charge on behalf of the government. 

One less queue, more fun in the Philippines!