Authorities on Thursday reminded air travelers not to bring guns, bullets, and other banned items to airports for faster processing and prevent long lines at the screening checkpoints.
The Office for Transportation Security made the reminder to ensure passengers’ safety and convenience in time for the observance of Lent.
OTS administrator Usec. Ma. O Aplasca urged passengers to personally pack their bags and ensure that it does not contain any prohibited items to avoid unnecessary delays at the screening checkpoint.
“Once again, we would like to remind passengers to personally pack their bags, and be smart travelers by checking on the OTS prohibited items list before your scheduled flight. It’s posted on our website and our social media platforms so that these items will not be confiscated anymore. Our tip is that, if you don’t need it, then just leave it at home,” Aplasca said.
OTS spokesperson Kim Marquez said sharp objects and other items such as baseball bats, baton sticks, tennis and badminton rackets, or billiard sticks are also prohibited from being carried in carry-on bags, and can only be placed in checked baggage.
Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority will conduct intensive security screening and passenger assistance operations toensure secured, reliable, convenient, and uninterrupted operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Coordination has also been made with airlines regarding the efficient processing of their passengers, especially at the check-in counters.
Additional airline personnel will be deployed as needed to accommodate the increase in travelers.
Local airlines advised passengers to leave home early to allot more time for travel to the airport during the peak period.
“Passengers must be at the NAIA Terminal 3 and 4 at least three hours before departure for domestic flights, and four hours for international flights. Passengers traveling to Dubai are allowed to check in as early as seven hours before departure,” the Cebu Pacific Air management stated. (See full story online at manilastandard.net)
Passengers must bring only one carry-on bag for a more convenient flight experience. The carry-on bag must not exceed 7kg in weight and
must fit in the overhead bins or under the seat,” it added.
On Thursday, Air Asia Philippines chief executive officer Ricky Isla conducted a routine inspection at NAIA Terminal 4 to ensure safety, convenience, and hassle-free travels among their clients.
With the expected influx of travelers gunning to spend the long weekend in their respective provinces, the airline allocated 12 check-in counters manned by well-trained ground staff to assist guests around the clock.
Additional volunteers composed of cabin crew trainees and interns were also deployed to assist passengers at the self-check-in kiosks and maximize the use of mobile check-in through the airasia Super App.
A Customer Happiness Booth was also set up to assist guests with immediate rebooking concerns conveniently at the terminal.
“We are one with the Filipino people in observing one of the most important religious celebrations in the country. On top of our world’s best service, we are extremely humbled to fly our guests to the different destinations having safety, convenience, and on-time performance (OTP) as our top priority,” said Isla.
Air Asia is expecting more than 150,000 guests traveling outside Metro Manila during the Holy Week.
