Check in early, PAL advises holiday passengers

Citing heavier air traffic due to the holidays, flag carrier Philippine Airlines has advised its passengers to check in at airports early to ensure a hassle-free flight. PAL said this will give its staff enough lead time to process the passengers' flight details, especially during the check-in stage. "The Christmas season has made traffic volume heavier than usual and in order to avoid the check-in rush, it is best to give one’s self enough lead time," it said in an article posted on its website. Otherwise, PAL said all its flights are "green and go," especially after the Office of the President officially assumed jurisdiction of its labor dispute. While the Palace's assumption of jurisdiction prevents PAL management from implementing a plan to outsource non-core services that would affect some 2,600 employees, it also stops the PAL Employees' Union from pushing through with a plan to strike, at least during the holidays. "All PAL flights in all its domestic and international destinations will remain normal this holiday season. There will be no strike or labor disruption that may hamper operations," PAL said. "The strike ban is welcome news to all our passengers, as it has assuaged their anxiety on a potential work stoppage that may cripple operations. PAL management is pleased that PALEA has issued an official statement that they will respect and comply with the said strike ban," it added. PAL urged passengers to call PAL reservations hotline at 855-8888 or visit the PAL website at www.philippineairlines.com for information on flights. — RSJ, GMANews.TV