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 âfurther enhancingâ of security measures for US-bound flightsâManila-Los Angeles, Manila-San Francisco, Manila-Honolulu, Manila-Guam and Vancouver-New Yorkâshall be in the form of additional/expanded check-in procedures,â PAL said in a statement.
âThis planned move is in line with the regulatory requirements of the US Department of Homeland Security for all flights operating from the âlast point of departure to the United States,ââ PAL spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna said.
In preparation for this procedure, PAL will be conducting the dry run at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal âto simulate time and motion experience.â
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.
âThe airline is seeking the understanding and kind cooperation of passengers as it carries out this ârun throughâ designed to ensure a seamless implementation of the expanded check-in procedure sometime in the future,â Villaluna said.
Electronic devices
PAL effected the phase of DHSâ enhanced security measuresâthe use of an explosive trace detection device on large portable electronic devicesâin 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 carrierâs continued and unhampered operations.
PAL said its representatives had been meeting with government counterparts to address the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippinesâ (Caap) collection of the air carrierâs P965 million in unpaid air navigation fees and other charges.
âAfter a series of exchanges of communications, PAL remains optimistic that the matter will be settled in the spirit of national interest. We echo the Caapâs assurance that the welfare of the riding public is of topmost priority,â PAL said.