Filipinos from UAE who wish to return to the Philippines are advised to be careful when dealing with travel agencies who promise ‘no flight cancellation’ as they are just enticing them to get business.
Geoffrey Salatan, the retail sales manager at Airlink International, explained to The Global Filipino Magazine that all flights post-Covid-19 are subject for cancellation depending on the Philippine government’s travel restriction.
Recently, travel agencies on Filipino Facebook groups are posting advertisement materials with ‘no flight cancellation’ promise.
“They [other travel agencies] are busy advertising in social media with their ‘no flight cancellation scheme’ just to entice passengers and to get the business. Others are also collecting payments without actual booking or no confirmation yet from the airline,” Salatan added, noting that this process shouldn’t be followed as this is not the proper way.
He ‘strongly’ suggests passengers to know who they’re dealing with by having some references and ‘a bit of background checking.’
“When it comes to payment transactions, make it sure to get the booking details first and have it verified with the airline, before and after payment. Always ask for the company official receipt,” he added.
“Please be warned. Clients deserve the right information and transparency is part of doing the business right. Misleading passengers will result in losing them eventually. It’s not just about business anymore but to consider the welfare of every passenger at all means especially during these difficult times,” the retail sales manager said.
Do not blame travel agents
Meanwhile, Salatan said passengers who have already booked a flight and experience sudden flight cancellation, should not blame travel agents and airlines as the current situation is beyond their control.
Moreover, he also suggested returning OFWs to always reconfirm flight at least 72 hours prior scheduled departure.
