TRAVEL in the time of COVID-19 has been grossly trainted by gripping fears of the unknown. Uncertainties have become more uncertain, and ever-changing health protocols have left passengers — pardon the pun — on the edge of their seats.

Pinoys, particularly those from the US, coming home for the holidays need not fidget and fret. Philippine Airlines (PAL) continues to assure stress-free and hassle-less trips.

According to Josh M. Vasquez, PAL’s Area Manager – New York for International Passenger Sales,” all PAL aircraft are equipped with high-technology systems that continuously infuse fresh air across the cabin as well as HEPA filters that trap viruses, bacteria and other contaminants with 99.99% efficiency.”

Vasquez added that the “air flow system creates a cleaner environment that is safer than most enclosed public spaces and comparable to hospital operating rooms.”

Considered by New York-based Pinoys as their favorite friendly travel ambassador, Vasquez is always ready to answer questions and walk kababayans through their flights back to the Philippines.

Vasquez shares PAL’s complete travel-enhancing health protocols from pre-flight, check-in, while flying, quarantine until arrival at home.

BEFORE YOU FLY AND DURING CHECK-IN

1. All travelers should register to the Bureau of Quarantine e-Health Declaration Card (e-HDC) including children. Declare your personal information, health status, and travel history.

Register as early as three days within your departure date through https://www.onehealthpass.com.ph/e-HDC. As required, please ensure to upload a clear photo of your Vaccine Card/Certificate and RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours prior departure. Both photos must be in JPG/JPEG format. The BOQ will determine the number of quarantine days upon arrival depending on the complete documents presented by the passenger.

Accurately and completely fill out all required fields including the e-HDC. Upon completion, please ensure to save a copy of your unique transaction number and your QR code which will be required upon check-in. Failure to present the OHP QR code may result to non-acceptance to the flight.

For non-OFWs, you may also pre-pay for your RT-PCR Test. A payment portal link is available after successfully registering to the One Health Pass. If your travel plans change, you may also request for a refund of your prepaid test anytime. Please follow the refund guidelines found in the payment confirmation email. Your test will be conducted by our DOH-accredited partner, Detoxicare Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory.

Payment may also be made at the hotel on your swab day via cash in PHP or USD, card, AliPay, WeChat Pay, GCash, and PayPal.

Important reminder applicable only for non-OFW and non-Filipino passengers on Middle East flights to Manila: Your flight will arrive at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1. Your RT-PCR test will be administered by a DOH-accredited Philippine Airport Diagnostics Laboratory (PADLab).

2. Ensure to have a confirmed booking at a hotel accredited by Tourism and Health Agencies to accommodate the schedule of your test and the release of results. Passengers arriving before hotel standard check-in times are encouraged to book an additional night to ensure room availability. For faster administration and processing of your RT-PCR test, you are required to book a hotel within Metro Manila only.

In compliance with Philippine regulations, only one person is allowed per room, except for the following:

Families from the same household travelling together, especially those with minors;

Health and emergency frontline services personnel;

Guests requiring a companion:

• 18 years old and below; and
• Persons needing special assistance (e.g. senior citizens, PWD, with chronic medical illness)

A waiver for special cases is available upon arrival for other exemptions not stated above.

3. Upon check-in, sign the Declaration and Waiver Form presented by our check-in agent, indicating that you are healthy and fit to travel.

DURING THE FLIGHT

4. Accomplish the Bureau of Customs Form and Arrival Card.

5. Ensure you have a copy of your One Health Pass QR code. If you do not have it yet, please refer to step 1 – Before You Fly.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

6. Upon arrival, listen to the briefing conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard.

7. Undergo a temperature check, present the BOQ One Health Pass QR Code upon deplaning, and proceed to the designated waiting area.

8. Proceed to the hotel desk. Hotel coordinators shall verify your hotel booking or assist you in your reservation if you have not made one yet. You shall also make the transportation arrangement to your hotel at these desks. If you have not made a pre-arranged hotel transfer, accredited taxis are available.

9. Help Desks are available at the waiting area for passengers who do not have smart devices/phones. Charging stations are also available.

10. Clear with immigration and submit the Arrival Card.

11. Claim your baggage at the designated carousel and clear with Customs Check. Submit the Bureau of Customs Form.

12. Proceed to your booked hotel through your preferred mode of transportation.

AT THE QUARANTINE HOTEL

13. Check in at your hotel and wait for the schedule of your test.

For non-Filipinos: In compliance with Philippine regulations, laboratory partners must secure a photocopy of your passport and proof of accommodation/residence in the Philippines.

Day 1 starts on the day you arrive in the Philippines. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms (e.g., dry cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and/or smell, etc.) at any time before your scheduled test, please inform the hotel you are staying in so a medical or BOQ officer can assess and check up on you immediately.

14. On the day of your test, please present your passport, QR code, and payment receipt to the personnel who will administer your test. To follow up on your test results, you may contact our testing partner through the following channels (applicable for passengers who arrived in NAIA T2 only)::

Smart/Sun Mobile: +639190059326
Globe Mobile: +639171180321
Landline: +632 7577-1184
E-mail Address: [email protected]

15. Your accommodation and food during your stay including fees due to required extensions will be at your own expense. In compliance with Philippine regulations, delivery of outside food to your hotel is not allowed.

GOING HOME

16. If you test positive, the BOQ shall transfer you to a designated hospital for further medical management.

If you test negative, your test result will be released after 6 p.m, on day 9 of your quarantine stay. Your Unified BOQ Quarantine Certificate is autogenerated in the OHP. You will be able to download and print this certificate through the “Track Swab Test” < https://onehealthpass.com.ph/e-HDC/Track-Swab-Test> portal in the OHP website by entering your QR code reference number and last name. For other concerns, you may send an email to [email protected] or [email protected].

You are allowed to check out only on the when your negative result is released. Present your test result to the assigned quarantine personnel at your hotel for clearance. For a hard copy of your certificate, printing services will be available at your hotel.

To follow up on your request, you may call the BOQs landline at (02) 5318-7500, or through these mobile numbers: 0961-899-0779, 0951-210-8105, or 0926-629-0723.

17. Once cleared, you can call your relatives and respective Local Government Units (LGU) to pick you up or arrange for your transportation going home. Please complete your home quarantine or self-isolation under the monitoring of your LGU and Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT).

For comments and suggestions, please text 09175841714 (Viber only) or send email to [email protected].