PAL expands e-ticketing service

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced yesterday its expanded newly-implemented electronic ticketing service.

The e-ticketing service will cover three more destinations this June before moving on to the international sector in the second half of the year as PAL ramps up its automation thrust, a statement from the airline said.

Last June 1, PAL started offering e-tickets on flights between Manila and Davao, and also between Manila and Zamboanga.

On June 7, PAL said the service will be available on flights between Manila and Puerto Princesa.

In September, PAL will also introduce e-ticketing on flights to Los Angeles and San Francisco. Other trans-Pacific destinations will follow shortly after.

This December, a planned electronic interline system with American Airlines is projected to come onstream, wherein either carrier can issue e-tickets on the other airline’s flights.

This would make American Airlines, the world’s largest carrier, PAL’s first partner airline in e-ticketing. The two have long had an interline arrangement in paper tickets.

PAL’s foray into e-ticketing enables it to keep in step with major international carriers which use the technology extensively.

The flag carrier launched e-ticketing last May 1 on flights between Manila and Cebu.

The facility allows passengers to book and pay for seats by telephone or through the internet.

The transaction is recorded as a computer entry, removing the need for paper documents.

The advent of e-ticketing affords PAL customers the convenience of arranging and finalizing their flight plans without leaving their home or office.

E-tickets may be purchased by calling PAL Reservations in Manila (02) 855-8888 or Cebu (032) 340-0191 or visiting their website at www.philippineairlines.com.