Image from Department of Tourism - The Department of Tourism said major airlines ‘agreed in principle’ on planned integration of terminal fee, plane ticket
- Under the plan, the terminal fee will be collected by the airlines as part of ticket payment
- DOT said the plan aims to ease the queuing and delays at airport terminals
The Department of Tourism (DOT) announced that major airlines “agreed in principle” on the planned integration of the terminal fee into departing passengers’ airline ticket payments.
Tourism Chief Wanda Corazon Teo said the consensus transpired during the third consultation meeting held at the DOT main office. The meeting was attended by officials of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAAP) and airline executives.
Under the plan, the domestic passenger service charge, which is commonly known as terminal fee, will be collected by the airlines as part of ticket payment. The agency said the plan aims to ease the queuing and delays at airport terminals.
DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon, Jr., who chaired the exploratory talks between DOT, CAAP and the airlines, said “this one is pursuant to the 10-point agenda of President Rodrigo Duterte. He has mentioned, time and again, the importance of facilitating processes and systems in government. In this case, we are working together with the different airlines and our partner government agencies in making it easier for the traveling public. And we do that by integrating the various fees that are collected.”
He, however, noted that adequate lead time is required before getting the word out, which includes at least a month for the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to prepare to ensure “the level of acceptance and support would be higher.” In addition, the local air carriers and CAAP board must first agree with the terms and conditions in the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) presented by DOT.
“Hopefully, once we finalize the Memorandum of Agreement we can have the principals all sign the document, and we can make that big announcement, which I am sure the traveling public would appreciate,” Bengzon said.
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