"Here’s another story."
"Here’s another story."
While browsing through my messages in my Viber groups, I ran across a comment stating not all is going bad with Philippine Airlines. In fact, it was awarded just recently by Skytrax as the most improved airline in 2019.
Skytrax says PAL’s most improved airline award was based on “airline’s change in the global rating and performance improvements in different award categories.”
And not only that, PAL was also named as the 30th best airline in the world this year, improving 19 places from 49th in 2018.
For the information of everyone, Skytrax (originally known as Inflight Research Services), is a consultancy based in the United Kingdom which runs an airline and airport review and ranking site.
Accordingly, Skytrax bases its rating on researches for commercial airlines, as well as taking surveys from international travelers to rate cabin staff, airports, airlines, airline lounges, in-flight entertainment, on-board catering, and several other elements of air travel.
That’s how credible Skytrax is when it comes to ratings.
However, PAL’s recognition form Skytrax doesn’t change a thing as far as the reported incidents regarding its service is concerned. I for one, was most unlucky to be on its receiving end. And so was my friend whose unfortunate story I shared in this space the other day.
Calling on my readers to share their sad experiences with PAL or any other local airline, I received one from someone named Wilfredo Gumaru who is based in Arizona.
Here’s his letter:
Hi Mr. Manalo,
This is Wilfredo from Arizona.
I had similar or worse experiences with PAL. Recently my brother-in-law figured in a car accident in the Philippines.
My wife rushed back to the Philippines not knowing what to expect. I booked the ticket with a return flight 30 days after.
Unfortunately my brother-in-law passed-away few weeks after her arrival. To be pro-active I called PAL and explained the situation and ask if I can rebook her flight on a later date after everything is sorted out.
Guess what, PAL gave me a run-around and they were very insensitive and did not do anything to help us.
And you are (asking) what about their flight cancellation? Both PAL and CEBU Pacific are notorious in cancelling flight without prior notice.
Thank you for using column to expose these kind abuses to consumers. I am telling you though that it is not only PAL, CEBU Pacific or big conglomerates that are committing these injustices to consumer public. But hospital, doctors and even Department Stores are treating our own Filipino people like trash.
I can spend all they long telling you all injustices that I witnessed or experienced myself. I normally fly back home once or twice a year.
It’s just so sick how we the consumer are treated in the Philippines.
I am not sure if there are some kind of CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY that will champion for our consumers.
Anyway, please continue to do what you do best, and that is using your “PEN”. Who knows you could do what Rizal did in using his PEN exposing the injustices done to the Filipinos.
More power to you.
Thanks
Wilfredo
-o0o-
Keep them coming.
For those who also had the misfortune of experiencing these incidents with PAL or any other local airline, please don’t hesitate to reach me through my email: chrl.manalo@gmail,com. I would be more than willing to raise your concerns in my allotted space here.