AirAsia Philippines eases holiday travel with early check-in

Insider Spotlight

  • Early check-in now available at NAIA Terminals 2 and 3
  • Check-in counters operating 24/7 during the holidays
  • Flight frequencies increased on major domestic routes
  • New Cebu flights added to domestic and international destinations

AirAsia Philippines has introduced early check-in options ahead of the Christmas travel rush, aiming to ease congestion and provide a smoother airport experience for holiday travelers departing from Manila.

Guests flying out of NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 may now complete their check-in earlier than the usual two- to three-hour window before boarding. 

The initiative is expected to benefit mostly domestic travelers, who typically account for the bulk of passenger traffic during the Christmas season.

The airline said the move is designed to help guests avoid long queues and allow for better management of peak airport congestion. 

Check-in counters at both terminals are also operating 24/7 throughout the holiday period to accommodate the steady flow of travelers, according to information shared by the airline via press release.

Passengers queue at airport check-in counters as holiday travel picks up ahead of the Christmas rush. | Contributed photo

Why it matters

The Christmas season is traditionally one of the busiest travel periods in the Philippines, with domestic routes seeing sharp increases in demand as families return home and leisure travel peaks.

AirAsia Philippines is encouraging guests to further streamline their journey by using online check-in through the airline’s website or MOVE app prior to arriving at the airport. 

Travelers with checked baggage can proceed directly to designated baggage drop counters, reducing time spent in lines. Dedicated service desks have also been set up at NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 to assist passengers with inquiries and travel concerns throughout the holidays.

By the numbers

To meet the seasonal surge, AirAsia Philippines ramped up capacity as early as October, increasing weekly flight frequencies from Manila on key domestic routes:

  • Caticlan from 46 to 54
  • Cebu from 47 to 56
  • Iloilo from 28 to 32
  • Tacloban from 24 to 26
  • Tagbilaran from 21 to 24
  • Puerto Princesa from 20 to 21
  • Kalibo from 17 to 19
  • Cagayan de Oro from 14 to 16

What they’re saying

AirAsia Philippines CEO and president Capt. Suresh Bangah said, “In the Philippines, we know Christmas season is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and at AirAsia Philippines, our priority is to make every journey as convenient and stress-free as possible.”

“We have increased flight frequencies to provide greater flexibility in travel schedules especially for those who are traveling to visit their families or taking a vacation. Our ground staff are proactively working to ensure that guests can complete their check-in process comfortably. We also encourage our guests to check-in online using the MOVE App for a more seamless experience.”

Looking ahead

Starting November, AirAsia Philippines added flights from Cebu to Caticlan, Davao, Iloilo, Kuala Lumpur, and Macao, reinforcing its focus on maintaining key routes and improving travel accessibility during the peak holiday season. — Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma

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