Flying to Singapore from Manila via Jetstar? Read this post!
I just read a random post on Facebook complaining that Jetstar did not allow this lady passenger to check-in and board a flight to Singapore just because she only had a copy of the credit card (CC) used upon booking. If I was that lady I'd be pissed too but then I researched more about the issue and found this:
According to the Filipino customer service representative working for Jetstar, this rule STRICTLY applies to flights bound for Singapore from Manila/anywhere in the Philippines. I was a bit bothered by the rule but then you can't blame the company if this is their way to reduce fraudulent transactions online.
Moving on, I think Jetstar forgot the fact that one cannot enter our airports unless you have a ticket on hand. So how on earth can they verify the credit card used upon booking?
- If CC owner is based in the Philippines he can go direct to MIASCOR. If I'm not mistaken they provide passenger and baggage services for different airlines including Jetstar. CC owner can drop by few days before the flight for early verification.
- Ask CC owner if he/she has time to drop you off at the airport and give assistance upon check-in. You may need to beg airport security to let CC owner come with you inside though.
- If CC owner is based in SG he can drop by any Jetstar check-in counter inside Changi Airport or drop by the Jetstar office located at Terminal 1.
- If going to MIASCOR is a hassle (which it is, to be honest) for both CC owner/passenger, just make sure you have cash on hand. You're allowed to pay for the flight upon check-in and Jetstar will refund the payment made online. Not sure if you still get the same rate though...
- Last option is to buy tickets direct from Jetstar booking office (not sure if they have one in the Philippines) or go to a reliable and trusted travel agency.
Lesson of the story? Double check the requirements needed days before flying and don't expect too much from a budget airline. :)
P.S. I'm not suggesting that you stop flying with Jetstar because this incident can/could happen with other airlines too.
We recently flew to Singapore via Jetstar. Jetstar offers the cheapest rate at Php2,500 so I wasn't expecting much. They're offering just 7 kg. of free baggage (so we had to pay an additional sum because we exceeded half of it - lesson learned), seats have minimal leg room though overall, we had a smooth journey from NAIA to Changi Airport.
ReplyDeleteWe're pretty lucky though not to have experienced what they lady went through because I bring my physical card with me all the time.
Apologies for the late response. Blogger updated the dashboard and I had no idea I have pending comments for the blog. Anyway...
DeleteLike I always say to family and friends, you always get what you pay for. It just sucks that there's a rule like this in Manila. I mean, it's so easy to fake cards nowadays or even copy signatures so I don't see the point of presenting the card.