PAL Express flights earn miles, ATM cards can buy PAL tickets

Here's something I got from the PAL website:

Effective last July 1st, all PAL Express flights automatically earn miles that can be converted to free flights both on Philippine Airlines (PAL) and PAL Express.

In addition to regular PAL flights, now even PAL Express flights earn mileage points that can be redeemed by members of Mabuhay Miles (PAL's frequent flyer program) to free domestic and international tickets.

To become a Mabuhay Miles member, passengers may enroll at http://www.mabuhaymiles.com/. Enrolment forms are also available at PAL ticket offices, airport check-in counters, Mabuhay lounges, Mabuhay Miles Service Center and accredited travel agents.

Meanwhile, BancNet ATM cards will soon be accepted as mode of payment for PAL tickets purchased online.

The BancNet ATM payment facility, to be available next month, allows PAL passengers without credit cards to book and buy any domestic or international tickets through the PAL website, subject to the maximum amount per transaction allowed by each member bank.

“The BancNet ATM card has a debit card function. Aside from its being PIN-protected, the Payment Page has a Dynamic PIN Pad which ensures hack-free transaction,” said Roberto Diaz de Rivera, PAL senior assistant vice president for Corporate E-Business.

Online purchases using the BancNet ATM card is initially limited to domestic itineraries, added De Rivera, because BancNet's currency conversion facility has yet to be installed for web transactions. PAL is currently upgrading its internet booking and payment facilities in anticipation for increased online transactions when the ATM payment scheme takes effect.

For more information, passengers may call the PAL Reservations hotline at 855-8888 or log on to http://www.philippineairlines.com/ or http://www.mabuhaymiles.com/.

* * *

That's the good news. Now, if only the airline starts doing away with what it's name stands for - PAL as in Plane Always Late, that would be great. When I was in college, a good number of classmates added this - Plane Always Cancelled (something which still occurs with the Manila - Calbayog service) in effect giving the airline a different name: PALPAC