Majority of Filipino travelers prefer using contactless solutions for safer travel amid the pandemic, according to a survey commissioned by low-cost carrier AirAsia Philippines.
The survey, conducted last December 2021 with 1,605 respondents aged 18 to 60 years old from Metro Manila, balanced Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, revealed that 62 percent of Filipinos traveling in the next 180 days have contactless travel touchpoints as among their prime concerns, followed by value for money and better flight timing. Included in the points of contact they hope will be digitized are passenger boarding and booking process.
The recent survey showed that this pivot to contactless solutions is in agreement with current traveling behavior, as 31 percent of the travelers said they use mobile e-wallets in purchasing their tickets, 29 percent use their credit cards, while 18 percent use other forms of mobile and internet banking.
The survey added that for the travelers, using non-contact payments helps promote a convenient and time saving, more secure and safe transaction. Only 6 percent said they will pay cash while 2 percent still preferred over the counter payments.
Guests who book their tickets online also preferred to access the airline’s website via their mobile phones at 43 percent and their laptop or computer at 37 percent. Another 27 percent said they will also use the airline’s mobile app if available.
In compliance with the Department of Transportation Order 2022-01, fully vaccinated AirAsia guests flying out of Manila hub are required to present a physical or digital copy of their coronavirus vaccination records.
For seamless travel, guests may now upload their vaccination cards via airasia Super App which is linked to the Department of Health’s VaxCert PH. The one-time uploading of this document will form part of the guest’s personal database which can be used for future travels, the airline said.
“AirAsia is among the first airlines in the Philippines to embrace digitalization. We aimed at making the travel experience frictionless, ridding the need for long queues in counters and face-to-face interactions, consequently ensuring guest safety,” said Ricky Isla, AirAsia Philippines chief executive officer.
“Processes like document verification and flight check-ins, for instance, can be done at least 24 hours prior to departure through the airasia Super App, hence enabling a simpler and more convenient travel experience. At AirAsia, guests can enjoy various options that make traveling in the new normal easier and safer,” Isla added.
AirAsia said it offers flexibility for all guests traveling during the pandemic, providing unlimited move flight options until March 26, 2022, and waiving charge fees for those affected with flight disruptions.
“Contactless solution is the new and better way to travel. We will continue with our digitization and move forward with it while continuing to promote health and safety in all of our flights,” Isla said.
The airline is expected to launch the world’s first facial recognition technology for contactless check-in procedure in the second or third quarter of 2022.
AirAsia said the facial recognition service, which is available via its Super App, is expected to add another layer of health and safety protection for guests as the app would only require them to take a selfie, upload a copy of their passport or national ID and go through a one-time verification process at the check-in counter.
