PAL offers free COVID antigen tests for GenSan-bound passengers from Dec. 7 to 17

File photo of an antigen test kit being used to determine if one is a coronavirus carrier: REUTERS/Sergio Perez

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine Airlines (PAL) has announced that it is offering free antigen tests for passengers bound for General Santos City from Dec. 7 to 17.

In an advisory on Saturday, the flag carrier said that passengers who wish to avail of the free antigen test must register through PAL’s testing partner booking portal.

A negative antigen test result, or alternatively a negative RT-PCR test, is needed before entering General Santos City, PAL said as imposed by the General Santos City local government.

General Santos City-bound travelers must be at the antigen testing center, located at  PAL Gate 3, 1300 Andrews Ave., Pasay City two to six hours before their flight, PAL said.

“Antigen testing may be carried out via drive-thru or walk-in,” PAL said. “Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the testing center as early as possible for faster processing.”

“Results are released within 30 minutes and travelers may avail of the free PAL shuttle service to the airport,” PAL added.

“Passengers to [General Santos City] may opt to undergo a full RT-PCR test at their own expense instead, through PAL’s testing facility at the PAL Learning Center in Ermita, Manila, or through the carrier’s accredited testing partners. RT-PCR tests for General Santos are valid within 72 hours from departure time,” the flag carrier said.

PAL flies to General Santos City every Monday and Thursday, departing from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2.

Similarly, Cebu Pacific announced that will start giving free antigen tests to passengers bound for General Santos City this December as it implements its program, called Test Before Boarding, to reduce risks of COVID-19 infection.

JPV