AirAsia Philippines Issues Travel Advisories: Crackdown on Bomb Jokes Ahead of Undas

AirAsia Philippines Issues Travel Advisories: Crackdown on Bomb Jokes Ahead of Undas

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | October 26, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – AirAsia Philippines is reinforcing stringent security protocols in response to a disturbing rise in bomb joke incidents while enhancing passenger convenience ahead of the high-volume Undas travel period. The airline reports a significant increase in bomb threat incidents, documenting five cases as of October 2026, compared to just two in all of 2025. Concurrently, to support the influx of travelers for Undas, AirAsia Philippines has introduced an unrestricted checked baggage policy.

Zero Tolerance for Security Threats

AirAsia Philippines President and General Manager Anna Victoria Lu underscored the airline’s unwavering commitment to safety: “Our operations prioritize reliability and safety. Any perceived risk mandates rigorous compliance measures impacting both the passenger experience and our operational efficiency.” The airline emphasizes that any remark suggesting bombs or explosives, even if intended as a joke, is treated as a genuine security threat, triggering immediate and extensive security protocols, including mandatory searches and inevitable flight delays.

Passengers making such statements face immediate denial of boarding or removal from the flight, direct referral to the PNP-AVSEGROUP for criminal investigation, and permanent blacklisting from future travel with AirAsia Philippines. Presidential Decree No. 1727 (Anti-Bomb Joke Law) mandates severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to PHP 40,000, or a combination of both at the court’s discretion.

Travelers are urged to exercise extreme caution: never make bomb-related remarks, report suspicious items or threatening comments immediately, and fully cooperate with all security checks.

Enhanced Baggage Policy for Undas Travelers

In anticipation of millions of Filipinos traveling for Undas, AirAsia Philippines is streamlining the journey by offering unlimited checked baggage. This policy aims to ease the burden for those carrying extra belongings for family reunions and holiday excursions.

Under this new policy, travelers can check in multiple bags without quantity restrictions, provided the total weight adheres to their purchased allowance (15 kg to 60 kg) and no single bag exceeds 32 kg. The airline encourages pre-booking baggage online for significant savings, up to PHP 919, compared to airport purchases, with options available up to two hours before departure. For cabin baggage, passengers are permitted one main bag and one small item, with a combined weight limit of 7 kg.

Proactive Measures for a Smooth Holiday Journey

AirAsia advises travelers to allocate ample time at the airport due to anticipated heightened passenger volumes, allowing for potentially longer queues at security, baggage drop, and immigration checkpoints. Utilizing the self-check-in feature via the AirAsia MOVE app or website, accessible from 14 days up to one hour before departure, is highly recommended to reduce waiting times. Counter check-in closes 60 minutes before international departures and 45 minutes before domestic departures.

Travelers with reduced mobility, special needs, pregnant passengers, or those with medical conditions must check in at airport counters and present relevant medical certificates. Domestic flights from NAIA operate from Terminal 2, and international flights from Terminal 1. Flight status updates are available at www.airasia.com/flightstatus.

AirAsia Philippines reports a robust increase in Undas bookings for key domestic destinations like Caticlan, Bacolod, and Iloilo, with an upward trend in flights to Manila also observed. The airline anticipates a further surge in passenger demand and load factors and advises early booking to secure preferred travel dates and current fares.

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