Bay Area woman with disability stuck in Philippines due to airline policy
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- Опубликовано: 22 янв 2024
- Even after 86-year-old Jovita made doctor's appointments to prove she was healthy enough to fly back home, Philippine Airlines still required her to bring an oxygen tank on board for her chronic illness -- which costs $3,100. abc7ne.ws/4baFaXk
#travel #consumer #disability #airline #abc7news
If something happen to the woman in the middle of the flight, it's gonna be more costly for the airline.
I would be MORE worried if the plane is a Boeing 737-9 Max Aircraft
The drs said she’s clear to fly. They are discriminating against her disability
If PAL won't let her fly why did she not then decide to fly a different airline? This doesn't make sense.
Hey Jessie Smollett type scam they will ask for a go fund me next
PAL just promised to make a refund and they have yet to get a refund.
Did she fly PAL from SFO to MNL? If so, why did PAL let her fly back then?
I believe she can fly. I believe PAL can touch the sky. I think about it every night and day, spread PALS wings and fly away. I believe PAL can soar...@@josephlim6854
same here
My mother in law in the Phils got her portable oxygen for less than $100 USD. $3,100 USD is insane.
The report messed up a bit. Initially it said oxygen concentrator which is expensive. Then “tank” was mentioned. A small tank is just about $90-100.
@@Amtcboy exactly.
Climate change fee?
Healthcare is big business here in the US.
If it's FAA-approved portable oxygen concentrator, it's that expensive. But one can use that long term, instead of reserving an oxygen tank. It is practical to get one if you're a COPD patient with other comorbids. Just saying.
Let her sign a waiver that any untowards incident due to her not having an oxygen tank with her, the airline will not be liable. Simple and fast solution, who the fk is the manager behind this PAL debacle.
Marcos again
Her son don’t want to sign . His plan is to sue the airline for millions
You’re not getting it, if something happen to her, plane have to divert, use extra fuel, pay airport fees for unplanned landing and accommodate passenger for the delay if it happens to be overnight a hotel room for each.
@@fatboyroy6081 PAL has insurance for that.
Waivers like that won't work in this case. Since the airline is violating its own policies by having her onboard, the airlines can still be sued for negligence even with such a waiver. Also, if she signs, is she becomes a medical emergency during the flight, the airlines will incur a lot of expenses and the other passengers can be inconvenienced. The flight she wants to fly in is one of the longest flights in the world.
Why is everyone so outraged over this? The airlines does not want to be responsible if she dies on the plane due to lack of oxygen. The airline is looking out for her safety and the safety of everyone on board. They cannot risk a medical emergency in the air and freak everyone out on the plane if the woman dies on the plane due to oxygen deprivation.
So how did she get to the Philippines in the first place? Most likely on the same airline. People die all the time on airlines. I've seen it when I worked at JFK. Plane lands with dead passenger. My advice is people with these types of conditions should avoid traveling especially when they reach that age.
@@ontheroad5555 maybe she did not disclose her medical condition? Or the attendants did not notice at the time? Either way, they noticed it this time and if it’s a documented policy, I don’t the any issue with the airline requiring safety measures for a risky passenger.
@@dquan731 it's all about money. In a medical emergency the airplane has to land to allow the passenger to have access to medical care. Doing that means the plane falls behind schedule. People miss connections. There might be a cost for landing somewhere that is not on the itinerary.
but they let her fly in wit the condition....
@@dennishuff6738 yes. Some safety condition. Why is that surprising to you? She needs oxygen for her condition. The airline is making her get a mobile tank. Why is this confusing?
I work in the hospital. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is no joke, especially with her age. As someone's child, I understand how they are feeling. So I think this issue can be resolved through FOUR scenarios:
One, if she is flying domestic, and PAL is the only airline available to fly her to Manila or anywhere else in the Philippines, then they must adhere to PAL's rules or else look for an alternative mode of transportation to get her off Palawan.
Second, if she is in Manila or anywhere else other than the island of Palawan, then they should we rebook her with other international airlines. JAL, Cathay, Asiana, there are other options.
Third, if she is in Palawan and the only way out of there is through PAL's flights, then they can reach an agreement, a waiver. PAL can have them sign a waiver against airline policy.
Fourth, just buy that o2 tank!
Moses should come to his Mother at Palawan.
or maybe take a cruise/cargo ship option as a passenger?
$ 3K that o2 tank according to her son. But bring her back home to her son
Does she has Travel Insurance?? They will pay this for medical emergency, call them first. Also, their trip interruption they will pay for the passenger, the question is the son, enrolled her in Travel Insurance?? Pre existing condition.
Yeah, why don't the son pick up his mother instead?@@antongavutti4376
Passenger safety is of utmost importance. Airlines are well-informed about these risks. After all, lower oxygen levels in airplane cabins can be risky for people with COPD.
There are two certifications issued by doctors. They are the authority to say she is medically fit to travel, not PAL, which is obviously overreacting.
Bullshit excuses! Pahirap lang talaga kayo sa mga pinoy na gustong lumabas ng 'pinas!
@@denzMg
While I agree with you, PAL will respond by saying they have their own doctors who say otherwise, then it's a war of doctors. Because let's be honest: if this woman gets on the plane and has a medical event due to her COPD and dies, you know damn well they'll still sue!
The question I have is, who did she use to fly there in the first place? If it was PAL, why were they ok with her flying there, but not flying back? If someone else, why not just use them to fly home?
@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403 Maybe after several months , her medical condition or COPD aggravates? But 2 docs said , shes ok to fly.
@@dontbanmebrodontbanme5403PAL has proven its safe for her to fly
Confused. Why can’t she pick a different airline?
Wondering that too. She got her money. Should have rebooked weeks ago
I believe it's because PAL is a direct flight. It'd be easier for her to fly with direct flight than making stops with her old age and medical conditions.
@@paoxiv United flies daily non-stop flights from Manila to SF.
@AznAnarchy99 She didn't exactly got her money back. They just refund them through Travel Credits meaning you can book within their Airline.
If the family is unable or unwilling to comply with the policy, PAL will refund her airfare so they can actually choose a different airline. Maybe there are no takers?
Never ever cop to a medical condition that that the questioner can't independently prove. This applies to a wide range of cases such as joining the military, signing a sports contract, and flying on a plane.
She got the refund from PAL. What's the fuss try other airlines. Oh my goodness. Think outside the box please.
the issue is where she is in the country...she 1st has to get to manila to get a different flight out...not all airlines in the phillipines cover every part of the philippines....
Why is this even in the news to gain sympathy? The airline has to do what it has to do for the safety of all passengers. Otherwise if they don't give a warning, if a passenger passes away in a flight the world media will automatically blame the airlines. They're doing the best for this old woman to keep extend her life. They already told the facts on how to keep her safe. Just buy the $3,100 oxygen tank.
The question you'll want to ask is why the son doesn't want to keep his mother safe.
If the oxygen tank was required during her stop at a different country the cost would probably be $65,000.
So what is he complaining about $3,100?
Living in expensive California, having enough money to send his mother (who no longer works) out for a vaca.
She needs the oxygen tank for her own sake.
Did he forget she's almost 90?
For whatever reasons--reasons we can't know about--they can't afford the concentrator. Obviously, if they already had one, this expense wouldn't be an issue.
Also, just because someone lives in CA does not mean they're rolling in money.
@@LostJedi26 but he's able to fund her vacation daily for 2months plus almost another two months since her attempted flight on December. Plus her doctor's visit and scans to say she's fit. The question you have to ask is why hasn't he gotten her the emergency air gadget before she even flew. It's like he forgot she's almost 90.
United now has direct, non stop flights from Manila to SFO.
Eva, Japan Airlines, Cathay, China Air, Korean Air, and Asiana and a half dozen other airlines all have 1 stop flights, some slights have a layover from as little as 2 to 3 hrs
Yes, I don't understand why they have to do a big fuss about this. Yes, unfortunate, but she easily could have demanded a refund and book a different flight.
Fabricated outrage, that's what the news/influencers are good for these days.
@Blue_Monkey I dunno if i would go that far and call it "fabricated outrage"
Philippine Airlines was being a but "extra" considering she had letters from medical experts saying she was healthy enough to fly, and another part of the issue was the getting the refund which took a long time, as mentioned in the news story, so buying a ticket on another airline might not have been an option till the money was returned.
I have friends and family that fly Philippine Airlines every year and a lot of the other passengers seemingly have similar or worse conditions to this woman, so this situation is weird and a bit rare...
Another thing to add, is that United only recently started flying direct to the Philippines so not everyone knows about it, and is the only other airline that does at the moment. Like i said in my previous comment, all the other airlines have a stop over. Most of these stop overs are in the home country of the airline. I dont know about you, but i wouldn't want my elderly mother having to deal with a stop over for any duration, deal with baggage and having to go to a different gate, especially if she isn't ambulatory and is in a wheelchair like this woman is shown in the video to be...
Yup. incl. Singapore , Starlux, ANA.
I scratch my head why so many of my fellow Filipinos are so unwaveringly loyal to PAL, despite usually being charged more …and get less.
20 minutes of online search for other airlines would’ve gotten you a ticket, and Mom would’ve already been back in the bay area weeks ago .
@@pushslice yea, but if shes flying alone and needs medical assistance, stop overs may not be an option or be very difficult for her...
I agree with you @@pushslice I think it is a matter of convenience and comfort for mostly senior travelers, knowing that they can speak to the flight attendants in Tagalog. United, while now supposedly also having direct flights, might not have Tagalog-speaking flight attendants yet. Aside from the language, PAL unfortunately has the fastest flight time because of the direct flight (not sure about United). Those 2 points are my consideration when I book flights for my parents.
In the case of the family in the video, I also don't understand why they have not checked with other airlines as if PAL was the only available airline...
Your mom is going to travel without any companion with her situation?? Why you can just pick her up and you guys travel back to US together. Wow! Buy a first class ticket for her because it’s a 13 hour travel just sitting if you get an economy seat. Your mom is maybe capable to travel, but with her age, travelling from Phil to US is not easy, she is in the wheelchair, she is not capable to travel with nobody to take care of her. I agree with PAL!
her son said they cant afford to buy portable oxygen and you want her son to pick up his mother are you crazy?
@@macmacaguilar1749Right? Not to mention suggesting to buy his mom a FIRST-CLASS ticket.
@@bingbang4730 1:22 - I don't know where you got $600 from but that's not what the son said.
@@Scuttlebutt-wk6ou well, I know. If you can’t afford to provide her an oxygen that worth $3,100 which he was even unsure of the real price, then the other option is to let Mom stay in the Phil because you don’t have any ideas how hard for her to travel for 13 hrs just sitting down. Well, you maybe have an idea, but just want to justify his wrongly action. 🤣🤣well, just an honest opinion , don’t take it seriously for you to avoid stress.😀🤣🤣
@@macmacaguilar1749 I’m not. Am sure you are. 😃
if iam this guy who wants to get his ailing mom home in the US, iwill do all my best even shelling more to get her home. unless you dont want her back. just think nothing is free nowadays. too, spending more for your mom is like a blessing.
If United steps up and gets this woman home, they will be heroes. Somebody Call United!! The nonstop one way, economy ticket is approx. $1200 USD.
Nope . United don’t want to be responsible if she die mid flight
Last time I look it was more than $2k
So if they got a refund why such a big deal? Why not fly with another airline? And if it's a medical condition and they are pressuring the airline, then they should sign that they won't sue if something happens to her during flight.
they didnt get the Full refund right away, they only recently got a partial refund as the story briefly mentions
The airline was playing safe. Medical emergencies happen so often during flights involving seemingly healthy people. Now this with a clear diagnosis of COPD, the airline doesn’t want any trouble, regardless what the doctors say. And maybe that’s what the airline was trying to say - find another airline to fly on.
And for the reporter, please, that’s not discrimination per se.
Playing safe? She has multiple official doctor's notes already. PAL could have also let her sign a waiver too if they're too worried about being liable for anything that happens during the flight. As for the family though, they could have booked with other airlines instead of wasting time and effort on PAL
@@thesoundofanimalsfighting5557I guess you heard that doctors can also be corrupt
@@thesoundofanimalsfighting5557
Why ask the question when clearly the airline is playing safe, even with the doctors’ clearance (HAVEN’T YOU READ WHAT I WROTE?), they don’t want anything nasty happening during the flight, waiver or not! If they can avoid it, they will.
What you said I said already.
Bottom line PAL sucks flew with them once service sucks never again
@@janootwad7139
Not even in the top 50.
Then again, it still played safe. Doesn’t want to get in any incident.
Like I said, it was one way to tell the passenger to look for another airline. Never flew in one internationally.
I mean if you had a heart failure condition like COPD, it’d be unfair to assume the airline’s discriminate against you.
Is COPD a heart failure condition?
COPD is not a heart failure condition. It's a lung condition. It's full name is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
COPD is a pulmonary disease.
COPD is not an heart failure condition, where you get your info from.....it is a respiratory issue(ie. lung issue)....
COPD and heart failure are two different things
AH, aren't there other Carriers that can fly her back home to the US ? Like Asiana, United, Delta ?
They dont want to pay extra
There are a LOT, but as another commenter noted, the family won't spend the extra dollars.
I'm sure that Singapore, Korean, JAL, Evergreen, Thai . . . One of them will take the lady. But then she and her son can't whine.
Exactly my thoughts. They're complaining simply because they cannot afford other Airlines.😂
at this point you have to pay extra or stay in PI
@@sting114
I think it is a policy for the Philippines itself. Not just this one airline.
I'm in the PH. The easiest thing would be for the son to come here first, get a "cheap" oxygen tank (decent tanks go for about 100 usd / 6000 php here, things are cheaper in the PH than the US for certain things) then accompany her back to the US. best of luck, i hope you can find a way to get her back to the US soon so she can be with the family 🙏 The good thing for now from what we can see on the report is that she's being looked after by her relatives here (the strength of our Filipino families: Blood is always thicker than water).
you can't just buy and use any oxygen tank in flight. That can be dangerous.
"Blood is thicker than water"
I don't think that would be better.
you do know it is about $4500 US dollars for a round trip...so you want him to spend that much and then make him spend more when PAL let her fly in the first place to come into the country....
@@bhmdprod4520in flight safe concentrators are not that expensive either. 3100 usd is a scam
she needs a portable oxygen machine/concentrator that she can bring and use when needed on the plane, cost around 120-200k depends on brand/model and extra battery packs since most can only run max 4hrs on lowest settings, not a portable oxygen tank, I don't it's allowed in flight... (the nonportable ones are cheaper cost around 20-50K but those need more power consumption directly from wall outlet and they are much bigger)
I feel that preparations for travel was not well prepared for someone with a condition by her family. A medical emergency occurring in-flight with a plane flying through the vast Pacific would be a horrendous experience not just for her but for all in the plane. I would have to side with the airlines right to refuse.
You can pay some doctors to give you medical certificate even if you will die seconds later
I'm here in the Philippines, and on Lazada and Shoppe which is like Amazon , sells portable oxygen for under $60 or $5000p, I'm an American here and have one, the price is not that high. Those items are a lot higher in California.
Yeap, my grabdfather has a portable oxygen tank. I highly doubt we spent $3K for that.
then give her the cash for it if it isn't a big deal....
Wouldn’t an oxygen tank be very cheaper in the Philippines?
she needs a portable oxygen machine/concentrator that she can bring and use when needed on the plane, cost around 120-200k depends on brand/model and extra battery packs since most can only run max 4hrs on lowest settings, not a portable oxygen tank, I don't it's allowed in flight... (the nonportable ones are cheaper cost around 20-50K but those need more power consumption directly from wall outlet and they are much bigger)
The solution is simple, book to other airlines. PAL is simply avoiding tragedy that may occur during the flight that is why they are being ask to bring oxygen tank incase. She is not being discriminated because she is allowed to take the flight as long as she have oxygen tank. If anything happens to her during the flight, those doctors that gave her the authorization will no be liable and it will always be PAL. It's their policy so they should adhere to that whoever you are. If you dont want to follow their rules, book to other airlines or build their own airlines and do whatever they want to do or make rules on your own. No one can helo them even that US politician because its the airlines rules. Feeling of ENTITLEMENT as always.
Why did philippine airline allow her to fly TO the philippines?? Doesnt make sense.
Many reasons, most likely nobody properly checked or an in the moment exception was made.
@@Blue_MonkeyIf an exception was made, did they not consider if she was coming back?
Passenger did not list COPD so she was given clearance to fly.
She wasn't listed as having COPD going to PH. What doesn't make sense is WHY she's going on a long haul flight, alone with her condition. Oxygen levels are lower in airplane cabins making it risky for her.
Hey Jessie Smollett type scam here they will ask for a go fund me next
Why is she flying at her age and medical condition?
I think she wanted very much to see her family in her hometown in the Philippines.
imagine an adult with COPD flying? please try researching if it’s not risky for people with this first before complaining about the airline. tsk tsk
Agree on this 👍
Your mom is not just an ordinary passenger. She needs special handling to ensure her safety. Clearance from her doctor as well as the doctor of the airline..that the policy the you need to follow.
Hello! I’m in the same situation with my mom, we are also from the Bay Area. Airlines refuse to take my mom because of her medical condition. My mom and his man’s mom have the same exactly body figure, wheelchair but still strong. We’ve been stuck in the Philippines for a few years now just waiting for my mom to recover so we can go back home to the bay. Best of luck you and please give your mom hugs, she looks like such a super sweet lady ( like my mom!)
Stay home! Home sweet home. Why go back to the Bay?🤔
@@suskagusip1036cause that’s where they live and maybe they like it there more than in the Philippines
Before flying know first the airline policy.This is important to ensure the safety of all passengers not just his mom. Instead of complaining. If you are not agreed with the airline policy they will not force you to fly with them. Be smart traveller.
Wow. This is news? Abide by the requirements. I am sure you are not the only one affected by this airline policy. If others can comply, why can’t you? There are other modes of transportation. You can go by boat or RO-RO too.
You clearly have no idea what you're talking about 😂
@@vivaespana9390 I think you're missing the point, She's in Palawan not in manila or any other major city that offers direct flight to San Francisco other than PAL (which she can't take unless they buy a concentrator), so she has to take other modes of transportation to leave the Island if she can't go by air
@@vivaespana9390 YOU clearly have no idea
Phil.Airline has the right to impose their own policy for the safety of other passengers❤❤❤
In this case I'm with the Airlines!PAL have all the right to their rule for the safety of passengers!If PAL don't allow her to fly why not take other Airlines?!?I will not allow my Mother to travel alone in this age and condition!
Buy her a portable oxygen.. Pls dont be thrifty for her safety.
No worries, whatever the result she still with her family whether it's in PH or US.
This is making a BIG DEAL of a O2 Tanks. Can't spend $3,100 more for her safety ? Ridiculous.
I'm pretty sure the rule isn't just random.. PAL's aviation medicine experts are the ones deciding on it. Plus, it's really risky and might not be a great idea to fly.
PAL has very poor customer service and I would never fly. Just pick a different airlines other than PAL.
true that
This is not even worth a news report. This is more of a Tiktok content. Seriously?
Just comply and get a portable oxygen. The airline is not saying she can't fly. They are just requiring a portable oxygen.
Well, the airline might need to make sure it's active as well.
@@charlesdoesmore5488COPD never goes away. Maybe now she doesn't have attacks but who knows when she will have an attack. It is better to be safe than sorry
@@user-fc9jj7ie3o Yes, I meant that the portable oxygen maker is active throughout the flight.
then you give her the $3,100 dollars for it...
@@dennishuff6738 then why fly moron they put themselves in this predicament
Thanks guys for caring
She should try with a US carrier. BTW There's nothing yall can do, it's Philippines airlines, not united, southwest or delta. Outside of our country.
I was concerned at first because I thought this was a case of an American tourist stuck alone in the Philippines. Thankfully she is staying with her Filipino family here in the Philippines at the very least she is not alone. She might not consider the Philippines as her home but she's not alone that is important.
Moses should come to Palawan, stay w/ his mother
@@antongavutti4376 this can be a solution . Palawan is very good also for her mother's health, natural and fresh air may also help the condition of her mom. MInus the health care provider from the US that might not be accepted in the Philippines hence may cost fortune. So that is why they want to go to US for the Health Care benefits and coverage and care
Yup, also shes more comfortable here with lots of relatives that will take care of her than with his only son in the US.
Oh such a toxic Pinoy mindset to gaslight her into staying in a country she clearly does not want to live in. With the state of our healthcare system, it’s understandable why she wants to go back to where her home is now: The US. She just needs to book a different airline because even our own flagship carrier is also toxic.
well we share the same sentiments
They let her on the plane going to Manila but won't let her get back, this airline has crazy policies 😢
She probably didn't disclose her full medical condition
It’s not the airline policy. It’s the country’s policy.
Can those machines be rented???
There are around 2000 usd oxygen concentrator payable in 12 months, so i guess its like paying 180usd a month. Whats the problem? Its expensive because its faa approved, blame faa for their expensive certification. Non faa approved only costs 100 usd but works perfectly fine too in airplanes.
Looks to me like they're being overly dramatic over a simple problem. For publicity?
Seems like there is Only PAL Operating domestic and International flight in the PH...
not true@@annilustrisimo9718
It's understandable the frustration especially after several doctors clearing her, but I also have to agree why the airline requires a portable o2. The reason being of one word, altitude, anyone with copd can collapse from deprived o2 even with a doctor’s clearance. I don't have copd but when I had covid, it changed the capability of my lungs. I was traveling back to TX onboard a flight and no issues at departure, but as soon as we reached 10000 ft altitude, my o2 crashed. I went from 98% to 87% and still decreasing fast every second until the crew provided me with an emergency o2 tank.
Airline's action is understandable and a simple note from a doctor cannot do anything if an emergency happened to her during midflight. Just get the oxygen..it is for her own good.
Is this some kind of a joke???
PAL didn’t even allow my husband to take his portable oxygen concentrator on board the last time we travelled to PI!!!! We had to pay $5k for the oxygen concentrator(before we bought it we triple checked if it was ok to take it on the plane. It’s the Inogen One G5 !!! I had to call PAL so many times just for them to approve it! And of course they didn’t!!!!
Bring that poor old lady back home!
because pal has had to deal with so many medical emergencies in the past months that cost them millions in dollars thats why they are strict now with medicals
Idk why discrimination is even mentioned. Policy is policy. It’s only discrimination if the policy was placed with such thing considered.
I have not flown, ever, but from what i’ve read, seen and heard, and if an emergency happens on board, if possible, they’ll do emergency landing. Not only will that be costly for them but it will be inconvenient to other passengers as well. Imagine some people missing important deadlines and meetings or imagine other people that will miss important medical appointments because of the possible delay.
PAL is a business. They can’t give exemptions to just any body.
medical emergencies have happened alot in the past 6 months. for my pilot brother in law to fly 2 of those medical emergencies that cost millions for the airline. they basically dont want to be bothered with it again if possible.
How did she get there in the first place? Via Phillipine Airlines?
Don’t make a big fuss. Instead of calling everyone’s attention to solve the problem why not fly asap and take her back home in a business class at least and O2 so she can rest comfortably. I believe that’s a 12 hour flight! Be generous with your mother while she’s still around. You won’t regret and you’ll have the best memory!
I think you are not aware how the Philippine airport operate, you have to make a big fuss before they will act.
Airport has nothing todo with PAL bro, it's an Airline Policy@@maifrank6048
how’d she get to the philippines..? did she take a diff carrier?
I had the last leg of my multi-leg conomy ticket booked with Cathay Pacific from London to Philippines.
In UK the day before my flight I had a terrible fall, broke my arm and suffered horrendous soft tissue and nerve damage to my leg with a large haematoma on back of my calf.
Cathay let me cancel that flight and 8 weeks later I got the all clear from a hospital doctor to fly to Philippines.
Upon contacting Cathay Pacific they listened to my list of injuries and offered me a First Class ticket at Business Class fare then deducted the value left on my previous ticket.
Hence I always now fly Cathay Pacific and would never use PAL who I had flown with before but their in-flight service was almost non existent between meal times and seats were uncomfy.
I hope this lady gets some very quickly and please ditch PAL from any future travel plans
Surely they can afford a locally sourced oxygen tank. My mom had cancer and needed oxygen sometimes to make breathing easier. We managed to order her a 4-foot high tank (can't remember the volume) on a monthly salary of 13,000 PHP (around 260 USD).
you keep this sentiment against airline restrictions up, you’ll have airlines routinely diverting because of medical emergencies.
an inconvenience to other passengers. a cost to airline operations which WILL translate to higher ticket prices. and not to mention, risking the very lives of these passengers with health conditions.
Fly other airlines. PAL sucks.
Seems like there are other more important things to cover. Traveling to and from the Philippines has never been easy
I just got back in the US. 2 hours ago. Never had a problem since 2016. I go like 2x a year. 🤔
I can understand why PAL would take this position. It's because if something happened on the airplane in route, the PAL could be sued into oblivion. We have done this too ourselves. Instead of accepting responsibility and taking the risk upon ourselves we like to blame others and make them pay for our choice gone wrong.
Philippine Airlines can't be the only carrier that flies in & out of the Philippines.
Why not book a flight with someone else, since she's getting a partial ticket refund?
If other airlines have a similar position, then that ought to tell you something.
Wasn't this a 'round trip' ticket?
Was this an issue going from the USA to there?
Why is this an issue on the return flight?
She is flying 'inside the plane', and not strapped to the exterior wing, so why the need for an oxygen tank?
Perhaps, consider taking a boat home?
PAL is worried that this elderly woman's poor health condition might lead to her death on the flight.
So, to avoid being blamed, then sued, they choose to avoid this risk altogether.
Medical Waiver and rescue inhaler should be ok. Best if someone from the family accompany her on the flight.
Our question is how she arrived in Palawan without medical wavier?
Palawan is the new destination in Philippines for Retirees. Since, it has very good medical Centers.
If Moses reads this please call our office maybe we can help your mom in this situation.
God Bless
99 percent of people don't buy O2 concentrators, they rent them. She can rent a portable oxygen concentrator for one month. She doesn't need to buy one. My Dad had severe lung issues and it takes 2 seconds to get the required equipment. I don't understand what the issue is. The son could have rented it in the States and sent it to her. She would have been home by now.
I feel bad for her, but there are rules for a reason.
they cant afford.... maybe they shouldnt have flown in the first place
A scam? PAL isn't the only air carrier. Looking for money contributions?
The woman should have changed her return flight to a different airline like Singapore Airlines, EVA air, JAL, or ANA just to name a few. There are a lot of Asian airlines that 100% better than PAL which is expensive and the service is not very good. The other airlines have much better service. The only good thing about PAL is that is a non-stop stop flight from Manila to the US.
Rules are rules... we follow and respect the airlines rules in your country like in the USA so respect our Philippine Airlines too...
Philippine travel is so broken. PH and the US both need to FIX this insanity! Stop treating people like criminals or “Risks” when they really are not.
why still insisting to book via PAL?
If only Jovita could get an oxygen tank mailed to where she's staying at. She can probably choose a different airline that makes flights to and from the Philippines once she gets a refund. It sounds like a liability issue on PAL's end. Hopefully, she'll get to reunite with her son real soon.
@@Stringbean0000she can just buy from the philippines which is way cheaper
he said thirty-one hundred ($3,100) not thirty-one thousand @@Stringbean0000
COPD patients are more tolerant of the lower o2 pressures which might happen during flight. but that doesnt mean zero risk still...and other complicatuons might still happen such as pneumothoraces deoending on the severity of pulmonary issues. maybe they should get a clearance from a Pulmonology Specialist... and sign a waiver during the flight.
How about switching airline?
Why didn't ABC7 News get a comment from other airlines? Do other airlines have different policy towards passengers suffering from COPD? If they can find any other airline who would take her on board without a portable oxygen concentrator despite her COPD, then ABC7 has all the reason to say "shame on you, Philippine Air Lines". Otherwise, it's the airline's legitimate safety policy. Just simply comply.
By the way, a portable oxygen concentrator sells for less than US$500, not the $3100 as her son claims.
Enough with the Hypochrisy! If something happens to that Mother.. They will curse and bash the airline company.. Cmon guys lets be real here..
just buy the freaking oxygen
The ticket was refunded already, why not fly with other airlines like United Airlines they have direct flight too from Manila to San Francisco.
They can ask help from local politicians. When a family friend brought her father back to LA they got portable O2 and help from the congressman in our hometown, because the airline wouldn’t allow them to fly. Said congressman connected them to a senator who is also from our hometown. Philippine Airlines then allowed them to fly (my mom’s friend a dentist, her dad, and another daughter who’s a nurse, all flew business class.
It was so much trouble but they were thankful to the congressman and senator who helped. Always good to have someone from the hometown looking after us.
Help bring her back
Why not fly her to Guam,Hawaii or one of the US protectorates then get a transfer flight to the mainland?
A shorter flight to Guam or Hawaii cuts the risk of medical complications.
Alternatively,the woman’s family can put up a gofundme page to raise funds for their mother’s portable oxygen equipment.
Aren’t United Air now available from Manila to California?
united airlines also fly direct to SFO
Portable oxygen concentrator price is around ₱20000-30000 but higher end costs $3100
Of course, there’s a lot of direct flights from Manila to the US since those are international flights. 😅
The problem here is she’s in Palawan.
For those who don’t live in the Philippines or don’t know the geography of this country, Palawan is located in a different island from
Manila. So she still needs to take/ride a domestic flight from Palawan to Manila.
For domestic flights, maybe they can try Cebu Pacific or AirAsia. Or use RORO, but I don’t know if that passes by Palawan.
As for the oxygen tank, the cost might be much expensive if compared to the prices in Manila or Cebu since they might have to ship it from Manila/other provinces to Palawan.
But I hope they’ll find a way to meet again. Maybe her son can go to the Philippines to accompany her mother?
United Airlines I think has direct flights from MNL to SFO
I would never let my old, immunocompromised mom travel by herself though.
Also, pls don’t look at the possibility of discrimination. Our culture has a huge respect towards our elderly, it’s possible that PAL just really failed to refund her for reasons only they know, but they should’ve refunded ASAP.
refunds are not instant... not anywhere
The POA of transparency, Tita for domestic affairs of family members. Sad how many times medical bills have no band with a flight agency custom. 😢 Silverlining of the case, witness what ownership of transfer deed was violated Kuya. Prayers Kuya hindi mo ba alam 🙏?
I always say, airlines employees like TSA, baggage handlers, flight attendants all need a PHD, MD, masters degree to become an airline employee.
On my flight back to NY, 30 minutes before landing the captain announced if there's a doctor on board coz 1 of the passenger needs medical attention. The elderly woman was pale and was started on IV fluid. If that happened in the middle of the flight, we could've emergency landed somewhere. That's the risk of taking a long flight with a medical condition.
Then just switch to different airline!
Choose a different airline. There are many that stop in Taiwan before heading to San Francisco. They are also way cheaper than a direct flight. Why won't the embassy get her onboard a military aircraft to the United States?
Rent one for the duration of the flight day or week and then return it once she is back in the US. It cost about $400 a month, it’s better than purchasing one if you don’t need it.
I mean.. Multiple doctors has certified that she's fit to travel.. If the passenger's willing to take the risk maybe sign a waiver?
Hahaha choose other airline, I smell fishy with this 😅
Get the portable oxygen in the Philippines I think they have them at Mercury Drugstore
Just rent one out or better yet find another airline that will take the risk.
Better ask for a waiver from PAL if possible.
Just buy the Oxygen concentrator to comply wit the requirement. In Lazada / Shopee 6 to 8k pesos is good enough.
After watching this video, I got curious as to the price of a portable carry-on oxygen concentrator because the price that her son mentioned was high. Lazada Philippines has them as low as a tad over $100 so I don't know why he didn't order her one. It may take a week or so to deliver to wherever she's staying. And no one should pick on the airline because they're just looking after the welfare of the lady and the rest of the passengers.
She obviously had these chronic condition(s) when she flew over there with the same airline. These just do not appear overnight. I've been to Palawan, and only PAL flies there. At least it was that way back in 2017. She must've written her condition(s) on the same form going to the Philippines. So what actually changed?! 🤔
I'm amazed at how many people missed some key details or didn't pay attention to the whole video and decided to comment 🤦🏾
Not a newsworthy item, but i learned something new… dont get a copd. I dont think those travel o2 tank are that expensive. Family should just buy one. Googled n amazon sells for less than 1k
There’s more than one airline