AirAsia announced on July 19 that they are offering a higher free baggage allowance and in-flight meals for soldiers on the way to their peace-keeping mission.
The airline company’s move came after a netizen’s post went viral about how several passengers had to offer their extra free baggage allowance to accommodate the excess baggage of some soldiers on their way to Cotabato and Marawi City.
AirAsia said the increased free baggage allowance is their way of recognizing the heroism of the soldiers.
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“We recognize the incredible sacrifices of our military heroes and the Bayanihan spirit among Filipinos,” AirAsia Philippines CEO Capt. Dexter Comendador said in a statement.
“The incident has inspired many including us and we would like to announce that AirAsia will extend free baggage allowance of up to 40kgs including in-flight meals and snacks to all AFP military personnel on a peace-keeping mission to any of our flights upon presentation of their official ID and mission order effective immediately,” AirAsia added.
On July 18, Facebook user Inday Rakel posted on AirAsia’s page her narration of events about how bayanihan helped three soldiers flying to Cotabato and Marawi City with their seven kilograms of excess baggage by offering their extra baggage allowance to accommodate the soldiers’ things, which were mostly their combat uniforms.
“I, somehow have some thoughts… I am on queue for my flight bound to Davao tonight (18-7-17) with flight no. Z2615. Ahead of me were 3 humble soldiers. When their turn came to check their luggage in, the lads got an excess with their luggage weight. Your staff somehow, did her job efficiently and followed the airline’s protocol. So our 3 men without any complaints, stepped back and went to the side and sort their stuff out. But even if how hardly they tried, still there was a 7 kgs. excess in one of the soldiers’. Upon looking at their things, all we can see were their combat uniforms, which got me sooo curious and started to chat with them. 1 passenger suggested to have it cargoed but they cant do it as they have to travel straight to Cotabato and 2 of them are to head to Marawi. After learning where they are bound to, I felt like the need to talk to the Supervisor. I mean, these men are risking their lives for our security, our peace, our freedom… cant they be granted with lil bit of privilege? at least a free 7kgs luggage?
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Before I went around to try to look for the Supervisor, kind hearted passengers started to offer their extra weight for our soldiers. With that, my heart melted. I was really captivated by the generosity and kindness these passengers shown. It was literally like Filipinos in Bayanihan. And when it was my turn, luckily enough with an extra 2kgs free, the soldier’s shoes filled my rucksack in.
I am blessed to somehow help them with their luggage, and that was a little thank you for the bigger job they are doing. But, we are even blessed to have these men who are ready to die for our freedom, for our land. Even if they were so called “men in uniform”, they remained humble and followed simple airline rules. True heroes not just in war, but as an abiding citizens. Filipino citizens who deserve better at least for an extra few luggage weight.
Cheers to our heroes! Our soldiers!
May all our airlines give somehow a lil bit consideration esp. to them who sacrifice for our country.”
As of writing, Rakel’s post has been shared almost 9,000 times and reacted to 57,000 times.
Speaking to GMA News Online, Rakel said that she had nothing against AirAsia, whose employees were merely following rules, adding that she only wanted to give the airline feedback about the incident.
Source: ( gmanetwork.com )
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