No More Rebooking Fees: DOTr Wants Airlines to Cut Extra Charges

Filipino travellers, here’s something that might finally save you from unnecessary expense. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) just said it will sit down with airlines to push for the removal of rebooking fees.

Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez admitted it might not happen overnight, but at the very least, he promised to ask airlines to lower the charges.

This came after ML party-list Rep. Leila de Lima grilled the agency during a budget hearing, questioning why passengers need to pay in full just to rebook a flight.

Lopez replied, “Kung hindi man namin matatanggal ‘yung rebooking fee na tuluyan, makakaasa po kayo na makikiusap po na bawasan man lang.”

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Here’s the twist: DOTr is also struggling with money. Congress cut its 2026 proposed budget from ₱531 billion down to ₱197 billion. Because of that, big projects like the MRT-4 and the Mindanao Railway got zero funding in next year’s National Expenditure Program.

To cope, Lopez said the agency often relies on “unprogrammed appropriations” that only kick in around the second quarter. This delays payments to contractors and drags projects longer, making costs balloon even more.

Another issue raised in the hearing: Pampanga Rep. Anna Bondoc flagged that parts of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) are being built in flood-prone areas.

DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy Batan assured lawmakers that Japanese engineers are designing the foundations to be flood and disaster resilient.

If DOTr succeeds in convincing airlines, it could mean cheaper rebookings for travellers, especially those flying on a budget. Imagine not having to shell out thousands just because you had to move your trip by a few days.

But the budget cuts? That’s a different headache. Less money means slower railway expansion, fewer transport upgrades, and more waiting for projects that could actually make commuting easier for Filipinos.

Watch out if airlines finally drop or at least slash rebooking fees. This small win could save passengers a lot of money, but don’t expect big improvements in public transport soon with the current budget squeeze.

Featured image credit: Canva Pro