SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) and Cebu Air, Inc. (Cebu Pacific) are expecting the holiday traffic to peak this week and have advised motorists and travelers to plan their trips to avoid lengthy delays.

“Traffic buildup and congestion at our expressways, ports, and airports is something we all expect at this time of the year, especially as restrictions have fully eased,” SMC President Ramon S. Ang.

“We appeal to our motorists for their patience and understanding as we anticipate heavy traffic,” he added.

According to the firm, it has deployed additional traffic management personnel at all its tollways to provide roadside assistance and help manage the flow of vehicles at exit points.

It has deployed additional personnel in the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road, South Luzon Expressway, the Skyway System, NAIA Expressway, and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

SMC’s infrastructure unit will also be waiving all toll fees in its tollways for the Christmas and New Year holidays. For the Christmas holiday, the waived fees will begin at 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 24 and end at 6:00 a.m. on Dec. 25. For the New Year holiday, the schedule will run from 10:00 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 6:00 a.m. the following day.

Meanwhile, low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has made preparations to ensure a smooth and easy passenger experience during the peak travel season.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) removed the initial screening equipment or x-ray machines at the entrances of Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal 4 on Dec. 16 and at Terminal 3 on Dec. 20.

“This is a welcome initiative that Cebu Pacific fully supports as MIAA aims to reduce passenger queues at the airport,” the airline said.

Cebu Pacific gave its passengers six reminders: allot enough travel time, check in via its official mobile application, check flight information, self-tag luggage for select domestic destinations, bring only one carry-on bag, and check the baggage policy.

“We are grateful to everyJuan for choosing to fly with us this holiday season,” the carrier said, referring to its consumer branding. “We look forward to more travels with you, your friends, and your families in 2023.”

Currently, Cebu Pacific has a total of 34 domestic and 19 international destinations. — Justine Irish D. Tabile