Social media posts claiming Philippine airlines offer free round-trip tickets via online registration are fake, a fact check reveals. The links direct users to phishing sites that risk personal data. Major airlines have made no such promotion announcements.
Posts circulating on Facebook falsely claim that Philippine airlines are offering free round-trip tickets for local and international routes to those who register online. The most viewed post from the 'TNC Nationwide' page, with 439,000 followers, has garnered 1.2 million views, 18,900 reactions, and 4,600 shares. In the video, a male news anchor states: “Airlines in the country are offering free two-way trips. To claim these trips, register online to get a slot for the free trips.” No specific airlines are named.
Rappler's fact check confirms no such promotions appear on the official channels of Philippine Airlines (PAL), Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Royal Air Philippines. Airlines like PAL and Cebu Pacific have previously warned against fake websites, stating genuine promotions are only on their official sites and social media. Free flights are usually redeemed via miles, points, or after purchasing tickets.
The registration links lead to unrelated shopping platforms and blog sites masquerading as government updates, lacking the .gov.ph domain. Urlscan.io analysis indicates phishing risks to personal and financial information. The 'news report' in the post is 99% likely AI-generated, per SightEngine.
Rappler debunked a similar PAL free flights claim for six months in 2024. PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna noted: “Please be reminded that official announcements on promos are posted on our corporate website www.philippineairlines.com and our official PAL Facebook Page.” In 2014, a fake Cebu Pacific promotion duped thousands during the Christmas rush.
