Hello Everyone! I am already in Halifax at the moment. I arrived last Tuesday, (24th April, 2012 – that is a year and a month when I first saw Dave at Davao International Airport). The days before my flight were stressful because of the ETIHAD thing, but Dave fixed the problem before I checked in at NAIA Terminal 1 for my flight to Manchester.

I hope this thread helps those who are newbies in travelling like ME.

1. BEFORE THE FLIGHT DATE

a. Weigh your luggage. This will give you an estimation so you won’t exceed the baggage allowance given by the airline. If you would like to bring more stuff with you, you can buy for extra checked-in luggage allowance online. Purchasing additional luggage allowance is a way cheaper than actually paying at the airport which costs P450 pesos per kilo (provinces-Cebu Pacific). I bought 10 extra kilograms online for P520.


b. As suggested by the CFO Seminar, have all the visa documents in your hand carry luggage.


c. Put something with a conspicuous colour on your luggage so you will easily notice it during claiming time.

d. Avoid the queues by checking in online 24 to 4 hours prior to your flight. You reserve that energy used to check-in for the long line at the Immigration counter of the Philippine Airport.

2. Departure (Do not forget to say Bye, to your loved ones in Pinas – lol)

a. BRING YOUR MIND WITH YOU. Presence of mind is very important. Listen for announcement (even if it does not concern you)

b. If you have checked-in online (for Cebu Pacific), some airports do not have designated web check in counters. Just proceed directly to the Cashier to check in your luggage.

c. At the NAIA 3, claim your luggage at designated carousel. There are airline label for each carousel so you won’t get lost.

d. FROM TERMINAL 3 (DOMESTIC) TO TERMINAL 1 OR 2 (INTERNATIONAL)

i. After claiming your luggage, proceed to the exit area. There are airport taxis which CHARGES A LOT! (P550-600) TIP: (If you want to have a metered taxi and pay according to the meter reading, here’s what you should do – after claiming the luggage, ride an escalator to the second floor of the airport that is the DEPARTURE area where taxis who are bringing passengers to the Airport. If an airport personnel would ask you why are you going up, tell them, you need to see someone at the departure area. (a lie but it helps) You would not be able to pay more than P300 on this case.

e. AT THE TERMINAL FOR INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE

i. Upon arrival, pay travel tax. (P1, 620.00). Keep the receipt, it might be asked for at the Immigration Counter.

ii. Wait for check in announcements posted on the monitors. Do not hesitate to ask if you are n doubt.

iii. CHECK IN at designated counter. There are check-in counters designate for Web Check in. If you have checked in online already, then proceed there; otherwise, queue for around 30 mins.

iv. Proceed to the designated place to pay for the TERMINAL FEE (P550).

v. Proceed to the Immigration Counter. Present your passport and the CFO Certificate plus the Travel tax receipt. The Immigration Officer might want to have a little CHIKA so be polite to answer her/his questions.

vi. Proceed to your designated boarding gate.

vii. You are ready to FLY!


3. CONNECTING FLIGHT

a. Look for FLIGHT TRANSFER signs and follow the arrow. If you are flying via Etihad, the Boarding Pass from Abu Dhabi to your point of destination does not indicate a boarding gate. Do ask the Etihad personnel at flight transfer counter.
b. Proceed to the Boarding Gate. And wait for check in announcement (either through a pager or through monitors)

c. READY!


4. At the Port of Destination

a. Ask the flight attendant for a LANDING CARD and fill it in so you will proceed directly to the Immigration Counter.

b. The Immigration Officer might want to have another set of CHIKA like those asked during the CFO one on one guidance and counselling program.

c. I arrived at Manchester Airport and I wasn’t asked for a CHEST X-Ray Result. The Immigration Officers of other airports might ask you for one so be ready in case.
d. HURRY, get your luggage at the designated carousel. These are mostly posted on monitors.

e. RUN and look for your sweetheart!

f. You deserve a HUG for a flight well done!

Jona