BLOGGED PHILIPPINES

About eight years ago when me and my friends were flying from Cebu to Davao, we came across an issue as we pass by the second inspection point in the airport. After my friend’s bag passed through the X-ray machine, an airport officer called her up and confirmed if she’s bringing an umbrella inside the plane cabin. On that day we knew that umbrellas needs to be checked-in. We are not informed of the new policy. In that instance, my friend surrendered her precious umbrella than pay extra baggage for it. Baggage security check in airports. Since then, things have already improved. At some point, checking in your umbrella won’t cost you a dime. And now, the latest as per my experience last month, you can now bring your “foldable” umbrella inside the plane. The prohibition only applies to cane type of umbrella. What I mean are the long “non-foldable” umbrellas. So the next time you fly and are worried you won’t have an umbrella to use in your destination, this information may comfor...

Streamlined check-in process. Saves time. We only hear of the advantages of integrating terminal fees to ticket price. But have you ever thought of the flip side of this move? Have you ever tried booking a promo fare which is non-refundable and then cancel your flight? The ticket price is non-refundable but should the terminal fee be the same?

The first time I've been to NAIA Terminal 4 or more commonly known as Manila Domestic Terminal was back in 2008. That time, Cebu Pacific still operates there. My experience in the place was bad. It was crowded and the aircon cannot support it so everyone was perspiring, most of which are standing due to lack of seats.

Starting today March 1, Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) will start collecting terminal fees when booking airline tickets. The terminal fee in Mactan-Cebu International Airport is 200 Pesos. The move is part of the on-going effort to improve customer experience in local airports in the country. Last August 2012, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has begun implementing the same scheme on passengers using the Terminal 1, 2 and 3. The results show improved passenger flow, saving time usually spent lining up in terminal fee booths The departure hall of Mactan Cebu International Airport on Mactan Island. (Photo credit: Wikipedia ) Located in Lapu-lapu City, Mactan Island, the  Mactan-Cebu International Airport is the second primary gateway of the Philippines. It is a fast growing trade center for both domestic and international traffic with 602 commercial flights weekly transporting 10,223 passengers daily. Last 2010, MCIA handled over 5.7 Million passeng...

NAIA Terminal 1 . Image via Wikipedia After being highlighted twice as one of the worst airport in the world, the 30-year old Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 is now being renovated. The renovation includes both structural and aesthetic improvement to the facility. Interactive travel website  The Guide to Sleeping in Airports (http://www.sleepinginairports.net/) ranked NAIA Terminal 1 as the worst airport in the world citing its poor facilities, bribery and security concerns as the main problems facing the old terminal. Also, the recently published CNN article entitled " World's 10 most hated airports " ranked NAIA Terminal 1 as the 5th in the worldwide scale. The flood of criticism that brought NAIA Terminal 1 to the limelight have prompted the Office of the President to act swiftly and make quick improvements. President Noynoy Aquino himself conducted a  surprise visit  to the airport just to make sure that the impro...

Image via Wikipedia If you will be travelling without check-in baggage like the famous Cebu Pacific Go-Lite promo, better not to bring your umbrellas. Before, we just fold our umbrellas and keep it inside our hand carried bags. Now, there's a new security order to include umbrellas in your check-in baggages. Well, again, if you happen to be travelling with Go-Lite ticket, then you would have to pay 400 pesos for baggage reinstatement. Experience in Mactan Airport I just had this experience when I traveled a few weeks ago. After getting the boarding pass from Cebu Pacific counter and paying the terminal fee, we are told at the final inspection that umbrellas should be checked-in. How annoying it is to imagine how long we been standing there in the line to the counters and to think that it was not even mentioned on the first inspection! One of my company had to go back to the counter and negotiate the matter. And here's the funny thing: it's not that easy to check ...