First Time Flyers Guide (Domestic)

We admit it, at first, we’re not really fond of promo airfares, our mindset’s not prepared for flights yet hehe. Whenever our colleagues goes into rush when a piso fare is announced, yeah we just don’t mind it haha. Then last February, out of curiosity, we booked online with Cebu Pacific. And you know what this means? Yes, here’s our dummies guide to first time flyers like you, like us..yep, at the age of 24 y/o, finally we rode an airplane hahaha 🙂

Commuting to NAIA? Most of domestic flights are in NAIA Terminal 3. Taxis are the easiest way to get here but it’s pricey. We rode the taxi from Taft Avenue, Manila w/c costs us around Php 150.00. Or you can ride the airport shuttles at EDSA Taft across Metropoint, fare is Php 20.00 each. This is cheaper but going to EDSA Taft is another haggard situation you may want to consider hehe.

You’re now at NAIA? You’ll see gate entrances w/ numbers, then your baggage, hand carry will pass through a scanner and you’ll get a body inspection too. No need to remove your watch, earrings, accessories, shoes. Get your bags from the scanner and now you’re inside the airport, you’ll see this…

You have boarding pass?  Near the check in counters, there are booths where you can print your boarding pass. You can also do this online, all thanks to CebPac’s updated email notifications. If you don’t have a printer, a screen shot of your boarding pass will do too. We did this on Puerto Princesa Airport & the crew accepted our boarding pass screenshots. Boarding pass needs to be presented in check in/bag drop counters so they can issue another printed boarding pass that looks like a receipt w/ attached baggage number.

 

Have you checked in yet? Nope, this is not about checking in w/ your social accounts to update that you’re in the airport hahaha (I know you do!). See those counters w/ airline labels? This is where you need to have your baggage be checked in. CebPac also sends an email 2 days prior to your flight, asking you to check in. In our case, we checked in online then we also checked in at the airport haha to be sure. We arrived 2 hours prior our flight schedule. Below are some of photos we took for your easier guide 🙂

Boarding Pass & Check In Done? Now what’s next? You’re free to roam around & take pictures in the airport, haha.

I’m serious, this is your free time while waiting for your boarding time. Or you may just proceed to the gate number indicated in your boarding pass.

I’m at my assigned gate number.  Just sit back, a few minutes before boarding time, pay attention to the announcements. The airline crew will explain your flight’s boarding announcement. Remember that guests seated at rows 1-15 enters the front entrance of the airplane, while rows 16 up take the rear entrance. Be kind enough to give way for elderly, pregnant, disabled persons. (O diba kabisado?!hehe) 

Inside the plane. 

For 1st time flyers or not, admit it, we all took photos inside the plane haha :p Aside from this, place your hand carry bag on drawers over head or under the seat in front of you. Pay attention to what the crews are discussing, they’ll have a game later on the flight where you can win airline goodies. Also, take time to read the safety instruction card.

Take note. 

• Mobile phones / any electronic devices should be switched off while inside the plane. Haha but we now have airplane mode in our mobile phones, etc. so this solves it.
• Never travel w/ an empty stomach, neither eat in full, avoid oily foods too.
• Seats located across the airplane wing gives a more stable motion in flight. We had seats like this on our flight back to Manila, but we found it bumpy hehe.
• Terminal fee in NAIA is included on your booked airfare, no need to pay in the airport. While terminal fee in provinces are not included, so you still need to pay for it.
• If possible, be at the airport at least 2 hours prior your flight schedule. Daig ng maagap ang masipag 🙂

I guess, these are the basics that every first time flyers should know. Have a fun and safe flight!

Thanks and please rate. 🙂