#SmartTravellerTips: Departure Guide for First Time Travellers
There’s something exciting about flying. Whether the rush you get is due to flying for the first time or the first time in a long while due to the pandemic, the experience will leave you anticipating what lies ahead of your journey.
To help those with plans of flying soon, we’ve rounded up a list that’ll help you on what to prepare and expect when you’re in the airport. Read below for easier, worry-free trips!
STEP 1: Initial Security Check
What you need to show: Passport and Itinerary/Ticket
Upon entering, place all your belongings on the conveyor belt and let them pass through the x-ray machine.
Pro tip #1: Use the trays for your small items (i.e mobile phones, belt, shoes, etc).
While your luggage is being inspected, go through the full body scanner. Once finished, wait for your baggage and double check your belongings.
STEP 2: Pay the Travel Tax and Terminal Fee
Ideally, the travel tax and departure fee are already included when you book your ticket, so make sure to double-check your ticket if it has been paid already. If still unsure, check-in first. The check-in agent will tell you if you still need to settle the tax.
What you need to show: Passport and Itinerary/Ticket
**Travel Tax Fee if flying abroad:
- PHP1,620 for passengers with economy class plane tickets
- PHP2,700 for passengers with first class plane tickets
STEP 3: Check-in your Baggage
After your payment transaction, go to your airline’s designated check-in counter.
What you need to show: Passport, Itinerary/Ticket and Travel Tax Receipt
Optional: Valid ID
The check-in counter person will then ask you to weigh your baggage, in case you have one to check-in. In some cases, the check-in counter personnel might also ask you to weigh your carry-on bag/luggage so make sure it’s no more than 7kg in weight. If in any case it exceeds 7kg, you have to pay a corresponding fee.
If everything goes well, the check-in counter personnel will issue you your boarding pass and give back your passport and flight itinerary.
Pro Tip #2: Some airlines have already installed self-check-in kiosks, which you can use to print your own boarding pass. However, if you have baggage exceeding the normal carry-on size, you are still required to queue at the check-in counters. If it’s your first time, it’s advisable to do the manual check-in.
STEP 4: Immigration
Before heading to the Immigration booth, fill out a copy of Immigration form or Departure Card. This will be given at the check-in counter or sometimes available a few meters away from the Immigration booth.
Note: You will need to indicate your address abroad (address of the hotel you’re staying at or the relative/friend you’re visiting).
Pro Tip #3: Make sure to bring your own pen and have your details ready so you can avoid the long queue.
Before we proceed, pause and take a deep breath. You’ve got this! :)
Usually, this is the step where travelers get anxious and nervous because they feel like they might be asked difficult questions or worse - not permitted to fly. But you don’t have to worry about it. Just be yourself and answer their questions truthfully.
Sample Questions:
- How long will you be staying abroad?
- What are you going to do there?
- Whom are you traveling with?
- What’s your occupation?
- Where will you stay?
Pro Tip #4: Be honest and convince them that you’re going there to tour and not to find work. When they’re satisfied, they will put a stamp on your passport.
STEP 5: Final Security Check
After getting your Passport stamped, proceed to the final security check.
Note: You will be asked to remove all gadgets and metal items (including belts and coins) from your body. Remove your shoes only when instructed.
STEP 6: Boarding
Go to your assigned boarding gate and wait at the lounge for your boarding time.
Travelling can be nerve-wracking, especially if you're flying for the first time and travelling by yourself. But if you take some deep breaths and picture yourself at your chosen destination, you will feel way calmer.
We hope that these tips will help you breeze through your first flight with confidence and excitement as you embark on your journey. Bon voyage!
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Ready to say #HelloNewWorld to your dream destination? Don’t forget to check out our selection of stylish, functional, and affordable luggage today via:
- https://www.worldtraveller.com.ph/
- LazMall
- The Travel Club,Flight 001, The SM Stores
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