International Airlines

International airlines’ fare rates are subject to change without prior notice.  Here is a sneak peak on rates to some destinations:  a flight from London to Manila typically costs ?400 in an off-peak season and ?800 during peak seasons; Cebu to Manila and vice versa is $50; Singapore to Manila and vice versa is about $115.

Traveler must keep in mind that air carriers do not refund, re-issue, or even replace lost tickets, so, you better keep those tickets securely kept.

Baggage loss, damage or delay should be reported immediately to the customer service counters.  Liability limit is commonly not very high on most checked and unchecked baggage.  More information can be acquired from the carriers.  Additional protection can be obtained by purchasing insurance by third companies.

Flying  on it’s way home

Manila, Clark, Subic, Laoag, Cebu, and Davao are the Philippines’ international gateways. The Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila is the country’s major gateway.   NAIA serves more that 30 airlines which fly to destinations around the world.  Terminal 1 serves all international flights excluding Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines.  Terminal 2 or the Centennial Terminal is where Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines are based, and is used exclusively by these airlines’ domestic and international flights.  All departing passengers on international flights will pay travel tax unless exempted by law, treaty, executive agreement, and other similar issuances.

International Flights
Most arrivals are served by the NAIA which is located in the city of Parañaque. The NAIA has three terminals. It is attended by 30 airlines which fly to destinations around the world.  Terminal 2 is exclusively for Philippine Airlines’ domestic and International flights. Terminal 1 supports all other airlines, and Terminal 3 is under negotiation for use by other airlines, as well.  Passengers are requested to check in at least four hours before departure time. Early check in is as early as 1:30 AM for domestic flights and 4:30 AM for international flights.  For flights to and from other countries, check-in luggage should not exceed 40 kilograms for first class, 30 kilograms for business class and 20 kilograms for economy class.

Ninoy Aquino Airport, Manila

International Destinations
Clark International Airport in Pampanga caters to regular international flights from Malaysia, Macau, Hong Kong, and Singapore.  Subic International Airport handles regular flights from Taiwan and different cargo flights.  Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte serves regular flights from China.  Mactan International Airport in Cebu also receives international flights from Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Korea, Doha, Malaysia, Busan, Australia, including chartered flights from the United States and the most travel capitals around the world.  Davao International Airport, on other hand, also caters to international flights from Singapore, Indonesia, Palau, and seasonal flights to Macau.

Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Phils.

Tariffs and Regulations
All travelers in the Philippines who get on a plane are required to pay the taxes, including all citizens of the country, permanent resident aliens, and non-resident aliens who have stayed in the country for more than a year.  There are regulations on items that can be brought or not on board a flight.  Banned items are explosives and firearms, pressurized containers and gases, poisons, flammable liquids and solids, oxidizers and peroxides, infectious materials, corrosives, organics, radioactive materials, magnetic materials, and knives with blades four inches and longer.  Taxes, fees, and charges directed by the government transportation authorities are included in the price of the ticket.  Travel tax exemptions can be obtained from the Philippine Tourism Authority upon presentation of travel documents.