What used to be a chaotic and packed Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 3 is now a ‘ghost town’. While we did hate the once crowded airport, I do somehow miss it at the same time. This was how devastating the effect of the pandemic is on the Philippine aviation industry. The experience of traveling domestic after more than a year of quarantine was somehow sad but happy at the same time.
Sad because I am not used to see an empty NAIA. Happy because somehow, there are still people getting ready for their flights. As what ‘Nightbird‘ once said, “2% is not 0%”. There is always hope.
What to prepare for
Aside from the empty airport and closed restaurants, of course you have to prepare with your travel requirements, even for a domestic flight. Gone are the days where all you needed was a valid ID and your ticket or boarding pass. Under the new normal, you may need a few more papers. These may include your vaccination card, a negative RT-PCR test result, and other documents the LGU at your destination may require. To be honest, this is what’s killing the local travel industry. LGUs have different requirements, instead of following a standardized set.
You will need to create an account at S-pass.ph which is a travel management system developed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) VI primarily intended to make travelling of Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs) Emergency Travelers (ETs), and other travelers during this pandemic Safe, Swift, and Smart.
You will also need to download the Traze app for contact tracing purposes. Of course please do not forget your valid IDs and a ballpen.
The difference between the old normal and new normal in traveling domestic
I traveled from Manila to Cebu last June 24 and back on June 28 via an AirAsia flight. Honestly, the difference is not that significant. You still get 7kg free carry-on items. You go through the same x-rays and security checks. Check-in counters are still there. However, there is just not much to do in the airport.
There are not much restaurants to hang-out in since majority of them are closed. You also barely see planes come and go. All the gates are filled with parked airplanes. Only a few are operational. The rest are parked but of course, in flying condition.
You also cannot remove your face masks and face shields. Airport security personnel will definitely reprimand you if you do so. Social distancing is also strictly observed.
Safety is number one
AirAsia greatly adheres to all safety and health protocols. In fact, they were given a 7-star rating for Covid-19 compliance by airlineratings.com. AirAsia ground crew were in full PPE. Cabin crew wore face shields, face masks, and gloves.
Our flight was full and we were seated side by side however, this is even safer than dining in an airconditioned restaurant with distancing. AirAsia’s Airbus jets are equipped with a ventilation and air flow system that ensures viruses are not transmitted on board. Air flow direction is from up to bottom, and air is renewed every three minutes. Recycled air, which is around 50% of the air, goes through HEPA filters which catches contaminants with a 99.9% efficiency.
We were not allowed to remove face masks and shields at all times except when eating. Deplaning was done in a very orderly manner. No one is allowed to crowd the aisle. Deplaning was done in rows of three while the others remain seated. You are only allowed to take your luggage when it is your row’s turn.
Don’t also expect flight attendants to open your tray tables for you. You have to be the one to do it after which your food and drinks will be served. Moreso, please do not expect the cabin crew to lift your luggage unto the overhead compartment unless you are incapable of doing so. They are willing to lend assistance if needed.
Please do make sure to also bring a ballpen as you will need to fill out a locator form which will be collected from you before you land. This will be submitted to airport personnel by the cabin crew.
Other things to remember too
Please do not demand to change seat in the middle of the flight. Also, you have to be totally honest if you feel anything such as cough, fever, loss of taste, smell, sore throat, colds, etc. You have to tell your cabin crew right away as this would be for your safety, the crew’s safety, and of course, other passengers. Always follow safety protocols.
Do you have to be scared or nervous about traveling domestic? Not at all! There is not much difference except for the safety protocols and additional documents. How we wish though that the IATF would implement a standard set of requirements for ALL local destinations. I am happy though that vaccinated air travellers no longer need a negative RT-PCR test result! This is indeed one great development.
So go travel! Book your tickets! Go check AirAsia’s promos! Lets all bring back the travel and tourism industry! As for me, I can’t wait to travel again!
