Airphil Express and Cebu Pacific Air flights, domestic and international, fly in and out of NAIA Terminal 3. If you’ve flown out of the country before, then you’re probably familiar with the whole pre-flight thingamajig. But if it’s your first time,  read on as I discuss in detail the whole check-in and boarding processes so you could breeze through them.

One of the biggest mistakes that you will make if you’re flying to any other foreign destination is to assume that everything would go well exactly like how it does with domestic flights. Many travelers who have flown domestically before make that mistake and it results in stress caused by trying to beat the time and sometimes missing the flight altogether.

The check-in process for international flights is very similar to domestic in many ways but there are also many differences. For starters, you need to be at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time for international flight as opposed to 45 minutes for domestic. This is because there are additional steps and paperwork that need to be done before anyone is allowed to board the plane.

“Things to Bring” Checklist

Whenever I travel abroad, I always have a checklist of items I MUST NOT forget. This is also why it is important to go to the airport early, like 2-3 hours before the flight. This allows you time to sit down and check your things. And in case you forgot something awfully important at home, you still have time to go back and get it. Allow me to share with you my checklist.

• Passport – The last thing you want to happen is to unintentionally leave your passport at home.
• Printed Flight Itinerary/Tickets – Make sure you print out the tickets. When I fly domestic, I usually just show the check-in agent the tickets on my phone. They accept it. But for international flights, you will be showing your tickets too many times (check-in counter, travel tax counter, departure fee counter, immigration, etc) that it would be impractical and ridiculously annoying to whip out your phone every step of the way. A printed ticket will make it a lot easier for you and the people who will check it. Besides, a piece of paper does not need to be charged.
• Valid IDs – Not really that important because the passport is considered a valid ID. But to be safe, I always bring other IDs, just in case I was invited by Immigration Officers for a short “talk.”
• DSWD Clearance – Only when I’m traveling with my nephew or niece and their parents are not joining the trip.
• Money – Of course! Make sure you have enough. My usual budget for a 3-day or 4-day trip abroad is US$600 but I usually just spend less than USD400. Having not enough cash is a common reason why travelers are denied entry even when they are already at the airport.
• Credit card – Some airports require a copy of the credit card used when the tickets are booked online. You might also need it as a safety net in case you run short of cash. Some hotels also ask for credit card for deposit.
• Travel Itinerary – Make a clear plan of what you want to do and write them down. In case the Immigration Officers pick you for a random check, a printed itinerary will help convince them that you will really go to your destination to tour and nothing else.
• Hotel address and contact number – You will need it. If you’re traveling with a kid or someone who doesn’t speak English (or the language spoken in the country you’re visiting), give them the address and contact number of the place you are staying in. In case they get lost, it will be easier for them to find their way to you. You will also need the hotel address when filling out immigration forms.
• A Pen – Yes, the humble pen is important. You will be accomplishing forms.

There’s a reason why teams competing at the Amazing Race all have a fanny pack with them. Though they might look unfashionable, they are absolutely helpful.

What NOT to Bring

The obvious ones, of course — drugs, firearms, explosives, endangered wildlife and the like. But there are also some completely harmless things that might have adverse consequences if you’re flying abroad as a tourist. It pays to check the regulations of the country you’re visiting. For example, if you’re flying to Singapore, here are items you should NOT bring with you:

• Chewing gum – It’s banned and illegal in Singapore!
• Pistol-shaped lighter – You’ll get in trouble for this one.
• Resume – Just in case you get invited for a random check or inspection, this would prove you will not just go to Singapore as a tourist.

For a list of items prohibited to be imported to Singapore, click here.

What to Do Upon Check-in

Once we were sure we had all the important items with us, it was time to check in. Here’s the step by step guide.

1. Pay the Travel Tax. The Travel Tax counter is at the far end of the terminal. It’s P1,650 per person. They will give you a receipt. Don’t lose it.
2. Get a copy of an Immigration Form (aka Departure Card) at the Check-in Counter. Accomplish one copy per person. You will need the exact address of your hotel here.
3. Check in! Present the Departure Card together with the Travel Tax receipt, printed ticket and passport to the check-in agent. If you’re checking in baggage, make sure they have locks. The Agent will give you your boarding pass.
4. Proceed to the Departure Fee Booth. You will have to pay P750 per person here.
5. Go to the Immigration Booth to have your passport stamped.
6. Final security check. Remove all gadgets and metal items (including belts and coins) from your body. Remove your shoes, too.

After the final security check, head to the Pre-Departure Area. Check your boarding pass to see what gate you should go to. You should be fine here. All you need to do now is wait for the boarding call.

During the Flight

At one point on board the plane, flight attendants will distribute arrival cards to all passengers. Accomplish it immediately to save time. Here’s an example of an Arrival Card. This one is for Hong Kong.

Don’t forget to fill out these forms because you will have to present it at the Customs/Immigration booths in the country you’re visiting.

Enjoy your trip and have a hassle-free journey!

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