Caught (up) in traffic

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NAIA Terminal 2 international check-in

I took a few photos near the check-in counters at NAIA Terminal 2 as I myself checked-in for a flight to Bangkok. There was less confusion now compared to the last time I used PAL for an international flight and their ground staff were relatively unexperienced. This was the result of PAL rationalizing their workforce and opting for outsourcing ground services prior to San Miguel’s takeover of the financially-challenged full service airline. During the transition period, queues were longer as service times at the check-in counters were longer. Ground staff took some time to process each passenger as perhaps they had little training (if any) and thrust into the real work provided an initial shock that translated into slower services.

IMG07391-20131120-0628Passengers checking-in at NAIA T2. There are no internet check-in booths (for those who already checked-in online and would just drop-off their luggage) or automated check-in machines at Terminal 2. PAL needs to work on these services for more efficient services at the terminal.

IMG07392-20131120-0633A single queue with multiple servers means more orderly services for passengers. This is actually something that Philippines immigration should implement in all airports whether for departing or arriving passengers. I don’t get it why for departures, immigration can implement this simple system resulting in more efficient processing for travelers while the same cannot be implemented for arrivals.

IMG07388-20131120-0625Passengers lining up to pay terminal fees. NAIA is one of very few terminals still charging terminal fees. Elsewhere, these fees (if any) are already integrated into the plane fares and so passengers don’t need to queue and spend time for another transaction.

IMG07389-20131120-0626Travelers fill out immigration cards before lining up for the immigration counters. There are still many who seem oblivious to this requirement. While some are really the hard-headed type who end up stalling the queue, these people can easily be filtered by immigration or airport staff managing the queues.

Another look at the Iloilo airport – departure

I took the first flight out of Iloilo back to Manila during a recent trip to the city. I also took an opportunity to take some pictures of the terminal including the part when we lined up to enter the terminal. Security was strict (as is necessary for such facilities) so there was a single line to control the inflow of passengers. There’s nothing really new for departures except a few new cafes inside the pre-departure area. The shops prior to the final security check were still closed at the time so I could not do some final pasalubong shopping. I can only imagine that passengers directly bound for international destinations would need to pass through the immigration booths at the terminal.

IMG07323-20131025-0426Queue of passengers entering the terminal – there was a single file for the initial inspection by airport security. Well-wishers are not allowed inside the airport unless there is prior clearance from the airport authorities.

IMG07324-20131025-0450North wing pre-departure area – the shops were already open early in the morning

IMG07325-20131025-0451A glance back to the center of the terminal where passengers emerge from the final security check.

IMG07326-20131025-0451Passengers catching an NBA post-game interview while waiting for the boarding call.

IMG07327-20131025-0452We were initially assigned to board at Gate 3 of the airport terminal.

IMG07328-20131025-0452Cafe near Gate 3 that is also designated as a smoking area.

IMG07330-20131025-0518Later, we were transferred to Gate 5 at the other end of the terminal.

IMG07331-20131025-0518Waiting passengers seated facing Gate 5. There are also cafes and fast food line along this terminal wing.

IMG07332-20131025-0518Designated enclosed smoking area near Gate 5.

IMG07333-20131025-0552Fellow passengers walking on the bridge towards our aircraft.

IMG07334-20131025-0552The first flight out of Iloilo to Manila is via Cebu Pacific. The second flight is via Philippine Airlines whose plane is shown unloading baggage as it arrived as we were boarding our aircraft.

IMG07335-20131025-0552View inside the tube as we proceeded to board our aircraft.