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Departure via Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 – Part 1
The MCIA has two terminals with the newer Terminal 2 being lauded as one of the best designed terminals in the country. It has been recognized internationally, too. And this is mainly due to the architecture of the new terminal.
Approach ramp to the departure level of MCIA Terminal 2
Departure level driveway – the area looks spacious but you wonder how it is during the peak season.
The view upon alighting from the vehicle that took us to the airport – note the advisory stating Cebu Pacific departures are via the old Terminal 1.
The walkway leading to the terminal building is very spacious.
Passengers may use the baggage trolley for their convenience in hauling their luggage.
There are seats for travelers and their well-wishers.
One of the kiosks along the corridor leading to the terminal building
The view from the walkway shows the Waterfront Hotel with its tiled roofs and the older MCIA Terminal 1 building (at right in the photo).
A local coffee shop operates out of one of the outdoor kiosks. These kiosks serve both travelers and well-wishers.
Inside, a popular souvenir shop welcomes travelers.
Schedule of departures are shown on one of the screens inside the terminal building.
Info booths of some of the airlines using Terminal 2
The Terminal 2 building offers very impressive architectural details.
There were long lines not because the airport is crowded but because there were few check-in counters open. Even those who have checked-in online and were to drop-off their bags were not spared the queues.
Stained glass windows featuring what appears to be a giant parol (Christmas lantern).
A view of the other check-in counters at the spacious MCIA Terminal 2
I took this photo of the ceiling to show the incorporation of natural lighting elements that allow for less power consumption for lighting particularly during daytime. This is one of the eco-friendly features of the building.
Another view of the long queues for PAL after we finished checking-in.
Airline service and information counters at the terminal – these are for Air Busan and Korean Air. An Air Busan plane figured in a crash recently when it overshot the runway upon landing at the MCIA in bad weather.
Another view of the ceiling and roof
Guidance for passengers are posted at the check-in counters. These include info on items that are not allowed in the check in bags, what are prohibited and will be seized at the airport, and what are allowed only in check in bags. The scale readout is working and can be seen on the counter. Typical luggage limit for domestic passengers range from 20 to 25kg depending on the airline.
Part 2 is coming soon!
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Inflight snacks in the time of Covid-19
Inflight, there wasn’t really much difference pre-Covid-19 and now (not yet post-Covid-19) except perhaps that the flight attendants were wearing PPEs and masks. We were on full flights both outbound and inbound of Manila and the airport terminals were also already crowded. We flew on Philippine Airlines so there was no food and drinks for sale on the flight. But they did distribute some snacks and drinks to passengers.
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| Butter cookies and water were our inflight snacks for the MNL-TAG flight. For drinks you actually can opt for coffee or tea. |
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| The cookies were by Figaro and not from some obscure manufacturer. |
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| We had green peas and water on the TAG-MNL flight. |
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| Nutrition information at the back of the pack. |
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| The guisantes pack was manufactured in Cebu and is certified Halal. |
I assume that longer flights on board full service airlines like Singapore Airlines or Japan Airlines would have modified their inflight meals service in light of Covid-19. We are hopeful that we can soon travel overseas to again enjoy the attractions in other countries.
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Flying again – NAIA Terminal 2 Departure
It’s been more than 2 years since the last time I went on a trip via aircraft. We finally decided it was safe to take a brief vacation and to take advantage of the still few tourists heading to resorts out of Manila. Here are a few photos taken at NAIA Terminal 2 as we set out to travel to Panglao Island in Bohol for a much needed break from work and from Covid-19.
Check-in counters at NAIA T2 were already busy when we arrived at the airport
The scene at the terminal lobby was as if there was no pandemic (technically, we aren’t out of the Covid-19 pandemic yet).
Past the final security check and into the pre-departure area
Some sections were less crowded. This section where we had some light lunch as we waited for our gate to be announced was usually reserved for international flights. Here were gates for US destinations and it was spacious because of the number of passengers and the gauntlet-like security checks required for US-bound passengers.
Our boarding gate for our flight to Tagbilaran-Panglao Airport
Passengers waiting for their boarding calls near our gate
We can only imagine how much more crowded this terminal could still be once we go back to “normal” or pre-pandemic travel conditions. It is good to see at least most passengers wearing masks. All adults at least were wearing masks and only small children and infants weren’t. We also hope that airport terminal staff do their part in ensuring the facilities were disinfected regularly so as to minimize the risk of Covid-19 and other infections.
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Caught (up) in traffic 