In case you haven't read my last post, I experienced my first solo flight just recently. I flew from Cebu to Manila. I was sooo nervous since it was the very first time I flied solo! And I didn't know anything about the check-in process. I didn't really know what to expect. So, I called Simple Pleasures Travel and Tours Consultancy and asked about it since there's someone there who's Cebuano. She reassured me by answering all my questions and concerns.
I also did some research beforehand, but it didn't really suffice. I wanted to have at least a little bit of knowledge about the check-in process and the rules. But most blogs, if not all, was just about that at NAIA. I found only one blog post that was helpful, but I wasn't sure of its accuracy since it was posted two years ago.
So, I figured I could post about the steps of checking in at the Mactan International Airport to help, even just a little, those who are like me - a first timer at flying who is a bit paranoid. :P Do excuse me for the lack of photos and if the photos I do have are blurry. I was just so nervous; my hands were shaking so much. Next time, I vow to take more legible photos!
Step One: Look for the check-in sign.
From the entrance, the check-in sign would be on your left. It is hung on the ceiling for people to easily see it. Even those who are short like me. Go towards it, and follow the arrow sign right below the CHECK-IN sign, pointing to the right. You then walk up the ramp. There's a security guard waiting at the top to check your ticket and ID, so it's better if you get them ready in advance. I saw the other passengers holding theirs in hand, so I just followed them. ;)
From the entrance, the check-in sign would be on your left. It is hung on the ceiling for people to easily see it. Even those who are short like me. Go towards it, and follow the arrow sign right below the CHECK-IN sign, pointing to the right. You then walk up the ramp. There's a security guard waiting at the top to check your ticket and ID, so it's better if you get them ready in advance. I saw the other passengers holding theirs in hand, so I just followed them. ;)
Step Two: Next is the x-ray.
When you go to the x-ray, you have to take off all your metals: your earrings, rings, necklaces, belts, etc., as well as your gadgets, and put it in a plastic tray which is provided by the airport, or you can just shove them all inside your bag. You then put your bags including your trolley, backpack, sling bag, handbag, absolutely everything! You gotta' lift them up yourselves. I'm not sure, but I think that's because everyone is cautious about the bullet-planting incident. Or maybe that's just me. Hahah. Anyway, after going through the x-ray and collecting your stuff, just follow the crowd to the check-in counters~ :P
When you go to the x-ray, you have to take off all your metals: your earrings, rings, necklaces, belts, etc., as well as your gadgets, and put it in a plastic tray which is provided by the airport, or you can just shove them all inside your bag. You then put your bags including your trolley, backpack, sling bag, handbag, absolutely everything! You gotta' lift them up yourselves. I'm not sure, but I think that's because everyone is cautious about the bullet-planting incident. Or maybe that's just me. Hahah. Anyway, after going through the x-ray and collecting your stuff, just follow the crowd to the check-in counters~ :P
Step Three: You look at the monitor that indicates if your flight is open for check in or not.
Your flight will be available for check-in two hours prior to your flight departure schedule. You can check in at any of the counters that is in line with your flight number. Mine was 5J 580 bound for Manila, so I could check in at counter 17-24.
*Note: The check-in time is not correlated to the flight's delay. So, if a flight gets delayed somehow, that doesn't change the check-in time.
You could also check in yourself via the check-in kiosks near the counters. I think this is more efficient since you don't really need to wait two hours before the flight to check in when you use this. And you can also choose your seat with this, too. The kiosks are touchscreen, and all you have to do is read and follow the instructions. It's really easy. But if you are having problems, you can also ask the airport staff for assistance. Don't worry, they're very accommodating. I promise. :) I landed the wingside seat thanks to Manong's help~!
Step Four: Baggage Check-in.
*Note: Your carry on or hand-carry baggage cannot exceed 7kg, and your check-in baggage must not exceed your specific baggage allowance. Since you'll have to pay Php200.00 for every 1kg that exceeds. Ouch!
For more information regarding baggage weight and size, click here.
Step Five: X-ray. Again.
After checking in your baggage, head towards your right to reach the second x-ray. At the last second and last x-ray, you have to take-off all your metals again. You have to put your phone in your bag or in the plastic tray similar to the ones provided in the first x-ray. Actually, the process is just a repeat of the first one. But be sure to have everything ready, that nothing was forgotten because I don't think you can go back out after going through here.
*Note: Liquids must not be more than 100ml and only a total amount of 1000ml is allowed. No sharp objects are allowed either. They'll confiscate or tell you to check in any items that are not allowed in your hand-carry bag once they detect it in the x-ray machines.
Step Six: Boarding Gates.
Look for the sign above that says "Domestic Boarding Gates" and head towards the direction the arrow is facing.
You'll findyourself in the departure lobby first, go straight to reach the boarding gates. It's just right up ahead. Find your gate first so you won't get lost and be late for boarding. You have to board the plane at least 15 minutes before your flight.
Step Seven: Wait for boarding.
Wait for your flight patiently. Chances are it's gonna' be delayed, so you should just get yourself comfy. If you're worried about your phone's battery getting drained and you don't have a powerbank, fret not. The airport has free charging stations. I noticed one near the check-in counters, and one in the departure lobby. All you need is your charger. You can charge while waiting for your boarding time or read a book. Just be sure to listen to all the announcements, and you'll be just fine.
Have a safe trip! :)
Do comment below if you have some questions, and I'll answer them right away! :)
*Note: The check-in time is not correlated to the flight's delay. So, if a flight gets delayed somehow, that doesn't change the check-in time.
You could also check in yourself via the check-in kiosks near the counters. I think this is more efficient since you don't really need to wait two hours before the flight to check in when you use this. And you can also choose your seat with this, too. The kiosks are touchscreen, and all you have to do is read and follow the instructions. It's really easy. But if you are having problems, you can also ask the airport staff for assistance. Don't worry, they're very accommodating. I promise. :) I landed the wingside seat thanks to Manong's help~!
Step Four: Baggage Check-in.
Even if you have already checked yourself in using the check-in kiosks, you still have to go wait in line at the counter if you have check-in baggage. Just prepare your ID, ticket, and printed boarding pass.
*Note: Your carry on or hand-carry baggage cannot exceed 7kg, and your check-in baggage must not exceed your specific baggage allowance. Since you'll have to pay Php200.00 for every 1kg that exceeds. Ouch!
For more information regarding baggage weight and size, click here.
Step Five: X-ray. Again.
After checking in your baggage, head towards your right to reach the second x-ray. At the last second and last x-ray, you have to take-off all your metals again. You have to put your phone in your bag or in the plastic tray similar to the ones provided in the first x-ray. Actually, the process is just a repeat of the first one. But be sure to have everything ready, that nothing was forgotten because I don't think you can go back out after going through here.
*Note: Liquids must not be more than 100ml and only a total amount of 1000ml is allowed. No sharp objects are allowed either. They'll confiscate or tell you to check in any items that are not allowed in your hand-carry bag once they detect it in the x-ray machines.
Look for the sign above that says "Domestic Boarding Gates" and head towards the direction the arrow is facing.
Step Seven: Wait for boarding.
Wait for your flight patiently. Chances are it's gonna' be delayed, so you should just get yourself comfy. If you're worried about your phone's battery getting drained and you don't have a powerbank, fret not. The airport has free charging stations. I noticed one near the check-in counters, and one in the departure lobby. All you need is your charger. You can charge while waiting for your boarding time or read a book. Just be sure to listen to all the announcements, and you'll be just fine.
Have a safe trip! :)
Do comment below if you have some questions, and I'll answer them right away! :)
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