Last week, I flew from Cebu to Manila for an urgent, important, and unavoidable appointment. What was even more difficult was, Cebu City had been put on strict lockdown again on the 16th of November 2020. I am based in Moalboal, 3 to 4 hours away. There is a different route to get to Mactan Airport without passing thru Cebu City.
Just a brief background, the Philippines is made up of more than 7,107 islands. At the time of writing this, most provinces in the country are currently under General Community Quarantine. Only traveling for medical reasons and return to one's area of residence are allowed. Any other reason requires a travel authority reviewed and approved by municipal police or higher police office. Traveling across different provinces for vacation or leisure is still prohibited.
Travel Pass
The day before my impending travel, I spent two hours to secure the following documents in 4 different buildings:
- Medical Certificate Fee at the Municipal Cashier
- Testing and Medical Certificate at the Rural Health Unit
- Vehicle pass via the Tourism Office,
- and a Travel Authority Pass (Covid Shield) issued by the Local Police Headquarters
I filled up forms at the Tourism Office after being checked at the Rural Health Unit. I had to submit photocopies of my return flight booking and hotel booking (if any). I would be staying at my sister's so I noted down her address and contact details.
Booking photocopies are required and will be collected by the local police headquarters. They also requested a written proof of my appointment in Manila before approving my request.
I was not required to take a swab test. I reckon that it might be due to our town being clear of the virus? Maybe, maybe not. It's important to note though that my sisters and their families in Manila have taken their swab tests and are all negative.
The Day of the Flight
As early as 4 AM, I drove in the dark along the cliffside National Road. I was alone in the car and directly drove to the airport. The terminal parking was empty except for 5 vehicles. I stayed in Manila for 2 nights so I left my car for overnight parking which costs Php 250 per night.
I locked the car, dragged my luggage, and walked to the departure area. Face mask - check. Face shield - check. Disinfectant Spray - check.
Restaurants were closed and the airport terminal looked gloomy.
Contactless flight check-in was the goal of the budget airline, so online check-in was done days prior. I simply had to queue at the check-in counter that was covered with a plastic partition to deposit my luggage. I crossed the hand luggage scanning afterward that led to the boarding gates and it was such a relief to see a few stalls open to passengers at the boarding area.
Boarding
Strict social distancing was observed with waiting seats marked X wherever needed.
I was hungry. I ordered a rice porridge with chicharron bits (crispy pork rinds) and a cup of brewed coffee while waiting. Each dining table had a plexiglass partition and most passengers were clearing up their own tray after use.
When our flight started boarding, the ground staff called out row numbers to allow limited passengers to board in an organized fashion.
When it was my turn, I followed the queue until I got to my seat.
In the Plane
The airplane smelt of disinfectant that reminded me of hospital rooms and the flight crew looked more like doctors with (PPE) personal protective equipment.
What completely surprised me however was our plane was full. I expected occupancy to be at least one empty seat in between to observe social distancing. I sat by the window and spent one hour in my corner. There was no entertainment and the flight was quiet. There was hardly anyone who had a pre-ordered in-flight meal.
Once we touched down and were safe enough to de-plane, row numbers were called and passengers slowly headed for the exit. This was to avoid everyone from compressing together while grabbing their bags.
Everyone slowly walked towards the allocated bus. With the proper social distance, we all waited for our luggage around the baggage carousel.
Airport Pick-up
My sister waited for me at the Bay Number she mentioned. I spotted her immediately at the Airport Terminal's porte-cochere where she welcomed me with a large spray bottle of disinfectant. She asked me to stand and turn as she showered me and my luggage with an alcohol spritz. It was just the two of us. She handed me a new face shield and a new face mask as I sat behind the car.
We drove off and by the time I arrived at my sister's house, we dashed to the bathroom for a full shower and fresh change of clothes before interacting with anyone. They again disinfected my luggage and bags outside the house.
I suppose this is really the new norm.
Return Flight Back Home
After my stay, my return flight was pretty much the same except that there was strict checking of all of my papers - medical certificate and travel authority.
On the plane, there was an empty seat between me and the next passenger. I mentally waved goodbye to Manila when the plane took off.
For passengers going to Cebu City which is currently on strict lockdown, there was a separate queue and counter for them once we were back in Mactan Terminal.
I walked past them while dragging my luggage trolley towards the empty airport parking.
Despite experiencing traveling by plane in Asia during the highlight of SARS in the early 2000s, I must say flying during Covid-19 is an unusual one. I am certain that international travel would even be worse, not to mention the quarantine required afterward.
Thank you for reading. What about you? Have you traveled by air recently? How was your experience?