My 10 Best Tips Before Boarding a Plane After 10 Years as an OFW

Before heading to the Airport:

1. I always check my flight status

Before heading to the airport, I always check my flight status using the airline app or website, and I also keep track of text messages and emails. I’ve experienced many delays and schedule adjustments before. Staying updated always gives me peace of mind. Most of the changes I’ve encountered are just delays; I haven’t experienced a cancellation yet. It’s frustrating to wait at the airport because I arrived too early due to a several-hour flight delay. So, I needed to stay alert, and so should you. Understood?

2. I organize my travel documents

Regularly, I meticulously check my documents such as passport, tickets, and e-travel when I’m heading back to the Philippines. When leaving the Philippines, I ensure I have my passport, ticket, e-travel pass, entry visa, and Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). I keep all of these in a single plastic envelope for easy access. Most of the time, I place it in my sling bag so it’s readily accessible when needed.

3. I Always Check Baggage Allowances

I always check my airline’s baggage policies for quantity, weight and size limits to avoid extra fees. I weigh them at home, if possible.

My Unforgettable Experience You Can Relate:

I experienced giving away a suitcase of gifts or “pasalubong” when I was returning to the Philippines. Our company’s travel agent typically booked me on Saudi Airlines, but he booked me on Qatar Airways for the first time. My mistake was not double-checking the baggage allowance because most airlines allow 2 suitcases/bags. However, I was surprised at the check-in counter to learn that only one bag or suitcase was allowed. I had no choice but to give away the gifts and the suitcase. The Bangladeshi staffs were so happy with the many dates and chocolates they received, especially those who got my suitcase. If I had insisted on bringing them, I would have paid triple compared to the value of the suitcase of gifts. So, it was a lesson learned for me!

4. Always Charge my Devices

I need to ensure all my electronic devices such as cellphone, tablet, laptop or power bank are fully charged before heading to the airport. I don’t rely on airport charging stations because not all airports have them, and when they do, they’re often heavily used. I always carry a power bank with me. Power banks are allowed in hand carry baggage. This way, I can watch movies and listen to music without worrying about my devices running out of battery. This is crucial because waiting for my flight often takes several hours. I hope you’re like this too. Clear enough? Hehehe.

5. I Dress Comfortably

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Airports often involve extensive walking, and it’s important to stay comfortable throughout your flight.

My Unforgettable Experience Your Can Relate:

In my years of vacationing in the Philippines, I’ve visited many international airports in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Hong Kong, Singapore, and many others. Quite proud of it! Hehehe, that’s true. One similarity I’ve noticed among them is the need to queue and walk long distances to reach my boarding gate. The longest I’ve experienced was at Dubai International Airport, where I passed through several escalators, walkalators, and stairs. That’s why nowadays, I always wear comfortable rubber shoes and stretchable jeans. So, to those wearing sandals and high heels, better bring some pain reliever. Hehehe! I no longer wear shorts because I’ve experienced how cold it can get at the boarding gate. That’s why I always have a matching jacket to keep warm. Do you relate, Kabayan?

6. Arrive early in the airport 

Getting to the airport with at least three to four hours before your flight ensures you have enough time for check-in, security checks, and any unexpected delays.

My Unforgettable Experience Your Can Relate:

Our tickets state that I need to be at the airport about 4 hours before my flight. However, sometimes I can’t follow this due to unexpected delays like traffic on the way to the airport. Nevertheless, I make sure to be within the city at least 1 day before. There was an instance when I missed my flight because I took a ferry (2Go) from Mindanao, and it stayed in Cebu for several hours. Upon arriving in Manila, it took hours to travel from heading to the airport from the pier, where the plane had departed an hour earlier. Take note, this was an international flight bound for the UAE. Fortunately, the Cathay Pacific staff agreed to rebook my flight at no charge because they believed my reason and felt sympathetic. It was a tough experience! If she did not agree, I would have paid thousands of pesos for the new ticket, in which, I don’t have that time. That’s why I always make it a point to arrive at the airport early, either a day before or hours before my flight.

Before boarding the Airplane

7. I Familiarize the Security Regulations

I always observed and remember the airport security regulations and other restricted area to speed up the boarding process.

My Unforgettable Experience You Can Relate:

When I was in the scanning section at Kuwait airport, two large security officers approached me and informed me that we needed to go to their office. I was nervous and anxious because I had no idea what I had done wrong. I tried to recall any mistakes, but nothing came to mind. I followed all their procedures. It was embarrassing as other passengers were staring at me as we left the queue. I felt like a VIP walking with two bodyguards on either side of me. Huhuhu! But before we reached their office, one of the security officers stopped and asked me to open my cell phone. Without questioning, I immediately unlocked my phone, shaking by then. The security officer looked kind. Once I unlocked my phone, he told me to delete the video footage I had taken in the scanning section because it was prohibited. “Didn’t you see the signboard that says no cameras?” he asked, pointing to the signboard, which I then saw displayed. I explained that I hadn’t recorded in the actual scanning section, but they said they had seen me recording from the stairs, which was also prohibited. I apologized and promised not to do it again. I showed them the video and deleted it right in front of them. He also told me to delete it from the recently deleted folder. He warned me not to do it again, or they would arrest me next time. I apologized, and they accepted it. One of the security officers patted me on the back, and I finally calmed down.

What’s the lesson learned? Know the regulations at airports. Read and observe your surroundings. Look at the displayed signboards because CCTV cameras are watching our actions, especially the prohibited ones. No sneaky Hokage moves! Hehehe.

8. I Claim the Terminal Fee Refund always

All OFWs are exempt from the terminal fee when returning to their work abroad after a vacation.

My Unforgettable Experience You Can Relate: 

I often forget this and only remember when I’m already at the boarding gate. I wasted over 600 pesos, which I could have used to buy food inside the airport while waiting for my flight. By then, it’s too late to go back, and even if it were possible, the process is lengthy and not worth it. So, while I’m still at the check-in counter, I ask the teller where to claim the refund, and they direct me to the right place. You and I can claim it before the boarding gate by showing a copy of boarding pass, OEC, and passport. We just need to sign after receiving the money. Hehehe. So, don’t forget to claim your refund. You can use it to buy cup noodles and water inside the airport. Stay well-fed while traveling! Hehehe.

9. I Monitor My Boarding Gate Number

I verify my boarding pass on gate number provided. Airports can be expansive, and being aware of my destination can help me manage my time effectively.

My Unforgettable Experience You Can Relate:

After going through immigration and the scanning section, I often have a few hours left before my flight. I immediately check the TV screens for my boarding gate and head there to see how far it is and how long it takes to get there. Once I know my gate number, I sometimes leave to buy food and drinks because the airline doesn’t serve the free meal immediately after takeoff. It’s better to have some extra snacks and water on hand.

Take note: Even if you already have a boarding gate number, it can still change. I’ve experienced this several times, where my boarding gate number suddenly changed and didn’t match what was on my boarding pass. So, always stay alert. Don’t fall asleep, because missing your flight is a hassle.

10. I Set an Alarm I Want to Sleep at Airport

Setting an alarm can be useful to alert you if you’re feeling exhausted after a long journey to the airport. It helps ensure you don’t oversleep and miss your flight.

My Unforgettable Experience You Can Relate: 

If I’m really exhausted from a long journey and lack of sleep, I sometimes sleep at the airport. However, I make sure to sleep right at my boarding gate, not just anywhere. Before closing my eyes, I set an alarm for one hour before my flight.

My experience: I remember when I was at Hong Kong airport and fell asleep without setting an alarm. I didn’t realize they had made several last calls for boarding. Fortunately, I was sleeping right at my boarding gate. All the other passengers had boarded, and I was the only one left sitting there. The staff had to wake me up and confirm my name before I hurried to the counter. I’ve heard stories of OFW missing their flights because they wandered away from their boarding gate and lost track of time, watching movies with headphones on and not hearing the announcements. Poor souls. They enjoyed their time but ended up crying later. Hehehe…

Conclusion

This list reflects real-life experiences from my journey. Many fellow OFWs encounter similar situations, so stay tuned as this list continues to grow with valuable experiences that can enhance our travels to and from our beloved Philippines. I hope these experiences and tips assist you in your journeys, whether you’re a seasoned traveler or setting out on your first adventure. Remember, preparation is crucial. Stay informed, pack wisely, and prioritize your well-being. Each trip presents opportunities for learning and personal growth. Embrace challenges with resilience and cherish moments of connection with loved ones. Your journey is brimming with potential for growth and success. If you have experiences you’d like to share that aren’t included in this list, write them in the comment section for our fellow kababayans to read. Don’t forget to subscribe!”