5 Practical Trips for Travelers This Holy Week

Holy Week is upon us once again and this year, travelers are gearing up in record numbers to spend the long weekend with loved ones in the provinces or overseas. 

According to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), more than one million passengers are expected to descend upon the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) this week until Easter Sunday on March 31. This is a 15-percent increase from the 926,755 passengers who passed through NAIA during the similar Holy Week period last year.

Government agencies have come up with practical tips so people’s travel experience this year will be as smooth and as hassle-free as possible.

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1| Arrive at the airport (really) early

Because of expected long lines and crowded terminals, airport officials are urging passengers to arrive as early as possible. MIAA general manager Eric Ines suggests arriving at least at least three hours before international departure and two hours before domestic departure.

Some airlines may suggest even earlier check-in times to prevent long lines at the counters.

“Travelers with only hand-carry luggage are encouraged to check in online or use the check-in kiosks,” Ines said.

2| Pay for travel tax online

How many times have you checked in for a flight only to be told by the airport staff to pay for your travel tax elsewhere in the terminal first before you get your boarding pass? 

In NAIA Terminal 3, there are at least four service counters (B, C, D, and E) that accept payments for travel tax. But according to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (Tieza), it’s possible to pre-pay your travel tax online through the Online Travel Tax Services System (OTTSS) to save time at the airport.

Meanwhile, departing passengers who are covered by travel tax exemption rules may also apply for their certificates online through Tieza’s website.

3| Don’t forget to complete your e-Travel before departure and arrival

International travelers will need to complete the online e-travel immigration form before leaving or arriving in the country. But there are still passengers who still don’t know that they need to complete this online via the e-travel website.

To save time at the airport, travelers can complete this form at their convenience the night before up to a few hours before their flight, so they won’t need to worry about it when they get to the airport.

The MIAA also encourages passengers to use the immigration e-gates upon arrival; this will expedite their processing at the Bureau of Quarantine and Bureau of Immigration.

4| For those using taxis out of NAIA, don’t forget the dispatch slip

Arriving travelers taking transport vehicles from NAIA are reminded keep a copy of their dispatch slip if using MIAA-accredited transport services or  regular taxis. The slip contains information of the vehicle service they are using and MIAA hotlines, which they contact in case of issues with the service. Information regarding public transportation options to and from the airport, including respective pickup and drop-off points, are available through the MIAA’s website and social media accounts. 

5| Be on guard against scammers

The Department of Tourism (DOT) meanwhile also issued a reminder to be wary of scammers looking to take advantage of stressed travelers. To prevent this, those needing accommodations, tours, transportation, and other tourism-related services are strongly advised to patronize DOT-accredited tourism enterprises. A DOT accreditation ensures that these enterprises have complied with the Department's minimum standards set to ensure quality operation of tourism facilities and services. A list of accredited tourism establishments are available here.

The DOT also advised the public to be on guard against unsolicited messages from anonymous sources and social media accounts that may offer fake bookings in hotels, airline tickets, vacation deals, among others. For general tourism inquiries, travel-related complaints, and other emergencies, tourists may contact the DOT hotline 151-TOUR (151-8687), mobile no. +63995-8355155, and the DOT’s social media accounts or web site.