1. I don't need to show my passport and ticket to the guard at the NAIA terminal 1 entrance. If they ask, I just tell them which airline otherwise I'll just go straight past.
2. Keep everything in the bags for the first xray screening.
3. Sometimes the check-in lines get very long so this is a good time to check-in at foursquare (now swarm) and fill up the immigration departure card. I don't need to pay the travel tax otherwise I'd pay first before queing for check-in. Or if I'm not travelling alone I'd queue for check-in and ask someone else to pay to save time.
4. The terminal fee is PhP 550. There is a separate payment counter for OFWs.
5. I'd have my company id, invite letter or even certificate of employment ready for the immigration staff. I try to be as detailed with my occupation (matching my job title) as possible. Generic ones, ex. Engineer lead to more questioning. I know when I'm coming back, where I'm staying, what I'll be doing and the fact that I'm still locally employed. I can't blame the immigration officers for their questions but sometimes I do wish they'd recognize the fact that I always go back home given the numerous stamps.
6. In short, I've developed a system for departure and arrival airport processes. I do think I've become very efficient at it.
7. Packing for business trips are relatively easy. I've got my essentials at the ready.
8. Sewing kits from hotels are very handy for fashion emergencies. All those hotel laundry can take its toll on your business clothes.
9. My nationality or race is east asian (as I blogged separately already) depending on which country I'm in and as long as I keep my mouth shut.
10. Adapters are a must.
11. Countries who were occupied by the British are right-handed.
12. Pedestrians are given priority in first world/progressive countries.
13. Even if flying the same airline, and the same plane model, the landing can be smooth depending on the pilot and the weather. I do compare how smooth the landings are nowadays.
14. I'd rather sit near the aisle than the window for easier access to the toilet and getting off the plane.
15. I tighten the plane seatbelt and almost never take it off even when allowed to do so.
The recent events have highlighted the vulnerability of the airline industry to accidents and mishaps. The world has become smaller thanks to the internet and air travel. Moving in and out of places several thousands of miles apart are not a big deal anymore conSidering that airplanes have somehow reached a period of stability even in terms of safety. Honestly, many of us may have become complacent with our travelling and have taken for granted the safety procedures and all the like. While I still wouldn't shy away from plane rides (I've got three trips scheduled next month alone and two are via MAS though I'm negotiating the other one out of supersitition.), my last flight brought the following to mind:
16. While preparing for landing home, the pilot announced that he had to take a U-turn adding a bit of delay in our arrival. All of us on that plane were basically in the hands of that pilot. We have entrusted our lives to his judgement and skill, to the machine, the builders who made them, the maintenance crew who check them, the weather outside, the air traffic crew monitoring the air traffic. We have grown complacent to all these things. But in as much as we can entrust our lives like so, we should be able to do the same to Him. He should also be the pilot of our lives. We go about our ways everyday but between here and our final destination we should trust and be moved by Him.
