Checking In At Philippine Airports: A Step-By-Step Guide

Checking in at the airport in the Philippines is a straightforward process. For a seamless experience, it is recommended that you arrive at the airport early, usually about 4 hours before your flight's departure. This gives you ample time to navigate through the check-in process and security. Most airlines, such as Philippine Airlines, offer online check-in for international flights, which can be done up to 24 hours before departure. Remember to have all the necessary travel documents, such as your passport and boarding pass, ready for inspection.

Check-in and departure services at the airport

Checking in for your flight ahead of time can help you save time at the airport. Philippine Airlines offers online check-in for both domestic and international flights, except for certain destinations. You can check in online between 24 hours and 2 hours before your flight's departure. This allows you to select your preferred seat and secure your boarding pass before arriving at the airport. However, online check-in may not be available for those requiring travel visas, medical or special assistance, or unaccompanied minors, who must check in at the airport.

When checking in online, you will need to provide your booking reference and e-ticket number, and other relevant information. You can also select, change, and confirm your seat preferences. If you need to print your boarding pass, you can do so at home, or you can use an airport kiosk or visit a check-in counter. Keep in mind that check-in counters at the airport close 45 minutes before flight departure, and you may not be accepted for the flight if you check in after this cut-off time.

For international flights, have your passport information ready during the online check-in process. If you are checking luggage, you must be at the Online Check-in Bag Drop Counter no later than one hour before your scheduled departure time.

Philippine Airlines also offers an express counter service at Manila (NAIA 2) and Mactan Airports for senior citizens with up to two travelling companions and passengers with no check-in baggage. This service is available for both international and domestic sectors.

Online check-in availability

Philippine Airlines offers online check-in for its flights. The web check-in time frame for this airline is 24 hours to 1 hour before the flight for domestic flights and 24 hours to 1 hour and 15 minutes before the flight for international flights.

For online check-in, visit the official website of Philippine Airlines. On the homepage, you will see a box with options including 'check-in'. Click on this icon and choose from 'booking reference', 'frequent flyer', and 'e-ticket'. After selecting the option, fill in the required details, including your last name, and then read and agree to the terms and conditions before finalising your check-in.

You can also use the Yatra.com website for web check-in with Philippine Airlines.

Online check-in is not available for the following destinations:

• Chengdu, China
• Xiamen, China
• Jinjiang, China
• Tagbilaran-Incheon

Additionally, online check-in is not available for passengers requiring medical aid or any other kind of special assistance, or those with pending payments or monetary issues.

Check-in counters closing time

Check-in counters at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in the Philippines have a specific closing time that passengers must adhere to. From 15 September 2023, the check-in counters will close 60 minutes before departure, an extension from the previous 40-minute window. It is important to emphasise that passengers should check in as early as possible to ensure they have ample time to board their flight.

Passengers are encouraged to utilise online check-in options, which can be accessed 24 hours prior to departure. For those who are Cathay members, priority online check-in is available even earlier, up to 48 hours in advance. This can provide a more convenient and time-efficient experience.

It is always advisable to arrive at the airport with sufficient time to account for any potential delays or unforeseen circumstances. By checking in early, passengers can reduce the risk of encountering issues that may impact their ability to board their flight on time.

The closing time of check-in counters is a critical factor in the overall airport experience, and passengers are encouraged to be mindful of this deadline to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. By planning ahead and allowing adequate time, travellers can minimise potential delays and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience.

Immigration process after arrival

The immigration process after arriving in the Philippines is similar to that of most countries. First, you will need to get off the plane and head to the immigration area. Here, you will need to prepare your boarding pass and passport, which you will need to scan at the e-gate. If the e-gate cannot read your documents, you can proceed to the manual immigration counters. After clearing immigration, you can then proceed to claim your baggage from the assigned carousel.

Before your trip to the Philippines, there are several requirements you must fulfil. Within 72 hours of your flight, you will need to fill out an eTravel form on https://etravel.gov.ph/. Additionally, if you did not pay the Philippine travel tax when booking your flight, you will need to pay it at the airport before checking in.

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to obtain a visa for your trip to the Philippines. Citizens of certain countries are eligible for visa-free entry for a stay of up to 30 days, provided they hold a valid ticket for the return journey and a passport valid for at least six months beyond the stay in the Philippines. For longer stays or if you are not eligible for visa-free entry, you will need to apply for a visa by mail to the Philippine Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence. The requirements for the visa application include a non-immigrant visa application form, passport, flight ticket, photo, proof of financial capacity, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and the applicable visa fee.

Baggage claim and customs procedures

Upon arrival at a Philippines airport, all passengers and their baggage are subject to search at any time by customs officials. It is important to cooperate with these procedures to ensure a smooth transition through the airport. Passengers will be required to submit a Customs Baggage Declaration Form, which can be obtained on board the aircraft, to the customs examiner upon arrival.

Regarding prohibited and regulated articles, the unlawful importation of certain items is strictly forbidden and may result in criminal prosecution and/or fines. These prohibited items include, but are not limited to, narcotics, firearms, explosives, gun replicas, obscene or immoral articles, adulterated or misbranded food or drugs, gambling outfits, used clothing, and items that violate intellectual property rights. It is important to carefully check the list of prohibited items before packing your baggage to avoid any legal issues upon arrival in the Philippines.

Agriculture and quarantine regulations are also strictly enforced in the Philippines. The import and export of animals, fish, and plant products or their by-products must comply with the regulations set by the Philippine Department of Agriculture. Transport of endangered species and their by-products is restricted or prohibited, and the necessary permits and health certificates must be obtained prior to travel.

For non-resident foreigners, it is important to inform the inspecting customs officer if you intend to bring any dutiable articles back to your place of residence abroad. You may be required to accomplish a re-exportation commitment form and provide a cash bond deposit, which is refundable upon your departure with the article.

Certain exemptions and duty-free concessions are offered by the Philippines customs. For example, passengers over 18 years old are allowed to bring a limited quantity of cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol without incurring duties. Balikbayans and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are entitled to a duty exemption of up to PHP 10,000 on their used personal and household effects. Additionally, OFWs can avail of duty and tax-free privileges on used appliances, limited to one of each kind and up to a total value of PHP 10,000.

It is important to have all your receipts and supporting documents ready for presentation to the customs officer, as they will determine the amount of duty to be paid, if applicable.

Frequently asked questions