Travelling to the Philippines

International Access

The international airports are located in:
Cebu, Clark, Davao, General Santos, Iloilo, Kalibo, Laoag, Manila, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga.

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in Manila are the premier gateways. They serve more than 30 airlines that fly to different cities around the world.

The Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City handles regular flights from Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Doha and China as well as chartered flights from the United States, and other major travel capitals.

Davao International Airport (also known as Francisco Bangoy International Airport) handles flights from Singapore and other chartered flights.

The Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) at the Clark Special Economic Zone in Angeles City, Pampanga currently services low-cost or budget airlines and chartered flights while Subic in Olongapo City services both chartered and cargo planes.

Laoag International Airport in Ilocos Norte services flights from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag carrier, flies to and from 14 cities in eight countries. www.philippineairlines.com.

The younger Cebu Pacific Air, also a flag carrier, is known for its budget flights and frequent seat sales. www.cebupacificair.com.

Apart from international flights, major cruise liners also stop at the port of Manila.

AIRPORT INFORMATION

You’ll find these travel facilities at the international airports:
Duty-free and souvenir shops
Tourist information and assistance counters with meet-and-assist personnel
Hotel and travel agency representatives
Car-rental services
Medical clinics
Baggage-deposit areas
Free to use luggage carts
Police
Prayer Rooms and Chapel
NAIA in particular, has banks, postal service, a medical clinic, a pharmacy, chapels, salon, sauna and massage services.
Airports are handicapped-friendly. For wheelchair assistance, just ask any of the airline ground staff for one.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS
You’ll find counters for hotel transport and car rental services at all the airports, just past the Arrivals gates.

Metered taxis and rent-a-cars, even van rentals, are readily available at the international airports for transportation to the city proper or beyond.

Hotel transport can be arranged with hotel representatives at designated counters at the arrival lobby of the airport.

AIRPORT FEES
As of writing (September 2012), the airport fee for international departures is Php 550.00, but it is scheduled to increase to Php 750 before the year ends.
NAIA has a Php200 fee for domestic flights, but it is already included in your ticket fare.
Domestic terminals around the country charge their own fee. Though preparing Php100-200 should cover it.
Children under two (2) years of age, transit passengers are exempt from airport fees.

Please note that fees may change without prior notice.

Porterage
Baggage carts and porter services are available free of charge. Tipping is optional though traditional.