SUBSCRIBEChaotic domestic airport
0400H and I arrived already in the domestic airport with just less than an hour of sleep very early today, the old MIA terminal that is best described to have had seen better days. Well, I had no choice since I booked a Cebu Pacific plane ticket to avail of their special rate at P888 plus tax (total of only P3,500 two way ticket instead of the P7,000++ for the regular fare).
The airport was unusually crowded considering the time. At first, I thought that Cebu Pacific’s special permanent low value fares were a hit but then I remembered that this weekend will be the Dinagyang, Iloilo’s answer to Cebu’s Sinulog mardi gras. Clutching my email printed electronic ticket and patiently waiting in line to enter. When I did arrive at the entrance, the guard checking the ticket and identification card told me that the paper I have was just a booking reference and I need to have the e-ticket. Bewildered, I protested and told him that it is the e-ticket but he would not hear me that that early, I was already flustered! With no choice, I went to the Cebu Pacific ticket counter and was also told that really, the paper I was holding was the e-ticket transaction receipt and really don’t need to have it reprinted but they would reprint it anyway. When I went back, I told the guard but he just said that its their policy. Now, it just means that both parties are not clear and not talking with each other.
Anyway, from the check-in counter to paying the increased terminal fee of P200 (from P100), the line was just long, disorganized and people were just confused on where to line. Going into the waiting area before the last security check, was also a hassle as the queue was long and some people, obviously with contacts with security just walked in past without lining up!
This is in great contrast with the orderly, relaxing and comfortable Terminal 2 that I was used to. Anyway, I arrived a little past 0600H in Cebu.
