Recently I read an interesting piece on one of the better Philippine blogs I follow about a fellow expat’s problems with a trip on Air Philippines one of the better-known domestic carriers here in the Philippines. the article pointed out many of the l ittle “idiosyncrasies” one has to learn to live with here … the fact that Internet reservation systems and the “real world” of the airline are often not connected, the fact that you often have to accept being re-routed through a “hub’ airport when you wanted to fly direct to your destination instead (Hmmm, seems that’s way things are in the US too, not really a big surprise) but it did point up two issues I’ve addressed before:
- Use a travel agent. I recommend several here that I have used personally for international travel, and I’d be happy to hear from others with positive agent experiences so i cap expand the list. I have an excellent travel agent resource for the Philippines currently but I can’t post information here because the agent is frankly so overwhelmed with customers they can’t handle new business. But there are many agents available .. and I welcome tips on any good ones you have used. The bottom line is … you will seldom, if ever save money using Internet booking services … even the airline’s own. And you will certainly not save time, effort and hassle. One of the reasons I retired to the Philippines is because I can get service … I have people to do things for me … booking my own flights, on-line or off, is akin to going to the dentist to me. Just call (or text … how convenient is that?) your agent and things get done for you. Domestic air fares in the Philippines are often as cheap as $20 to $40USD … just how much more do you really need to save?
- Reconfirm all reservations. I’m older than some in this game. Since I was a boy this has always been the rule, in any country. It still is according to Yahoo Travel and many other sources:
Since arrival and departure times are subject to last-minute changes by the airlines, we recommend that you call your airline(s) 24 hours before your initial flight departure to verify all the flight numbers, departure, and arrival times shown on your ticket. (Reconfirm international flights 72 hours prior to your departure from home.)
Just make a call and you’ll know before you leave for the airport if things are on schedule. Sems simple enough to me.
Happy traveling
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