Traveling for Science: Airport procedures and connecting flights (Manila-DXB-Warsaw)

As my first time travelling abroad, I had no idea about the procedure in the airport for international flights. I also had no idea what to expect in connecting flights.

Before even purchasing my tickets, I did some research on the horrors of connecting flights and airport procedures. I have read and heard about losing checked-in baggage, being held at customs, and all other misfortunes.

As for my first flight to Europe, I am relieved that these things did not happen to me. My flight went smoothly, my baggage was not lost, and I went through customs checks without any problems.

NAIA procedure

In international flights, it is advised that you arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight. As with any other airports, whether your flight is local or international, you and your baggage will go through scanners to make sure you do not carry any dangerous items. If you are wearing shoes with metallic parts, you will have to remove them and place them on a tray together with your cellphone, wallet, and belt if you are wearing one.

After going through the scanner, you will have to pay for travel tax. For this you will have to fill up a form called 'Departure Card'. This is located close to the entrance of the immigration booths.

The travel tax will be paid at the counter near gate 3. In my case, I paid Php 1,620. After paying the travel tax, you will go to the check-in counter of your airline to get your boarding pass and drop your baggage. 

My destination was Warsaw. Traveling from Philippines to Warsaw will take 2 connecting flights. I chose to fly with Emirates on both flights. This is because if your connecting flights are from the same airline, specifically Emirates, your checked-in baggage will be transferred to your second flight automatically. This meant less hassle and less chances of losing your baggage.

After checking in, you will proceed to the immigration booths. You will present your passport to the officer. If you have travel clearance, you need to present that to the officer as well. The officer will check your documents and ask you a few questions i.e. what is the purpose of your travel? Are you travelling alone? etc. If the officer is satisfied with your documents and answers, he will take your photo and return your passport to you with an approval stamp.

You will then proceed to another scanner where your carry on bag and other personal items will be checked. After that, you will proceed to your assigned boarding gate indicated on your boarding pass. Here, you will wait for your boarding announcement.

NAIA to Dubai International Airport
For the first leg of your flight, your destination is the Dubai International Airport. The flight to Dubai will take 7 hours. Because it is such a long trip, it is best to choose a seat near the aisle so that going to the lavatory will be convenient for you.

When you board the plane, you will be greeted by their friendly cabin crew. If you need help with your carry on, directions to your seat, or anything else, the crew is happy to assist you. On your seat, you will be provided with a clean blanket, pillow, and headphones. The flight is quite long, but Emirates has prepared entertainment for you. You can watch movies, listen to music, or monitor your flight.

After taxi, the cabin crew will start serving snacks. You can choose what snacks you would like on the menu provided to you. You can also select a meal of your choice from the menu. This will be served after everyone has been served their snacks. Drinks are also served during the flight.

Layover

Upon arrival at Dubai International Airport, you will be guided through scanners to check your personal belongings again. Before going through the scanners, you will see a huge screen displaying boarding schedules. Boarding gate to your next flight is not indicated on your boarding pass. So, you have to take note where your boarding gate will be and the time of boarding from the schedules displayed on the screen.

You will be in the airport for a couple of hours. My layover was 8 hours. During this time you can eat or take a nap inside the airport. You are not advised to leave the airport unless you have a transit visa.

Dubai International Airport is a silent airport. This means, boarding schedules are not announced. So, you have to be conscious of the time so as not to miss your flight. If you need to sleep in the airport, make sure to turn on your alarm.

DXB to Warsaw
The second leg of your flight will take you to Frederic Chopin Airport in Warsaw. This will take 2 hours. As for me, since I was flying with the same airline, Emirates, I did not have to take my baggage from the carousel and check it in again. It was automatically transferred to my second flight.

Snacks and meals are also served during your second flight. Again, you will be provided with a fresh blanket, pillow, and headphones to make your journey comfortable.

Upon arrival at Frederic Chopin Airport, you will go through immigration checks. Here you present your passport. If all is well and good, the officer will stamp your passport with approval. After that, you can go claim your baggage at the assigned carousel.

There will be passages you can choose to go through to get to the arrival area. If you have brought items that needs to be declared, you need to pass through a door that is labeled 'Goods to declare'. If none, then you go through the door that says 'Nothing to declare'.

If you are traveling for research purposes and you are carrying specimens with you, make sure you have the proper permits from the country of origin to bring these material abroad.

Enjoy your stay in the Schengen area.

Travel and learn!!