I recently traveled to the Philippines for a short vacation. It was my very first time traveling alone so it was kinda nerve-wracking. My experiences during this trip has inspired me to write about every useful information that one might need if they’re planning on making the same journey.
This article is a part 2 and it’s about my trip back to Australia from the Philippines. You should also check out part 1 which is about my trip to the PH from AU. Remember, these are only based on my own experience.
Just for context: I flew back to Adelaide, South Australia from Manila, Philippines. I’m an Australian Permanent Resident and a Filipino citizen. This is my first solo travel but I’ve flown to a couple other countries with my husband prior to this.
Flights
The Qantas flights that I took to go back to Australia from the Philippines are:
- Manila to Sydney (QF 20)
- Sydney to Adelaide (supposed to be QF 733 but got changed to QF 739)
Preparation
I got my bags ready, not forgetting to pack my favourite Filipino snacks that I want to take back home. Of course, I made sure that they’re items that I can actually bring into Australia.
I also sorted my travel documents which includes the following:
- Passport
- E-ticket itinerary
- Australian Visa Grant
- e-travel (It was a requirement but I was not asked to show this at the airport)
- Additional documentation that I thought might be asked of me (i.e. marriage certificate, CFO certificate, bank statement, health insurance). I wasn’t asked to show any of these.
Flight from Manila to Sydney
I left from Manila International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. My flight wasn’t until 8PM, but I got to the airport by 2PM to make sure that I’d still have enough time in case something unfavourable happens. Remember, Manila’s traffic can be really heavy, so it’s smart to give yourself lots of travel time and not risk being late for your flight.
Anyway, here’s what happened at NAIA terminal 3:
- Entrance – At the airport entrance, I was requested by the security guard to show my passport and e-ticket itinerary before I could proceed inside.
- Travel Tax – As soon as you enter the airport, you’d see the travel tax booth. They asked to see my passport, itinerary and visa. As a Filipino holding permanent residency in Australia and having spent less than a year in the Philippines, I qualified for a travel tax exemption.
- Security before check in – Before queuing up for check-in, your bags undergo an initial security screening. I was simply requested to open my bags for a quick swab test.
- Check in – I just needed to show my passport and have my bags weighed and checked in.
- Immigration – I joined the queue designated for Philippine passport holders. When it was my turn, I presented my passport, e-ticket itinerary, and Australian visa grant to the immigration officer. He had a look at them and waived me through.
- Security – After immigration, came the X-ray security area. I was asked to put my carry-on luggage, phone, and shoes in a basket to be scanned, while I walked through the body scanner.
- Boarding – As usual, I waited right outside my designated gate until it was time to board. Before the airline allowed us into the gate area, they conducted a final bag check. Boarding was organised by zones.
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Flight experience
Our flight experienced a delay due to some airport traffic. While waiting for takeoff, the airline staff distributed declaration cards, which I promptly filled out. Despite the initial setback, the flight experience itself was just as usual. The airline provided a range of meals and snacks to choose from. Additionally, there was a diverse selection of in-flight entertainment options.
Flight from Sydney to Adelaide
Sydney International Airport Terminal 1
If I recall correctly, our arrival at Sydney International Airport Terminal 1 was nearly an hour behind our original expected time of arrival. This delay was quite concerning for me, given that I had a connecting flight to Adelaide shortly after. I rushed to the immigration area and joined the queue for foreign passport holders. I handed over my passport and declaration card to the immigration officer, she checked them and jotted down something on my declaration card before letting me through.
Afterwards, I quickly collected my luggage and proceeded to the quarantine and customs section. I presented my declaration card and then they asked me about the items I had declared. Since everything I was carrying complied with Australian regulations, they allowed me to proceed without inspecting my bags.
Then, I made my way to the Qantas Domestic Transfer area to recheck in for my Adelaide-bound flight, scheduled to depart from Sydney Domestic Airport Terminal 3. Unfortunately, I had just missed my original flight. Thankfully, the helpful ground staff rescheduled me for a later departure that day. They issued me a new boarding pass, and I then headed to the airport transfer bus waiting just outside the area.
Sydney Domestic Airport Terminal 3
I checked the departure screen for my gate assignment as soon as I arrived at Sydney Terminal 3. Initially, the flight had no designated gate probably because it was still too early, and when a gate number was finally assigned, it seemed to change a few times, so I kept a close eye on it.
I also really needed to charge my phone by this point. After asking around, I discovered that there are outlets discreetly tucked along the skirting by the windows which anyone could use to power up their devices. Just make sure that you have an Australian outlet adapter on hand.
When it came to dining options, the terminal offered a selection of fast food outlets and cafes. To pass the time, I took a stroll around the airport, exploring the shops and called my family. Then when it was boarding time, we just followed the standard procedure of queuing up and presenting your boarding pass.
As for the flight from Sydney to Adelaide, I don’t really have much to say about it. I essentially slept through the entire flight. It was a much-needed rest that helped me recharge.
Adelaide Airport
“Finally!” was the first word that crossed my mind as the plane touched down in Adelaide. After enduring hours of flights and navigating through various airports, I couldn’t wait to return home and to my own comfortable bed. The journey from the airport was uneventful – I collected my baggage, proceeded to the arrivals area, and stepped outside to a heartwarming welcome from my oversized puppy, whom I was meeting for the very first time.
Speaking of my furry friend, it’s time to wrap up today’s post because my eager pup insists I turn this laptop off and join him for playtime. But before I go, I’d like to remind you that all the information I’ve shared in this article are only based on my personal experiences. Travel regulations are constantly evolving, so please ensure you check the latest requirements and advisories through official government websites, the links for which can be found below.
Travelling to the Philippines: eTravel smartraveller
Travelling to Australia: Home Affairs
Disclaimer All content and information in this post is for purposes of sharing my experiences only, does not constitute professional advice and does not establish any kind of professional-client relationship.
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