Airphil Express Flight Review: ILO to MNL, June 2010

Name of Trip: Panay Island Adventures 2010
Date: June 13 - 16, 2010
Destination: Iloilo City, Capiz, Aklan (Kalibo & Boracay) and Guimaras Island
Travel via: Air (Philippine Airlines & Airphil Express), Land (van, tricycle, multicab), Water (motor boat)

2P 952 bound for Manila

Note to these codes:

ILO - Iloilo

MNL - Manila

APX/2P - Airphil Express

This is our first time to ride an Airphil Express plane. We arrived at Iloilo Airport, which for me one of the best airports in the country, earlier at 4:40PM for our 6:55PM flight to Manila. It was a busy airport since some other flights were also leaving earlier or same flight time. 

to the airport

arrived at the airport

many passengers

Departure Information

Ticketing Office

picture outside the airport

To the Departure Area

We entered to the airport for our check-in procedures. Unfortunately, X-ray machines for baggage went down so the security procedures were done manually. After that, we went to Airphil Express check-in counter. We were lined up and it was somewhat long since only 2 counters were available by that time. After 30 minutes we were check-in successfully and get our boarding passes. I requested for our seats and the check-in lady granted our request. :)

security measures were done manually..  :(

Airphil Express counter

other airline's check-in counters

Airphil Express logo

Our flight number

busy on our check-in

after check-in

going to departure area

going to departure area

my boarding pass

to the gate lounge

pay PHP200 Terminal Fee

Flight Information 

Time to chill-out the departure area. It huge and Iloilo ranks one of the best airport designs in the Philippines. Airport was opened last 2007 and it was funded by Japanese group in which the terminal looked like one of the Japanese airport such as Naha in Okinawa, Japan. The airport was located in Cabatuan-Sta. Barbara, Iloilo. Travel time to Iloilo City to airport takes 30 minutes. There were several mode of transportation going to and from the airport. Taxis which range from 250 to 400 pesos depending on the location, there were airport shuttle which costs 75 pesos which was the terminal located at SM City Iloilo.

huge departure area

the other side

Philippine Airlines bound for Manila

Cebu Pacific ready to take off

group picture

took snacks at JD

WoW Iloilo! :)

Airphil Express arrived

picture time

more crowded airport

Flight Number: 2P 952

Route: Iloilo - Manila

Airline: Airphil Express

Aircraft: Airbus 320-200

Flying Time: 50 minutes

Departure Time: 1900H

Arrival Time: 1950H

ready for boarding

boarding time!

ready to accept passengers

pass through Gate 3

going to the aircraft

tube gate

seated at 20E (Echo)

with some of my seatmates

me again

70% Full flight

cool FA's uniform

snacks anyone for a fee...

cabin dim lights 

Airphil Express model? :)

prepare for landing

Welcome Back to Manila

disembarking the aircraft

Arrived at NAIA Terminal 3

take a walkalator

me with the group

Airphil Express baggage area

more crowded Cebu Pacific baggage area

time to get our baggage

at the NAIA 3 arrival area

We landed smooth onboard Airphil Express flight. Flight attendants were smiling and helpful to our needs. There were no free snacks served but there were some snacks served for a fee. Flight was shorter and we arrived to Manila on time. Cabin lights were dim particularly on take off and landing which some of us were a bit eerie but I explained to them that it was a precautionary measure. Overall, it was a great flying experience with Airphil Express. I will surely avail 2P flights next time. :)

Update: Due to recent updates on Airphil Express' flights, there were some flights were removed and moved to Philippine Airlines (sister airline), while some flights were re-introduced and some increased capacity. This will take effect on October 28, 2012. For more information especially on their flight schedules, please visit their website: http://www.airphilexpress.com/

Thank you Airphil Express! :)