Information on boarding, shops, and how to spend time at Mactan Cebu Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport, on Mactan Island in Cebu, Philippines, is the country's second largest airport. Its charm lies in its clean and spacious terminal building. The airport's user-friendly design makes it easy to navigate, even for first-time visitors, which will likely contribute to Cebu's growing popularity.

Here's an overview of what you can expect at Mactan-Cebu International Airport:

1. About Mactan Cebu Airport

Mactan-Cebu International Airport is located on Mactan Island, known for its beautiful resorts. It serves as the main gateway to Cebu and is about a 30-50 minute drive from Cebu City, which is located on the neighboring island of Cebu.

The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights.

While the terminal building boasts a clean and open interior, the exterior is also a must-see. The roof, designed with a wave-like structure, and the beautiful stained glass windows are reminiscent of a church. The wooden roof is illuminated at night, creating a stunning spectacle.

Another notable feature is that the shops in Terminal 2 are open 24 hours a day. This allows passengers to comfortably spend their time even on late-night or early-morning flights.

2. Before You Leave for the Airport:

Check Travel Requirements: Visit the airline's website and the official Mactan-Cebu International Airport website for the most current travel requirements, as they can change. This includes any necessary health documents or declarations.
Online Check-in: Most airlines encourage online check-in to minimize contact. Do this 24 hours before your flight to select your seat and get your boarding pass.
Pack Properly: Adhere to baggage restrictions. Remember the liquids rule for carry-on bags (containers no larger than 100ml, placed in a clear resealable bag).
Charge Devices: Ensure your phone and any other devices are fully charged for a smooth journey.

3. At Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila):

Arrive Early: NAIA can be crowded. Aim to arrive at least 2 hours before your scheduled departure, especially during peak travel times.
Terminal Check: Domestic flights typically depart from Terminals 3 or 4. Confirm your terminal with your airline beforehand.
Check-in: If you haven't checked in online, proceed to your airline's counter. Have your government-issued ID and booking confirmation ready.
Security Check: Place your bags and personal items on the conveyor belt for X-ray screening. You'll also go through a metal detector.
Proceed to Gate: Once through security, locate your departure gate. Check flight information regularly for updates.
Boarding: Listen for announcements and board the aircraft when your flight is called.

The immigration gate can be seen in the back.

After passing through immigration, you will take the escalator down. During the immigration process, I was not asked any questions in English. It seems that Japanese tourists are common, so it’s rare to be asked anything. However, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance just in case you are asked something.

When you go down, this is the view you will see. The area above the escalator is where the immigration process took place.

At the bottom of the escalator, you'll find the baggage claim area. If you have checked luggage, make sure to collect it here.

After collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you'll find souvenir shops, resort hotel counters, and currency exchange booths.

The arrival lobby is on the first floor. When I stepped outside, there were many people waiting to greet arrivals.

3. Departure Area (Before Immigration Procedures)

Next, let me introduce the path to the departure gate and the facilities and amenities in front of the gate. The departure area is located on the second floor. If you arrive at the airport by taxi, the driver will drop you off near the entrance on the second floor. Since it's a straight walk from where you get off the taxi, the transfer was very smooth and convenient!

Upon arriving at the entrance, an attendant will ask you to present your passport and a copy of your itinerary or e-ticket. This highlights the strict security measures in place, ensuring that only passengers can enter, which helps create a relatively safe environment. However, it’s important not to let your guard down—make sure to keep an eye on your valuables and luggage at all times.

As I entered the terminal building, I was struck by the clean and spacious interior. Since it was the Christmas season, there was also a beautifully decorated Christmas tree on display, adding to the festive atmosphere.

The check-in counters are divided into four blocks: A, B, C, and D.

Make sure to check in advance which counter your airline will be using for check-in.

Now, let me introduce the facilities and amenities located in front of the departure gate. The first one is the luggage weighing scales. These were located near the monitors and the check-in counters, allowing passengers to check the weight of their luggage before proceeding with the check-in process.

There are also tour desks for each airline, providing assistance and information for passengers traveling with tour packages.

Inside the airport, Philippine and Cebu souvenirs are available for purchase, though the prices tend to be on the higher side. If you're looking to save money, it's recommended to buy souvenirs at supermarkets or other souvenir shops outside the airport.

Here are the restrooms and the oversized luggage counter. The restrooms left a very clean and well-maintained impression, ensuring a comfortable experience for travelers.

Next to the restroom on the right is a pharmacy. Since there is no pharmacy beyond the departure gate, it's a good idea to stock up on essentials like masks and medication here before proceeding.

◆ Immigration Procedures

When the check-in time begins, a line forms like this. This particular line is for Cebu Pacific, and the wait time here was about 25 minutes. If you arrive a bit earlier, you may be able to avoid waiting in a long line.

Additionally, you can avoid the queue by completing web check-in. If you’ve already checked in online, you can proceed directly to immigration and security screening without stopping at the counter. However, if you have checked luggage, you will need to visit the check-in counter to drop it off.

Before going through immigration, there is one important thing to note: the payment of the terminal fee. The terminal fee is an airport usage fee, and as of December 2019, it costs 935 pesos. It is recommended to pay in cash (Philippine pesos), so be sure not to spend all your cash before arriving at the airport.

The payment location is next to the pharmacy I mentioned earlier. Since there can be a line, it’s a good idea to get in line early. In my case, I had purchased my ticket after September 1, 2019, and my departure date was November 28, 2019, before the fee increase, so I didn’t need to make a payment. However, even in such cases, you are still required to present your ticket at this counter.

By presenting your ticket, they will staple a receipt to the back of it, like this. During the immigration process, you will be asked to show both your ticket and the receipt, so make sure not to forget to stop by the terminal fee payment counter before proceeding with the departure procedures.

This is the departure gate. Once you have completed check-in and paid the terminal fee, you will proceed to immigration for the departure process. At Mactan-Cebu Airport, immigration checks are done first, followed by the security screening. The wait in the immigration line was about 30 minutes. It's important to act early and allow extra time to avoid delays.

4. Departure Area (After Immigration Procedures)

Let me introduce the path from the boarding process to the boarding gate, as well as the facilities and shops available after passing through the immigration gate. Once you successfully complete immigration and security checks, you'll arrive at an area filled with duty-free shops, restaurants, and other stores. This is where you can relax, have a meal, or do some last-minute shopping before your flight. The fact that some stores are open 24 hours is especially convenient for passengers with early or late flights.

In addition to Filipino souvenirs, there were stores offering a wide selection of treats and beverages from around the world, including sweets and alcohol. This provides a great opportunity to pick up international gifts or enjoy a diverse range of products before your flight.

There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area. Here's a photo of a café with a storefront design, offering a cozy place to relax while waiting for your flight. These spots are perfect for grabbing a drink or a light meal before boarding.

There is also a bar where you can enjoy a selection of alcoholic beverages from around the world.

There was also a Burger King, a familiar fast-food option for travelers from Japan. It’s a convenient spot to grab a quick meal before your flight.

There is also an Asian restaurant offering a variety of dishes from countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and China.

In addition to the Asian restaurant, there are also several other dining options, including an Italian restaurant, a Korean restaurant, and even a ramen shop.

There is also a spa and massage facility available, offering a great opportunity to relax and unwind before your departure.

There is also a store that sells character-themed merchandise.

There is a currency exchange booth near the boarding gates. While the exchange rates might not be the most favorable, it's convenient to have on hand in case of any last-minute currency needs. It's always useful for handling small expenses or emergencies before your flight.

Since the boarding gates are located in different areas depending on the gate number, be sure to follow the signs and check the information boards to guide you to the correct gate.

◆ Boarding Procedures

Head to your designated boarding gate by the specified time and wait for the boarding process to begin. Once boarding starts, present your ticket and passport to the staff at the gate. After your documents are checked, you'll proceed down the stairs to either board the plane via a jet bridge or take a shuttle bus to the aircraft, depending on the gate.

After descending the stairs, you'll arrive at the entrance to the airplane.

5. What if you're heading to a domestic flight?

There is a free shuttle bus service that operates between the international and domestic terminals. While it is possible to walk between the terminals, the path is not well-developed, so it’s recommended to use the free shuttle bus for a smoother and more convenient transfer.

6. How to Spend Time if You Have a Long Wait Before Departure

How can I make the most of my time before departure?

◆ Savor Your Last Taste of Filipino Cuisine!

If you have some extra time before the start of the immigration procedures, why not take a quick trip to the domestic terminal? The domestic terminal has the Philippines' beloved fast-food chain, Jollibee, which is located near the entrance gate, making it easy to visit.

Jollibee's menu offers a wide variety of options, including burgers, fried chicken, spaghetti, and more. They also serve drinks and desserts, so you can stop by for a snack or just a quick break. For a final taste of Filipino cuisine, be sure to enjoy a meal at Jollibee!

◆ Take a Break at a Café or Restaurant Inside the Airport!

In the area beyond the departure gate, there are several restaurants and cafes where you can take a break. If you have extra time before your flight, relaxing at one of these eateries is a good option. While the prices are a bit higher since it's at the airport, the convenience of 24-hour service makes it worth it.

◆ Do Some Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping at Airport Stores!

If you’re thinking, “I’m too full for a meal...,” shopping is a great alternative. Browsing through duty-free shops or souvenir stores is a great way to pass the time, and who knows—you might find something else you want to take home.

I did my final bit of shopping at the souvenir shop Moment. As expected, the prices were a bit higher since it’s at the airport, but I was glad to find some snacks I had forgotten to buy earlier. Since I purchased the items at the duty-free shop, they were sealed in a special bag. Keep in mind that if you open the bag at Mactan-Cebu Airport, the items may become subject to taxation, so be careful!

◆ Relax in the Lounge!

Lounges can be a fantastic way to elevate the airport experience. Mactan-Cebu International Airport offers a couple of lounges that provide a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the terminal.

◎ In Conclusion: My Thoughts on Using the Airport

Mactan-Cebu Airport, often referred to as the world’s first resort airport, was even more impressive and beautiful than I had imagined. Despite its size, the layout is easy to navigate, so even first-time visitors can feel comfortable using the airport. It’s clear that this airport will continue to grow and improve, making it an exciting part of the Cebu travel experience. When you visit Cebu, be sure to take some time to appreciate all that the airport has to offer as well!