Mactan Cebu International Airport Departure Hall

Much like your arrival in Cebu, getting to your departure is a no-frills experience at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.

The Departure Hall is roughly divided into 3 parts: the Entrance Hall (which is lined with small shops, an ATM machine and a PhilPost counter); the Check-in Hall (you get through the airport's lone security check before heading towards your respective counter for check-in); the Pre-Departure Area which has more shops (please check out our separate posts on these shops).

After checking -in, pay your Airport Fee of P200 or $4.60 (for domestic flights) before heading towards your Gate. Passengers bound for Davao, Manila and Kalibo are assigned a special hallway (a room) at the extreme left of the predeparture area (and away from the shops). There is a stall with 3 screen for your free touch-screen fast internet browsing, but since a lot of people tend to hug opportunities meant for a bigger crowd, don't bet on being able to check your mails there.

The departure hall has 4 jetways (boarding bridges) but plans are underway to add two more to accommodate increasing traffic. On the whole, MCIA is a convenient gateway to your next destination, if a tad undersized for its reputation as the Philippines' second biggest airport and gateway to the country.

Have a safe flight, everyone.

This is the Eye in the Sky!

Arriving into the airport's Departure Hall.

Entrance

Security check to get inside your check in counters.

The view after the security (Xray) check. Unlike Manila and Davao which has 2 or more security

Xray counters, Cebu has this single security passage.

Check in counters. Counters are duly assigned - this one is for the Cebu Pacific which has a more extensive netwrok of both domestic and international flights.

Check in counters. Cebu Pac has greatly improved customer relations, unlike our last visit here and elsewhere. Their ground personnel are polite, accommodating and easily offer a smile; a demeanor that is gravely required in this anxious-ridden industry. Bravo to their current human resources and training arm.

Pay your Airport Tax of P200 ($4.60) before proceeding to the Predeparture Area.

A smoking lounge cum cafe at the Check-in Hall. There's another smoking lounge at the Predeparture Area.

Predeparture area servicing flights to Davao, Manila and Kalibo. This is a separate room from the bigger hall with shops.

Facade of Mactan Cebu International Airport's Departure Hall. This photo only courtesy of wikpedia's magalhaes.