Traveling amid pandemic? Pinay shares guide based on Los Angeles to Manila experience

A Filipino solutions consultant shared what it is like to travel from the United States to the Philippines amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Racquel  Leonardo-Santiago, 42, arrived in the country on Thursday to be with her father, who is undergoing treatment for cancer.

In a Facebook  post, she gave some tips based on her trip from Los Angeles to Manila in order to guide other overseas Pinoys who may be planning to go home.

1. Who can travel to the Philippines?

As only Filipinos are currently allowed to travel to the country, Racquel said holders of non-Philippine passports or those who do not have a travel visa must present their original dual citizenship certificate.

"Make sure you have all three pages: Oath of Allegiance, Order of Approval, and Identification Certificate," she added.

Foreign spouses and children are also allowed to travel provided that they bring proof of relationship and they are accompanied by their Filipino spouse or parent.

2. Booking a flight and hotel

Before buying a flight ticket, Racquel suggested booking a hotel first. The Department of Health website has a list of accredited hotels that travelers can check.

As for the airline, she recommended flying with Philippine Airlines (PAL) in order to "avoid headaches and inconvenience" due to postponements or cancellations.

With the uncertainty of the pandemic situation and ever-changing travel restrictions, the flag carrier is probably the safest bet for the trip.

3. Travel documents

Travelers must fill out an Electronic Case Investigation Form (eCIF) three days before the flight. Other pre-departure requirements and additional forms after check-in are also on the PAL website.

Racquel said online check-in is currently disabled at LAX, as ground staff needs to review documents such as passports and dual citizenship certifications.

More forms will have to be filled out later, so she suggested carrying your own pen.

4. In-flight safety

For those concerned about the risk of infection, Racquel said that PAL offers social distancing seats. From her experience, passengers also sat one seat apart during the flight.

Face masks and face shields are required inside the cabin. Flight attendants also handed out face shields to those who did not bring their own.

The crew also frequently cleaned and wiped the toilets and constantly checked on the passengers.

Upon landing, Bureau of Quarantine staff boarded the plane to check the temperature of all passengers and collect the arrival forms.

5. COVID-19 testing and quarantine

After disembarking from the plane, Racquel said Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and non-OFWs were directed to designated areas.

She then presented her QR code for the eCIF and got tested for COVID-19. The price is P4,500 for non-OFWs and may be paid by cash or card, while the fee for OFWs is shouldered by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA).

From the airport, travelers must go directly to the hotel through hotel shuttle, coupon, or metered taxi. Private vehicles are not allowed to pick up travelers, so it is necessary to make the arrangements with the hotel in advance.

Once the result of the COVID-19 test is released, travelers are allowed to leave the hotel and end their mandatory quarantine.

"Hopefully the information I shared have been helpful to Filipinos planning to travel back home. To prepare them mentally and physically for their travel," said Racquel, who works for a healthcare company.

She clarified, however, that her post is not meant to encourage non-essential travel.

"We are still in a pandemic, please travel only when necessary. Be patient, understand that these are trying and uncertain times, things change daily, too many unknowns," she said. "Stay safe and keep others safe. Wear a mask, follow safety protocols, practice social distancing." —MGP, GMA News