COVID-19 Flight via Emirates Airline Dubai to Manila

Dubai to Manila Flight via Emirates Airline

 

Out of my many travels to Dubai airport, my recent trip was one of my most memorable and emotional one.

Who would ever think that the world will change in a snap due to this COVID-19 pandemic?

Six months back, I was at the same terminal and going to the same destination. That moment is far different from what I just experienced.

Before this pandemic, OFWs are happy and excited every time they are flying back to the Philippines. It is our much-awaited time to relax and be with our families.

But with my recent trip, I’ve seen those exciting faces seem gone. Most of the OFW passengers look anxious about leaving the UAE unexpectedly.

The only reason they are happy about – is they finally getting a confirmed flight ticket after waiting for many months.
Because of the pandemic, many flights got canceled which leads OFW to be stranded abroad despite being jobless. In their words and faces, you can see the worries about many things.

This trip is no longer the usual relaxing vacation instead, it is a sad reality of starting over again.

 

 

Same with them, I can also feel the worries.

Instead of letting ourselves focused so much on the negativity, Don and I decided to accept this new chapter freely and on a brighter side.

We both know that even we overthink and worry a lot, nothing will change or happen.

With the help of prayer, positivity, and determination, I know we can make this.

Our Check-in

Due to the massive number of passengers, it is advisable to be at the airport 5 hours before the flight.

That is what we exactly did. We do not want to face any issues that might delay our flight.

There are only a few counters opened at that time, since all flights are specials flights only.

The airport staff is very few un like before. Because of that, our queue transferred to the different counter for thrice, though that is tiring, you wouldn’t dare complain as the situation is understandable.

Finally, on the third counter, we finished our transaction. It took us about one hour to check-in.

The ground crew who assisted us is my fellow Filipina,
I am thankful for her great assistance. Since this is only a special flight and last-minute schedule, I was not able to select a seat online. I am also not sure if that is possible anyway I told her my request.

I requested if it is possible that my seat and hubby’s seat to be next to each other, and put me on the aisle seat. The aisle seat request is necessary for my knee problem.

Due to the fully booked situation, my request is not easy to give. Still, she assures me that she will do something. After a few moments, she gave us our boarding pass.

Hygiene Protocols

As per the airline crew, our flight consists of about 300 + Filipinos. With this number, it is normal for a passenger to worry about being infected with the scary COVID-19 virus.

With the Emirates Airlines preparation, you can see that they are following the high hygiene protocol.

At the check-in counter, they will provide each passenger with a hygiene kit. Each kit is enough for two, but they are generous and distributing one kit for each person.

Around 11:45 pm we are done with the immigration, Don and I visa status officially canceled.

Then we walk to gate B6.

On-board

02:30 am, finally our boarding time, everyone is tired and sleepy.

Safety standards can be seen from the ground staff to the cabin crew. On the plane, all crew is wearing masks, eye protectors, and PPE. That is totally different from the usual uniform.

I was so happy and thankful to the ground crew assisted my check-in; I didn’t expect that the seat she will provide us is with the extra legroom. For sure, Don and I would have a comfortable flight.

While waiting for boarding, Don and I imagine that we will be able to watch a couple of movies like what we used to do every flight. Unfortunately, we are not able to see even a single film at all. Our sleep was so deep and relax.

Food included

The only provided meal is Pizza for a snack.

Fried noodles, bread, and fruits for lunch around 08:00 AM Dubai time.

Though this flight schedule was not our original flight, instead it is the outcome of the travel agent mistake, but it turns out to be a blessing to us. Life is really great and full of surprises.

—-Dubai to Manila Flight——–Dubai to Manila Flight—-

After 13 years of living in the UAE, we are going home

The whole COVID-19 Flight Journey

Share This: