Is AirSWIFT Worth It? Honest Review Flying to El Nido, Palawan

ABBEY:  We chose to book a direct flight to El Nido instead of spending five hours in a van from Puerto Princesa. It saved us a lot of time, and honestly, I’m not sure my body could still handle that long of a land trip.

For this route, AirSWIFT is the airline to look for. They use small turboprop aircraft; yes, the ones with propellers. And you’ll be brought from the airport gate to the plane by bus. Our El Nido-bound flight was a bit windy during landing, so the sway of the plane was noticeable. The flight back to Manila felt completely different. It was smooth, but it also signaled the end of our Palawan getaway.

The entire journey is short. Before you know it, the one-and-a-half-hour flight is over and you’re stepping onto what many call “paradise.”

AirSWIFT direct flight arriving at Lio Airport in El Nido, Palawan

 

WILL: Planning a trip to El Nido, Palawan? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is how to get there.

Should you:

1.Fly to Puerto Princesa and endure a 5–6 hour van ride, or

2.Take AirSWIFT’s direct flight from Manila to El Nido (Lio Airport)?

We chose the second option—and here’s why.

Should You Book AirSWIFT for El Nido?

✔ Yes, if you value time, comfort, and sanity

💰Cost: ₱6,000–₱8,000 one-way

⏱ Time saved: ~6 hours

✈ Best for: Short trips, peak season, motion-sickness-prone tourists

	Total Cost	Travel Time
Manila → El Nido (AirSWIFT)	₱6,000–₱8,000	~1 hr 15 min
Manila → Puerto Princesa + Van	₱3,500–₱4,000	6–7 hours

Saving around Php10,000 (2-way) means sacrificing 12+hours of your vacation. For us, the convenience alone made AirSWIFT worth every peso.

AirSWIFT operates out of NAIA Terminal 2 (Domestic).

The staff were professional and efficient—check-in took only 10 minutes. Bilis!!

That said, we still recommend arriving at least 90 minutes early.

⚠️ Do not follow us—we arrived 3 hours early and there’s no lounge to stay in. Lesson learned 😅

AirSWIFT is now under Cebu Pacific, so yes… strict baggage rules apply (alam nyo naman si CebuPac haha!).

•Carry-on: 7kg (strictly enforced)

•Checked baggage: 20kg included

•Overweight fees: Check with Cebu Pacific customer service

The aircraft overhead bins are very small, so even standard rolling carry-ons may end up being checked in.

Legroom was surprisingly reasonable—Abbey is almost 6’ and was comfortable throughout the flight.

The plane was clean and well-maintained.

Do not assume that buying a check-in luggage will include a free meal. 😅

Our seats were on the left side of the aircraft, and we still witnessed incredible views of Palawan’s turquoise waters during descent into El Nido.

Arrival at Lio Airport, El Nido (The Best Part)

Lio Airport is tiny, and honestly—that’s a huge win.

•Baggage claim: 10–15 minutes

•No crowds or long lines

•Transportation waiting outside

•Tricycle to El Nido town: ₱300–₱500 (15 minutes)

•Vans available via hotel private transfersSuper smooth and stress-free.

The return process was just as easy:

•Minimal security lines

•Quick boarding

•Arrived 75 minutes before departure with no issues

Yes, AirSWIFT is worth it if your trip is short and your time matters.

If you’re on a tight budget, flying via Puerto Princesa is fine—just be ready for a long ride.

Have you flown AirSWIFT to El Nido? Share your experience in the comments — your tips might help other travelers decide!

***

AirSWIFT 

(W) https://www.cebupacificair.com/en-PH/

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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Aer Lingus Review: Affordable, But Why Did I Feel Dizzy After Landing?

ABBEY: For our trip between the UK and Ireland, we chose Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline. The flight itself was quick and efficient—just a little over an hour, making it one of the fastest ways to travel between the two countries.

We flew on an ATR 72, a twin-engine turboprop aircraft that’s commonly used for short regional routes. At first glance, I’ll admit I had my doubts—the plane looked smaller than I expected, and I wasn’t sure how it would handle the journey across the Irish Sea. But once we boarded (from the rear of the aircraft, which was a unique experience!), we quickly settled into our seats.

Since the flight was short, there were no in-flight snacks or entertainment, which was totally fine. It was a simple sit-sleep-fly-land kind of trip—straightforward and stress-free. In no time, we touched down in Ireland, ready to explore!

And just like that, Aer Lingus got us safely and smoothly from the UK to Ireland—and back again. 

Aer Lingus small aircraft with visible propeller during boarding from Edinburg to Dublin

WILL:  If you’re choosing between budget airlines in Europe, Aer Lingus often comes up as a step above Ryanair. That’s exactly why we booked it — hoping for a more stable and slightly more premium experience. The airline is operated by the same parent company as British Airways, and based on our research, delays were said to be less intense than Ryanair’s.

So, did Aer Lingus live up to the expectations?
True enough — we had a delay. Just a classic budget airline kind of delay, no drama. But the real surprise? The aircraft!
It was a cute little plane with 2-2 seating. Abbey immediately noticed something odd — the propeller was visible, not your typical enclosed type. He’s not a fan of that setup (understandable!), but hey, we were off to Dublin, so we just rolled with it.

Flight was short and thankfully smooth. 
The return flight to London Heathrow was on a bigger aircraft. We were excited — a bit more legroom, a more solid-looking plane. I even managed to sneak in a nap.

But somewhere during descent… whoa.

I woke up with a weird kind of headache. At first, I thought it was just a quick air pocket, but then came the dizziness. The kind that makes your head feel light and floaty — not in a good way. 😵‍💫
Sadly, it didn’t fade right away. The sensation lingered through our layover and into the long-haul flight back to Singapore.

If you’re someone who’s prone to motion sickness or vertigo, take note: descending on certain flights might stir things up a bit.
It’s affordable, and if you’re flying short-haul around Europe, it does the job. Just manage expectations, bring motion sickness remedies (or your favorite peppermint oil!), and you’ll probably be just fine.
Each flight is different. Sometimes smooth, sometimes… spinny. 😅
Try it yourself — and let me know if you also feel like you’re floating after landing. Haha!

***

Aer Lingus

(W) https://www.aerlingus.com/html/en-IE/home.html

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

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KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

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Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

Let’s face it: airport lounges used to feel like an exclusive club. A quiet haven with cozy chairs, snacks galore, and a much-needed break from the chaos of the boarding gates.

But now? With almost every credit card offering lounge access as a perk, we’re seeing way more people inside—and the peace and quiet is starting to slip away.

So if you’re one of the lucky ones stepping into a Priority Pass or credit card lounge, congrats! But also… please play nice. These unwritten rules might not be posted on the walls, but following them helps keep the lounge experience pleasant for everyone.

Airport Lounge Etiquette: Read Before You Go

DOs and DON’Ts: Trust Us, People Notice

1. Flash that membership card like a pro: Whether it’s physical or digital, have it ready—along with your boarding pass. No one likes a line-holder-upper.

2. Enjoy the perks—but don’t overdo it: Free Wi-Fi, coffee, drinks, food? Go ahead, help yourself! Just maybe do not take seven muffins “for later.” You’re not stocking a pantry—you’re having a quick bite before your flight.

3. Claim one seat, not five: Your bag doesn’t need its own armchair. If the lounge is packed, be kind and make space for others.

4. Keep phone calls low and private: Use headphones or step aside. We don’t need to hear about your group chat drama or stock portfolio or meetings! You may not realize how loud you are, but everyone else does.

5. Check your guest privileges ahead: Not all passes allow free guests. Know your card’s rules—surprise charges are the worst.

6. Tipping isn’t mandatory—but it’s a lovely gesture: Especially for bar staff. A little kindness goes a long way.

7. Be mindful of the shower queue: Just because no one’s standing there doesn’t mean no one’s waiting. There’s often an invisible line—ask staff or be courteous before walking in.

8. Use the massage chair, don’t move in: A 10–15 minute recharge? Yes. A full-on nap while people wait? They’re not recliners for a pre-flight nap. Take your turn, then let someone else enjoy.

9. Don’t treat it like your living room: Feet on chairs, loud yawns, sprawling across couches… save that energy for your hotel.

10. No grooming at your seat: Nail clipping? Nose hair trimming? Please, not here. 

One Last Thing…

Getting lounge access is a fantastic perk—especially when it’s “free” through your credit card. But just because more people can get in, doesn’t mean we should forget the vibe that made lounges so great to begin with: calm, comfy, and respectful.

So let’s keep the peace, share the space, and enjoy the perks without turning the lounge into a bus terminal. Deal?

SAVE MONEY ON YOUR TRAVEL HERE!!!

Expedia Booking.com, Hostelworld: Your one-stop-shop for hotel and hostel bookings. Find your perfect home away from home with Expedia's extensive listings.

KKDAY: Not Just for Attractions. KKDAY offers excellent options for accommodations. Explore and book with confidence.

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

ABBEY: This is my first to fly in Business Class. With a budget and the itch to get the experience of sitting in the first few rows of a plane, we booked a pair of round-trip prized real estate in Singapore Airlines to the tune of almost SGD 3000. This is for our trip to Manila. 

Aside from the full kit amenities and free-flow champagne and wine, we also got the Book the Cook experience wherein you can choose your food from a curated menu. This needs to be done before your flight. I got the Grilled Angus beef burger and it was delicious. I paired it with red wine as I watched an episode of a TV series I liked. 

Even though slippers were not available in the Manila-bound flight, our experience is better than the one going back to Singapore. Aside from the business class is almost fully packed, I felt like the warmth from the staff service was diminished. The vibe I got is “since this is an evening flight and the day is almost done, let’s just get this over with”. 

The noodles is so salty and the fish meal they replaced it with was having soggy veggies to the point like it was melting. I think apart from the seat comfort and price there is not that much difference between the classes. I may have spoken too soon but let’s see in the First Class.

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

Is Singapore Airlines Business Class Worth the Upgrade from Economy?

WILL: Abbey often asks, "What does it take for people like us to afford a business class flight? When will it be our turn?" On our 2024 trip to the Philippines, Abbey upgraded our tickets to Singapore Airlines’ Business Class. Here’s a detailed, and a bit giggly, review of our experience.

Singapore to Manila

Singapore Airlines provides dedicated counters for Business Class passengers, ensuring a seamless check-in process. The queue management staff greeted us immediately and directed us to the counter. With a generous 40kg baggage allowance each (compared to the 25kg allowance in economy), we felt quite pampered. Despite the early morning hour, the check-in was efficient, and from Terminal 2, we took the free skytrain to Terminal 3 for some delightful Baccha coffee.

	Terminal 3	Terminal 2
Ambiance	The seating area is spacious with an open-air concept. However, it felt dim and somewhat gloomy as we arrived before sunrise.	This lounge tends to be more crowded, with seats placed close together. There wasn’t a visible bar area.
Food and Beverage	The food offerings were comparable to those in Priority Pass lounges.	The dumplings were excellent—I went back for a third serving.
Service	The attendants were exceptionally warm and welcoming, which made us feel comfortable and well-cared for.	The service here felt more transactional and less personal compared to Terminal 3.

Boarding as Business Class passengers provided a distinct advantage, marked by priority boarding and attentive service. Abbey and I were seated in a front-back row configuration. Despite the flight being delayed, the ample space allowed me to work comfortably on my emails.

The "Book the Cook" experience was a highlight, offering personalized meal choices. However, I wished I could have shared my lobster dish with Abbey, who was seated behind me. After the meal, I enjoyed a nap, appreciating the comfortable sleeping position, fluffy pillow, and warm quilt.

Manila to Singapore

The KrisFlyer Lounge in Manila was underwhelming. The food choices were limited, the wine selection was mediocre, and the lighting was dim. This was a stark contrast to the high standards experienced at the lounges in Singapore.

The in-flight service was outstanding. When I found my pork noodles too salty, the attendants were proactive in offering an alternative dish. This level of attentiveness is a hallmark of Singapore Airlines’ Business Class.

One notable moment was during our landing in Singapore, where the runway appeared slippery, and the pilot had to brake suddenly. This sudden stop highlighted the importance of safety protocols, which were efficiently managed.

The entertainment options were more limited compared to previous flights with Singapore Airlines. While the comfort and service in Business Class were commendable, the isolated seating arrangement made it difficult to enjoy the journey with a travel companion.

Recommendable? 

Overall, Singapore Airlines’ Business Class offers a high level of comfort, exceptional service, and thoughtful amenities. However, the solitary nature of the seating may not be ideal for those who prefer a more connected travel experience with their companions. For travelers seeking luxury and personal space, it is highly recommendable. For those like me, who value constant companionship and interaction, it may feel a bit isolating.