How Airasia Accomodated Change of Seat Request

Hi mommies and bffs!  What airfare company do you choose for your international or local flight?  Mommiesdayoff and Lakwatserang Payat here sharing ours!

Last July, my bff, Rhaine and I booked Air Asia for our Taiwan trip.  It was MNL - Taipei(Taoyuan) Flight Z2 124/ 7:45 AM to 10 AM - our first bff international trip together for our Lakwatserang Payat Travel & Tours.  We booked it as a PROMO fare.

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Make sure your seat-belt is on

As you know with promo fare, food, seat allocation, baggage and insurance are things you choose not to include to keep the fare as is. We only added 20 kgs baggage going home since we anticipate additional baggages. We did not have the seat allocation going to Taipei.

Upon check-in of the baggage,  the Air Asia staff assigned us to a seat ALTERED to each other.  Lorena thought if we could change it just to be able to sit next to other.  Not necessarily the best row.  Thus, we tried our luck.  

HOW TO POSSIBLY REQUEST A CHANGE OF SEAT ALLOCATION 

1. We approached an Air Asia staff stationed by the entrance (not at the check-in bay).  Her name was Vicky.

2.  State your request politely.  Try this:

"We booked a promo fare.  We're just wondering if there's a way to change the seat allocation at least next to each other."

3.  Air Asia crew will check some things first.  Give it 5 minutes or so.

4.  If it allows, he/she MAY.  

5.  Adhere to the guidelines.

She said it would be in the emergency exits.  So she advised us in cases of emergency, we have to open the door and always be alert.  

Note:  This was our first-hand experience.  Request granted is under Air Asia discretion.  Not 100% guaranteed change.

Touch-down Taiwan

How Agoda Confirmation Helped in Immigration Interview

Where's your latest international trip, mommies?  What do you make sure you carry all the time?  Passport? Money of the country's currency? ID's?   Yes, all of these you should.  Today I will share with you another ONE THING that is super important to have with you as you travel or cross borders of different countries.

Last year September, Mom, Chesca and I (El Tres Viajeras) went to Singapore by plane and Malaysia by bus.  These two countries are just separated by a border.  We met Andrei's family there too. It was my two nephews' birthday.

Our second day itinerary was to travel from Singapore to Johor Baru, Malaysia for LEGOLAND, Waterpark.  My friends told me it's easier to go to Legoland via Singapore than in Kuala Lumpur.  That's where we should fly back - KL to Manila.

I booked our Legoland Water Park adventure via KLOOK for only P3,373.60. I got some P92.40 discount and mom's charge was the same as Chesca's (3-11 yo). Here's sharing with you a recap of that itinerary. 

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DAY TOUR ITINERARY

6 AM  :  Wake-up/Eat Breakfast/Preparation

830 AM  :  Prepared /Travel to 30 Raffles Ave (Singapore Flyer)

Via Line 80 Bus 
From Opp Mohd Salleh Mque to Cosmic Insurance Bldg (12 mins)
then TRANSFER 
Raffles Hotel to Marina Ctr Terrace (3 mins)

SMART Mommy TIPS:

1.  Make use of the wifi sim you bought for the country.  Use Google Map as it counts your step and show you the way.  

2.  You can ask but some don't get to speak English well.  

3. Travel with a bottle of water. 

"We had long walks and one stop-over in a bathroom behind Raffles Avenue.  After asking some people around the area, we made it."

Singapore Flyer

• Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803, Unit #01-06D
• By MRT: Promenade MRT Station (CC4/DT15)
• Boarding Point: Singapore Flyer Coach Bay

Redemption Procedure at Singapore Flyer

• Go to the Travel and Transit Hub, unit #01-06D, facing the carpark
• Look for WTS Travel counter and exchange for a redemption voucher which will state your bus license plate number and transfer details

10 AM  :  ETA WTS Travel Counter/Presented the KLOOK Voucher
                Shared Legoland Malaysia & Hello Kitty  Town Transfers from Singapore

SMART Mommy TIPS:

1. I was actually the last one. We had difficulty finding the unit because WTS signage was a bit small. But it's usually the mostly populated unit there with people standing in line."

2. I had our voucher printed so in case my phone dies, we have a hard copy.  We chose low-season-two way.  Refer to the dates for this option.  Mom's charge was the same as Chesca's.  For the three of us, the total was P2,811.10.

3.  You can present mobile voucher for this. 

10:30 AM  :  Shared Bus Travel to Johor Baru

11:00 AM  :  ETA Malaysia Border/Immigration Interview

"We had a smooth process then.  You have to leave your luggage in the bus since the bus will pick you up at another terminal.  Just bring with you passport and voucher.

I'll share another blog just about this"

12 NN - 430 PM  :  Enjoyed Water Park/Met Friends
"Chesca and I enjoyed the water park. Mom didn't want to. She just watched us from afar and enjoyed the place.

I'll share another blog about this."

515 - 615 PM :  Travel to Singapore

After spending the happy day in Legoland, Malaysia, we were picked-up by another bus.  Malaysia to Singapore this time. 

How Agoda Confirmation Helped in Immigration Interview

630  PM  :  Singapore Immigration Interview/ETA Singapore  

"Mom went first for her interview.  Apparently it took her time. The lady immigration officer seem to be asking a question.  She kept insisting about my mom's residence in Singapore.  She kept telling her "I'm a tourist! I don't have residence in Singapore, only hotel."  My mom asked her "If I show you my booking, what does it manifest?" She just looked at her point blank.  She didn't seem to understand my mom's question.

During then Chesca and I had our turn. A guy immigration officer was asked by the lady immigration officer about something. Only to find out she was looking for the Agoda Booking Confirmation.  I had my wifi back (SG sim) so I checked my Agoda app right away. I presented it to him and then he advised the other officer that it's okay.  He apologized to us.

At the bus, we were all exchanging our experiences. A couple was asked to present their booked flight back to Philippines."  

SMART Mommy TIPS: 
Here are two things you can prepare if you don't have the internet in your phone:

1. Printed copies of hotel booking (Agoda), airfare or activities.

2. Screenshot of hotel booking confirmation.  See sample below.

Click HERE to book with Agoda. 

That experience taught me to be more resourceful and ready especially when traveling with kids and senior citizen.  I don't wanna be in the same hassle again, not in the immigration line.

Hope this helps mommies!

How Agoda Accommodated Our Last-Minute Payment Changes

Lio Hotel, Taiwan, front desk

Have you had any last-minute payment changes in your Agoda booking?  Don't worry mommies, I am here to share with you our successful, easy and smooth transaction with Agoda.

My bff, Lorena and I booked Lio Hotel in Taiwan for 4 days and 3 nights.  The dates are July 27-30.  It was an Economy Double room.  

At first, we used my BPI Prepaid Amore Visa Card, as I always do with my Agoda bookings.  It was scheduled to be paid July 22 which means to say, we have to deposit to fund my BPI Savings account and then I will load my prepaid card.  

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But when July 22 almost came, we decided to use a credit card.  The question is: 

"Is it still acceptable to change payment method?"

Don't do this: 

Don't message the hotel anymore.  What happened to me was I messaged Lio Hotel Using the "Need Information Drop-down Menu"  I clicked Payments and Refund.  I wrote my question "Is it possible to change payment using credit card instead?"  Lio Hotel was quick to reply "Please contact Agoda"

Do this:

1.  Contact Agoda using their customer service email:

customer-service@agoda.com

2. They were quick to respond:

3.  I received a call from their customer service. During the first call, I wasn't available to talk to because I was busy. I gave another best date and time to call thru email.  The second representative called and then I was able to provide our cc details to him.  He was definitely accommodating, patient and nice. Speaks clear English and has a professional tone.

4.  In 3 minutes, our conversation was over.

5.  I got an email update about the payment change on July 22.  

6.  Worry-free.  I got an email to do a survey. Here's HOW!

CLICK to Book Agoda HERE!

On my next blog, I will share the different payment options you can choose and enjoy with Agoda.  Let me know what difficulties you encounter so I can help!  

Go to your playstore and download the App now!

How We Checked-In Best Western Plus Hotel Using Agoda Voucher

The Gang from the elevator ready for the day's adventure

Best Western Plus Hotel was selected by the readers of Business Travel News (BTN) as the No. 1 Upper Mid-price Hotel Company in their 2017 Hotel Brand Survey.

Located at 38 Des Vouex Road, western District of Hong Kong Island. A real area undergoing rapid changes where the east meets west.  It is a 5-minute walk to the nearest MTR stations.  There is also a stop of the hundred-year-old tram service in front of the hotel.  

All 307 hotel rooms and suites offer unbeatable comfort, security and wi-fi connection. 

The regular rate posted in Agoda is 2,000++ a night.  

Go to the side bar, and BOOK Now!  You don't need to open another browser.  But be sure to download the app once done with booking so your confirmation would be easy to show upon checking-in.  

Or simply CLICK HERE!

****

Chesca and mom eating breakfast @ BWH like this

Next to the promo air fare booking was the hotel.  What kind of hotel do you prefer mommies?  If it was just mom, me and Chesca, we could have opted for 2-star hotels.  Here are the Top 5 practical reasons:

1.  We would be gone all day.  Only need to rest at night.
2.  For reference reviews are there to help.
3.  Bed and comfort room are a must.
4.  Price-wise - it is affordable.
5.  Location-wise most 2-stars are situated along transportations and sites.

Anyhow, our Hong Kong trip accommodation was shouldered by my elder brother Andrei.  So, he opted for his family and us - Best Western Plus Hotel (a 4-star hotel) via Agoda. Our rooms were both superior twin rooms. Our stay was from July 24-28.

Click HERE to Book Agoda

How We Checked-in using Agoda Voucher

1.  I presented the printed Agoda Voucher to Nancy, the hotel receptionist for our group (Mom, me and Chesca).
2.  Checking the computer took her about 5 minutes.
3.  Waited for acknowledgement.
4.  Room Key (Key Card) will be given. Our room was 1702.
5.  Take the elevator up to your room.
6.  Same process when Vanessa and the kids arrived.

Andrei also presented the printed Agoda Voucher for their family.  However, she seemed not to have understood him or Vanessa has to be there.  Anyway, we got in our room first.

Prepare the following:
1. Printed Voucher
2. Photocopy of the card used and valid ID.
3. Make sure the booking was paid and confirmed.
4. Arrived at the right check-in time. Refer to booking info.

Nancy, the receptionist biting her lip...don't know why?  :)

Enjoying the waiting time for the rooms to be ready at the lobby

Finally, entering the room to check-in...Andrei keying-in the card

By 5 pm, mom and Andrei left for the airport to pick up his family.  Chesca and I were left in the hotel.  I took a nap and she was busy watching tv. 

They arrived after an hour.  They checked-in at 1902.  They visited us but mom was already sleeping.  Their family went outside for dinner.  I changed our bag and prepared the things especially the Disneyland voucher for the first adventure tomorrow.  Then the three of us slept ahead.  Such a check-in day one in Hong Kong.

Finally checked-in room 1902

who would not want to rest early with the cozy and comfy BWH

There you go mommies, hope this helps your check-in process using Agoda Voucher.

How We Commuted From Hong Kong International Airport to Best Western Hotel

happily seated at Citiflyer Bus with Octopus Card

Guess what country happened to be the world's largest highest rate of daily journeys made on public transport (more than 90%) and that's where our first international trip is!

I call our group - "El Tres Viajeras" (mom, me and Chesca).  Being a mom traveling with my 8-year old and 59 yo mom would be exciting.  Thus, I prepared some things to remember but it wasn't enough.  As you know you'll learn what you're missing till you get there.  So, I don't want you to feel lost when you happen to visit Hong Kong. 

As a budget-traveler, either you travel here or abroad, no matter how much you drive at home, it's best to become a Commuter.

Here's a motherly course when you come from Hong Kong International Airport going to Best Western Hotel located at Des Voeux Road West.  Took us 40 minutes and paid $28.

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Smart Points to Consider

1.  Take the Citiflyer bus.

Buses are the cheapest way to get to major areas in Hong Kong.  The bus stop (Ground Transportation Centre) on specified routes is situated outside the Arrival Hall on the right side.  Just follow the signs. You will also see the bus routes and timetables.

A. ROUTES.

There are six Citiflyer routes - A10, A11, A12, A21, A22, A29.  The first 3 serves Hong Kong islands. The following three serve Kowloon. Routes A11 and A21 are the most popular for tourists. 

These buses have:

a).  Double-decked with air-conditioning.

b).  The buses have announcement system.

c).  Larger racks allow you to store your luggages.

d).  Free wi-fi internet access on buses.

B.  PAYMENT METHODS

a). By an octopus card.
It's a rechargeable card  at convenience stalls, fast food stalls and supermarkets that can be used on all modes of public transportation except taxi.  Regular rate is HK$150 (HK$100 of credit and HK450 refundable deposit).  Children and seniors rate is HK$70 ($9 refundable deposit).

This is 4% - 8% less on fares compared to regular fares on the MTR.

b).  Cash.
The citiflyer bus accepts cash too but it wouldn't give change.  My brother didn't have his card yet so he paid HK$50. The driver said no change. He just said, keep it!

Be ready with exact cash in case.

OUR ROUTE

1. We took Citiflyer A12 at bus stop #5. Mom, Chesca and I used our octopus card for HK$28. My brother Andrei had no exact fare so he dropped-in the HK$50 and the driver told him, no change. So he said, "keep the change"

2. We dropped-off at Kaon Street.

Andrei and mom united at last after he found us

3. Taxi to hotel.

The driver's seat is on the right side.  Taxi color is yellow.  Drivers were all dressed-up and smelling good.  Also speaks very good English.

For the first 2 kilometers or any part thereof is HK$22. 

For every subsequent 200 meters or part thereof or every period of 1 minute waiting time.
- Until the chargeable amount reaches HK$78 - HK$1.60 
- After the chargeable amount has reached HK$78 - HK$1.
- Every baggage - HK$5
- Every animal or bird - HK$5
- Wheelchair and crutches - FREE
- Every hiring thru booking or telephone - HK$5

What I love about it is the openness to receive feedback or complaints from passengers.  Such a customer-service oriented kind of transportation.

"Since we were tired, my brother decided we took a taxi. Andrei told the driver to wait a bit because he had to fasten his seat belt.  It took us just 5 minutes. We realized that the taxi just detoured.  Maybe one-way for taxis.  My brother and I were just laughing.  What a first-day experience.

Although, we could have really just walked since it was only 2 minutes from where we dropped-off."

Andrei seated in front of the taxi...driver's at the right hand.  

Meter for reference

Top 5's of Hongkong International Airport

Fast bullet train in the airport lobby

Hong Kong International Airport (IATA: HKG, ICAO: VHHH) is the commercial airport serving Hong Kong, built on reclaimed land on the island of Chek Lap Kok. The airport is also known as Chek Lap Kok Airport. Named as 8th BUSIEST passenger terminal buildings worldwide by passenger traffic.  Managed by Airport Authority Hong Kong (AA), established in December 1, 1995.

Replacing Kai Tak Airpot, it has been commerically operating since 1998, 24 hours a day.  It's a regional trans-shipment center, passenger hub and gateway for destinations in Mainland China (with 45 destinations) and the rest of Asia.  Cathay Pacific (the flag carrier of Hong Kong) uses it as the primary hub.  It is a focus city for many airlines including China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines and Air India.

Imagine the adrenalin rush we had after we touched-down Hongkong.  Mom, Chesca and I, El Tres Viajeras (I call our group) were really excited. Finally, my mom's stories about Hongkong will soon be our (Chesca and I) first-hand experience.  Mommies Day Off beginning the journey, sharing with you best parts of it.  (wikipedia)

TOP 5 about Hongkong International Airport

1.  SPACE & AREA.  

It's huge like literally so spacious for everyone to walk without jostling someone else by the side.  It is said it accommodates 74,700 passengers almost everyday. 

2.  CLEANLINESS & STRUCTURE.

The tiles, walls, train, windows, chairs and everything is sparkling clean.  I didn't spot a chair or any area with trash or litter.  The litter bins were placed conscientiously and easy for people to go and throw garbages.  In fact, the bin itself is clean too.  

The comfort rooms too were so clean.  From floor to tiles to lavatory.  Awesome maintenance!

You would be amazed of the structure and interior design.  It's so modern and futuristic. See for yourself.

3.  STAFF.  

Know to have provided employment to 65,000 people.  From immigration officer, lobby attendants to store crews, everyone seemed to be cordial.  Not smiling a lot but with a timid, professional smile.  The crew in the store where we got our octopus card was a Filipina.  You know Filipinas.  

4.  SYSTEM & DISCIPLINE.  

It was easy to find where to go because of the large signs (in Chinese and English) and lobby attendants leading or showing the way.  Their computers, elevators, walkalators, escalators and system worked superbly.  Not only that, there was internet as soon as got in the lobby.  

It also has stores, resto, bank atms, money changers, internet cafes, and clinic.  The maps of the city was easy enough to study. Looking for Kaon St was easy for Andrei. I didn't. hahaha.  

During the interview, my mom went in first. She was asked her name.  Then it was our (Chesca's and I)'s turn.  He just looked at our passport pictures and asked Chesca's name.  I carried her a bit so he could see her.  Then he processed our travel document permit and gave it to me.  In that was the permit to remain until August 7, 2016.   

Hongkong International Airport walkalator

5.  TRANSPORTATION. 

Since the airport is too huge, moving to another terminal is assisted by their trains.  First time for us to experience taking a train inside an airport.  

We took the escalator and took the train going to E1.  A fellow Filipina was left behind because the train was timed. Once it closes, it won't reopen.  You gotta act fast.  It was like a 5-10 mins ride.  We were all brought to another area, where on the right side, stood in line that was moving fast with all other foreigners for the immigration interview.  

The three of us walked through looking for terminal A13 for our octopus card I bought at klook app.  Finding it was easy because of the friendly HK nationals speaking good English.  

Andrei met us there. He was looking regal and professional in blue polo.  Meeting him in the huge airport was easy because of the signs.  So good to see him flying from Qatar.  He's going to surpise meet his family there for vacation.  Am sure the 3 kids will be.  

The buses (city flyer) and taxis were parked accordingly. Standing in line for your turn was easy. People are respectful.  One stands after the other. No inserts.  Plus senior citizens are given priority.

Chesca and I seated in the City Flyer bus 

Andrei and mom seated together in the City Flyer bus

There you go mommies.  Some things to ponder and expect when you arrive Hong Kong International Airport.  Drop me your comments if you find something more.  Happy to share!  Too bad my huawei phone was corrupted. Most of my photos of the airport were there.

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Do's & Dont's During Hongkong Immigration Interview

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Photo by CNN

One of the things one has to prepare with international flights is the "Immigration Interview" process.  My mom had visited Hongkong twice already so she rehearsed me with some immigration do's and don'ts. Even if Hongkong is a visa-free country, it's best to properly respond with their immigration process professionally. I was traveling with my 8 year-old daughter then.  This was how our "Mom & Daughter" immigration experience.

DO's

1.  Stand on the line.  Wait for your turn.
2.  Let your child stand in line the same. It's a great start to teach them.
3.  Take off your hat/cap if you are wearing one.
4.  Ready your passport, ticket and card.
5.  Look at the immigration officer eye-to-eye.
6.  Answer briefly yet concise.
7.  Use right choice of words.
8.  Be polite and courteous. It goes a long way.
9.  Look at the camera straight, with face front.
10.  Just keep a professional look.

DONT's

1.  Over-answer.
2.  Stutter. Remain calm.
3.  Roll eyes as if looking somewhere.
4.  Over-step on another's space.
5.  Noisy. Avoid loud conversation.
6.  Keep it short and simple. Less talk, less mistake.

TOP 5  Usual Questions During Immigration Interview

and How to Respond

1.  Where do you work? 
In my case, I was even asked to show our company ID.  I told the officer, the company doesn't have one, rather we used 'toot' card.  That I showed him.  So, be ready with your company ID (if working).

2.  Who are you traveling with?
That time, my mom was interviewed ahead of me.  I responded, my mom and daughter (who was just beside me then).

3.  What's your complete name? 
I don't know why the officer, asked my mom to say her name.  But she was.  That was why, she was also surprised.  So if this might happen to you, don't be alarmed.  This is also their question with kids.  Most often, no questions at all for kids.

4.  How long will you stay in Hongkong?
My sister-in-law was asked of this.  That was her only question.  I guess it was obvious her 3 kids were standing beside her.

Some are asked to show proof of stay in Hongkong.  Just be ready with your booking confirmation.

5. For kids

As a mommy, I was beside my daughter as the immigration officer asked her to look at the camera.  Just be there for your child since they can't be on their own yet.

There you go mommies. Hope this helps with your travel planing with kids. I didn't get to have pictures with this since it was not allowed. Message me below if you have questions. Glad to help.