With the advent of 911 and bombings in other cities around the world, security in most international airports has never been tighter. Every traveler wants an enjoyable trip; hassle-free, smooth and blissful. With meticulous security checks, lines are expected to be long. This means a period of time waiting and this doesn't translate as delightful. Just don't see yourself cleared through these security checks and then remember you forgot something. Well, this will surely scare you especially if your plane leaves in less than an hour.

Careful planning is very vital. You must prepare all the documents and things you need to bring on time. You have to check if everything is alright before you leave your home or hotel for the airport.

DEPARTURE CHECKLIST (courtesy of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas):

1. PASSPORT

2. VISA (Don't forget to hand-carry the Embassy envelope. It will be presented at the U.S. Port of Entry.)

3. PLANE TICKET (Check if you have paid the travel tax fee. If not, you can pay it at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport NAIA), Manila: PHP 1,620.00 for Economy Class; PHP 2,700.00 for First/Business Class. Children below 2 years old are travel tax exempted. There is a 50% travel tax discount for children 2-11 years old.)

4. TERMINAL FEE of PHP 550.00 for 2 years old and above

5. BAGGAGE (You are allowed to bring a carry-on bag weighing 7 kilos with a dimension of 45 inches. You are allowed 2 pieces of check-in baggage at 32 kilos per piece with a dimension of 62 inches per piece.)

6. EXIT CLEARANCE DOCUMENT (This is required by Philippine Immigration for retired, resigned, and on-leave employees and officials from the government sector. The document states that the employees/officials are cleared of accountabilities from the government offices they were recently connected with.)

7. OTHER DOCUMENTS:

a. Health record and X-ray film

b. School records (transcript of records, diplomas, etc.)

c. Training/employment certificates

d. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) travel clearance (if applicable). A travel clearance is a document issued by the DSWD to a minor who is below 18 years of age traveling abroad alone or with someone other than his/her parents.

e. Other pertinent documents (marriage/birth/baptismal certificates)

DO NOT BRING THE FOLLOWING:

1. Firearms, explosives, fireworks and ammunition

2. Narcotics, other than prescription drugs

3. Meat, dairy and poultry products, fresh fruits and vegetables

4. Plants, flowers and soil

5. Cultural property except for family heirlooms

6. More than 200 sticks of cigarettes

7. More than 1.5 liters of commercial alcohol

8. Records, computer software, apparel, and reading materials produced in violation of copyright laws

9. Endangered species, and the like

A traveler is allowed to bring money out of the Philippines not exceeding PHP 10,000.00. The amount can be in dollar bills or traveler's checks as well as Philippine currency.

If you desire to bring into or out of the Philippines foreign currencies amounting to US$10,000.00 or more, you are required to declare that amount in writing and furnish information on the source and purpose of the transport of such currency. Persons traveling together cannot divide the amount in order to avoid the restriction. A BSP foreign currency declaration form for travel fund is available at the Bureau of Customs or at its NAIA counter. Bring documents that will show the sources of your funds.

With your checklist complete, you are now just waiting for your departure date. Relax and don't panic. After all, you are well-prepared. Everything is in order. Everything you need to bring is there. Double-check your list again the day before departure. Get plenty of rest before you leave for the airport.

DAY OF DEPARTURE:

1. You should be at the airport at least four hours before your scheduled flight (allot enough time for security checks).

2. You and your baggage will be submitted for security check.

3. Go to your airline counter and check-in. Don't lose your boarding pass and baggage claim stubs.

4. Go to the terminal fee counter and pay.

5. Present your travel documents at the Philippine Immigration Counter.

6. Proceed to the waiting lounge/gate.

7. Board your plane when your boarding call is made.

Some airlines have direct flights to the United States. Others have stop-over and connecting flights. Don't be ashamed in asking questions and assistance from your flight attendant and from airport personnel. You don't want to miss your flight! A flight attendant will give you some forms to fill out during the flight (arrival/departure record or I-94, etc., whatever is applicable).

WHAT TO DO AT THE PORT OF ENTRY:

1. Present your travel/entry documents (passport, visa, embassy envelope, medical records, customs declaration form) at the U.S. Immigration counter.

2. Claim your baggage from your airline's designated carousel.

3. Proceed to the customs area for final security check. (For those with domestic flights, transfer your baggage.)

After this, you may exit the airport and look for your welcome party or you may still have to take a domestic flight to reach your destination. If so, proceed to the waiting lounge/gate of your domestic flight and then board your plane when your boarding call is made. Then claim your baggage at the carousel and look for your loved ones. Have a safe and happy trip!