I am going to Cebu before Xmas and then to Biliran to see my fiancée's parents. But what is the best way to fly to Cebu in view of a physical disability? My nearest airport is Humberside, whose only international carrier is KLM and there are no air bridges and flying from there to Schipol means no air bridges at Schipol either (if memory serves me correctly) If I then flew with KLM to Manila there would be a change of planes on the way, plus a 'technical stop' (which involves disembarking) One option would appear to be flying by PAL from Heathrow as it involves only a single plane change in Manila; PAL and PAL Express both operate from terminal 2 at Manila. But, there is no guarantee of any air bridge for either the international flight into Manila or the onward domestic flight to Cebu. I can manage without an air bridge if necessary, but it will probably mean descending the steps on my backside! And how to get to Heathrow? Well, going by train is out of the question - there would be steps to negotiate with baggage and two train changes along the way. A bus is a possibility as the bus driver would at least help with baggage but the bus takes over 10 hours to get to terminal 4 at Heathrow! I could drive to Heathrow but I don't like paying for car parking and would probably just park the car on the street. The other problem I now have is urge incontinence, meaning when I get the 'urge' I have to go immediately! On a plane you sometimes have to queue for the loo, so I don't know how to get around that little problem! Any suggestions anyone?
Just found out that UK airports (including the local Humberside Airport) have ambulifts, which can lift disabled people on and off aircraft but they don't advertise them! I think Schipol Airport has one too (all Humberside International flights are via Schipol) But I also found out that Cathay Pacific will be starting direct flights from Manchester to Hong Kong on December 8. Cathay Pacific has flights from Hong Kong direct to Cebu of course so no changing planes at Manila and the same baggage allowance for the whole journey. It will be an 8 hour stopover in Hong Kong, so plenty of time even if the disabled facilities are not immediately ready. I know they provide wheelchairs at Hong Kong too. I think there will almost certainly be air-bridge disembarkation at Hong Kong but, if not, I expect ambulifts will be available. Being a new route, there are still plenty of seats available which is handy, as I cannot book until after I see my consultant on 18 September. The cheap flight days fit in well with the ferry crossings between Cebu and Biliran. Unfortunately, getting from Humberside to Manchester Airport is not too easy by either rail or bus but Manchester is a lot nearer than London and the parking charges for Manchester Airport are pretty cheap compared to Humberside Airport, so I think I will drive there. From Humberside to Manchester is pretty easy along the M62. Does anyone have any comments about Manchester Airport? I remember having to walk a long way inside the terminal building for a Lufthansa flight. EDIT: Just found direct train connection between Scunthorpe and Manchester Airport!!
The KLM flight to Manila has two air-bridges in Schipol and Taipei but only currently one air-bridge at Manila's Terminal 3. You do NOT change planes between Schipol and Manila. Just to add to your options, I rather think KLM's flights between Manchester and Schipol are on Airbus A320s in which case air-bridges will be used at both ends. Most of PAL's domestic flights are now operated by PAL Express apart from those to Tier 1 cities such as Cebu and Davao. PAL Express operates from Terminal 3 in Manila where there are air-bridges. PAL uses air-bridges at Cebu and flies from Manila's Terminal 2. [/QUOTE] Whichever airline you choose, Howerd, you will, I'm sure, be well looked-after by both their ground as well as the flight crews. My concern would be your ferry trips.
I think the PAL flights between Manila and Cebu are also operated by PAL Express and that they leave from Manila terminal 2.
There used to be a separate subsidiary known as Air Philippines and it had services between Manila and Cebu, Zamboanga, Davao and General Santos. Air Philippines was absorbed into PAL Express. PAL and PAL Express did some route and resources rationalisation so whilst historically PAL Express has its own route(s) between Manila and Cebu, they are now operated by PAL itself. PAL Express flights operate from Terminal 3 currently.
