New Silay-Bacolod Airport review.

I was recently at the new Silay-Bacolod International Airport; this prompted me to write this. For those not yet a guest of our dear new airport this is sort of a guide for you. Like anything in life there are pros and cons let me share what I’ve noticed from my recent trip.

Let’s start with the pros. Since it’s new well what do you expect, it’s super clean. A nice sight indeed. If you’re approaching the vicinity about a few meters ahead you’ll see this gigantic lighted spectacle in the middle of those lash green sugarcane fields which is commonly found in the province. The look of the place is like a mini NAIA(Ninoy Aquino International Airport), I don’t know if that’s how all the new airports is going to be but the design and structures would remind you of NAIA. Security wise, it’s superb you get huge renta-cops and real cops all roaming around the place. Gone are the days when one can just walk in places now you get frisked and asked where the hell you are going. At least you’re secured enough to think that no shmuck will blow up the plane you’re in. It won’t be hard trying to find your airline carrier since they are all cramped up in one place now not like before you need to ride on your car and go to another building what not.

Now for the cons my awaited moment. If you’re in the past used to ease, you know what I mean. Its gone baby!!! If there’s a rating for “user friendliness” I think I’d rate it 50% out of a 100%. Here’s why, those who travel a lot remember the time when you finally arrive, you are used to your regular porter doing all the hustle lifting or getting your baggages? That’s all gone, it’s now all yours, you lift, you get, and you push cart. Our old reliable porters some even we knew since we were young are all gone replaced by this heavy steel carts which sometimes seem difficult to push. Check in time is no longer “convenient” like before, you know our usual “let’s leave our ticket to mr. so and so or our porter” “let’s just arrive 5 minutes or so before the plane departs”. Now when they say check in 2 hours before the scheduled flight, be sure you’re there. You’ll stand in line I mean it will take you an hour standing with your cart in front of you till you literally enter the departure area. And like NAIA you have to go through several checks having all metal objects on you removed before you pass the scanner, so if your pants are lose be ready to grab them tight. But I would suggest you go there more than 2 hours before since the place is far from what you’re usually used to. And if you’re taking a cab be prepared to shell out times 3 what you’re used to. The road going there is now is a bit ok, but it’s not wide, two lanes, and little obstructions will definitely cause heavy traffic so that’s one consideration for being so early for your trip. Obstructions can happen anytime since the road is also being shared by big trucks hauling sugarcane etc, remember this airport is located within an agricultural area. And for public transports you wouldn’t find a lot of options cabs are the only way to go, you couldn’t even see much around so it’s better you plan ahead. And since not all facilities are up yet I wouldn’t suggest traveling at night the roads aren’t lighted yet.

I know it’s new and things may improve in the long run, for now I just want to share what I’ve noticed so that you will be prepared. So happy trip to you.