Travel is anything but boring. And while exploring different places, meeting new people and tasting exotic cuisines promise unforgettable experiences of their own, it’s got nothing on the moments that transpire even while on a transit.
With the Philippines being geographically separated from other countries and consisting of thousands of islands itself, travelling by plane is often necessary. Whether it’s your first, second or even 50th time flying, there’s always something bound to happen — some comical, some romantic and some downright disgusting. Just take a look at these hilarious airplane stories of Filipino travellers.
Also read: Here’s What the Life of a Flight Attendant is Really Like
1. Burnt by the FA
“I was on a 1am flight going to Taiwan. The moment the plane took off, I fell asleep. I woke up because I needed to go the bathroom. The lights on the plane were still dim so I stood up, and when I was walking towards the toilet cubicle, there was an announcement (I thought) in Mandarin. I continued to walk when the lady on the mic said (in a firm voice), “Madam! Please take your seat! We are about to land”! Para akong napagalitan ni teacher! It took another 20 minutes or so before we actually landed.” – Mia Buendia
2. When fantasy turns to reality
“I was on a seven-hour flight, where I woke up with a foot resting on my armrest. Seriously, I thought these things happen only on the internet. Apparently, they do in real life as well. Too bad I was too slow to grab my phone and take a picture. In fairness, naka pedicure pa ng pula si ate. Palaban!” – Queen Sarah
3. Ibalik mo ballpen ko!
“Yong katabi mo na foreigner na hiniram ballpen mo to fill out the immigration form tapos hindi na binalik. Lakas maka high school throwback ni kuya! Parker ‘yon kuya! Parker!” – Anthony Repito Dalog
4. Not what I expected
“It was during 2013, my first international flight. Suddenly, there was this curiosity to check on the temperature in Qatar. After seeing that the temperature is 0 degree Celsius, I panicked and worried the whole trip that the clothes I brought were not compatible with the weather. It was only when the plane landed that I realised and felt relieved that the temperature I recorded was the temperature in the airplane while it was thousands of feet above the ground. Buti na lang!” – Daykee Lalas
5. Shookt by a turbulence
“On our way to General Santos, nagpunta ako sa lavatory para umihi. Habang nasa kalagitnaan ako ng pag jingle, biglang nagka-turbulence na parang inalog ‘yong eroplano! Ang ending, nabasbasan ‘yong pader, kisame at sahig ng wala sa oras.” – Micheal Angelo Lay Hernandez
6. When the teacher is sleeping…
“On a flight back from Cebu, nakatabi ko college professor ko. Nasa middle seat ako, siya nasa aisle. Medyo naparami inom ko ng water and tea so I needed to go to the CR. Problem is, nakatulog si prof. Gusto ko sana magpaalam ng “May I go out?”. – Irene Santos
7. Fooled by the mother
“Yong sinabihan ng mom ko yung pinsan ko na dapat nakataas lang ‘yong paa niya buong flight. Pag binaba niya paa niya, sasabog ‘yong eroplano. So buong flight, nakataas lang ‘yong paa niya.” – Stephanie Baldosano
8. The forbidden seatbelts
“Yong kinuha ng katabi mo ang left seatbelt niya at left seatbelt mo, tapos sinusuksok niya. Narealise niya na “both female”. – Yrraggy Jerios
9. The “other” armrest
“I was taking a nap that time when the guy in his 20’s beside me inclined his armrest caps so that he could stand comfortably. He went to the lavatory. When he came back, he forgot he put his armrest cap back and unintentionally (I guess), his hands fell on my private part. I really felt embarrassed. He looked at me and apologised. We tried to act normal but it was really awkward the whole flight.” – Leo B. Sese
10. Don’t leave me!
“It was a nine-hour trip na sobrang ma-turbulence. Eh yung pinsan ko naiihi na talaga. Kaya nung kumalma, tumayo siya agad at nagpunta sa lavatory. A few minutes later, nag-announce na naman na remain seated at mag-seatbelt, kaya nagmadali siya lumabas at tumakbo pabalik sa upuan habang nag-aayos pa ng pants at nagsasara ng zipper!” – Marianne Althea Lozano
Also read: Surviving a Long-Haul Flight: Confessions of a Filipino First-Timer
Needless to say, these are a mere handful of the millions of hysterical stories that happen in flight. However, even they are enough to show that some of the most memorable parts of a trip can happen anytime, and at any altitude.
The quotes here have been edited for grammar, clarity and flow.
