Surprises always come in my messenger. I received a message asking if I have a valid Schengen Visa. I said, it has expired. Why?

We want to fly you to Athens. 

Are you kidding me? Greece? Athens? Is this serious?

They are dead serious. They sent a proposal to my inbox with all the exciting things waiting for me in Athens. They want me to experience a Greek Winter Holiday!

That was in October 2017. The first thing I thought, it is impossible to secure a Schengen Visa especially that we were planning to fly to Korea (well, we flew to Taiwan instead).  My passport would be held hostage in one of the embassies. There are so many considerations (do I have the budget? – because you know, all-expense paid trips are not always free) 

But it is as if the forces of the universe has conspired, I got my visa and my parents said okay for me to fly to Greece!

Related Read: How Much Really is an All-Expense Paid Trip?

I was originally set to fly with THE @rodmagaru but he had to decline early on because of work and expiring passport (boo). I know my mom won’t allow me to fly alone. We thought, maybe @rodelflordeliz was available to fly. After several approvals and a few discussion on the best dates to fly, we decided to visit Greece after Christmas and before the New Year.

And the story goes…

Filipinos can now fly from Manila to Athens via Scoot!  Scoot is a low-cost carrier and a Singapore Airlines subsidiary which had their inaugural flight to Athens from Changi Airport.

Related Read: First time to fly via Singapore Airlines | Manila to Myanmar

Scoot currently have flights to India, China, Germany, Japan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Indonesia, Macau, and Greece. I heard there would be a flight soon to Berlin! Who is excited?

Scoot gives flexibility to passengers on how they want to travel the world depending on their budget and needs. There are 3 options – Fly, FlyBag and FlyBagEat.  Then of course, there is ScootBiz – that is, flying in business class.

You can customize your flight according to your needs during the long-haul flight. You can add meals for long-haul flight or snacks, snooze kit, an in-flight entertainment or additional luggage. You can also choose your seats for more leg room. 

Here’s our flight experience flying with Scoot from Manila to Athens (with layover in Singapore). All opinions are mine and based on our flight experience.

Scoot flies from NAIA Terminal 1. Our flight is at 9:45 and we decided to meet up earlier to avoid the traffic or possibly missing the flight.

While waiting to check in, Scoot conducts random baggage checks of passengers.

We initially got a 20 kgs baggage allowance but we thought it would be best to upgrade to 30 kgs since Winter Clothes and Jackets/Coats are heavier to pack. Scoot gives flexibility to travelers by offering different baggage allowances for a minimal cost.

I forgot to tell these bags to always stay together 

Check in process is smooth and easy. We then headed to the Lounge area and had light snacks.

GetGo Unionbank Platinum Card Holder gets free access to NAIA 1 Lounge 👍
This is our new fave “tambayan” Haha



Manila to Singapore:
3.5 hours flight time

I was originally seated at the window seat but had to change seats with Rodel because I know I would be using the toilet often. I really hate flying when it is the time of the month.

For the flight from Manila to Singapore, we felt that we didn’t have enough legroom (this from someone who is 5’10 and has really long legs). For a typical Filipino built, I think it is just okay. It i s bearable for a short-haul flight.

We were served dinner as soon as the airplane took off. I got Terriyaki Chicken, while Rodel got another Chicken Meal (he gave it to me). 😁

This meal you can add on to your flight for Php 595. 

For a low-cost airline, Scoot has pretty decent meals and snack choices

Passengers who didn’t purchase any meal upon booking can purchase meals during flight through Scoot Cafe.

We had a 2-hour layover in Singapore. It is just perfect timing to freshen up, use the toilet, have coffee, drink water and update your social media status (say something like, /me is traveling to Athens) 🛫

 Chiangi Airport has a really strict security. You cannot bring bottled water inside the boarding waiting area. But there is a water fountain in some gates where you can refill your bottled water (you are welcome!).  

Then, it was time to fly again…

Singapore to Athens: 

When you check in Manila, there is no need to check in again in Singapore. You just go straight to the boarding gate (always check the updates). Same when flying back. No need to collect the luggage too. 

LEGROOM

It was comforting to be seated in the ScootnSilence Zone
You pay additional to be seated in these rows. It is located in the front of the aircraft and is a designated space for those who can’t stand loud, nosey fellow passengers or heated discussions. No kids below 12 years old are allowed in this zone. Another advantage for booking in this seat, you are one of the firsts to disembark. There were only a few passengers in this area when we flew to Athens. 

Standard ScootinSilence seat upgrade starts from PHP 1,715

THE AIRCRAFT

It is like being in a business class. We were seated near the toilet (but it doesn’t come with the usual toiletries like toothbrush, napkin or mouthwash – or even a cup for brushing teeth). This is a minor thing that I noticed though. It didn’t affect the overall flight experience.  Just make sure that you fly prepared with your toiletries. 


Here are the seat choices for your reference:


Standard Seats: all Economy Class seats have 31″ seat pitch and 18″seat width


Super Seats: 30% more legroom (up to 34″ pitch)



Stretch Seats: offer 50% more room that standard seats (at least 34″ pitch). They’re in the front row so there’s no seat in front (we got to sit in this row en route back to Manila! Winning!)

I spent most of the flight time watching the series, sleeping and getting excited for Athens.

Really like the hip and fun colors of Scoot

In the middle of the flight, we were served meal. I had to use the next seat’s stow table to accommodate my needs for space and legroom. Rodel said if I have a seatmate, I would have a really hard time en route to Athens. 😁😁😁

Scoot serves quality brands for the in-flight meals and not just generic brands. I was pleasantly surprised. Passengers get what they paid for. 

All-you-can-watch. For an all-in price of USD11 (approx. SGD15), you can now access over 100 favourite movies and TV shows on board. Your access will last the entire duration of your flight sector. Compatible with all devices. Whether you’re using a laptop, tablet or mobile phone, you’ll be able to access ScooTV on board.

Since we didn’t avail of the in-flight entertainment, I flew prepared. I downloaded episodes of The Crown via NetfFlix. 

Always love the Tent Mode of  @lenovo Yoga 900

By experience, I don’t get to use the airline’s in-flight entertainment. I usually bring my own movies or sleep the entire flight time (especially flying back home).  If you are like me, you can save on this by not adding this on your flight fare. 


BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE

Passengers are limited to 1 piece up to 10 kg, or 2 pieces including a laptop or handbag with combined weight not exceeding 10kg.

The standard check-in baggage allowance is 20 kg, but passengers have the options to upgrade to 30 kgs (we did!). Winter Clothes are heavy and we need space for shopping. I would suggest that you buy extra baggage allowance before the flight to save more. En route to Athens, my luggage weighed 20 kgs; flying back, it weighed 27 kgs. 🤩

For layovers and connecting flights, you can collect your baggage in the final destination (Athens).

Rodel’s exercise plan includes keeping bags in the storage area. 





SCOOT’s WIFI On-Board


For those who are traveling for business or need to stay connected online, you can purchase Scoot Wifi On-board. 


Scoot’s Wifi On-board Prices

Tweet 20 20MB
    Before Flight: US$ 4.99 
During Flight: US$5.99
Great for messaging and texting
Data volume limit 20MB
64kpbs surfing speed limit

Explore 50 50MB
Before Flight: US$ 9.99    
During Flight: US$10.99
Stay connected with family and friends with social apps
Data volume limit 50MB

Surf 100 100MB
Before Flight: US$ 15.99
During Flight: US$17.99
Ideal for web browsing and socialising
Data volume limit 100MB

Indulge 200 200MB
Before Flight: US$ 29.99
During Flight: US$32.99
Perfect for email, web browsing, and music streaming
Data volume limit 200MB

Binge 500 500MB
Before Flight: US$ 59.99
During Flight: US$65.99
Stay connected for longer – send emails, shop online, stream music, and surf the web
Data volume limit 500MB

Passengers have the option to buy WIFI connection during flight. 

But you can save up to 20% if you purchase a plan before the flight.

The Cabin Crew

Flight Attendants are really pleasant and accommodating . They are quick to respond to your needs and inquiries (like my need for more water) 🚰

There was one passenger who kept on transferring to the seat in front of us (it has more leg room), and the Flight Attendant was always so professional and assertive in explaining that if he wished to sit there, he had to upgrade.

Scoot fares to Athens start from PHP10,403 from Cebu, PHP10,704 from Clark, PHP11,198 from Kalibo and PHP10,754 from Manila. However, keep a lookout for Scoot’s monthly Take-off Tuesday promotions available on their website (www.flyscoot.com/ph-take-off-tuesday)! 


TIP: The next one is happening on the first Tuesday in February and it’s fastest fingers first to grab fares as low as PHP9,899 to Athens!!!

Related Read


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