Manila Airport Quarantine

[JJReyes]

I am back in Honolulu, but with a bad cold. The coughing was so severe during departure that United Airlines would not permit me to board the aircraft until a medical doctor from Quarantine gave his approval. Full recovery should occur within the next few days.

 

Apparently, they have scanners at the airport that checks passengers' body temperature for fever. That is what caused the initial alert, followed by my coughing, and red eyes. The procedure was for airline personnel to accompany me to Quarantine. They even offered a wheelchair, which I declined. After the medical check-up, the doctor signed an official looking form for the airlines. My wife and I were then escorted to the gate. I requested for a copy of the form since we would be passing through Guam on our flight to Honolulu. The aspirins must have lowered my temperature and the coughing was much less by the time we landed in Agana.

 

My wife asked United Airlines personnel if anyone was ever denied boarding. The answer given was, "No." It was precautionary and based on fear of huge penalties on the US side if I had something contagious. I guess the Avian Flu is also a major concern. Overall it was not a bad experience. I actually felt better knowing that a medical doctor had examined me. There were no fees charged.

[SNAFU]

Amazing - a free medical exam, yet we have to pay out the nose for checked bags, in-flight drinks, snacks and other basic amenities on domestic flights, even long ones!  Glad you're feeling better.