How to pack smart for additional screening for Australia flights

TRAVEL ALERT: Flying from Manila to Australia? You CANNOT check in your luggage until it’s been SWABBED for chemical residue – yes, every single bag!

Here’s how to pack smart for additional screening:

1. Pack Neatly – Security will ask you to open your bag. So keep the layout clean and simple.

2. Make it easy to open and repack. 

What I did was to place all the contents of my luggage in a good quality vacuum compression bag and vacuum sealed it. So when they opened the luggage, nothing fell out of the bag. They swabbed the inside of the luggage and the top of the compression bag. They didn't open the compression bag. When they're done, I could easily close the luggage because all my items stayed neatly inside the compression bag. 

I bought the vacuum compression bag I used here:

https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.ICVSj

Unlike other bags I bought before, this is made of high quality durable material, with double zipper and leak proof valve. The rubber inside the valve is guaranteed leak proof. I'm very happy with this bag.

I also bought a portable rechargeable pump that I found very easy to use. It's very handy, compact and powerful. Check it out here:

https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.ICeKK

PRO TIP: Arrive Early. This screening adds extra time before check-in. Keep calm and cooperate. Swabbing is quick—but essential for safety and compliance with Australia’s strict border rules.

Grab Airport Advance Booking Review

GRAB AIRPORT ADVANCE BOOKING: 

Expectation vs. Reality (With Timeline!)

It was my first time trying Grab Advance Booking for an airport ride, and here’s exactly how it went down — timeline and all.

BACKSTORY:

I was supposed to use Park N’ Fly, but I forgot to book in advance (yes, I procrastinated). Tried to secure a slot 5 days before my flight, but they were fully booked. Hello, Labor Day Weekend rush.

So I turned to Grab Advance Booking for a May 1 flight. Honestly, I didn’t know what to expect.

HERE’S HOW IT WENT:

April 29: Booked my Grab to NAIA Terminal 2.

 *Pickup: May 1, 5:00 AM

 *Standard ride for 2 people.

May 1, 1:32 AM: Got assigned a driver.

4:28 AM: Driver personally messaged to confirm pickup.

4:49 AM: We got picked up ahead of schedule.

5:03 AM: ARRIVED at NAIA. Stress-free. 

Shoutout to Arnold Simplina — our driver — who was courteous, friendly, and super helpful. The kind of driver you hope to get at 5 AM!

THE VERDICT:

If you're flying out during peak season, Grab Advance Booking is a GAME CHANGER. Zero stress, no scramble, and everything runs like clockwork.

10/10 would book again.

Pro tip: Don’t wait till the last minute for Park N’ Fly. But if you do, you’ve got Grab Advance booking to the rescue.