Surely, my head had not been in the clouds enough as August 2024 revealed another sector from Ningbo Airport? Praising the heavens that Shanghai wasn't the only option, I relished the chance to fly from my local Zhejiang based airport. Air Macau, with their double daily service reinstated from Ningbo to Macau was about to unlock a special long weekend! International, you'd say so?
I had waited for those flight prices down to Macau to drop, from my local hub I wanted to make us of that 'less than 2 hour flight!' Work had done me a favour and I had reciprocated back the same, those tickets had been booked as part of a 'hotel/flight' promotion. As a 'Special Administrative Region of China', Macau acted as an 'international' package with 'Air Macau' coming to take me to new heights! Check-in was something else, I personally try to reach an airport three hours before departure when an international flight is the case. Had that Air Macau flight opened their check-in counters with a time that aligned with international measures? Of course, that wasn't the case but when in China there always has to be trust in the operation because things usually fall into place. Yes, I was the first passenger and I will always stand by those international flight time requirements because one never can tell the outcome. I had nothing to worry about it, the airport handling company had everything in order. 2 hours? Oh?
With an 08:30 A.M. departure, I was intrigued to see how the operation would be wrapped up in just under one hour. I made sure I checked in at the front of the line because those tour group leaders were getting the check-in staff caught up with ten to twelve passports per check-in! I was not about to be late for a group of people who relied solely on a tour guide because it had never been an option for them to be an independent traveler. I proceeded through immigration quickly, Ningbo's Terminal 2 only has the need for a limited number of desks. The whole operation on the side of Ningbo's handling had so been good, I was not clock watching and was not held up by the growing amount of weekend tour groups who were also looking to have a good time in China's own 'Sin City!' I really do prefer flying from Ningbo over Shanghai, there's no competition to make it from my bed to airport check-in in less than one hour! Air Macau from Ningbo was about to connect me with Macau ten times faster than 2016 Wuhan couldn't!
Had my aircraft spent the whole night in Ningbo? Yes, it seemed so? Let's just say a certain theme was occurring but I don't need to mention anymore on the subject. My small and new looking Airbus aircraft was getting ready for an on-time departure, the short wait made the 'waiting room' like 'departure lounge' seem more doable because Ningbo's prowess as an international air hub has yet to 'take off!'. The area around the boarding gate was quite orderly, even those who had trouble with the line guide didn't make a fuss. Boarding was smooth, it's always like that at Ningbo Airport. Air Macau's crew were firm but fair, they made their announcements purely in Mandarin Chinese with good coverage in English also. It was time to take to the skies, I felt thankful to be making it back to Macau on Air Macau rather than on that hydrofoil vessel from HK! Aside from the extra self-inflicted wait at check-in, those pre-flight nerves were for nothing as my Macau jet was on-time! How would Air Macau do on the return?
Let's skip to my inbound Macau-Ningbo check-in and departure experience because those passenger moments did differ to the outbound. Now, I usually don't mention my two middle names when I book a flight on Ctrip generally. The check-in agent at Macau scared the life out of me because she took my passport to her supervisor to check something. She was trying to tell me my names in my passport didn't match on my booking? Was she sure? Through security, I headed for my ground level gate to feel as if I was penned into some small holding area. It only took one delay of the Singapore flight to completely clog the area up, it wasn't a good look! It was clear to see that Macau's reclaimed airport needed to be expanded, the terminal building wasn't giving! To be honest, I made the most of my last moments of proxy free internet roaming, that wasn't something I was going to complain about! Taking the heat off from Macau International Airport, I am sure the future of the airport will make it a better hub! I'll see you again in 2025!
Breakfast didn't happen, Ningbo's international operation still lacks certain food opportunities. Until those outlets are rented out, it followed the same theme that I sat starving in my airplane seat. Air Macau served up a very tasty in-flight meal, I was really impressed with what I was able to call my breakfast. Udon noodles with chicken was my choice, I ate every single bite with even the greens finished. The fruit was a done deal, I made sure that was hoovered up with no hesitations made. The crew were handing out fresh pastries, they were not 'bread' and in a 'not so pedantic' tone, I had a little chat about their origin with the women who were sitting in the middle and window. There were no complaints, I was impressed that such a nice meal had been served for a complimentary meal with a choice available. Not adopting a 'low-cost' model was a blessing my flight headed towards China's former Portuguese territory. Ningbo, I'm rooting for you! I was ready to recapture some Portuguese nature in Macau! Yes, I was glad for that flight!
Now, the return flight was bumpier than bumpy, so much so that I am having difficulty remembering what I ate! I will refer to the crew in this instance, they were efficient, navigating their way through the many passengers choices with grace and patience. I liked their uniforms style, it reminded me of several other Mainland bases airlines. China Eastern or Sichuan Airlines? There was a neutrality about their demeanour, they served smiles when it was absolutely necessary but kept it serious in the next breathe. Yes, their English language announcements were clear and fluent, I have no time with messy announcements because when onboard any flight, I need to understand what has been said! Saying that, Air Macau were clear speakers! With the added turbulence on the return leg, the crew on that Ningbo bound flight were swift and careful in the cabin, ensuring no part of the service was missed out. Air Macau's flight experience sure soared, I was impressed with all aspects! Oh, Ningbo's landing was rough!
Progress had come, I had done good by securing a direct flight from my local airport to Macau International Airport. The thrill I got when I looked out of the window at the clouds and the ground below was something else! Ningbo definitely doesn't have the most connections to flights that are deemed 'international' and that is fine for the time being, although Air Macau showed up! Yes, I had noticed those direct Air Macau flights from the first moment I had looked at what Ningbo Airport could offer me! I had long wanted to return to Macau to take things slower and being more mindful unlike I wasn't during my first visit in 2016. The now 'SAR of China' deserved my attention and right back Air Macau didn't play with my time as I got the morning departure and afternoon arrival both booked for a surprised long weekend in August 2025! So, I was very much entitled to looking out of that window because no border crossing at Gongbei would need to be made! Neither was a crossing on that huge bridge needed! Sorry, Hong Kong!
Upon landing at 'Aeroporto Internacional de Macau', it was like a culture shock because those Portuguese signs reminded me of my not so distant time spent in Portugal! I lapped up every single moment as I saw 'trilingual' signs for 'Arrivals', 'Passport Control' and 'Baggage Claim'. Immigration at Macau International Airport was easy-breezy, I didn't need a stamp! I was just asked how many days that I planned to stay in the 'Special Administrative Region of China' and the officer gave me a piece of paper to keep in my passport. The whole experience was seamless, reminding me much like I had witnessed at Hong Kong International Airport during one holiday in 2023! Now, I knew that woman who approached me about the sim card was from the Philippines! I didn't know that kind of diversity existed, it was a slice of the Philippines! The LRT at Macau International Airport also impressed me, I didn't need to worry about anything! Air Macau will be most definitely be seeing me again in 2025, I just need a reason! Obrigada!
Marvellous Macau!
Desperately Seeking Adventure
