When you’re heading to a resort, why not make the most of your experience by taking a seaplane for an ocean-view adventure from the sky? However, using unfamiliar transportation in an unfamiliar place can lead to unexpected troubles such as booking mistakes or confusion about meeting places.
In this special feature, we will guide those using a seaplane for the first time through the process and points to note when using it. Please read on to prevent troubles during your stay!
Following the first part, “Reservation,” which was covered in the previous article, we will now introduce the process at the airport as part two, “Airport.”
Meeting Point: Velana Airport! But the Terminal is Different from the International Terminal
The seaplane to the resort island departs and arrives at Velana Airport in Malé, just like international flights. However, unlike international flights, it departs from a dedicated terminal for seaplanes. Let’s take a tour of this rarely seen exclusive terminal on the day of boarding!
Now, let’s take a look at the flow on the day of boarding.
On the Day of Boarding
1. Gather at the Reception Counter by the Meeting Time
As mentioned in the previous article, inquire about the counter number and meeting time on the day of boarding in advance at your accommodation. Considering unexpected troubles, head to the counter with plenty of time on the day.
2. After Confirming the Roster at the Counter, Receive the Air Ticket.
After confirming your name at the designated counter, the next step is to receive your air ticket. You will be directed to the counter of seaplane-specific airlines such as Trans Maldivian Airways. Follow the instructions, drop off your luggage, and receive your air ticket.
By the way, seat numbers are not assigned on the air ticket. In other words, it’s first-come, first-served for seats!
3. Move to the Exclusive Terminal by Shuttle Bus
Here’s a surprising twist. Follow the instructions and board the shuttle bus, which will take you outside the airport. Then, while circling the airport premises, it will move to a different gate.
4. Wait in the Exclusive Terminal until Boarding Time
Once you arrive at the exclusive terminal, you’ll be guided to wait in the 2nd-floor lounge until boarding time. Usually, there’s about an hour of free time, so feel free to take a stroll inside the terminal, relax in the lounge, check out the souvenir shops, and explore the unique seaplane terminal building!
However, pay attention to announcements. Normally, the lounge’s signage displays the gate for the boarding flight along with the flight number, so follow the signage to respond to the call and head to the designated gate. However, seaplanes frequently change flights or gates, so your flight may not be displayed on the screen. To avoid losing track of time while exploring, occasionally verbally confirm with the airport staff in the lounge whether your boarding flight has been announced or not.
5. Wait for Instructions at the Designated Gate
As the boarding time approaches, follow the announcement to move to the 1st-floor waiting gate. You need to go to the gate with the specified number, but if you’re unsure which gate to go to, ask nearby staff while showing your boarding pass.
The gate has a small waiting area, so sit and wait for a while until your flight is called.
6. Move to the Seaplane Boarding Area
When the staff arrives at the waiting area and announces your flight name (or destination), it’s finally time to move to the seaplane! With staff leading the way, passengers form a line and move to the designated seaplane.
Next is the Boarding Section!
So far, we’ve explained the usage of seaplanes in two parts: reservation and airport. However, if you think all you have to do now is board, you’re mistaken.
During boarding and after boarding, there are points specific to seaplanes that you need to be aware of. If you grasp these in advance, the 30 minutes on the seaplane will surely be a memorable experience!
That’s it for now, and in the next article, we’ll continue with the Boarding Section!
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