The calendar says it’s a new year, but for comedienne Tuesday Vargas, it feels like nothing has changed with Filipinos’ airport etiquette. The witty actress gives a disclaimer, “Before the bashers with thin patience come for me, let me say this: I’m calling out behaviors that need fixing. If we want progress, we need to start with ourselves.”

Traveling back from her New Year vacation with her son Kael, Tuesday couldn’t help but notice the same old Filipino habits that make airport experiences stressful— not just for her but for everyone around her.

Filipinos love lining up early, but Tuesday complains, “Four hours before the flight, Filipinos are already at the check-in counter. I get it—we’re used to slow systems and long lines. But why create multiple queues that block pathways? Earlier, a British passenger couldn’t access the luggage tag machine because bags from an extended Filipino line were in the way. When the foreigner complained, someone snapped, 'We’ve been here for ages! Why should we move?' The ground staff was speechless. The foreigner walked away shaking his head. Honestly, one organized line in the right spot would solve this.”

“Security checks take forever because the Filipinos’ carry-on bags are scattered everywhere. The rule is clear: 7-kilogram limit. If you want more, pay more. Yet some insist on bending the rules and get angry when reminded. Folks, the staff is just doing their job. Let’s follow the policy,” the comedienne would like to remind everyone.

Flight attendants repeat instructions five times: “Remain seated. Stand behind the yellow line. Don’t rush for your bags.” Still, the moment the plane lands, people jump up and dash forward like it’s a marathon - “Relax — everyone will get out. These rules exist for safety." This time, the comedienne is not joking.

Finally, the waiting lounge. “Why do some treat empty seats as personal storage? Today, a woman shoved my child away and firmly placed her bag on a vacant chair to keep it “reserved.” No one sat there until boarding. Just her bag. Why? It’s baffling," Tuesday recounts.

On all points, I must agree with Tuesday. These may seem small, but they reflect a bigger issue: lack of discipline. It’s embarrassing, and it’s one reason we struggle as a nation. Rules exist for a reason. Let’s start with ourselves so we can experience better flying stories. Hopefully, her next trip will be a better experience.