Cebu is a leading resort area in the Philippines. Cebu Pacific Air, a Philippine LCC (low-cost carrier), also operates flights to Cebu, which enhances its appeal as an easily accessible travel destination.
1. What is Cebu Pacific?
Cebu Pacific is a low-cost carrier based in Manila and Cebu in the Philippines that began operations in 1996. It is also the largest airline in the Philippines. Its yellow base gives it a refreshing tropical feel.
The airline flies to destinations within the Philippines, as well as Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Oceania.
2. Who is Cebu Pacific Air recommended for?
Cebu Pacific Air, being an LCC, is perfect for those who want to keep travel costs down. It's also ideal for those who travel light and primarily want to sleep during the flight. Additionally, with in-flight meals featuring Filipino cuisine and the friendly Filipinbin crew with their warm smiles.
3. What content is paid?
Since Cebu Pacific Air is an LCC, many of its services are paid content. So, what exactly is included in these paid services?
Items requiring advance reservation and payment:
Seat reservation
Checked baggage
In-flight meals
Travel insurance
Surfboard check-in
Sports equipment check-in etc.
Items to be paid for on the day:
Excess baggage fees
Drinks such as mineral water
Snacks
Amenities like blankets etc.
There are two ways to pay for optional extras on Cebu Pacific Air: you can either book them in advance or pay on the day of your flight. If you need to pay in advance, you can do so when you purchase your ticket or when you check in online. Also, Cebu Pacific Air allows you to bring your own food and drinks on board.
4. There are two ways to check in!
You have two options for checking in with Cebu Pacific Air: at the airport counter on the day of your flight or online in advance. If you don't want to wait in line at the airport, online check-in is recommended.
Also, if you want to add paid options like in-flight meals, seat selection, or checked baggage, you need to check in online. Once you've completed online check-in, make sure to have a printout of the page with the QR code ready.
[Points to note for web check-in]
Web check-in is available from 7 days before the departure date until 4 hours prior to departure.
In-flight meal reservations are available until 24 hours before departure.
Changes or cancellations of options after the reservation is confirmed are generally not allowed.
5. Process from check-in to boarding
Now, let's go through the boarding process. The first thing you need to do is check in.
In this example, let's check in at the airport counter. At the airport counter, you need to present your passport and itinerary. If you have checked baggage, you can check it in here. After that, your boarding pass will be issued, and once you receive it, check-in is complete.
If you have already checked in online, there is a dedicated lane for web check-in, so please line up there. When the line is empty, you may be able to use the regular lane.
◆ Luggage restrictions (for one person)
The number of carry-on bags allowed is 2 pieces, 1 large to medium-sized carry-on bag and 1 small bag that can be placed under the seat. The weight limit is 7kg.
You can check in up to 32kg of baggage per piece. There is also a limit to the number of pieces, up to a maximum of four. Strollers and walking sticks can be checked in free of charge. However, if your baggage exceeds the weight limit at check-in, an excess fee will be charged. Be careful, as this can be expensive.
In addition, there will be an additional charge for special-sized sports equipment such as surfboards, golf clubs, scuba diving equipment, and mountain bikes. Be sure to check when purchasing your flight ticket or when checking in online.
Number, size and weight of carry-on baggage・
Large to medium size (56cm height, 36cm width, 15cm depth) 1 piece up to 7kg
Small size (35cm height, 20cm width, 20cm depth) 1 piece up
to 2 pieces in total
Number and weight of checked baggage
Bag weighing more than 32kg per piece cannot be checked in
Choose one of the following three options in advance: "Up to 2 pieces up to 20kg total", "Up to 3 pieces up to 32kg total", "Up to 4 pieces up to 40kg total"
Strollers and walking sticks can be checked in free of charge (walking sticks can also be brought on board)
Special size sports equipment
Additional charges apply
Once you have checked in, you will go through security and then immigration. If you are renting an overseas Wi-Fi device at the airport pick-up point, go there before you go to the departure gate. Please note that you will not be able to pick it up after the departure gate.
Once you pass through the departure gate, you will enter an area lined with duty-free shops. This area is also large. Follow the signs to the boarding gate.
The boarding gate is a little far away, so you will need to use a moving walkway to get there. There is also a cafe nearby, so if you have time before your departure, it would be a good idea to take a break there.
Next, you should be at the boarding gate to board the plane.
Present your ticket to the attendant and head to the connecting corridor to the aircraft.
You are about to board the plane soon!
You’re at the entrance of the plane. The flight attendant’s smile was lovely!
6. Inside the plane
The inside of the plane is quite simple.
You could see the front row seats from the last row seats.
There were three rows of seats. The navy blue and dark green seats were not too hard and were comfortable to sit in.
◆ Facilities around the seat
There is also a table behind the front seat. The seat pitch is not wide, but it never felt cramped. Large or tall people may find it a bit tight. If you are worried, we recommend choosing the front seat, which has a little more space.
There is also a USB outlet, so you can charge your smartphone.
Looking up, you will see the buttons for the lights and to call the flight attendant.
The size of the window didn't feel small.
◆ What's on the Internet
Next is what's in the net under the table.
There’s an etiquette bag.
The magazine "BALI".
In-flight sales menu. Drinks include alcohol and juice, and of course mineral water is also available for a fee.
They also sell bread, coffee, cup ramen, and Cebu Pacific merchandise.
There’s an in-flight meal menu. You can eat Filipino and Asian food.
There’s an emergency evacuation manual. A flight attendant demonstrated it before takeoff.
◆ Restrooms
There are two restrooms located at the rear of the plane. It is convenient if you are sitting in the back seat.
It might be due to the season, but warm water came out!
The paper, including the spare supply, was fully stocked and well-prepared.
Diaper changing stations are also available.
◆Is there any in-flight service?
There are no in-flight services such as movies. Therefore, if you want to enjoy movies on board, we recommend that you download the movies you want to watch in advance on your computer.
Also, we recommend that you fill out the "arrival card" that is familiar to those who travel abroad on board. This will save you the trouble of filling it out at the airport and allow you to make effective use of your time on board.
7. Arrived in Cebu
At Cebu Mactan Airport, you can easily reach the immigration gate by simply following the road from the boarding gate.
There are no stairs, it's a straight road, so it's easy. You can see the immigration gate in the back. The building was renovated in 2018 at Cebu Mactan Airport, so the interior is very clean.
After passing through immigration, go down the escalator. Immigration will scan your face and fingerprints.
You can also collect your checked baggage here. It's easy to find as it's right after you get off the escalator.
After collecting your luggage and passing through customs, you will arrive at the entrance.
◎Finally: The flight was more comfortable than you will expect
There are probably many people who think, "LCCs have few in-flight services and the seats are narrow, so you will be a little worried that it will be stressful..." However, there is no need to worry.
Although the low price is attractive, you will not feel any stress on the plane. If you're traveling to Cebu, Philippines, be sure to use Cebu Pacific.