Information on Cebu Pacific Flights

Based in Manila, Cebu Pacific is the biggest airline in the Philippines. It is a delightful low-cost airline that covers the region and a little beyond, including international destinations like Melbourne and Dubai. I have spent a lot of time hopping the islands in this region and Cebu Pacific has multiple flights to all these great destinations I always wanted to visit.

Even though Cebu Pacific has been criticized in the media for often being late, I have found them generally reliable and perfect for my short flights between islands. These expert tips will help you make the most of your time with Cebu Pacific.

Baggage restrictions

On Cebu Pacific, every passenger can take one carry-on bag inside the cabin. Carry-on weight is restricted to a modest 15 pounds and it the bag must have dimensions no larger than 22 x 14 x 9 inches. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as for passengers with kids or medical-related needs, and also for items purchased inside the airport.

Checked luggage is not included. You can purchase up to 3 pieces weighing 50 pounds each. You can upgrade your weight allowance in increments including an extra 8 pounds, 16 pounds, or 26 pounds. Of course, these come with additional fees.

In terms of special equipment baggage like surfboards (this is a hot destination for surfing) and musical instruments or other sports equipment, these can also be checked for additional fees. Cebu Pacific also allows firearms in checked baggage for domestic flights only (again, for a fee). Note the airline is strict with all required documentation, like licenses, in order to travel with a firearm.

Airline membership

Cebu Pacific has a lifestyle rewards program, called Go Rewards offering points that can be redeemed at over 2000 brick and mortar stores, plus even more online stores. All transactions are funneled through the Go Rewards app. It’s free to sign up and you are rewarded simply for spending. You can use the points to easily buy flights, which I have done several times.

You earn points from your base fares, plus all the upgrades and perks you add to your itinerary, from special equipment and extra baggage to meals and seat selection. I love this program if you’re going to use this airline a lot because it costs nothing and you accrue valuable points you can use for a variety of needs. It’s simple and super convenient.

On top of the loyalty program, Cebu Pacific also encourages passengers to sign up for a My Cebu Pacific account. This is where you can book flights and add any add-ons (like seats and baggage), but also where your Travel Fund will live if you receive any refund credits for changes or cancellations with the airline.

Booking flights with Cebu

Cebu Pacific sells a basic fare and all additional services and perks are add-ons. The airline offers only economy seating on all flights – domestic and international economy can vary slightly different, depending on which plane model is being used for the specific route. Fares are purchased in fairly self-explanatory bundles called Fly Only, Fly+Bag and Fly+Bag+Meal.

You can purchase these on the airline app or website and they are priced according to your increasing needs. When booking, you also determine what amount of luggage you need to bring and add that to your total as CEB Baggage. You can do the same for seat selection through CEB Seat Selector.

This is a simple process of paying extra for the type of economy seat you prefer. There are a few types of seats available – Premium seats with extra legroom (these also come with early boarding and are located near emergency exits), Standard Plus Seats from the front to the middle of the plane (also near the entrance and the emergency exits), and Standard Seats (these are from the middle to the back of the plane).

When booking, you’ll also find the CEB Flexi option which can be added for a fee. This entitles you to cancel for free up to 2 hours before departure. Your refund won’t be in your original form of payment, though. Instead, you’ll receive airline credit in your Cebu Pacific Travel Fund.

Checking in

Cebu Pacific prefers you to check in online before your flight. For international flights, check-in is available from 2 days up to 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. For domestic flights, it stays open until just 1 hour before departure. Most airports Cebu Pacific flies to have a baggage drop counter, but it’s best to go to the bag kiosk beforehand and print your own bag before heading to the drop off.

Interestingly, Cebu Pacific claims to allow you to book a ticket online up to 1 hour before take-off. On a whim, I have tested this little quirk and can confirm it’s really possible, so you can meet last-minute needs or take a trip on a whim more readily with this airline than with most.

Note that some of the smaller airports may have just one Cebu Pacific desk with a single employee working. In my experience, if you have bags to check or a tight connection these airports can be more trying. Though the airline is tech-forward in its procedures, I recommend having a printed boarding pass for the smaller airports. You won’t be charged extra to check-in at the desk with an agent with Cebu Pacific.

If you are planning to travel with a pet, know that the airline is very strict in its policies. You must to let the airline know at least 2 days before the flight, and note that the pet will have to travel in the cargo hold and not under the seat in the cabin with you.

Amenities in the sky

Cebu Pacific is a very low-cost airline, but they have covered the basics and the overall experience is better than many other airlines.

In terms of food, in order to get the hot meals available you need to pre-order online when booking your flight, or at least 24 hours before departure.. The meals they offer are classic Filipino delights like Spam Nori over scrambled eggs and rice, and Beef Adobo – the unofficial national dish. Simple meals like a tuna salad panini are also available.

Once onboard, the Fun Café offers snacks and drinks for purchase. Various combo deals are available to make multiple snacks cheaper to purchase, or to pair with sodas, coffees, teas or limited alcohol options, too.

Unfortunately the planes in the Cebu Pacific fleet do not come with individual seatback screens. I recommend that you download enough content to entertain you throughout your flight before arriving at the airport. Cebu Pacific also does not offer Wi-Fi on all planes, yet. On their A330 planes, rather excellent high-speed internet is currently available for a fee.

Special pricing to perfect vacation routes

For locals and those visiting the Philippines longer-term or with very flexible plans, Cebu Pacific drops frequent flash sales that are very popular. They also add new routes seemingly constantly.

Boracay, one of the hottest destinations in the Philippines, is very well connected from all over the country with Cebu Pacific and this is a great flash sale to watch for – it’s where you want to go when you need a quick weekend escape to somewhere gorgeous. The cost will surprise you - I have done it for less than the price of lunch.

Digital magazine

Cebu Pacific produces its own magazine and the content is fantastic. It’s called Smile and is filled by an array of interesting writers offering insights into the destinations the airline flies to. The airline also publishes a blog with handy tips and interesting facts on these destinations – you can find them on the airline website. I like browsing the digital copies of Smile, but there is also a printed copy at each seat on the planes for onboard entertainment.