CEBU PACIFIC review : 19 June 2008 : by J Olfato

Customer Rating : 4/5

MNL-Zamboanga, MNL-HKG. Despite previous complaints of difficulty booking online, I actually found it easy and comfortable. This is quite a comfortable airline for a budget airline, probably one of the better budgets in Asia. The only thing missing is the extra service, PTV, and meal of the full- service airline. For the cheap price I paid, I have no complaints. The only minus was the Domestic Terminal and the Terminal 1 for international flights, which gives rival Philippine Airlines the advantage. Also, sometimes their fares are similar or even more expensive than PAL. The airport advantage can be remedied when the mothballed NAIA Terminal 3 opens reportedly this July for domestic flights.

CEBU PACIFIC review : 13 June 2008 : by Edmund Carew

Customer Rating : 5/5

CEB-BCD-CEB. Checkin for both flights was uneventful although quicker on the return leg at the new BCD airport because we arrived earlier. Both flights operated by the same ATR-500 aircraft, which is unsurprising because this low cost carrier has only two of this type of plane at present. Each flight had about 49 of the 72 seats occupied. The two stewards or hostesses spent the entire flight strapped into a jumpseat - no items offered for sale due to the short flight duration, which was quite scenic over the mountains. Each flight was less than 10 minutes late, although outbound the similarly timed PAL Express flight left and arrived four minutes before my flight. Based on my limited experience with this carrier, it is better than Australia's (or Asia's) JetStar with Cebu Pacific not deserving the bad domestic press it appears to constantly receive.

CEBU PACIFIC review : 29 April 2008 : by T Chapman

Customer Rating : 1/5

BKK-MNL-BKK. Outbound flight initially posted as delayed then eventually cancelled. Agent in BKK said a spare plane would take us at 9am. It didn't arrive. No firm time or date could be given for travel so we rebooked on Thai as we had meetings in Manila that day. Check in on return at Manila was shambolic and despite arriving at airport 3 hours early and having only 7 people ahead of us, we waited an hour. Flight was OK if cramped. I have emailed CebuPacific 3 times and received no reply. Inevitably they wont see my money again.

CEBU PACIFIC review : 6 April 2008 : by G Hillgartner

Customer Rating : 5/5

MFM-MNL and MNL-CAN. Cebu Pacific has an excellent web site and easy to book online. Clean and comfortable planes. Both flights filled to capacity yet comfortable, with good space for hand baggage. Would normally have travelled overland from Macau to Guangzhou but Cebu Pacific was very inexpensive and allowed me to visit Manila for a day. Excellent value for money!

Cebu Pacific review - by J Flores

5 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Beware of the promo fares of Cebu Pacific Airline. In most cases there are hidden charges in their promos. I was a victim of their last promo fare of PhP1.00+travel tax and fuel surcharges. I bought t return tickets for Manila-Davao-Manila route thinking of availing for the supposedly PhP1.00 promo in their office in Davao City Airport. To my surprised, instead of the usual PhP50.00 service fee (even this is unimaginable, an airline company asking for service fee?-- only travel agencies should do that), the airline increased the service fee by 100% per travel - which means that in truth I paid PhP101.00+travel tax and fuel surcharges. Rubbing salt to the injury, I was not given a receipt of the service fee transactions, which is against the law of the Philippines. I still have to spend again for the taxi going back to ask for explanations and the receipt. This is not the only bad time I had with the airline company. To cite another example, I had an occasion to have my tickets rebooked while I was in Indonesia and asked my travel agent in Philippines to do the rebooking which she did with addition charges of course. But upon checkin, I was told by the Cebu Pacific personnel (also a travel agent) that “they don’t honor any rebooking from the Philippines and that I have to buy new tickets in Indonesia which costs thrice of my original ticket. That made me pays four times for my one-way trip (Jakarta-Manila). I tried having the original ticket reimbursed when I arrived in the country but I was told that it is a non-refundable ticket.

Cebu Pacific review - by N Sutherland

2 April 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

MNL-BKK-MNL. Outbound flight 1 hour late on departure, but made up 20 minutes en route with a better gate allocation in BKK than Thai or PAL often get. Return flight on time and 0530hrs is the only good time of the day to arrive in Manila - no queues. As a Budget carrier they are tight on excess baggage, don't expect to haggle more than your 20kg allowance, but the price at PHP 300/kg was fair I thought. The space was fine for somebody of average height. Cabin service was short and sweet which is exactly what you want on a night flight. Snacks and drinks were on sale on board at reasonable prices. No IFE. For around PHP 5000 lower than the next cheapest airline on the route I'll be flying Cebu Pacific again - great service, they deserve to do well and I'm sure they will.

Cebu Pacific review - by Patricia Gatbonton

28 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Travelled last Dec 2007 via Cebu Pacific and will never fly this airline again! Plane leaving Manila encountered an electrical problem and passengers were only informed after about an hour of waiting inside the plane. They transferred us to another plane and we were able to leave the airport after about 3 hours after the expected departure. The flight going back to Manila was 4 hours delayed and no announcements or explanations - plus we were transferred some three times from one gate to another that were at opposite ends of the huge HK International Airport. My daughter also had a problem with her January 2008 flight to Bangkok, she was only able to fly the day after her expected departure. Do not be tempted by their promotional fares as the cost of their delayed flights far exceed the travel savings.

Cebu Pacific review - by D Maulana

17 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

CGK-MNL sectors - new aircraft and very efficient service. My complain is the departure from CGK which is very late at 00.30 and the seat pitch is not generous. However, it is worth with the money you spend for the tickets.

Cebu Pacific review - by Fidelito Ty

2 March 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

MNL-SIN, SIN-MNL. Well, the aircraft is fine, I almost didn't noticed that I am traveling in a budget aircraft and the travel on the way to Singapore is almost on time but going back to Manila was too delayed, almost half an hour! The problem I see is that the time of their flight, I really think that it is a pain in ass to arrive in your destination almost midnight and to leave there almost the same time also, I mean with all the success this airline is having they could have add another flight or two to accommodate the people of the mass. In that way at least we can have our choice of time. But generally, I would fly again with this airline since it appeals to me more than the Flag carrier of the Philippines itself! I just hope if they cannot add a flight in Singapore maybe they could consider changing the time, that way they could at least address some inconvenience on the part of the customer, they deserve that!

Cebu Pacific review - by Geoff Wyndham-Jones

28 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

MNL-ZAM-MNL: MNL-ZAM on time: ZAM-MNL one hour late, no reason given. Therefore if you are connecting onto international flights at MNL (as I was), allow at least 4 hours on the scheduled times, as Cebu Pacific domestic flights operate into the domestic terminal, and could be behind schedule. Otherwise, smooth flights, clean aircraft, FA's friendly and efficient, and prices of food and drinks sold reasonable. Cebu Pacific have better inter-island connections than Philippine Airlines, which tends to route all flights to Manila only. Does what it says on the tin.

Cebu Pacific review - by Richard Walder

25 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

I have had no problems with the internet booking and paid with a UK Visa card with no hitches. This pair of flights from Hong Kong to Manila and return were full both ways but check in was painless in Hong Kong. Shame NAIA managed to be is usual appalling airport especially after midnight. For the return, having fought the traffic to the airport, and struggled to actually get into the Terminal, Cebu's check in was painless, friendly and pleasant. This full flight to Hong Kong was fine, although I find the full up lighting on the Airbus very bright for night flying. Would recommend them for value.

Cebu Pacific review - by W Tan

21 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

CEB-SIN round trip, the flights were relatively on time. The only problem I had was with the very uncomfortable seats - not possible to relax, recline, or sleep. The back rest made my upper back so sore. Most of the passengers had to alternate between sleeping with their heads on the tray table and reclining. A real problem for 3.5 hour flights.

Cebu Pacific review - by G Cueto

7 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Manila to Puerto Princesa roundtrip. I posted earlier complaining about the poor handling of our reservations - Cebu Pacific reservation center personnel took a week to process and confirm our reservation - but after flying with them I feel that they deserve credit where credit is due. Check in took less than 10 min both ways. Both flights departed on time, and planes were new, spotless and well-maintained. Service was basic but all flight attendants and ground personnel were warm and friendly.

Cebu Pacific review - by J van Marle
7 February 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

KUL-Manila, Dumaguete-Manila, MNL-KUL. New planes, on time departures, friendly FAs, low prices - I can't really complain about the flights. Making reservations however was hellish, and I won't be trying it soon with Cebu again. My European credit card was refused for some reason, and after a few times trying to call customer service and waiting up to 15 minutes (they hung up on me twice) I then had to call my bank to check they hadn't charged my card before I could book the flights via their call centre. But they can only book return flights over the phone and we had some single flights planned. So we just flew into Manila and used Philippine Airlines instead from there. One ticket booked in Cebu at their office, with fast courteous service though again they made a problem if I wanted to pay by card, they demanded more than half in cash. I have never had problems booking by card with AirAsia, I don't see why Cebu's IT incompetence should cause such problems for so many foreign passengers. Manila's international terminal is nasty - security wouldn't let us into the building without a printout of the ticket (we had booked by phone and were only given a code) so we had to walk to the Cebu offices and wait for 30 minutes for someone to do so, and then security hardly glanced at it - more incompetence.

Cebu Pacific review - by J Goldsmith

27 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Like the previous review I also have had so many problems trying to book and pay for tickets using Cebu Pacific web site. I am trying to use Australian Visa card which is verified but still to no avail. I keep getting message use another credit card as some USA cards not accepted. I emailed customer service from Cebu Pacific web site about 5 times without even the courtesy of a reply, then phoned Cebu Pacific and tried to book over the phone and again no satisfaction. At least with Philipine Airlines they have got there internet booking site running and do reply to queries. Cebu Pacific are a good airline to fly with, aircraft clean and staff friendly - its just a shame they are let down by customer service.

Cebu Pacific review - by G Cueto

17 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

Caution to those making reservations from the US. The 1-star rating reflects the poor handling of reservations. We reserved two roundtrip tickets from MNL to Puerto Princesa online and received a confirmation number. We made this reservation from the US using a US credit card. Two days later we received an email stating that the credit card charge could not be processed and so the reservation was on hold but not confirmed. We called the bank to authorize the charge and followed-up with Cebu Pacific stating that the bank had approved the transaction. The reservation agent assured us that we would receive an email confirmation. Two days later, we called back to check up on the status of the reservation, and once again we were assured that "it is being processed". It is now a full five days and four long-distance phone calls later (mind you, that each call consisted of a 20-min + wait to get through to an agent - the Manila reservations hotline was often busy). I tried the Cebu reservations number on the fifth try and was told that the best they could do was to email the Manila reservations center to follow-up. We're one week away from our departure date and I still don't have a confirmation from these guys. In the future, I will steer clear of Cebu Pacific to save myself from all this hassle (and large phone bill).

Cebu Pacific review - by Uly Lao (Singapore)

8 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

SIN-MNL-SIN. FA not friendly and has to be trained in how a FA speak to a passenger. The available food for sale is poor. No rice meal, nor than the usual sandwiches and just a pepsi/ice tea and instant noodles/coffee. Flight back late by 20 mins - FA more pleasant but still has a big room for improvement. Still the same joke when it comes to merchandise sold onboard. With no amenities at all since its a budget airline, the only way to beef up customer service onboard is variety of food being sold and options like selling disposable blankets.

Cebu Pacific review - by Daniel Wilson

8 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

KUL-MNL-BDD, DGT-MNL KUL. KUL- MNL flight on time but on a very uncomfortable plane (A320) with little leg room and seats without a complete headrest. MNL-BDD flight on a more comfortable plane (A319) with slightly more legroom and better seats. DGT-MNL 2 hours late but comfortable enough although arriving at Manila in the middle of a storm led to 25 minutes circling before the pilot would land, the pilot informing us that the radar system had been knocked out. MNL-KUL same uncomfortable seating as the outbound leg and 90 minutes late on departure. Flight attendants busy but adequate on all 4 full flights. Inflight magazine is meaty but I would like to see them improve their menu and offer something more substantial than cup noodles, particularly on the 3.5hr flights.

Cebu Pacific review - by J Kirkman

8 January 2008  Customer Trip Rating :

HKG-MNL return. Departed on time - older Boeing, cramped space for European. No sandwiches (never is) but other food available. I dont think Cebu Pacific have realised that there flights are being used as feeder flights to international carriers and people are hungry. MNL-HKG new Airbus - given emergency exit seats so plenty of legroom.

Cebu Pacific review - by Ewan Barr

29 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

CAN to MNL (return). New A319 and nice crews on both directions, with a quick and efficient in-flight service. Flight timings are not great and teething troubles with 1 hour delay on both flights. I have a feeling that the plane has a domestic flight before setting-off for China, therefore a bit of a struggle to get it moved to the international gate on time. Hopefully they will get a routine going and, at around CNY1200 return, a great value deal. Manila T1 still the usual shambles and, frankly, a disgrace. "New" terminal, now 5+ years old, still sitting empty after legal wrangles and now starting to fall apart.

Cebu Pacific review - by A Angelo

9 October 2007  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

MNL to SIN and back with Cebu Pacific. This budget airline service is already deteriorating, which is depressing because they are just beginning to grow, and giving Philippine Airlines a good competition. Cebu Pacific really needs to get its act together. Both flights delayed by at least one hour each. Check-in lines at the NAIA airport chaotic. Flight attendants were inefficient.

Cebu Pacific review - by Simon Loh

25 August 2007  Customer Trip Rating : n/a

Singapore to Davao via Cebu and return on A319. Check-in at SIN's budget terminal is very slow. Need to clear immigration and collect checked-in luggage at CEB and pay for domestic tax before flying out to DVO. Legroom is just nice, but a bit uncomfortable sitting upright, and it would be tight if the passenger in front recline its seat. FAs courteous and friendly, polo shirt is their uniform on-board. DVO very smooth check-in, ground attendant identify you as a connecting passenger with a sticker, and make sure you get the correct procedure of clearing immigration and paying international airport tax. Very affordable fares if you buy during their promotions. Other than the slight discomfort in the cabin, it's a great low-cost airlines.

Cebu Pacific review - by Paul Sanders

31 July 2007

BKK-MNL, redeye flight. On time, got a row to myself and stretched out. Baggage handling flawless. MNL-Boracay - 2 hours late, unorganized boarding. Once inflight the head flight steward could not stand to be off the PA for more than 5 minutes at a time! Boracay-MNL - 3 hours late, no explanation, no jetways domestically and airline did provide umbrellas to all passengers. MNL-BKK, 5 hours late, no explanation. Complete confusion at the check in counters. 2 girls checking in long lines of pax, and 5 girls on empty counters with closed signs in front of them. Asked for exit row seat but was told they were all full. Once onboard all 6 exit row seats in row 11 empty - luckily I grabbed one. I will echo before comment - if you are tall, this airline is not for you.

Cebu Pacific review - by Daniel Tan

3 January 2007

MNL-LAO on new A319. Although I prefer Cebu Pacific services onboard, I prefer Philippine Airlines in terms of seat comfort. Cebu Pacific's seat cushions are terrible. Very small leg room, not ideal for tall passengers. Hence the aircraft is less than a year old, my seat was slightly broken. A great domestic airline.

Cebu Pacific review - by Andy Healey

15 December 2006

Flown frequently this year, internally in the Philippines, no problem, always on time. Internationally (mainly MNL-HKG return) very poor timekeeping, and disorganised loading procedures, check in staff seem slow in processing so arrive early, and if you are tall (anything over 6 foot) and are not in the exit row or the front row prepare for an uncomfortable flight.

Cebu Pacific review - by Julian Montano

8 September 2006

MNL - KLO (Kalibo) roundtrip, both sectors on brand-new Airbus A319 aircraft. Check-in was smooth and fast both ways, boarding procedures were well-organized, and flights departed and arrived on time. Service consisted of a bottle of iced green tea for every passenger, but this was adequate enough for the short 50-minute flight. Flight attendants friendly. Baggage went out quickly upon arrival at both airports, and ground crew at MNL distributed umbrellas for all disembarking passengers to alleviate some heat while walking from the plane to the terminal.

Cebu Pacific review - by Andy Lachlan

18 March 2006

Hong Kong to Manila return and Manila - Cebu. HKG-MNL flights were great - friendly FAs, some games, brand new aircraft (Airbus A320) and clean cabin. They fit a lot of seats into these aircraft and tall people would probably feel rather uncomfortable - I think the seats had only 28' leg room. The food comprised ice tea and chocolate cookies - perfectly adequate on the short flight. Manila - Cebu aircraft was older - a 757 with possibly more leg room. Everything else was the same. Overall I'd rate them an excellent airline. Just bear in mind that if want to refund your ticket you have to wait for 45 days for your refund to come through and then pick it up in person. Still this isn't bad considering very few airlines allow you to refund a cheap ticket at all these days.

Cebu Pacific review - by Marcel Dijkstra

2 October 2005

In the past and this year I used Cebu Pacific for a return flights from Manila to Bacolod. At any time I would prefer to fly them over Philippine Airlines. They are affordable and indeed have a more punctual record. Even when there was a slight delay upon departure in Manila this year, we were kept well informed. Their service is good, planes are clean and the flight attendants are friendly and helpful. There is always a shuttle bus from Cebu pacific running from the international terminal to the domestic terminal. The DC-9's are really ageing, though you wouldn't say that from the interior. They are however being replaced as I write this. I can't wait to see the brand new fleet.

Cebu Pacific review - by Cyril Franz

9 September 2005

Cebu Pacific was very efficient for me and my wife. Although the aircraft used were old models such as DC -9's,the flight was very comfortable and the promos were to good to ignore. I won during one of the in-flight games and the food and services were pretty good all in all. The flight attendants were very courteous, polite, and efficient.

Cebu Pacific review - by Corey Shreffler

29 August 2005

Cebu Pacific from Hong Kong to Manila, and then from Manila to Cebu. The in-flight games provided a nice distraction from the flight itself, and were the source of many smiles and laughter. Flying can be a nervous experience, but these were about the most relaxed flights I've ever had. The flight attendants were very friendly as well. The plane itself did seem to be a bit dated, but that was soon forgotten once the games began.

Cebu Pacific review - by David Mann

30 August 2004

Manila-Tagbilaran, Tagbilaran-Manila was an excellent flight. The FAs were all young women and enthusiastic. For only a hour flight, the FAs managed to give out a free drink and a snack to each passenger, and even manage to play a game with us for prizes. The interior was plain but clean. I was very happy with these flights and would not hesistate to use them again.

Cebu Pacific review - by M J Scott

19 December 2003

Cebu Pacific in Nov. 2003 : Manila-Davao-Cebu-Manila and found them courteous, efficient and punctual. You get only a packet of chips and a drink, but who cares on a 1 hour flight. I liked the announcement en route to Davao re the 70% reduction in tariff at the [airline-owned] Apo View Hotel in Davao - I happily took advantage of this offer.

Cebu Pacific review - by Aries Lo

1 October 2003

DC9 aircraft - not too noticable that it is 3 decades old - the interior is good. Food is not very good - cabin crew very courteous. One thing very fun is their FUN FLIGHTS - I really did enjoy. I hope that someday they will put business class sections to all sectors, be it domestic or international flights - many passengers expect to have hot meals on their air travel.