Philippine Airlines or Cebu Pacific: Which is which?

I’d say it really depends. While Philippine Airlines (PAL) airfares usually cost more than Cebu Pacific (CEB), this is not always the case. One of my trips to Manila was via PAL’s special evening flight which was a good deal compared to Cebu Pacific’s daytime flights.

Regarding airport terminals, both airlines now compete with serving their clients better – PAL at the Centennial Terminal 2 and Cebu Pacific at the new NAIA Terminal 3.

With respect to allowable baggage, Cebu Pacific has now reduced it to 15 kg, while it’s still 20 kg limit for PAL except for their Econolight option which offers cheaper fare at 15 kg baggage allowance. Thus, for passengers coming from international flights with other airlines and traveling via Cebu Pacific from Manila to other provinces, please be aware of their new reduced baggage limit. If you have 20 kg, you might as well consider flying with PAL or avail of Cebu Pacific’s prepaid excess baggage discount of 20% per 5kg additional weight. Note that excess baggage fee is Php100 per 1kg. The prepaid excess baggage discount can be availed when buying the ticket, not during check-in.

To get the most savings in purchasing your air tickets, do a comparison of the total cost of flight expenses (air fare plus excess baggage cost) for both airlines. For instance, if you have 20 kg baggage, you don’t need to pay for excess if you fly with PAL and you might get a discounted fare if you buy weeks ahead of your flight schedule. On the other hand, if you’re traveling light, Cebu Pacific could be your best option.

Here are some tips about purchasing air tickets:
1. Always plan your trip in advance.
2. Tickets bought online are cheaper than via travel agents or at the airline office (you also save on time and gas).
3. Buy your ticket at least a month in advance to get the cheapest price.

Here’s to more happy travels ahead! 🙂