Cebu Pacific Air: The Philippines' Leading Budget Airline - The Price You Pay for A Cheaper Flight

I have been using Cebu Pacific for over a year now in terms of travel for both Domestic and International flights. It is because of this that I am able to see first hand the good points about Cebu Pacific Air and of course the things that would most likely frustrate its Patrons.

Cebu Pacific Air has in more ways than one revolutionized the Airline industry here in the Philippines and has even left a mark abroad. Just this year alone they have been named as one of the top 15 Budget Airline of choice for the ASEAN region beating rivals such as Tiger Airways and even JetStar Asia. Cebu Pacific has mastered that art of balancing passengers per flight and costing thus creating an ripple in the way airlines here in the Philippines have priced their domestic and international flights. PAL. SeaAir and all the other local carriers have tried their best to cope up and try to capture that market which Cebu Pacific Air has gotten but have failed to get the buyer's attention.

In Uniform - The Flight Stewards and Stewardesses of Cebu Pacific Air

Here are the reasons why it has become quite a favorite:
1. Constant Promotional Pricing - With Seat Sale promos from Cebu Pacific Air, people are now able to fly anywhere in the Philippines for as little as Php3,000 pesos which includes the travel taxes and gas prices. Sometimes they even offer rates that are as low as 1peso for a one way trip both local and abroad which we got for our Shanghai trip this November 2012 rounded up with all the misc fees to just Php 5000 per head round trip.

Sample Seat Sale Promos of Cebu Pacific Air.

2. Package Flexibility - You can also pick your seat ahead of time during the booking process and choose on whether you would want to include your in-flight meal or not. If you feel that you wont be needing too much check-in baggage space you can also reduce the weight allowance and htus decreasing the added cost.

3. Easy Access - Online Convenience of booking flights and keeping it on record for tracking purposes is what also makes Cebu Pacific Air the airline of choice for many people wanting to save up on travel costs. If you feel that you wouldn't want to have to go through the hassles of falling in line for the check-in counter, members can also opt for the web-checkin options.

4. Onboard Wifi Service - It has been officially announced that in 2013 there shall be wifi service available to passengers on Airbus A330 called OnAir. Details on this are here - OnAir Wifi Service

Cebu Pacific Airlines unfortunately does have its downside being that of a budget airline. Though customer care is still an integral part of their service, there are still a lot of areas that tend to be overlooked and many people have gotten used to them cause of the notion of you really get what you pay for. I personally think of some of these downsides to be rather unfair and can be worked on better in the near future however as of now it is something that you'll have to take into consideration as a trade off for such an incredibly cheap plane ride.

1. Cebu Pacific shall not change flights that have been booked unless you have it arranged 4 hours before your flight irregardless of circumstances. That means if lets say you lost your passport of something else untoward happens to you that will cause you to not to board your flight and you don't get to rebook they will with no consideration whatsoever allow you to rebook your flight. You would have to buy a new ticket.

2. Customer Service Support Abroad is limited. Cebu Pacific Air strongly relies on it's online services, thus if you have a query where you need to talk to a live representative or need to go to their main office, Cebu Pacific Air wont have that available in every country that they fly to. What they could give you is a hotline number in that particular country for you to call. Most likely you would have to use a local call card to call them but be prepared to be put on hold several times for long periods and get cut off from time to time. If you are asking for flexibility for adjusting of a flight, if less than 4 hours like it was mentioned above irregardless of circumstance you shall be declined. Calling on a supervisor will only make the agent put you on hold for an indefinite time - even if they know you are having an emergency and are on a limited time on the phone.

3. Rebooking of flights can cost you triple of what you originally paid for. We booked a flight in the promo period for Manila to Hanoi and back for Php11,587 for two people round trip. To have it rebooked the live agent of Cebu Pacific was going to charge us an extra Php 17, 000 pesos and they said that already is counting the cost we originally paid for of Php11, 587 and based on her computation she wasn't even counting the fuel charges, taxes, luggage fees, and other misc fees that were charged stating that those are not to be included. I guess for them the misc fees is a non - refundable and non - negotiable for Cebu Pacific Air. We tried doing it online and the fees that was coming out was totaling to a ridiculous Php31,000 pesos ++. My advice, if you have a change of plans, simply wait for the next promo that Cebu Pacific is going to launch otherwise be ready to pay a hefty sum for the rebooking of the tickets.

4. Flight Delays are a given. It is pretty rare that you'll get to see a Cebu Pacific Air carrier to be on time for a flight. Once a plane is delayed, it'll affect all the other flight schedules. They apologize for it but won't give you anything for compensation for being delayed. And there are times when the flights can get over an hour delayed, so if you were on a tight schedule where you would need to go through connecting flights I would strongly suggest to go with an airline that has a better reputation at keeping their schedules on the dot unless you would risk missing your flight. Cebu Pacific Air will not compensate you for your missed connecting flight even if you argue to them about it.

5. Lost or Delayed Baggage. This was an issue in the past though I think it has been addressed, where Cebu Pacific Air would intentionally leave baggage behind because they feel that they are over capacity due to the booked guests. They will only inform the guests that they have left their baggage after they have arrived in their destination to claim their baggage. Many times the luggage you have checked-in would get lost in transit due to this. I haven't heard much of this issue now but the latest occurrence did happen at the early part of this year. I would advice on keeping your valuables in your hand carry luggage rather than your check-in baggage and bring extra clothes in your hand carry just in case this happens to you as you travel. Again they won't compensate for the inconvenience.

I am sure that there are more to be said but these are the major things that are good and bad about Cebu Pacific Air and their service. Its entirely up to the consumers to decide if the risks and benefits are all worth it. I personally still travel Cebu Pacific Air but with my experiences I have become a wiser traveler taking into account the things that they fall short on. If it's just traveling and budget is a concern then I would recommend Cebu Pacific Air. But in times of emergency or if you are to ask them for any favors, I would advice to just let your steam off somewhere else lest you want your complaint to fall on inattentive ears that only care when you are just about to buy a new ticket.

Till Next Time....

-Metz-

Travel Advice: Lost Passport (Philippines)

I have just recently gotten back from our Hongkong - Macau trip and though everything was fun and went seemingly well without incident, unfortunately the unlikely occurred and someone in HK stole my passport on transit from Sheung Wan MTR Station to Central Station most likely thinking that it was my wallet. The experience was quite nerve wracking and quite unpleasant as we were in transit from Macau to Hong Kong heading to the airport home in the Hong Kong International Airport. In today's article I shall run through the things that a Filipino should need to prepare for if in case you'll find yourselves in a similar situation while you are traveling abroad as a tourist.

Prior to flying off to your chosen destination here is a check list of things that you should have stored away digitally and as a photocopy in a safe and secure place in your luggage.

1. Photocopy of your passport and other government IDs - an online scanned image of these would also be great and it should be accessible anywhere you are.

2. Emergency phone numbers and hotlines of the places you are going to. Keep a paper and online version handy just in case.

3. Obtain the address of the Philippine Consulate, operating hours and phone numbers.

4. Always inform your loved ones and friends of where you shall be and keep in constant communication with them just in case an emergency situation occurs.

5. Travel Insurance is a must, though at times may seem like added expense but in times of trouble is beneficial.

6. Bring emergency cash and credit cards that you can use just in case of an emergency. Also check if your hotel has special rates for stay extensions or speak with your travel agency. In our case we found Agoda.com to be quite convenient in finding a place to stay in such short notice.

7. Bring passport sized photos of you along as the temporary travel documents that would be issued would require this.

Now if ever the unlikely does happen and you loose your travel document here are the things you would need to do:

1. Immediately report it to the authorities. You'll need their report and also to alert them that something foul has just happened.

2. Photocopy of your passport/government issued ID

3. Affidavit of loss (the consulate can provide this for you and unfortunately costs quite a sum of money - in HK I paid close to 500 HK dollars for the documentation and e Passport)

4. Passport sized photos - 4 pieces.

5. Ticket showing that you are on your way out of the country and back to the Philippines. If you have already missed your flight like what happened to me, you'd need to show your rebooked flight schedule as well. They'll need a copy in print format.

For renewal of the Passport once you get back to the Philippines will require the following items:

1. Affidavit of loss which is given by the Philippine Consulate of the country where you lost the Passport

2. Police report from the Country where you lost the Philippine Passport

3. Travel Document Provided by the Philippline Consulate with the Red Seal

4. Filled up Appointment Form from the DFA website.

5. Copy of your Government Issued IDs and 3 supporting IDs such as NBI clearance, Barangay Clearance, CTC, Police Clearance, etc...

6. Original Birth Certificate

7. Copy of your lost Philippine Passport if available.

After submission, DFA will require a 15 day clearance period prior to you being able to continue in the Passport Process. After which you shall go through the regular Passport application process and choose between regular 15 day waiting period and 7 day rush process.

It is definitely quite a hassle to loose one's passport while traveling abroad. Thus precaution is definitely better than having to go through all of these, but just in case you do at least from this point you'd be more than prepared to handle the situation.

Till Next Time....

-Metz-

Travel Feature: Simply Stunning Singapore @ Marina Bay Sands

Singapore from day one has been quite an eye candy for me and all of my friends that came along with us. In today's article I shall be featuring Singapore's Modern Landmark Statement - Marina Bay Sands and of course with it is their Technological and Ecological Masterpiece known as Gardens by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands is both a hotel and a shopping destination for all that visit Singapore. With a wide array of shops from local brands to the most opulent brand names. It also show cases events and exhibits which in our case was the Andy Warhol and Harry Potter exhibits. If it is food that you are looking for, you wont be disappointed as Marina Bay Sands provides you with a multitude of choices for everyone. For the budget conscious there is an amazing food court that represents every cuisine imaginable and is conveniently located right beside the skating ring. Just make sure you are there before lunch rush hour as the tables can be occupied really quickly. Best to work as a team with friends in this situation, by having someone look out for tables that'll get vacant and the others to do the food buying. For those that want more of the extravagance, there are many of those in Marina Bay Sands that are more than willing to satisfy your cravings.

Below are the pictures of our walk around Marina Bay Sands from the Shopping Mall to the Hotel and through the tunnel that leads to the Gardens by the Bay.

This was the fun exhibit at the arts and science museum of Marina Bay Sands

Shopping is fun and also quite the workout as the Marina Bay Sands offers levels of brands to choose from.

Awesome View of Singapore as you walk along the outside of Marina Bay Sands

This is a must visit shop at Marina Bay sands and only one of 11 around the globe

Gondola Ride anyone? 

This is the basement passage way from the Marina Bay Sands Shopping area to the Hotel Lobby

Very Modernistic artistic approach to the Marina Bay Sands Interior

If you want a breath taking view of Singapore from it's now National Landmark - Sky on 57 is the place to go for drinks and a quick meal.

Here you get to view the Gardens by the Bay. The Giant Super Trees gather solar power and the two eco domes create a very self sustaining environment for the flora that flourishes from within.

360 degree view in Sky on 57

Infinity pool on Marina Bay Sands. Fun for both kids and adults alike. But definitely not for those afraid of heights.

360 degree view of Singapore from Marina Bay Sands hotel

Underground passage way from Marina Bay Sands Hotel to the Gardens by the Bay

Based on shopper's feedback, one should check out the Louis Vuitton Island Maison as it is only one of the very few of it's kind anywhere in the world. You'll get to shop and see the history of Louis Vuitton as you traverse through each collection and displays. I have also noticed that they have QR codes in some of their collectibles so having your QR Code scanners ready would be a plus here. I forgot to mention that if ever you were to travel to Marina Bay Sands by cab, you have an option of where you would be dropped off - Hotel or Shopping Gate, there is also a Casino entrance for those that would want to try their luck. 

Everything is interconnected in Marina Bay Sands, one just has to ask around for directions and many are more than willing to help you out to get to where you have to go. After Shopping one can opt to go and relax at the Hotel side of Marina Bay Sands and what I would recommend is go to the top most part of the Hotel at their restaurant known as Sky on 57. Here you can have your favorite drinks and experience top class dishes while enjoying a breath taking view of Singapore's skyline. You can also go by the pool and have a dip. There are options for day visitors to use the infinity pool which I hadn't had a chance to try out but would once I get to go back to Singapore again. From here you can get to see also the view of what should be your next stop - Gardens By The Bay. 

The Gardens by Bay is my favorite destination in Singapore because of how much effort they put into making something that is an epitome of self sustaining habitats. Here you'll get to experience the wide array of flora and see how all these from the Super Trees to the two eco domes, Flower Dome and Cloud Forrest, contribute to making something completely energy independent from the rest of Singapore. The Cloud Forest was my favorite as upon entrance you are immediately greeted by this massive waterfall and from there you can already see the winding pathways the visitors will be experiencing from the cloud level all the way down to their tropical rain forest level. The Flower Dome too was amazing as you would get to see all the plants and flowers collected from different regions thriving within the dome. You can also opt to get a pass to go up the Super Tree Path just outside the Eco Domes but we opted not too as there were some of us that were afraid of heights. The Super Trees is a must see though at night as they are lit up and it just makes the place even more magical. There are no fees for the Gardens beside the Super Tree, however to see the Eco Domes and the chance to climb the Super Trees there are varying rates but all worth the pay. 

To end the day's visit is to head back to the Marina Bay Sands Shopping side, right beside the Louis Vuitton Island Maison to watch the Marina Bay Sands Light Show. Here you shall see a playful mix of light, water and music. The show times of the Marina Bay Sands Light show can be obtained at their customer service. 

Marina Bay Sands was truly Singapore at it's best and is definitely a must see place. Describing it and showing photos of this place just simply isn't enough. You'll need a day or so to get to explore Marina Bay Sands, in our case we had to go back twice just to find time to explore the Eco Domes without having to be pressured by time.

Singapore is truly a stunning place to visit, there is always something new to see and do here. For the budget conscious, you'd find that Singapore is quite affordable and the food and shopping quite fun. One simply has to look and I guess the best way to experience Singapore is to simply walk around. Get acquainted with the train system and the bus lines and you'll be able to save even more money for food and shopping. Overall, Singapore will leave its mark on you and will most definitely want you to keep on coming back for more.