About Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific is the largest low-cost carrier in the Philippines, operating under IATA code 5J and ICAO code CEB. Headquartered in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the airline is a subsidiary of Cebu Air, Inc., which is part of JG Summit Holdings under the Gokongwei Group. Founded on 26 August 1988, Cebu Pacific launched its first commercial flight on 8 March 1996 with services between Manila and Cebu. Today, the airline serves over 60 domestic and international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, carrying millions of passengers annually with a commitment to affordable air travel.
Cebu Pacific holds an Air Operator Certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and maintains a strong safety record upheld through rigorous compliance with international aviation safety standards. The airline operates from its primary hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila and a secondary hub at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), with additional operational bases in Clark, Davao, and Iloilo.
Airline Overview and History
Cebu Pacific was established during a period of deregulation in the Philippine aviation industry, becoming one of Asia's earliest low-cost carriers. The airline has grown from a small domestic operator to the Philippines' largest airline by passenger volume and fleet size. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- 26 August 1988 — Cebu Air, Inc. was incorporated in the Philippines
- 30 August 1991 — Republic Act No. 7151 granted a legislative franchise to Cebu Air, Inc. to operate air transport services
- 8 March 1996 — Cebu Pacific launched its first commercial flight with services between Manila and Cebu, initially operating 24 daily domestic flights
- February 1998 — Operations temporarily suspended following the crash of Flight 387; services resumed after regulatory review
- 22 November 2001 — International flights launched with twice-daily service to Hong Kong, followed by Seoul and Singapore
- November 2005 — Introduced the permanent fare reduction programme under the "Go" brand, slashing fares by up to 50%
- October 2010 — Cebu Pacific became the Philippines' largest airline by number of passengers flown, overtaking Philippine Airlines
- October 2013 — Cebu Pacific listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange under the ticker CEB
- 2014 — Took delivery of its first Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft for long-haul routes
- 2021 — Migrated its GetGo loyalty programme to Go Rewards, the unified rewards platform of the Gokongwei Group
- 2024–2025 — Received multiple new Airbus A320neo, A321neo, and A330neo deliveries, becoming the largest A330neo operator in Asia Pacific
- 2025 — Fleet surpassed 100 aircraft, with plans to transition to an all-NEO fleet by 2028
Cebu Pacific's mission is to make air travel accessible to every Filipino and to provide safe, reliable, and affordable services to passengers across its growing network. The airline's vision of "Why Everyone Flies" reflects its commitment to democratising air travel in the Philippines and the wider region.
Fleet and Aircraft
Cebu Pacific operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets among low-cost carriers in Southeast Asia. The airline is progressively transitioning to a fuel-efficient, all-NEO fleet. Current aircraft types include:
- Airbus A320-200 — Workhorse narrow-body aircraft used on domestic and short-haul regional routes, seating approximately 180 passengers
- Airbus A320neo — New-engine-option variant offering 15–20% fuel savings compared to the classic A320, deployed on domestic and regional routes
- Airbus A321neo — Larger narrow-body aircraft with greater range and capacity, seating up to 236 passengers, ideal for high-demand domestic and medium-haul international routes
- Airbus A330-300 — Wide-body aircraft configured for up to 436 passengers in a single-class layout, used on long-haul routes to the Middle East and Australia
- Airbus A330-900neo — The latest wide-body addition to the fleet, capable of carrying up to 459 passengers, with enhanced fuel efficiency and extended range for long-haul operations
- ATR 72-600 — Regional turboprop aircraft used by subsidiary Cebgo for shorter domestic routes to secondary and tertiary airports
Cebu Pacific's fleet exceeded 100 aircraft in 2025, comprising approximately 40 A320-family aircraft, 26 A321-family aircraft, over a dozen A330 wide-bodies, and 22 ATR turboprops. The airline has outstanding orders for additional A320neo, A321neo, and A330neo aircraft, with seven new deliveries expected in 2026 alone. All aircraft are maintained to stringent international standards, with scheduled heavy maintenance checks performed by certified MRO providers.
Top Flight Routes
Cebu Pacific connects Kuala Lumpur directly to the Philippines, making it a popular choice for Malaysian travellers visiting Manila and other Philippine destinations. Key routes relevant to Malaysian travellers include:
- Kuala Lumpur to Manila — The most popular Cebu Pacific route from Malaysia, connecting KL to the Philippine capital with direct flights taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. Manila serves as a gateway to domestic Philippine destinations via connecting Cebu Pacific flights
From Manila, Cebu Pacific offers extensive onward connections to domestic and international destinations, including:
- Manila to Cebu — The airline's flagship route connecting the two largest cities in the Philippines
- Manila to Boracay (Caticlan) — Gateway to one of the world's most famous beach destinations
- Manila to Siargao — Popular with surfers and island-hoppers
- Manila to Davao — Connecting to Mindanao's largest city
- Manila to Singapore — Regional hub connection
- Manila to Tokyo (Narita) — Long-haul route to Japan
- Manila to Sydney — Long-haul service to Australia using A330neo aircraft
- Manila to Dubai — Connecting the large Filipino diaspora in the Middle East
Malaysian travellers looking to explore Southeast Asia can also browse these popular routes on Traveloka:
Search for Cebu Pacific flights on Traveloka to find real-time availability and the best fares for your preferred route and travel dates.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Cebu Pacific is a low-cost carrier, so baggage policies vary depending on the fare type purchased. Understanding these policies before you fly helps you budget effectively and avoid airport surcharges.
Cabin Baggage
- Weight limit: 7 kg total for all cabin bags combined
- Number of pieces: Up to 2 pieces of hand-carry baggage
- Maximum dimensions: 56 x 36 x 23 cm for the main cabin bag
- Personal item: One small personal item (handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack) that must fit under the seat in front of you
All passengers, regardless of fare type, receive the same 7 kg cabin baggage allowance. Items exceeding the permitted size or weight will need to be checked in at the gate, subject to applicable fees.
Checked Baggage
- Go Basic fare: No free checked baggage included — checked bags must be purchased as a paid add-on
- Go Easy fare: 1 piece of checked baggage up to 20 kg included
- Go Flexi fare: 1 piece of checked baggage up to 20 kg included
- Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg — luggage exceeding 32 kg must be split into separate pieces
- Prepaid baggage add-on options: Available in tiers such as 15 kg, 20 kg, 30 kg, and 40 kg, which can be added during booking or up to 2 hours before departure through Manage Booking
Excess Baggage Fees
- Domestic and short-haul international flights: PHP 200 per kg per bag beyond the prepaid allowance
- Long-haul international flights: PHP 800 per kg per bag beyond the prepaid allowance
Pre-purchasing checked baggage during booking on Traveloka is significantly more affordable than paying at the airport counter. Travellers are strongly advised to add their required baggage allowance at the time of booking.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Cebu Pacific follows standard international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
- Flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries, power banks, and electronic cigarettes must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Sporting equipment and musical instruments may require prepaid oversized baggage handling — contact the airline in advance
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in is available at all airports served by Cebu Pacific. Recommended arrival times:
- Domestic flights: At least 2 hours before departure; check-in counters typically close 45 minutes before departure
- International flights: At least 3 hours before departure; check-in counters typically close 1 hour before departure
During peak travel periods such as school holidays, Christmas, Holy Week, and long weekends, arriving earlier is strongly recommended to account for longer queues at check-in and immigration.
Online Check-in
Cebu Pacific offers free online check-in through its website and mobile app:
- Domestic flights: Opens up to 7 days before departure and closes 1 hour before the scheduled departure time
- International flights: Opens up to 7 days before departure and closes 4 hours before the scheduled departure time
After completing online check-in, passengers travelling with checked baggage should proceed to the dedicated baggage drop counter at the airport. Passengers with cabin baggage only can head directly to security screening and the departure gate, saving significant time at the airport.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
Cebu Pacific operates an all-economy cabin configuration across most of its fleet. Features include:
- Standard economy seats with a seat pitch of approximately 29–30 inches on narrow-body aircraft
- Slim-line seats designed to maximise legroom within the economy cabin
- Window, middle, and aisle seat options available for selection during booking or online check-in
On select A330-300 and A330-900neo routes, Cebu Pacific offers premium seats with extra legroom in the front rows and exit rows. These seats can be pre-selected for an additional fee during the booking process on Traveloka.
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
Cebu Pacific operates a buy-on-board meal service. Meals are not included in the base fare and must be purchased separately:
- Pre-order meals: Passengers can pre-order hot meals during booking or through Manage Booking for delivery to their seat during the flight
- On-board menu: A selection of snacks, sandwiches, instant noodles, and beverages is available for purchase from the cabin crew during the flight
- Halal options: Select meal choices are available — check the pre-order menu for specific options
Pre-ordering meals is recommended as popular items may sell out on board, particularly on longer flights.
In-Flight Entertainment
Cebu Pacific does not provide built-in seat-back entertainment screens. Passengers are encouraged to download movies, shows, music, or reading material to personal devices before departure. On select wide-body A330 aircraft, wireless streaming entertainment may be available — check the specific flight details for availability.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult passenger aged 18 or above and require their own seat and ticket
- Infants (8 days to under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare; one adult may only accompany one infant
- Required documents: Valid birth certificate or passport for all child and infant passengers
- Strollers and car seats can generally be checked at the boarding gate free of charge
Pregnant Passengers
- Expectant mothers up to 33 weeks of pregnancy may fly without restriction
- Passengers at 34 weeks of pregnancy and beyond must present a medical certificate with a "Fit to Travel" notation signed by a licensed physician or OB-GYN, valid within 10 days of travel
- The passenger must also complete three copies of Cebu Pacific's Passenger Handling Form upon check-in
- Expectant mothers at 36 weeks or beyond for single pregnancies (or 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies) are generally not accepted for travel
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Cebu Pacific provides dedicated assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, medical conditions, or other special needs:
- Wheelchair assistance at the airport (free of charge) — can be requested during booking or via Manage Booking at least 2 hours before departure
- Priority boarding and dedicated seating arrangements
- Trained cabin crew assistance throughout the flight
- Acceptance of portable oxygen concentrators and mobility aids on board with advance notice
Passengers requiring medical equipment or special assistance should notify the airline at least 48 hours before departure to allow proper arrangements.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Eligible age: Children aged 7 to below 12 years old at the time of travel
- Service availability: Domestic flights only
- Parents or guardians must complete the Passenger Handling Form at least 24 hours before the flight
- A designated responsible adult must be present at both the departure and arrival airports
Unaccompanied minor service is not available on international flights. Children below the age of 7 must travel with a companion at all times.
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Cebu Pacific flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Booking
- Select the Cebu Pacific booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new available flight
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
Rescheduling policies depend on the fare type:
- Go Flexi: Allows changes with lower or waived rebooking fees
- Go Easy: Changes permitted with a rebooking fee plus any fare difference
- Go Basic and promotional fares: Changes may not be permitted, or may incur higher rebooking fees
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on your ticket type:
- Go Flexi fares: Eligible for refund with applicable cancellation fees deducted
- Go Easy fares: Partial refund or travel fund credit may be available
- Go Basic and promotional fares: Generally non-refundable; may be converted into a Cebu Pacific travel fund for future bookings
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on Traveloka and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations
If Cebu Pacific cancels your flight due to operational reasons, you are generally entitled to a full refund, rebooking on the next available flight at no extra cost, or a travel fund credit. Check the Traveloka app or contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support for assistance with airline-initiated cancellations.
Why Book Cebu Pacific Flights on Traveloka
Booking Cebu Pacific flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Competitive pricing in RM — View fares and pay in Malaysian Ringgit with transparent pricing that includes all taxes and fees
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter Cebu Pacific flights alongside other airlines by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops
- Flexible payment options — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or interest-free instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app, ready for check-in
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team available around the clock for any booking issues, changes, or travel queries
- Add-on management — Easily add checked baggage, seat selection, meals, and travel insurance during the booking process
- Loyalty rewards — Earn Traveloka Points and enjoy cashback, member-exclusive deals, and promotional discounts
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these strategies to secure the best fares when flying Cebu Pacific from Malaysia:
- Book early — Cebu Pacific fares tend to increase closer to the departure date; booking 8 to 10 weeks in advance often yields the best prices
- Watch for Cebu Pacific seat sales — The airline is famous for its Piso Fare and Go Sale promotions, offering heavily discounted tickets on select routes
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and find the cheapest day to fly
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays typically offer lower fares than weekends and Monday departures
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka Price Alerts to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred Kuala Lumpur to Manila route
- Check the Traveloka promotions page — Visit regularly for flash sales, exclusive promo codes, and seasonal deals on Cebu Pacific and other airlines
- Travel off-peak — Avoid Philippine peak seasons such as Christmas (December), Holy Week (March/April), and summer (April–May) for lower fares
- Choose Go Basic fare — If travelling light with only cabin baggage, select the no-frills Go Basic fare to save on ticket costs
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional bundle savings
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these steps to book your Cebu Pacific flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (e.g., Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g., Manila), select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights for your route, including Cebu Pacific options
- Sort results by price, departure time, or duration and select your preferred Cebu Pacific flight
- Enter passenger details — full name (as on passport), date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, pre-ordered meals, or travel insurance
- Review your booking summary including the total fare, taxes, baggage add-ons, and other extras
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit/debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan
- Complete the payment and receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for reference at the airport. For international flights to the Philippines, ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from your travel date and check visa requirements for Malaysian passport holders before departure.