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  • Cebu Pacific now offers antigen tests to passengers

    Cebu Pacific now offers antigen tests to passengers

    The Philippines’ largest carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), commercially launches its Test Before Boarding (TBB) process for passengers flying from Manila, after its successful pilot run with the local government of General Santos. This process makes use of an antigen test taken just hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.

    The TBB testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2AM to 2PM daily. CEB passengers will only have to register onsite and pay the fee directly to CEB’s diagnostic partner, Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory (PADL).

    Throughout the pilot run from 3-14 December 2020, CEB tested a total of 1,143 passengers, three of whom tested positive and were not allowed to proceed with their flight. Only those who tested negative were allowed to board the aircraft. Subsequently, based on the data provided by the local government of General Santos, CEB passengers were retested after their 7-day quarantine and results were still negative, showing consistency with the earlier results of the TBB process.

    “Following the successful TBB pilot, Cebu Pacific is ready to offer this option to all their passengers. We are urging everyone to take advantage of this convenient alternative, especially since the testing site is strategically located at the airport, making the whole process easy and hassle-free for our residents,” said Mayor Ronnel Rivera of General Santos City.

    Apart from General Santos, the local governments of Butuan, Dipolog, and Pagadian also accept negative antigen test results as a pre-travel requirement. CEB passengers going to these destinations may also conveniently avail of the TBB beginning December 17, 2020.

    As a number of local and international destinations require negative RT-PCR test results prior to entry, CEB is offering RT-PCR tests for only PHP 3,300 (approx. USD68)viaits three partner laboratories, namely PADL, Health Metrics, Inc. (HMI), and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. (SDDI).

    Passengers booked on Cebu Pacific and Cebgo can easily choose and book appointments online. One will simply have to click on the “Testing Options” tab and choose from any of those in the list. From there, they will be redirected to each laboratory’s page to finalize their schedule online.

    “We remain committed to making flights affordable for everyone and seeing that testing is required by a number of destinations at the moment, we have partnered with accredited laboratories that may offer affordable testing options. We look forward to the day trust and confidence in air travel have been restored, but until then, let us all work together towards that,” said Candice Iyog, CEB vice president for Marketing and Customer Experience.

    Testing is just one out of the three key steps CEB strictly implements to regain passenger confidence. Other approaches include safety and sanitation, as well as track and trace. CEB continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety and has been rated 7/7 stars by airlineratings.com for its COVID-19 compliance. Passengers are also constantly reminded to register in the Department of Transportation’s Traze App for a more efficient contact tracing process.

  • Cebu Pacific refunds hit P2.7B as virus grounded flights

    Cebu Pacific refunds hit P2.7B as virus grounded flights

    Cebu Pacific said ­refunds to customers for flights canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis already reached P2.7 billion, with billions of pesos more to be returned.

    The budget airline assured passengers their refund requests would be processed but it could take up to six months from the time of filing.

    “We understand how difficult this situation is for everyone and we sincerely apologize for the delay,” Cebu Pacific said in an update to flyers this week.

    The latest figure was higher by P300 million from its previous update last September. At the time, Cebu Pacific also suggested total refund request during the pandemic reached nearly P5 billion.

    Cebu Pacific said it was currently processing refund requests filed in June.

    Like other airlines, it was severely hit by the global health crisis while strict lockdowns grounded flights for extended periods during the summer travel season and in August.

    The industry is currently operating a fraction of its pre-pandemic network as broad travel restrictions remain in place and customers defer their travel plans.

    Refunds add to the financial strain at a time when airlines are struggling to generate revenues.

    In its update, Cebu Pacific pointed to efforts to raise fresh capital. That includes an earlier-announced plan to raise $500 million selling shares and bonds to strengthen its balance sheet.

    Local carriers will no longer have to worry about new refund filings with the passage of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act last September. While in effect, the law allows airlines to instead issue travel vouchers.

    Cebu Air Inc., which operates Cebu Pacific, earlier announced a P9.1-billion loss in the first half of 2020, during which there was an almost three-month strict lockdown of major cities across the Philippines.

    The loss reverses a P7.14-billion profit in the January to June period of 2019.

     

  • Cebu Pacific promotes Philippine tourism with ‘Juan Love’ campaign

    Cebu Pacific promotes Philippine tourism with ‘Juan Love’ campaign

    The resilience of the country’s tourism sector was put to the test as local businesses and industries had to deal with the immense challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

    However, it also brought out the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan, sparking hope for the nation as everyJuan provided support to one another.

    As an airline that strongly believes in #EveryJuanWillFlyAgain, Cebu Pacific further encourages everyJuan to step up and support the country as it gradually recovers.

    The country’s leading carrier has launched its newest campaign “Juan Love – One love for the Philippines.” At a time when borders are slowly reopening, this online campaign aims to inspire everyJuan to travel again – to see the places they have missed and experience the local culture and cuisine unique to every destination.

    The Juan Love campaign will not only highlight the beauty and wonders of Philippine destinations but will also capture how flying supports the people keeping the tourism industry afloat. Each flight, each tourist will help people sustain livelihoods – everyJuan for everyone.

    As this campaign showcases the scenic spots, thrilling activities, and native delicacies each destination is known for, Juan Love will also shed light on all the local businesses and fellow Filipinos making all these possible.

    “We are delighted that Cebu Pacific came up with this heartfelt initiative. More than rekindling the desire of Filipinos to travel once again, the Juan Love campaign also puts a spotlight on the people whose jobs and livelihoods depend on the inclusive growth brought about by tourism,” expressed Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat of the Department of Tourism.

    “We are always grateful for the support, and rest assured that we will continuously collaborate with the aviation sector so we may all help our industries, and our economy, recover,” she also said.

    Staying true to its commitment to provide safe, affordable, and fun-filled air travels for everyJuan, Cebu Pacific celebrates local tourism with a series of exciting Juan Love Seat Sales!

    “We have been continuously working hand-in-hand with our partners in the government to help ensure the nation bounces back from this crisis. We believe as more destinations open up for tourist travel, we are able to support the small businesses and communities,” said Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Marketing and Customer Experience.

    “With the launch of our Juan Love campaign, we hope everyJuan joins us in showing one love for the Philippines,” Iyog added.

    A total of one million seats to domestic destinations will be up for grabs throughout the ‘ber’ months for the Juan Love push.

  • Cebu Pacific enhances Manage Booking portal

    Cebu Pacific enhances Manage Booking portal

    The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pacific (CEB), has enhanced its Manage Booking portal to allow passengers to easily update their contact information after booking has been finalized. This is available for both passengers who booked online or through a travel agency.
    “Now more than ever, we have seen how important it is for airlines to have the accurate passenger contact information – not only to keep passengers updated on any flight changes but also to support contact tracing efforts if needed,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Vice President for Marketing & Customer Experience.
    The improved Manage Booking portal also aims to provide support to local government units in the Philippines who require passenger details prior to the flight.
    “We believe that with this multi-layered approach to safety and convenience, we will be able to restore trust and confidence in air travel for everyone,” she added.
    Beginning today, passengers may conveniently update their contact information anytime, from post-booking until check-in, through CEB’s Manage Booking portal on the website.
    Cebu Pacific increased its number of flights between Dubai and Manila to twice weekly beginning August 13. Dubai-Manila flights are scheduled every Monday and Friday, while the Manila-Dubai route operates every Sunday and Thursday.
  • Cebu Pacific strengthens contact info database

    Cebu Pacific strengthens contact info database

    The Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific has enhanced its Manage Booking portal to allow passengers to easily update their contact information after booking has been finalized.  This is available for both passengers who booked online or through a travel agency.

    “Now more than ever, we have seen how important it is for airlines to have the accurate passenger contact information – not only to keep passengers updated on flight changes but also to support contact tracing efforts,” said Candice Iyog, CEB VP for Marketing & Customer Experience.

    This enhancement will provide support to local government units who require passenger details prior to the flight.

    “We believe with this multi-layer approach to safety and convenience, we will be able to restore trust and confidence in air travel for everyone”, added Iyog.

    Beginning today, passengers may already conveniently update their contact information anytime, from post-booking until check-in, through CEB’s Manage Booking portal on the website.

    Fill out necessary details on the manage booking page, then select which flight you’d want to modify. Click on “Update Guest Details” and click continue until done.

  • Cebu Pacific sends 14 planes for storage

    Cebu Pacific sends 14 planes for storage

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has now sent a total of 14 aircraft for storage at Alice Springs in Australia, with more possibly eyed as travel demand is not expected to return to its robust state anytime soon.

    On top of the 14 aircraft that have been sent so far, Cebu Pacific spokesperson Charo Logarta Lagamon said the next batch is still under study.

    “We have a fleet of 75 aircraft. Because costs continue to be challenged, we have sent aircraft to Alice Springs along with many other airlines, and we are looking to send additional aircraft there for additional storage because obviously we do not see demand coming back in the immediate future,” Lagamon, who is set to leave the airline effective Aug. 15, said yesterday.

    “We will have to store these aircraft in a more proper setting and in a cost-efficient manner,” she said.

    As part of its cost mitigation measures, Cebu Pacific last month said it sent nine aircraft to the Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage at Alice Springs for storage.

    “The best place to store aircraft is somewhere that is dry. This is a facility that stores aircraft because we need to make sure that it stores in a facility that will minimize damage or be equipped for storing aircraft so that once the demand comes back we can easily bring the aircraft back into the line,” Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and customer experience Candice Iyog earlier said.

    Meanwhile, Lagamon said Cebu Pacific management and their counterparts in Airbus are currently in discussions on the adjustment in delivery or possible cancellation of some of the company’s aircraft orders given the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the aviation industry.

    “This is subject to discussions with Airbus. But again, it’s not only Cebu Pacific that is the only carrier in the world that is in talks with the manufacturers for the delay or adjustment of delivery schedules of these orders,” she said.

    Quoting Cebu Pacific president and CEO Lance Gokongwei, Lagamon said the airline is expecting challenging numbers in its second-quarter financial results.

    “This is on account of the course of continuing quarantine. We are still unable to fly the majority of our flights. We’re only at 10 percent of what our capacity used to be,” she said.

    Lagamon said Cebu Pacific has canceled some 150 flights a week, or a total of about 300 flights, from Aug. 4 to Aug. 18 following the return of Metro Manila to modified enhanced community quarantine.

    Cebu Pacific incurred a P1.18 billion net loss in the first quarter, a turnaround from the P3.36 billion net income it recorded in the same period last year, as travel restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic started taking its toll on its operations.

  • Cebu Pacific to refund tickets of 1.5M passengers

    Cebu Pacific to refund tickets of 1.5M passengers

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific will provide refunds to an estimated 1.5 million passengers as 50 percent of its fleet remains grounded due to the coronavirus pandemic.

    Charo Logarta Lagamon, corporate communications director for Cebu Pacific Air, assured that passengers who requested refunds since April or earlier will be refunded by August.

    “All of a sudden, we have a situation where hundreds of thousands of passengers are all clamoring for a refund in a 160-day time frame. It’s not that simple to refund, especially now that there’s no cash flow in the airline. Nothing is going in and everything is going out,” she said in a Zoom meeting Friday, Aug. 7.

    Lagamon said they are doing their best to fast-track the process and that there are reforms underway to help in the refund process.

    She said the airline will reimburse payments made through credit or debit card while for those who paid in cash, the refund will be deposited in the bank account of the customer.

    Moreover, to stay afloat during these challenging times, the airline also implemented cost-cutting measures like the layoffs of 800 employees, which is 20 percent of the airline’s 4,000 employees.

    Company officials also had pay cuts.

    “Our second-quarter performance was very challenged due to the prolonged Covid-19 situation,” she said.

    Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific placed 14 of its 76 aircraft in long-term storage in Alice Springs, Australia to preserve the airline’s condition. Others were parked in the different hubs in the country.

  • Cebu Pacific, PAL suspends domestic flights to and from Manila during MECQ

    Cebu Pacific, PAL suspends domestic flights to and from Manila during MECQ

    All Cebu Pacific and Cebgo DOMESTIC flights to/from Metro Manila are canceled from August 4  to 18, 2020, in line with the announcement of Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) over Metro Manila and adjacent provinces, and continued community quarantine over the rest of the country.

    CEB will continue to operate the following domestic flights:

    ·         Clark-Cebu-Clark, every Tuesday

    ·         Cebu-Davao-Cebu, every Tuesday

    CEB also intends to operate the following international flights:

    Frequency
    5J 18 Manila-Dubai Every Sunday
    5J 19 Dubai-Manila Every Monday
    5J 194 Manila-Seoul (Incheon) Every Thursday
    5J 5059 Tokyo (Narita)-Manila Every Wednesday / Saturday
    (Starting Aug 8)
    5J 817 Osaka-Manila Every Friday  (Starting Aug 6)
    5J 807 Manila-Singapore Every Thursday / Saturday
    (Starting Aug 6)
    5J 808 Singapore-Manila Every Friday/ Sunday
    (Starting Aug 7)

    Flights between Manila and Taipei, along with all other Cebu Pacific international flights, are also canceled during this time.

    CEB will also continue to mount all-cargo flights to ensure the transport of essential goods across the country. We will also work with the government at the national and local levels to assist stranded passengers.

    Passengers on canceled flights have the following options:

    1.       Unlimited rebooking 
    Rebook to any travel date within three (3) months from original flight, with change (rebooking) fees and fare difference waived.  If travel is after three (3) months, change fees are waived, but minimal fare difference may apply.

    2.       Two-year Travel Fund 
    Place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund, or a virtual wallet with Cebu Pacific. Valid for two (2) years, the Travel Fund can be used to pay for flights up to a year out, or purchase add-ons (e.g. baggage allowance, seat selection, etc.)

    3.       Full refund
    Passengers on canceled flights are entitled to a full refund. However, due to the unprecedented volume of requests for refunds, the process may take at least four (4) billing cycles.

    Anyone of these options can be availed by managing bookings online via the Cebu Pacific website. Customers who booked through travel agencies or online booking sites must coordinate with them to manage their bookings or claim refunds.

    This is a developing situation. We may adjust flights depending on government regulations. We will contact passengers through the email addresses and mobile numbers provided upon booking for any information regarding their flights. We shall also provide updates through our website and official social media accounts.

    PAL

    Philippine Airlines said all its domestic flights to and from Manila (MNL) from August 4 to 18, 2020 are also canceled.

    PAL said domestic flights between Clark, Cebu, Davao and cities other than Manila are not affected and shall remain operational.

    International flights to and from Manila shall continue to operate, subject to further guidelines from the authorities in line with quarantine capacity and related arrangements.

    Domestic passengers of these canceled flights have options to rebook, refund or convert their ticket into a travel voucher.

    PAL told its guests that they seek the understanding and full cooperation “as we make these necessary changes to comply with the government directives and above all to support public safety.”

  • Cebu Pacific to lay off more employees

    Cebu Pacific to lay off more employees

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific will be laying off more employees across the board, as the airline industry reels from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. At least 30% of the 4,000-member workforce, or around 1,200 employees, could be affected by “layoffs or voluntary separation.”

    When asked for confirmation, Cebu Pacific communications director Charo Logarta Lagamon sent a statement confirming what the airline called “rightsizing.”

    “Cebu Pacific is undergoing a transformation process that aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the business, given the expected changes in travel demand and consumer behavior. We expect travel recovery to happen over a longer period, with COVID-19 negatively impacting the aviation industry,” she said in a statement sent to Rappler.

    “The rightsizing of Cebu Pacific will be necessary to fulfill our commitment to provide affordable and accessible air transport services to every Juan in the years to come.”

    Layoffs will affect employees “across functions, roles, and departments,” Lagamon said. She added that the details have yet to be finalized.

    To stay updated on news, advisories, and explainers, check out our special coverage page, “Novel Coronavirus Outbreak.”

    This is the latest blow to the airline industry as demand for air travel plunged after the coronavirus spread across the world earlier this year, from the ground zero of the outbreak in Wuhan, China.

    Domestic flights in the Philippines resumed only in June when the capital region was placed under modified enhanced community quarantine, but these remained limited. Physical distancing must also be in place during flights, forcing airlines to leave half of the plane seats vacant.

    Back in March, Cebu Pacific laid off 150 newly hired cabin crew when Metro Manila was first placed under lockdown. Cebu Pacific executives had voluntarily taken pay cuts at that time.

    On June 18, the budget carrier’s ground handler 1Aviation Groundhandling Services Corporation announced that over 1,000 employees were laid off.

    Other airlines have been badly hit as well. In late February, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) terminated some 300 employees to avoid further losses.

    AirAsia Philippines had to slash jobs by 12% too, laying off 260 employees.

    In a bid to help the industry, Philippine aviation authorities deferred charging airport fees for the year, including landing, takeoff, and parking fees.

    The Air Carriers Association of the Philippines estimated that the industry needs some P8.6 billion in government subsidy per month to survive.

  • Cebu Pacific resumes some domestic flights yesterday

    Cebu Pacific resumes some domestic flights yesterday

    Budget airline Cebu Pacific on Saturday said it would resume some domestic flights by June 2, but international flights would remain suspended from June 1 to 30.

    “We will continue to work with the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), as well as other national and local government authorities, on the rules and requirements to resume commercial passenger flights between areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ),” Cebu Pacific said in a statement.

    “In Manila, all flights will depart and arrive from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3. All International flights remain suspended from June 1 to 30, 2020,” it added.

    The airline management reiterated that leisure travel was still prohibited by the government.

    It added that guests should check guidelines from the ”IATF and with the local governments of their origin and destination for the required documents.“

    Cebu Pacific also said they will provide updates on flight schedules from June 5 onwards as they “build-up domestic flight network, depending on market demand, quarantine restrictions and government regulations.”

  • Cebu Pacific offers flexible options for travelers

    Cebu Pacific offers flexible options for travelers

    In light of the World Tourism Organization’s #TravelTomorrow campaign, Cebu Pacific Airline encourages travelers to be responsible and stay at home amid the current health crisis as it offers flexible options for passengers whose flights have been canceled.

    Among the self-service options that can be done conveniently online are free rebooking, full travel funds, and a full refund. Free Rebooking By availing of this option, guests can rebook their canceled flights to any other travel date within three months from the original date, with no additional charges—both change (rebooking) fees and fare difference are waived. Who must avail of this: This is perfect for those just waiting for the skies to clear, and still need to travel at the soonest time possible.

    Full Travel FundThose who opt for the full travel fund, the full cost of their ticket will be stored in a virtual wallet—said amount can be used to either book a flight up to one year ahead or pay for add-ons such as baggage allowance and seat selection. If the travel fund is not used within a year, passengers can instead apply for a full refund. Who must avail of this: This can come in handy for those still waiting things out or those who are re-assessing their existing travel plans.

    Passengers who prefer to receive a full refund, processing of requests will begin on May 18 should the ECQ be lifted and regular work schedules resume. However, due to the unprecedented volume of requests for refunds, Cebu Pacific appeals for kind understanding as the process will take as long as three to four billing cycles (a cycle typically lasts 20-45 days).

    Who must avail of this: This is suited for those who might need the cash for other purposes, and are putting their travel plans on hold. For added flexibility, passengers with booked flights from May 16 to Sept. 30, 2020 who wish to voluntarily change their travel plans have the following options, all free of charge: – Rebook to any other travel date within one year from original date of departure, with change (rebooking) fees waived, but fare difference may apply;- Convert full cost of the ticket to a Travel Fund, which is now valid for one year. This allows passengers to decide and book their trips within a year for flights as far as one year ahead.

    Flights can be easily managed online via the “Manage Booking” portal on the Cebu Pacific website. Customers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent for assistance.

  • Cebu Pacific lays off over 150 cabin crew amid COVID-19 travel restrictions

    Cebu Pacific lays off over 150 cabin crew amid COVID-19 travel restrictions

    Travel bans to and from Manila and in key provinces forced Cebu Pacific to lay off over 150 cabin crew members.

    Notices sent to probationary workers seen by CNN Philippines revealed that the budget airline terminated the employment contracts of select flight personnel after it was “forced to scale down and suspend flight operations” due to travel restrictions covering Metro Manila, as well as key provinces and cities in the country.

    The airline had to cancel flights to mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau since early February after the Philippine government-issued travel bans to these areas hard hit by the disease known as COVID-19. This was eventually broadened to cover North Gyeongsang province of South Korea, until the month-long Metro Manila quarantine forced Cebu Pacific to cancel all flights to and from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the country’s main transport hub.

    The airline confirmed the layoffs. One employee estimates around 180 crew members might be let go.

    “As we foresee fewer flights and reduced operations in the coming months, we will have less requirement for flying staff. Given this situation, it is a difficult decision but we are letting go of our newly hired cabin crew because fewer flights mean less time and opportunity for them to gain inflight experience. It is painful, but necessary action to take to cope with the impact of COVID-19,” Cebu Pacific said in a statement, saying that newly-hired cabin crew members would be let go after Thursday, March 19.

    In its letter to employees, Cebu Pacific said the aviation sector was “facing a crisis of proportions” amid the COVID-19 pandemic, paralyzing tourism as countries scramble to contain the spread of the disease.

    Cebu Pacific said it would be “unable to support the regularization of any further employees,” and is forced to end work contracts. Among those who received the letters were cabin crew members hired late September 2019, which meant that they were supposed to be regular employees by next week.

    The Gokongwei-led airline also bared a separation package for these displaced employees. It includes a separation pay equivalent to two months’ salary, two free roundtrip tickets, a return ticket to their home province or city, and a waiver of charges for training bond, uniforms, and accessories. The company also promised to “fast-track” the selection of that employee should the airline start hiring flight attendants again.

    Just last week, Gokongwei-owned media company Esquire reported that members of Cebu Pacific’s senior management opted to cut their own salaries to avoid layoffs.

    Cebu Pacific made ₱3.9 billion in 2018, just half the ₱7.9 billion it made the prior year.

    Last month, Philippine Airlines said it laid off 300 workers as the flag carrier owned by tycoon Lucio Tan seeks to trim losses. The country’s biggest airline said it let go of administrative and management staff to increase revenues and reduce costs, especially after PAL ended 2019 at a loss, only to be aggravated by travel bans and flight cancellations due to the coronavirus.

    Other airlines worldwide have counted hefty losses brought about by the pandemic. CNN International earlier reported that Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific asked its 27,000 workers to take three weeks off without pay to preserve cash and keep the airline afloat.

  • Cebu Pacific net income doubled in 2019

    Cebu Pacific net income doubled in 2019

    Cebu Pacific on Wednesday reported a 132.6-percent jump in net income for 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic grounded world travel and plunged airlines into financial turmoil.

    The Philippines’ largest airline posted net income of P9.123 billion last year from nearly P4 billion in the previous year, according to a stock exchange filing. Passenger revenue grew 8.7 percent to P4.3 billion while cargo revenue rose 19.3 percent to P887.8 million.

    Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines on Tuesday sought credit relief from Manila, saying their survival was at stake. Flight were suspended throughout the 1-month Luzon lockdown, scheduled to end on April 12.

    “While it is difficult to predict when operating conditions will improve, the Group believes that it remains a going concern, given the measures undertaken, its liquidity position, its access to short and long term funding, and the strong relationships it has with major suppliers,” Cebu Pacific said.

    Cebu Pacific earlier said its senior management took pay cuts to avoid layoffs.

  • Cebu Pacific extends free rebooking, travel fund option until June 30

    Cebu Pacific extends free rebooking, travel fund option until June 30

    Budget carrier Cebu Pacific is extending its free rebooking and travel option for passengers with booked flights until June 30.

    The airline decided to adjust its booking policies to provide its passengers with “flexibility and peace of mind,” in case they change their travel plans amid uncertainties surrounding the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation.

    Cebu Pacific said it still plans to operate flights by April 15 as scheduled.

    However, passengers with confirmed bookings on any Cebu Pacific domestic or international flight from April 15 to June 30, 2020 have the following options:

    • Free rebooking – rebook flights on any travel date with change fees waived. Fare difference may apply.

    To rebook the flight, use the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website.

    • Travel Fund – place the full cost of the ticket in a Travel Fund which can then be used as payment for a future booking. The Travel Fund is valid for 180 days and can be used for bookings as far as 12 months out.

    To avail of the Travel Fund option, use the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website to cancel their booking and store the value in the Travel Fund.

    “New flights booked from April 15 to June 30 (regardless of travel date and route), on the other hand, include CEB Flexi for FREE,” Cebu Pacific said.

    CEB Flexi enables travelers to rebook their flights up to two times, fare difference may apply.

    The airline also apologized for the delays in reverting to messages and long wait times for calls.

    “This is due to the high volume of passenger concerns being addressed by our team. Please bear with us,” it said.

    “We thank our passengers, partners and our stakeholders for their patience and trust,” it added.

  • Cebu Pacific suspends all flights until April 14 due to COVID-19 lockdown

    Cebu Pacific suspends all flights until April 14 due to COVID-19 lockdown

    Cebu Pacific said Tuesday all flights would be canceled from March 19 to April 14 in compliance with the Luzon-wide lockdown and similar quarantines elsewhere in the country to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The last day of operations will be on March 18 to service flights from Manila, Bangkok, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Ho Chi Minh, Singapore, Taipei, Bali and Jakarta, the country’s largest carrier said in an advisory.

    “All Cebu Pacific and CebGo flights will be canceled from March 19 until April 14, in support of government regulations on COVID-19,” Cebu Pacific said.

    Philippine Airlines and AirAsia earlier announced flight cancellations due to COVID-19.

    Affected passengers can rebook, refund or store the value of the ticket in a fund, it said.

    Ticket offices will also be closed from March 19 to April 14 for the safety of passengers and personnel, the carrier said. Changes can be done through the “manage booking” portal in its website, Cebu Pacific said.

    Cebu Pacific earlier said the COVID-19 pandemic would “significantly” dent revenues and operating expenses.