Originally Posted by
AA_EXP09
Tell me with which other airline I can fly CEB-SIN for <50 USD?
(this was a piso fare booking)
Well, you get what you pay for. I was advised to book Cebu by local organisers of the event in Manila. In my case I had MNL-PVG with them. Did 3hrs before check-in, they confirmed the up to 48hr visa-free transfer policy for Schengen nationals in PVG (took even photocopy of my onwards ticket), all went fine, confirmed with TIMATIC.
At boarding queue 2,5hr later, they said "Uh, you are not American, you must meet our supervisor at check-in area". I insisted on boarding, they said no. They promised a quick settling. Supervisor said "Uh, you're European. You can stay only up to 24hrs in PVG)". I insisted that to crosscheck with TIMATIC. She did online... which said: "up to 24hrs", next row below said "excl. PVG,SHA where it is up to 48hr". She pointed the upper row, me the one below. Showed also information at Chinese Consulate website - they claimed that that is fake governmental website. I had similar transit on my way to MNL (flying TK+CX then), showed by passport stamps and boarding passes about that. After that she said that my passport must be fake and she voided my reservation completely and also would not give my suitcase back. I called the police, after which they surrendered my bag, after long negotiations also rebooked me on the same flight on the following day (as the same day one had already departed). I had also bought a bulkhead seat in row 1, on the new it stated 16D. I pointed that out on printout, but the staff insisted that I can't possibly comprehend the booking conformation. The next day of course, it was 16D.
The worst was also that when the staff escorted me from gate to meet the check-in supervisor, they got me thru immigration without the stamp. With the help of the police I managed to get my exit stamp cancelled (as I certainly did not want to get arrested as being illegal immigrant in PH).
Oh, and of course, I lost the hotel booking in PVG and had to book another one in MNL.
Next day I had to argue to get my seat back in premium row. Flight got delayed by 2 hrs, but finally arrived.
Their customer service stayed silent later when following up.
Would I fly them again? No.
Would I keep their operations out of EU? Yes.
I have flown many airlines across different continents, but even some local Venezuelan airlines seem fine while compared to Cebu. I would rather pay a bit premium and have a smoother experience.