Visiting Philippines for First Time -- Basic Suggestions
May 9, 2026 | 10:25 pm
#31
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 350
Cebu pacific vs PAL Express
Sorry, I don’t see any general thread for Philippines so I am posting my question here.
I need to fly from Boracay back to MNL. There are only two choices Cebu Pacific and PAL Express. I think Cebu Pacific flies ATR vs PAL Express flies A320. Fares charged by Cebu Pacific is less than 50% that of PAL Express. I am really not sure there is that much of a difference for the price difference. Anyone has any thoughts on which one should I pick? I assume I have to pay extra for checked bags at Cebus Pacific, but PAL Express might include one? Thanks.
I need to fly from Boracay back to MNL. There are only two choices Cebu Pacific and PAL Express. I think Cebu Pacific flies ATR vs PAL Express flies A320. Fares charged by Cebu Pacific is less than 50% that of PAL Express. I am really not sure there is that much of a difference for the price difference. Anyone has any thoughts on which one should I pick? I assume I have to pay extra for checked bags at Cebus Pacific, but PAL Express might include one? Thanks.
May 11, 2026 | 1:39 pm
#32
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: NYC/CEB
Posts: 468
Sorry, I don’t see any general thread for Philippines so I am posting my question here.
I need to fly from Boracay back to MNL. There are only two choices Cebu Pacific and PAL Express. I think Cebu Pacific flies ATR vs PAL Express flies A320. Fares charged by Cebu Pacific is less than 50% that of PAL Express. I am really not sure there is that much of a difference for the price difference. Anyone has any thoughts on which one should I pick? I assume I have to pay extra for checked bags at Cebus Pacific, but PAL Express might include one? Thanks.
I need to fly from Boracay back to MNL. There are only two choices Cebu Pacific and PAL Express. I think Cebu Pacific flies ATR vs PAL Express flies A320. Fares charged by Cebu Pacific is less than 50% that of PAL Express. I am really not sure there is that much of a difference for the price difference. Anyone has any thoughts on which one should I pick? I assume I have to pay extra for checked bags at Cebus Pacific, but PAL Express might include one? Thanks.
May 11, 2026 | 9:45 pm
#33
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 350
PAL(PR) baggage allowances will depend on the chosen fare type/class, the cheapest ones usually include 10kgs. This will be indicated when selecting the fare type. Cebu pacific (5J) base fares have no baggage allowance. You can pick one of the bundles (seat selection, baggage, meals etc) or do the individual add-ons. I suggest comparing the total amount as opposed to just the base fare. As for the plane type., I personally would choose the A320 over the ATR. They also use different terminals in MNL. 5J goes to T3, PR goes to T2. This may matter if you're connecting to another flight. HTH
May 23, 2026 | 9:24 pm
#34
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Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Saipan, MP 96950 USA (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands = the CNMI)
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In my experience, mostly flying Dumaguete to Manila (DGT-MNL), Cebu Pacific (5J) seems to have more flight delays and cancelations than Philippine Airlines / PAL (PR).
I usually have a self-booked connection on UA from MNL Terminal 3 ("T3"), and take an earlier PR flight, so there is another available to take "just in case".
Yes, transferring from T2 to T3 is somewhat of a hassle, but there is a free airport bus. To me, that is worth avoiding the increased likelihood of IRROPS with 5J.
I usually have a self-booked connection on UA from MNL Terminal 3 ("T3"), and take an earlier PR flight, so there is another available to take "just in case".
Yes, transferring from T2 to T3 is somewhat of a hassle, but there is a free airport bus. To me, that is worth avoiding the increased likelihood of IRROPS with 5J.
Last edited by SPN Lifer; May 23, 2026 at 9:36 pm
