Review of Cebu Pacific flight Manila → Caticlan (Boracay) in Economy

The free shuttle bus ride from T1 to T3 took about 15min, making stops at T2(PR Terminal) and T4 (Domestic Terminal). Most passengers on the shuttle bus were transferring to T3 for Cebu Pacific flights, including quite a number on my Tiger flight. T3 was a complete contrast to T1, new and felt a bit like Bangkok's Sumbvarnabumi, but a bit sterile. Half the terminal was still closed off (with the only International airline being ANA) with the other half operating Cebu Pacific(5J) and Airphil Express(2P) flights. 5J was the major carrier though with long queues at the check-in counters.

Terminal 3 5J morning peak


Common check-in for 5J domestic flights. Quite a long wait even with all counter opened. Check-in agents were all sweet young things (no one above the age of 40 in sight at the check-in desks) and all seemed happy performing their duties.


Receipt type boarding pass again.


I proceeded to explore the terminal after check-in. Not much facilities except for some eateries at the public area. The other other international airline, ANA, is also beginning its check-in process.


One interesting thing observed: All passengers on flights to Caticlan have to go to the Body Weight counter before proceeding through security. There, agent will weight each passenger together with their hand luggage. This is due to the extremely short runway in Caticlan (only about 900m) and so aircrafts takeoff/landing there are severely weight restricted, which means calculating the exact weight of the plane is extremely crucial for a safe takeoff or landing. Check-in bags on Caticlan flights were also restricted to 10kgs and handcarry luggage at 5kgs.


After this, I went to pay my 200pesos terminal charge (no airport tax included in tickets from Philippines) and through security. Security checks are done my gender, with each line specified for either males or females. Shoes have to be put through the xray machines too!!

Inside the departure area, the facilities are quite basic. Majority of the terminal remained closed though.


The 2 airlines operating from T3. Have a fun flight, everyone.


As we were flying turboprops, our plane would be parked at the remote stand. And so, the departure gate was a bus gate. Several other flights were also departing from the bus gates.


28 April 2011
Cebu Pacific
5J 895
Manila (MNL) - Caticlan (MPH)
ATR72
RP-C7257
Budget Class

My 5J flight to Caticlan was only about S$70, which was relatively cheap considering how airlines normally charged astronomically high prices to Caticlan. Boarding was announced right on schedule. We were ferried by bus to our ATR72 aircraft parked on the tarmac with other props. Most passengers were also beach goers to Boracay


Boarding the ATR72.


We received a friendly welcome by a crew at the door and proceeded to our seats. There was another crew member at the front of the plane assisting in the boarding process.


Cabin still being boarded.


One of the aspects of 5J being a fun airline, pop songs were playing during the whole boarding process. Everyone were in a relaxed mood and some kids were even singing with the songs!

Katy Perry's Fireworks being played!!


One of the 2 well-groomed and friendly crew.


Seat pitch is reasonable. Slightly better than the earlier Tiger flight. But the leather upholstery looked quite worn.


At the stand with 2P planes beside. I would be flying the albino 2P Dash8 when returning!


Safety card.


With inflight mag and airsick bag.


A 5J A320 taxied past behind.


Boarding was completed on time and the flight was totally full!! Flight time was announced to be 1hr. Crew then did a live safety demo. No dancing though, haha.



Engines started up and our ATR72 taxied to Rwy13 (the shorter of the 2 MNL runways) for takeoff.


5J ATR72 and 2P DH8-400


The taxi, though only a short distance, took quite a while as many planes were queuing for takeoff. We passed the domestic terminal, T4, which is right at the end of Rwy13. Lots of Zest Air planes parked there too.



Holding at the start of Rwy13.



Takeoff to Boracay!!



Making a right turn.


Over southern suburbs of Manila.


Into the clouds.


Shortly after takeoff, seatbelt signs were turned of and service started. It was a great sunny day for flying with hardly any turbulence!

Second point why 5J is a fun airline, the crew started playing a game with the pax!! The crew announced that they would name some items and the first pax to raise up the item would get a prize, which is a 5J toiletries-type bag. 3 prizes were given out!



Following the game, the crew came down the aisle with 5J collectible items for sale. No offers of any BOB food/drinks though. I just while the flight away staring out at the window and catching a short nap.

Cabin view inflight. Note the 2 rear-facing passenger seats right at the front?


Nice blue skies.


Over some clouds, but flight was still smooth.


Some Philippine islands in the middle of the open sea.


We soon started a steep descent into Caticlan. The approach into Caticlan was spectacular!!

Flaps down and approaching back to the coast.


Flying beside hills.


Passing a small seaside town.


The landing to Caticlan was amzing! Beautiful scenery before touchdown and hard braking on the short 900m runway! A few aircrafts had either landed short or overrun the runway in the past. Watch the video for the landing!



Parked at the tarmac, with the 2P albino prop just landed after us.


Albino prop parked beside us. I think the tarmac can only allow a maximum of 4 planes to be parked.


Disembarking.


Last look at the ATR72. Baggage being unloaded.


The arrival hall is just a sheltered shed. Passengers will wait there for their check-in bags to be delivered directly to them from the plane on carts.