Cebu Pacific consolidates domestic fare

Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific has started to integrate the terminal fee in the cost of tickets for all domestic flights out of airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

In a statement, Cebu Pacific said the inclusion of the Domestic Passenger Service Charge (DPSC) or terminal fee in the cost of tickets for domestic flights out of CAAPmanaged airports booked through ticket offices, website or mobile app took effect last Sept.15.

All domestic terminals in the country are managed by the CAAP except for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila, the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), the Clark International Airport and the Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan (Boracay).

CAAP terminal fees range from P50 to P200.

Domestic terminal fees for flights out of NAIA and the MCIA have been included in ticket payments since 2013.

Passengers who are merely transiting through the CAAPmanaged airports do not need to pay the DPSC.

Cebu Pacific’s move to integrate the terminal fee in fares is in line with a directive from CAAP.

“While the total cost paid by passengers who booked flights on Cebu Pacific became slightly higher due to the addition of the terminal fee, this system innovation is a convenience to travelers. They no longer have to lineup at the counters to pay for the domestic terminal fee. This integration of all fees at the point of booking will make things simpler and easier for the traveling public,” said Paterno Mantaring Jr., Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs.

He said the implementation of the measure is timely, given the need to decongest air terminals and the growing volume of travelers.

At present, Cebu Pacific passengers also have the option to pay for the travel tax on international flights amounting to P1,620, plus a handling fee of P80 when they book their flights through www. cebupacificair.com, or through any ticket office of the carrier.

Meanwhile, passengers who are exempt from the tax, or are eligible for reduced travel tax need to present valid tax exemption documents upon check-in.

Cebu Pacific has an extensive airline network covering over 100 routes across 26 international and 37 domestic destinations, spanning Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and the US.