Baggage Allowance and Fees of AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines

For Filipino travelers, understanding the baggage policies of local airlines is crucial for a smooth and cost-effective journey. This post compares the baggage allowances and fees of three of the Philippines’ top airlines: Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, and AirAsia Philippines. Knowing the policies can help avoid unexpected charges and ensure a hassle-free travel experience.

General Overview

Each airline has different policies for carry-on and checked baggage and fees for excess, overweight, or oversized baggage. It’s essential to check these policies before traveling, as they can vary based on the destination, travel class, and aircraft type. All the airlines also have specific regulations regarding sports equipment, musical instruments, and other unique items.

This document provides a comparative overview of the baggage policies of three major Philippine airlines: AirAsia Philippines, Philippine Airlines (PAL), and Cebu Pacific. Understanding these policies is crucial for travelers to avoid unexpected fees and ensure a smooth travel experience. The information covers carry-on allowances, checked baggage allowances, excess baggage fees, and specific regulations for sports equipment and medical devices.

Key Themes and Commonalities

• Carry-On Allowance: All three airlines allow one free carry-on bag plus a personal item (purse, laptop, etc.).
• Weight Limit: All three airlines have a 7 kg maximum weight for carry-on baggage.
• Fees: All three airlines charge fees for checked baggage and excess weight or size. Pre-booking baggage online is generally cheaper.
• Flexibility: Some airlines allow weight to be transferred between passengers on the same itinerary, and some allow for upgrades to weight allowances.
• Sports Equipment: All airlines accept sports equipment, often for a fee.
• Medical Devices: CPAP machines and other medical devices are generally allowed with prior notification to the airline.
• Dangerous Goods: All airlines strictly prohibit certain items such as explosives, flammable liquids, and weapons, both in carry-on and checked luggage.

Comparative Analysis of the Baggage Allowance and Fees of AirAsia Philippines, Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines

Feature	AirAsia	Cebu Pacific	Philippine Airlines
Carry-On	1 bag + 1 personal item; max 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm), 15 lb/7 kg	1 bag; max 45 linear inches/115 cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm) for Airbus, 43 linear inches (56 x 35 x 20 cm) for ATR; Additional items allowed	1 bag + 1 personal item; max 45 in/115 cm, 15 lb/7 kg; Additional items like laptop, handbag, coat, etc. allowed
Checked Baggage	No free allowance for Economy; 47 lb/20 kg for Business. Pre-bookable minimum 15 kg, with incremental upsize.	1 bag, Max 66 lb/30 kg for Airbus, 44 lb/20 kg for ATR. Fees apply per bag/weight, excess per kg fee.	To/from Hawaii: 2 pieces, max 70 lb/32 kg each. To/from USA, Canada, Guam: 2 pieces, max 50 lb/23 kg each. Other countries: 66 lb/30 kg (Mabuhay), 44 lb/20 kg (Fiesta). Domestic Q300/Q400: 22 lb/10 kg. EconoLight: 33 lb/15 kg.
Excess Baggage	Flat rate for first 15kg, then additional fee per kg. Pre-booking can save up to 50%.	200 PHP/kg domestic, 800 PHP/kg long-haul int’l	One bag + 1 personal item; max 45 in/115 cm, 15 lb/7 kg; Additional items like laptop, handbag, coat, etc. allowed
Sports Equipment	Specific fees for items like surfboards, snowboards, and bicycles. 109 linear inches and 80-inch max length. Other sports equipment is also accepted.	Varies by destination (e.g., USD 150-$200 to US).	Excess baggage charges apply. Golf and snow skiing gear. Additional charge for scuba and surfing equipment.
Accepted as checked baggage; fees apply.	Contact the airline for information.	Allowed if the model is accepted; contact the airline for details.	Allowed if model is accepted; contact airline for details.

Here is a breakdown of each airline’s baggage policies:

Carry-On Baggage

• AirAsia: Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag plus one personal item, like a purse or briefcase. The carry-on bag must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and 15 lb/7 kg.
• Cebu Pacific: Passengers are allowed one free carry-on bag, which should not exceed 115 cm (56 x 36 x 23 cm) or 45 linear inches for Airbus flights and 115 centimeters (56 x 35 x 20 cm) or 43 linear inches for ATR flights. A purse, jacket, umbrella, diaper bag, and assistive devices do not count toward the carry-on allowance. Additional items are allowed for parents traveling with children and for medical needs, along with items purchased at the airport with proof of receipt and a small bag that can fit under the seat.
• Philippine Airlines: Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag plus a personal item, and the carry-on must not exceed 45 inches (115 cm), with a maximum weight of 15 lb/7 kg. Passengers can also bring items such as a laptop, small handbag, coat, wrap, walking stick, camera, reading materials, and infant food onboard.

Checked Baggage

• AirAsia: There is no free checked baggage allowance for Economy passengers. Business class passengers have a 47 lb/20 kg allowance. Passengers can pre-book a minimum of 15kg of checked baggage and increase in increments of 5kg up to 30kg. Excess baggage charges a flat rate for the first 15 kg and a different rate for each additional kg at the airport.
• Cebu Pacific: The standard checked baggage policy is one bag, with a maximum weight of 30 kilograms (66 pounds) for Airbus flights and 20 kilograms (44 pounds) for ATR flights. Fees apply and vary by size and weight, with additional charges for excess weight. Passengers can purchase up to three (3) pieces of 20kg baggage allowance and may upgrade or add weight to each piece. Any excess in piece, weight, and size are subject to Airport fees.
• Philippine Airlines: Baggage allowances vary depending on the destination.
  • To/from Hawaii: Both Mabuhay (Business) and Fiesta (Economy) Classes have a 2-piece allowance, with each piece weighing up to 70 lb/32 kg and dimensions up to 62 in/158 cm.
  • To/from the USA (except Hawaii), Canada, and Guam: Both classes have a 2-piece allowance, with each piece weighing up to 50 lb/23 kg and dimensions up to 62 in/158 cm.
  • To/from other countries (not USA or Canada): Mabuhay Class has a 66 lb/30 kg allowance, and Fiesta Class has a 44 lb/20 kg allowance.
  • The maximum weight for domestic flights on a Bombardier Q300 or Q400 is 22 lb/10 kg. PAL EconoLight Class passengers have a free allowance of 33 lb/15 kg on all PAL domestic flights and selected Asian destinations.

Excess Baggage

• AirAsia: Fees are in local currency, with a flat rate for the first 15 kg and an additional charge per kg above that limit. Pre-booking baggage online can save up to 50% if done more than four hours before departure.
• Cebu Pacific: Excess baggage fees are 200 PHP per kilogram for domestic and short-haul international flights and 800 PHP per kilogram for long-haul international flights.
• Philippine Airlines: Fees vary depending on the destination. For example, flights from the Philippines to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, or San Francisco range from USD 150 to $200, depending on the travel date.

Sports Equipment

• AirAsia: Has a specific Sports Equipment Fee for items like surfboards, snowboards, and bicycles. All articles must be less than 109 linear inches (277 cm) and no longer than 80 inches (203 cm). Other sporting equipment will be accepted as part of the baggage allowance and subject to associated fees.
• Cebu Pacific: Sports equipment is accepted as checked baggage within size and weight limits, counting as one checked bag, and subject to applicable fees.
• Philippine Airlines: An excess baggage charge applies for sports equipment such as golf and snow skiing gear. Additional charges may apply to scuba and surfing equipment.

CPAP Devices

• AirAsia: CPAP machines are allowed if batteries meet specific criteria; contact the airline for more information.
• Cebu Pacific: Passengers should contact the airline for information about CPAP devices.
• Philippine Airlines: Passengers may bring and use CPAP machines with provided information. Contact the airline to ensure the model is accepted.