Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are both Philippine carriers based in Pasay and both flying out of Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Travellers compare them on domestic trunk routes and on regional routes from Manila and Cebu, where a low-cost fare competes with a full-service one.
Quick verdict
Cebu Pacific is a low-cost, economy-only airline: it suits travellers who want the lowest base fare and are happy to pay for bags, meals and seat choice separately. Philippine Airlines is the full-service flag carrier, with business and premium economy cabins, lounges, a frequent-flyer programme and non-stop flights to New York JFK. Choose PAL for comfort, long-haul or a premium cabin, and Cebu Pacific for short, price-led trips with light luggage.
Choose Cebu Pacific if…
- You want the lowest headline fare and will travel with only a 7 kg cabin bag.
- You are flying short domestic or regional routes where an economy-only seat is enough.
- You are happy to buy bags, meals and extra-legroom seats only when you need them.
Choose Philippine Airlines if…
- You want a business or premium economy cabin, including lie-flat business seats on the A350-1000.
- You are flying long-haul, such as non-stop Manila–New York JFK, or to North America and Oceania.
- You collect miles with Mabuhay Miles or want lounge access; PAL is due to join oneworld in 2027.
At a glance
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About Cebu Pacific Read more
Overview
Cebu Pacific is a Philippine low-cost airline. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 26 August 1988, began flying on 8 March 1996 and is based in Pasay, Metro Manila. It is the largest airline in the Philippines by fleet size and is controlled by JG Summit Holdings. The company is listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange. Its regional subsidiary is Cebgo, which took over the flights of AirSWIFT from 1 July 2026, according to Wikipedia. Cebu Pacific does not currently list a global alliance membership in the sources reviewed.
Network and hubs
The airline has five bases: Manila, Cebu, Clark, Davao and Iloilo. Wikipedia gives 62 destinations including Cebgo. In July 2025 the Manila Bulletin reported 37 domestic and 26 international destinations. Cebgo operates the turboprop and smaller-airport routes.
Fleet
In July 2025 Cebu Pacific became the first Philippine airline with 100 aircraft: 12 Airbus A330s, 40 A320s, 26 A321s and 22 ATR turboprops, as reported by the Manila Bulletin. The airline said it was then the largest A330neo operator in Asia-Pacific. Deliveries continue: the third of four A320neos due in 2026 arrived in Manila on 11 September 2026. Fleet totals vary between sources, so treat the figure as approximate.
On board
- Cabins: a no-frills economy product. Seat pitch was not found in the sources.
- Meals: none are included. Food and drink are sold on board from the CEB Fun Café menu, and meals can be pre-ordered. A wider menu began on 1 December 2025.
- Entertainment: a Wego guide reports no seatback entertainment and no Wi-Fi, including on the A330neo.
Good to know
- Hand baggage: the airline's hand carry guidelines allow one overhead-bin item (56 x 36 x 23 cm) and one personal item (20 x 20 x 35 cm). The weight limit is 10 kg on Cebu Pacific flights and 7 kg on Cebgo flights. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less.
- Checked baggage is bought separately or included in certain fare bundles. Adding it online in advance costs less than paying at the gate.
- Punctuality: Cirium data gave an 84.98% on-time arrival rate in April 2026, the best among Philippine carriers.
- Loyalty: the frequent-flyer programme is Go Rewards.
- Safety: the most serious accident listed on Wikipedia was Flight 387 in 1998.
- Lounges, change fees and fare prices were not confirmed from official sources; check the airline's website before booking.
About Philippine Airlines Read more
Overview
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the flag carrier of the Philippines. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 26 February 1941 and is the oldest operating commercial airline in Asia. It is controlled by the Lucio Tan group through PAL Holdings. Its headquarters are in Pasay, Metro Manila. PAL has accepted an invitation to join the oneworld alliance in 2027, so it is not yet a member (New Straits Times).
Network and hubs
The main hub is Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, with Mactan-Cebu as a secondary hub. PAL flies international routes across Asia, North America and Oceania, plus some domestic trunk routes. Its subsidiary PAL Express operates most domestic flights. Non-stop service to New York JFK began in 2018 with the A350-900. A new Guam route was announced for 2026 (Business Traveller).
Fleet
Business Traveller reported a fleet of 82 aircraft in January 2026. Wikipedia's infobox gives 52, which appears to exclude PAL Express, so the two figures are not directly comparable. The fleet includes Airbus A321neo, A330 and A350 aircraft and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The first A350-1000 arrived at the end of 2025, and nine are expected over the coming years, mainly for trans-Pacific routes.
On board
- Cabins: business, premium economy and economy. A350s, reconfigured A330s and domestic A321s have all three; other aircraft have two.
- A350-1000: 382 seats, with 42 lie-flat business seats in a 1-2-1 layout, 24 premium economy and 316 economy.
- Entertainment: new and reconfigured aircraft have personal screens, alongside wireless streaming to passengers' own devices.
Good to know
- Baggage allowances and change fees vary by fare and route; check them on the PAL website before booking.
- Mabuhay Lounges are open to Business Class passengers and Mabuhay Miles Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler members. Facilities include food, Wi-Fi and charging points.
- The loyalty programme is Mabuhay Miles, with Classic, Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler tiers.
- PAL has passed the IATA Operational Safety Audit and holds a 7/7 rating on AirlineRatings.com, according to Wikipedia.
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