there are zillions of complaints among low-cost carriers in the PH despite the ballooning growth in airline travel. Please note that Low-Cost carrier is different from Budget. Budget is you pay for everything (in foreign airlines, check-in baggage and use of toilet requires payment) and get measly quality service.
i have read tons of blogs and articles against these low cost carriers, some said: "you get what you paid for" which blatantly wrong. You pay for almost 2,000-4,000 to get to your destination but in return you get mind grinding quality of service.
You paid. meaning you are entitled and it is your right to get quality service.
What you can should do in traveling a low-cost carrier
1) on-time schedule (well, due to naia congestion it may reach a 50-50 chance)
2) book the 1st flight so you don't have to worry on the return aircraft (there are possibilities that it would have technical problems)
3) check-in early so you wouldn't get bumped off due to overbooking.
4) do confirm your flight at least 3 times and document everything!
5) upon purchasing, check all items! you may clicked on insurance or other stuff that made it more expensive.
6) do not always believe that there are engine failures! these are lies that they can easily escape.
7) read the fine print of the ticket.
Here is my painful experience with Cebu Pacific:
Nov 1, 2011 (UNDAS) it's a 4 day holiday that is hugely celebrated in the Philippines.
people go to provinces to visit the dead, and some go on a vacation. Meaning Airports, Seaports, Bus Terminals are jam-packed.
My Dad and I are scheduled for a 1:30pm flight to Bacolod,
we checked in around 10am because cebu pacific check-in counters can get very chaotic (long ques). then Dad wants to check in our luggage, however we haven't availed to have luggage allowance. so that's fine, no fault on cebu pacific.
Good thing I bought my laptop with me! (i always bring my laptop with me - to kill time). then i looked on my watch, It's already 1:10pm and we are not called for boarding. Then i told myself, ah! this is expected. then we will board within an hour or two. but no!!! there were no announcement until 5pm.
My father and i went to the gate. upon arrival: there were like 400 people and the gate is good to handle 100 passengers only.
Looks like this: you can't even sit on the floor. You have to go upstairs just to able to sit.
All Afternoon flights are delayed. Sad for the waiting passengers.
all caticlan flight were cancelled. People are mad, hungry, and exhausted. - They were re-routed to Kalibo.
I was getting impatient, my dad is diabetic, we were hungry, stuffy terminal, children crying. this was hell.
these were the answers of the people of cebu pacific (very very practiced):
1) due to engine failure
2) due to delayed return aircraft
3) safety issues (really? even if it's an A320?)
7:30pm! finally! boarding. there was apologies at the airlines end, but it was not sincere. the ground staffs were not helpful at all.
we were given a small bottle of mineral water, and a jollibee hotdog sandwich. - After almost 7.5 hours of waiting, they just gave us this. i was hungry (i was not able to buy snacks since food prices in the airport doubles). then we took the bus going to the aircraft - picture me like a wandering hermit.
there was a sense of relief when i was able to enter the aircraft, and sat in the 1st row (more leg room!). The plane was new as in fresh from the factory effect.
The FAs didn't even bother to apologize for the inconvenience that the airline caused.
we were able to leave the apron, only to found out that our aircraft was in line for take-off. it was 8:15pm.
I vowed never to take cebu pacific again. i really never cared for the amount. But because PAL at that time, had no more available seats. then no choice.
To found out that sometimes, Cebu Pacific sells higher prices than PAL (btw, you really achieve quality service)
I encountered some bubus with PAL (who doesn't?) but despite that all, I remained loyal to them.
1) They tell what is the real problem
2) I was disappointed when they outsourced ground staff, because they handle passengers well. they can squeeze you in for earlier flight if available.
3) they give meals right away upon 3 hours of delay.
4) FAs are very courteous, apologetic, and sincere about the delay.
BTW, we encountered a 4 hour delay with PAL and ground staff back then handled it like a pro even if angry passengers are threatening to sue them! she was solid.
Also, PAL gave not snacks during the flight, but hot meals.
PAL knows how to compensate - well, at least as far as i know. but i know there are traumatizing events that happened to other passengers.
Although from this incident: you may think twice again for low-cost carriers: Airine Bullying
International wise - PAL has no problems (well, in so far i encountered) - very good international product.
If the difference with PAL and other low cost airlines are around 300-400 better opt to go to PAL. to avoid such hassle. :)
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