Cebu Pacific includes tax in fares

The Philippines’ low-cost airline, Cebu Pacific, is now including the cost of the Domestic Passenger Service Charge (DPSC) in all ticket quotes.

Commonly known as the “Terminal Fee” the inclusion is for domestic flights operating out of airports managed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

It became effective across the airline’s booking system for domestic flight sectors, 15 September. CAAP was the last airports operator to allow airlines to collect the tax. Previously, passengers had to queue at tax counters to pay the fee prior to boarding.

However, the airline noted that the announcement applies to airports under CAAP. There are different arrangements on paying the tax in place at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Clark International Airport and Godofredo P. Ramos Airport in Caticlan (Boracay).

Manila International Airport Authority and the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority have included domestic terminal fees for the Manila and Cebu airports in ticket payments since 2013.

Passengers who are only transiting through the 33 CAAP-managed airports are exempted from paying the DPSC.

Depending on the airport, CAAP terminal fees range from PHP50.00 (approximately USD1) to PHP200.00 (approximately USD4).

“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 is a convenience to travellers. They no longer have to line-up at the counters to pay for the domestic terminal fee,” said, Cebu Pacific vice president for corporate affairs, Atty JR Mantaring.

Cebu Pacific passengers have also been given the option to pay the travel tax on international flights of PHP1,620.00 (approximately USD32), plus a handling fee of PHP80.00 (approximately USD2) when they book their flights online, via www.cebupacificair.com, or through Cebu Pacific ticket offices.

Passengers who are exempt from the tax, or are eligible for reduced travel tax, can still book, pay and confirm their flights on Cebu Pacific, but will need to present valid tax exemption documents upon check-in.