Cebu Pacific officially kicked off its new Manila-to-Kaohsiung route on August 16 with its inaugural flight. The airline now flies this route three times a week and plans to add more flights as travelers discover the beauty of southern Taiwan. I had the privilege of being aboard Flight 5J344, and I’m thrilled to share the experience of joining this exciting international journey.
Cebu Pacific launched a special promo to celebrate the new route. Travelers can book one-way tickets for as low as ₱1,288 until August 25, with travel dates available until January 31, 2025. Currently, Cebu Pacific is the only Philippine airline offering direct flights to Kaohsiung. Philippine Airlines connects to the city indirectly through a code-share arrangement with China Airlines.
Airport Check-In
I moved through check-in and security quickly, but immigration took a little longer. Since I traveled with a group, the process went smoothly. Immigration officers asked about my job, the purpose of my trip, and the details of my return flight, but their questions didn’t take much time.
At the boarding gate, Cebu Pacific set up a lively celebration to mark the special occasion. Passengers enjoyed Taiwanese-inspired snacks, posed for photos at a decorated wall, and admired displays featuring Taiwan’s culture. Cebu Pacific executives, including Michael Shau, the Head of Corporate Affairs, joined the event. Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista and Civil Aeronautics Board Director Carmelo Arcilla also gave speeches. Seeing Secretary Bautista reminded me of his time as Philippine Airlines president back in 2019.
Ceremonial Launch
After the brief program and a cake-cutting ceremony, the cheerful ground staff checked boarding passes and passports with big smiles. They handed out souvenirs to commemorate the flight, making everyone feel part of the celebration.
Cebu Pacific assigned an Airbus A320-214 for this flight. The aircraft, registered as RP-C4102, has served the airline since January 2015. Despite being in service for nine years, the cabin looked spotless and well-maintained. While I noticed some minor misalignment in the tray tables, the overall condition of the aircraft impressed me.
The Flight
Before our flight, the plane had already completed six routes, including Manila to Laoag and Cebu to Caticlan. Scheduled to leave at 5:15 PM, the flight took off slightly later at 5:45 PM. I didn’t mind the delay, as I cared more about arriving on time.
The flight encountered turbulence due to a low-pressure area nearby, which kept the seatbelt sign on longer than usual. After the turbulence subsided, the cabin crew quickly began food and beverage service. I pre-ordered the Grilled Chicken Wrap for ₱200, and it didn’t disappoint. The wrap tasted fresh and hearty, making it one of my favorite meal options on board.
The crew started a trivia game right after the meal service. They asked questions about UNICEF and children’s welfare, rewarding winners with small prizes. These games don’t happen on all flights—early morning and late-night trips usually skip them to let passengers rest. Afterward, the crew collected donations for UNICEF and ensured proper waste segregation as part of Cebu Pacific’s sustainability efforts.
As we approached Kaohsiung International Airport, the descent felt smooth despite the rain. The airport greeted the plane with a water cannon salute, though the rain made it hard to see from the windows. We touched down at 7:06 PM, ahead of the scheduled 7:15 PM arrival time, completing the flight in just 1 hour and 24 minutes.
The cabin crew kept the celebratory energy alive throughout the journey. I almost started a round of applause when we landed but decided to let the excitement linger quietly. The entire experience felt joyous and unique.
My Verdict
Cebu Pacific delivered a fantastic experience on this inaugural flight. The check-in process felt seamless, the staff maintained a professional and friendly demeanor, and the cabin crew managed the flight with enthusiasm and efficiency. The pilot kept everyone informed during the trip, adding to the overall sense of care and reliability.
Traveling from Manila to Kaohsiung felt as easy and quick as a domestic flight to Davao. The journey left me impressed, and I look forward to seeing Cebu Pacific continue improving its services. Thank you, Cebu Pacific, for making this milestone flight an unforgettable experience!
Originally written on Mond Ortiz’s website: https://mondortiz.com/manila-to-kaohsiung-inaugural-flight-onboard-cebu-pacific/