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For domestic flights in the Philippines, Cebu Pacific has the biggest network and often the cheapest fares, and since September 15, 2026 it allows 10 kg of hand carry on its 5J flights. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the full-service flag carrier, best for comfort, reliability and connections. AirAsia Philippines is a low-cost alternative on popular tourist routes, with a 7 kg hand-carry limit. On all three, the cheapest fare includes no checked bag, so add one online before you fly.
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Cebu Pacific vs PAL vs AirAsia at a glance
| Cebu Pacific | Philippine Airlines | AirAsia Philippines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline type | Low-cost | Full-service flag carrier | Low-cost |
| Flight codes | 5J (Cebu Pacific), DG (Cebgo) | PR (PAL), 2P (PAL Express) | Z2 |
| Domestic network | Largest: about 35 domestic destinations | Wide network, strongest for connections | Smaller, focused on tourist routes |
| Free hand carry | 10 kg on 5J (from Sept 15, 2026); 7 kg on Cebgo (DG) | 7 kg | 7 kg |
| Hand-carry size | 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a small personal item | 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a small personal item | 56 × 36 × 23 cm, plus a small personal item |
| Checked bag on cheapest fare | None (GO Basic) | None (Economy Supersaver) | None (base fare) |
| Fares with a 20 kg bag | GO Easy, GO Flexi | Value, Flex | Value Pack, Premium Flex |
| Manila (NAIA) terminal | Terminal 3 | Terminal 2 (domestic) | Terminal 2 (domestic) |
| Best for | Lowest fares, most routes, piso sales | Comfort, reliability, connecting flights | Cheap fares on Boracay, Cebu, Palawan routes |
Baggage rules as of October 2026. NAIA terminal assignments are changing in 2026 as new terminal space opens, so always check the terminal on your booking or the airline app before you go.
Add your flights, hotels, food and tours in our free Philippines trip budget calculator and see your total in pesos, dollars or pounds.
Cebu Pacific
Cebu Pacific is the country’s biggest airline, with the largest domestic network and frequent seat sales, including the famous “piso fare” promos. Its flights use the 5J code, while its regional arm Cebgo (code DG) flies smaller turboprop planes to shorter runways.
- Hand carry: up to 10 kg combined on 5J flights departing from September 15, 2026, in two pieces: one cabin bag (56 × 36 × 23 cm) and one personal item. Cebgo (DG) flights stay at 7 kg.
- Fare bundles: GO Basic includes hand carry only; GO Easy and GO Flexi add a 20 kg checked bag and more flexibility.
- Watch out for: the allowance applies per flight, so on a 5J + DG connection, pack for the 7 kg limit.
Philippine Airlines (PAL)
PAL is the national flag carrier and the only full-service airline on most domestic routes. It flies under the PR code, with its regional subsidiary PAL Express (2P) serving smaller airports. PAL suits travelers who want assigned seating, a more comfortable experience, Mabuhay Miles points, and smoother connections to international flights.
- Hand carry: 7 kg, one cabin bag (56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus a small personal item.
- Fare families: the cheapest Economy Supersaver fare has no free checked bag; Value and Flex fares include a 20 kg bag.
- Best for: connecting from an international PAL flight, business trips, and travelers who prefer full service.
AirAsia Philippines
AirAsia Philippines (Z2) is a low-cost carrier with a smaller domestic network that concentrates on popular tourist destinations like Boracay, Cebu and Palawan. Its fares are often competitive with Cebu Pacific’s.
- Hand carry: 7 kg combined across two pieces (a cabin bag and a small bag). An Xtra Carry-On add-on raises this to 14 kg.
- Checked bags: none on the base fare; Value Pack and Premium Flex include 20 kg, or buy a prepaid allowance.
- Best for: cheap fares on tourist routes, especially during AirAsia’s own seat sales.
Smaller domestic airlines
| Airline | Code | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Cebgo | DG | Cebu Pacific’s turboprop arm for short runways and smaller islands |
| PAL Express | 2P | PAL’s regional flights to smaller airports |
| AirSWIFT | — | Flights to El Nido’s Lio Airport, the only direct way to fly into El Nido |
| Sunlight Air | 2R | Boutique turboprop flights to island destinations |
Popular domestic routes and flight times
| Route | Approx. flight time | Airport | Our guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manila – Cebu | About 1 hr 20 min | Mactan-Cebu International (CEB) | Things to do in Cebu |
| Manila – Boracay | About 1 hr | Caticlan (MPH) or Kalibo (KLO) | Boracay guide |
| Manila – Puerto Princesa | About 1 hr 20 min | Puerto Princesa (PPS) | Palawan beaches |
| Manila – Coron | About 1 hr | Busuanga (USU) | El Nido to Coron |
| Manila – Bohol | About 1 hr 20 min | Bohol-Panglao (TAG) | Bohol day trip |
| Manila – Siargao | About 1 hr 45 min | Sayak (IAO) | Siargao guide |
| Manila – Davao | About 2 hr | Davao (DVO) | Davao guide |
| Manila – Dumaguete | About 1 hr 20 min | Dumaguete-Sibulan (DGT) | Dumaguete guide |
| Cebu – Siargao | About 1 hr | Sayak (IAO) | Siargao guide |
Flight times are approximate. Cebu (CEB) and Clark (CRK) are also major hubs, so you don’t always have to connect through Manila.
Which airline should you choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the lowest fare and travel light | Cebu Pacific GO Basic (10 kg hand carry on 5J flights) |
| Want the most route options | Cebu Pacific |
| Are connecting from an international PAL flight | Philippine Airlines |
| Want comfort and a full-service experience | Philippine Airlines |
| Are flying to Boracay, Cebu or Palawan on a budget | Compare AirAsia and Cebu Pacific |
| Want to fly directly into El Nido | AirSWIFT |
Plug in your airfare and baggage, then add accommodation, food and activities to plan your full Philippines trip budget.
Tips for booking domestic flights in the Philippines
- Budget the whole trip, not just the fare. Baggage, airport transfers and seat selection add up. Our trip budget calculator helps you see the full cost.
- Prepay your checked bag online. Airport counter rates are much higher than adding baggage when you book or through Manage Booking.
- Weigh your hand carry at home. Gate weigh-ins are common, and anything over the limit has to be checked in at airport rates.
- Check your flight code. On Cebu Pacific, 5J means 10 kg of hand carry, while DG (Cebgo) means 7 kg.
- Watch for seat sales. Cebu Pacific’s piso sales and AirAsia promos often appear months ahead for peak periods like Holy Week and Christmas.
- Check in online and arrive early, as security and check-in lines at NAIA and Mactan can be long.
- Bring a valid ID. Filipinos need a government ID, and foreign travelers need their passport, even on domestic flights.
- Plan for weather. Typhoons can cancel flights between June and November, so leave a buffer before international connections. See our best time to visit guide.
- Consider ferries for short hops. Cebu–Bohol, Dumaguete–Siquijor and Cebu–Dumaguete are often easier by fast ferry. See how to get to Siquijor.
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Domestic flights in the Philippines: FAQ
Which is the cheapest airline for domestic flights in the Philippines?
Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines usually have the cheapest domestic fares, especially during seat sales. Their base fares include only hand carry, so add the cost of a checked bag if you need one.
What is the hand-carry allowance on Cebu Pacific?
From September 15, 2026, Cebu Pacific (5J) flights allow up to 10 kg of combined hand carry: one cabin bag up to 56 × 36 × 23 cm and one personal item. Cebgo (DG) flights keep a 7 kg limit.
Do domestic flights in the Philippines include checked baggage?
Not on the cheapest fares. Cebu Pacific GO Basic, PAL Economy Supersaver and AirAsia’s base fare include only hand carry. Mid-tier fares like GO Easy, PAL Value or Flex, and AirAsia Value Pack include a 20 kg checked bag.
Is PAL better than Cebu Pacific?
It depends on your priorities. PAL is a full-service airline that’s better for comfort and connections, while Cebu Pacific is a low-cost airline with more routes and lower fares. For short domestic hops, many travelers choose on price and schedule.
Which NAIA terminal is for domestic flights?
As of 2026, Cebu Pacific (5J) flights use Terminal 3, while PAL and AirAsia Philippines domestic flights use Terminal 2. Terminal assignments are changing as new terminal space opens, so always check your booking before going to the airport.
How early should I arrive for a domestic flight in the Philippines?
Aim to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight from busy airports like NAIA or Mactan-Cebu, especially during holidays. Check in online to save time.
Do foreigners need a passport for domestic flights in the Philippines?
Yes. Foreign travelers should carry their passport as ID for domestic flights. Filipino travelers can use a valid government-issued ID.
Can I fly directly to El Nido?
Yes. AirSWIFT flies to El Nido’s Lio Airport. Most other travelers fly to Puerto Princesa and continue by van, which takes several hours.
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Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help first-time visitors travel the islands with confidence.