Planning an Undas Trip to Cebu? Prepare Before Heading to the Airport
Traveling to Cebu during Undas can mean more than booking a flight and packing a suitcase. Whether you are returning home to visit family, traveling to remember loved ones, or taking a short holiday around the province, preparing for airport procedures is essential during the busy season.
With All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day approaching, Cebu Pacific is reminding passengers to review its updated travel policies before departure. The airline issued its reminders on October 30, 2026, covering airport arrival times, online check-in, baggage allowances, international travel documents, and restrictions on portable electronic devices.
These guidelines apply to passengers traveling on Cebu Pacific flights, including those flying to and from Cebu. Understanding the requirements ahead of time can help travelers avoid unnecessary delays, unexpected baggage charges, and problems during boarding.
Cebu Pacific Advises Passengers to Arrive Earlier
One of the most important reminders concerns airport arrival times. Road traffic is expected to become heavier during the Undas travel period, so passengers should allow additional time when traveling to the airport.
Cebu Pacific recommends arriving at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours before international flights. This gives passengers sufficient time to complete check-in, baggage procedures, security screening, and other departure requirements.
Travelers should also pay attention to the airline’s counter closing schedules:
- Domestic flights: Check-in counters close 45 minutes before scheduled departure.
- International flights: Check-in counters close one hour before scheduled departure.
- Boarding: Begins 45 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
After completing check-in, international passengers should proceed promptly to immigration, while all travelers should complete the required security procedures without unnecessary delays.
For passengers departing from Mactan-Cebu International Airport, arriving early is particularly practical during holiday travel periods. Allow extra time for transportation to the terminal rather than relying on your usual travel schedule.
Online Check-In and Updated Baggage Allowances
Another way to make airport travel easier is by completing check-in online. Cebu Pacific allows passengers to check in through its official mobile application or the Manage Booking section of its website.
Online check-in becomes available 48 hours before departure. The deadline depends on whether the passenger is traveling domestically or internationally.
- Domestic flights: Online check-in is available until one hour before departure.
- International flights: Online check-in is available until two hours before departure.
Domestic passengers who have completed online check-in and are not carrying checked baggage can proceed directly to their assigned boarding gates, subject to airport procedures.
Passengers departing from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 can use Cebu Pacific’s bag drop counters at Aisles A and B. Self-service kiosks are also available for travelers who need to prepare their boarding passes.
Know the latest hand-carry weight limits
Cebu Pacific has different hand-carry allowances depending on which airline operates the flight. Effective September 15, 2026, passengers traveling on Cebu Pacific flights identified by the airline code 5J may bring up to 10 kilograms of combined hand-carry items.
Flights operated by Cebgo under the airline code DG retain a total hand-carry allowance of up to 7 kilograms.
Passengers may bring a maximum of two cabin items:
- One hand-carry bag: Maximum dimensions of 56 cm × 36 cm × 23 cm. This belongs in the overhead compartment.
- One personal item: Maximum dimensions of 20 cm × 35 cm × 20 cm. This must fit underneath the seat in front of the passenger.
Items exceeding the permitted weight or dimensions must be checked in, subject to applicable baggage fees. Travelers should also ensure that their belongings are manageable enough to lift and store safely without assistance.
Additional checked baggage options
For passengers bringing more belongings during their Undas trip, Cebu Pacific allows travelers to purchase up to three pieces of checked baggage, with each purchased piece carrying an initial allowance of 20 kilograms.
Passengers may also purchase an additional 4 kg, 8 kg, or 12 kg allowance for each baggage piece on top of its initial 20 kg allocation.
Additional baggage can be purchased through the MyCebuPacific account under Manage Booking, with online purchases available until two hours before departure.
Pre-purchasing baggage is a practical option for travelers bringing gifts, family belongings, or other items that cannot fit within their cabin allowance. Check your booking before leaving home so you know exactly how much baggage you have purchased.
International Travelers Must Complete Their eTravel Requirements
Passengers flying internationally during Undas should also prepare their Philippine eTravel registration before arriving at the airport or returning to the country.
Cebu Pacific reminds international travelers to register or update their eTravel information within 72 hours, or three days, before departure from and arrival in the Philippines.
After completing the registration, passengers should save the generated QR code because it will be needed during the relevant immigration and arrival procedures.
For round-trip international journeys, travelers must complete the eTravel registration twice: once for their departure from the Philippines and another time for their return arrival.
Passengers should also complete the Customs Declaration Form before arriving in the Philippines. The eTravel QR code must be kept accessible because customs officers will scan it after passengers collect their checked baggage at the arrival carousel.
Travelers can complete the registration through the official eGovPH application or the government website at etravel.gov.ph.
Those flying to international destinations should additionally review the specific entry and travel requirements of their destination. Requirements may differ depending on the country and the passenger’s circumstances.
Power Bank Restrictions and Airport Self-Tagging Rules
Electronic devices are another important consideration when preparing luggage. Cebu Pacific requires portable electronic devices (PEDs), including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, to be placed in hand-carry baggage rather than checked luggage.
Power banks are subject to additional restrictions. Under the updated guidelines referenced by the airline, passengers may bring power banks with a capacity of up to 100 watt-hours (Wh). Power banks exceeding 100 Wh are prohibited.
Passengers must keep permitted power banks in their hand-carry items and place them in a pocket or the seat pocket in front of them during the flight. They must not be stored in overhead compartments or underneath seats.
Another important restriction is that using or charging power banks during the flight is strictly prohibited.
Self-tagging checked baggage at selected airports
Cebu Pacific also reminds passengers departing from selected domestic destinations to attach their baggage tags at designated airport kiosks before proceeding to the bag-drop counters.
The listed destinations are Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Caticlan, Cauayan, Clark, Coron, Davao, El Nido, General Santos, Iloilo, Legazpi, Manila, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, Siargao, Surigao, Tacloban, Tagbilaran, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.
Self-bag-drop kiosks are also available at NAIA Terminal 3 and Clark International Airport.
Passengers departing from Cebu should check the instructions displayed at their airport and follow the applicable baggage-tagging procedures for their particular flight.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cebu Pacific Undas Travel
How early should I arrive for a Cebu Pacific flight?
Passengers should arrive at least three hours before domestic departures and four hours before international departures. Additional time is advisable when road traffic is expected to be heavy.
Can I bring a power bank on a Cebu Pacific flight?
Yes. Power banks with a capacity of up to 100 Wh are permitted under the airline’s stated guidelines. They must remain accessible in the cabin, and using or charging them during the flight is prohibited.
Can I check in online before going to the airport?
Yes. Online check-in is available through the Cebu Pacific mobile app or website, beginning 48 hours before departure. Domestic check-in closes one hour before departure, while international check-in closes two hours before departure.
Where can I check Cebu Pacific flight requirements?
Passengers can visit the official Cebu Pacific Help Center for domestic and international travel information, baggage guidelines, and other flight requirements.
Plan Your Cebu Trip Before the Undas Travel Rush
Undas is an important time for Filipino families, whether they are traveling home to visit relatives, remembering departed loved ones, or spending time together during the holiday period.
For passengers flying to Cebu, a little preparation can make the airport experience considerably easier. Confirm your flight schedule, review your baggage allowance, complete online check-in when available, and prepare the necessary travel documents before departure.
It is also a good idea to keep your contact information updated through Cebu Pacific’s Manage Booking portal. This allows the airline to send important flight reminders and updates through your registered email address.
Before heading to Mactan-Cebu International Airport or another departure terminal, review the latest airline announcements and allow enough time for your journey. Preparing ahead can help you spend less time dealing with airport requirements and more time with the people waiting for you in Cebu.
Source: SunStar Davao Digital, October 30, 2026. Cebu Pacific’s Undas travel reminders and passenger guidelines.
