With Holy Week approaching, airlines are issuing urgent advisories to travelers as airports brace for a significant surge in passenger traffic. The key message: plan meticulously, arrive early, and complete all digital requirements in advance to avoid holiday travel headaches.
Cebu Pacific is among the carriers emphasizing proactive preparation. The airline recommends passengers double-check flight details, allocate extra time for airport commutes, and utilize online check-in tools to streamline their experience.
A critical reminder focuses on verifying departure terminals, especially for flights with codes beginning with 5J, DG, or T6. Notably, effective March 29, 2026, all DG and T6 flights previously operating from Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 have been relocated to Clark International Airport. Confirming this information on itineraries and boarding passes is essential to prevent terminal confusion.
Given anticipated heavy road congestion during this peak period, travelers should depart for the airport earlier than usual. Airlines advise arriving at least three hours before domestic flights and four hours prior to international departures.
Check-in counters typically close 45 minutes before domestic flights and one hour before international flights, with boarding commencing 45 minutes before scheduled takeoff. To bypass long queues, passengers are encouraged to check in online via official airline websites or mobile apps. Those traveling without checked baggage may often proceed directly to their boarding gates, following specific carrier guidelines.
For international travel, completing the eTravel form within 72 hours of both departure from and arrival in the Philippines is mandatory. Travelers must save the generated QR code, and those on roundtrip flights need to submit the form twice. Additionally, a Customs Declaration Form must be filled out before arrival, with its QR code kept handy for scanning after baggage claim.
Baggage policies also warrant attention. Generally, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag for overhead storage and one personal item (like a purse or laptop bag) under the seat, both within airline-specified weight and size limits. Exceeding these may incur fees at the gate, and purchasing prepaid baggage online is usually more economical than airport rates.
Safety reminders include packing portable electronic devices—phones, laptops, tablets—in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. Power banks must be hand-carried, adhering to airline capacity regulations, and should not be stored in overhead bins or under seats during flights, with usage and charging potentially restricted.
At select domestic airports, travelers may need to self-tag checked luggage before bag drop, and self-bag drop kiosks are available in some major hubs. Updating contact details with airlines ensures receipt of timely flight reminders and travel advisories, further smoothing the Holy Week journey.