By Emmie V. Abadilla
Given the current COVID-19 crisis, with at least 100 countries now affected by the virus and new cases breaking out locally, Cebu Pacific (CEB) is offering flexibility to its passengers via free re-booking of flights for those traveling in both domestic and international routes from March 10 to 31, 2020.
"We understand the concerns and hesitation passengers have with regards to air travel. Hence, we have made some revisions to our booking policies," the airline stated the other day (March 9, 2020).
Passengers booked for Philippine and international travel from yesterday (March 10) to the end of the month can rebook their flights for free but fare differences may apply.
They may rebook their flights by calling the hotline at +632-8702-0888, which is open daily from 7am-10pm, Philippine time, or visit http://bit.ly/CEBcontactus for CEB's other contact centers.
Passengers can also rebook via the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website (https://book.cebupacificair.com/Manage/Retrieve). This option will be available starting today, (Wednesday), March 11, 2020.
On the other hand, passengers booking new flights between March 10 and 31, 2020, regardless of travel date and route, can avail of CEB Flexi for free.
CEB Flexi enables travelers to rebook their flights up to two times, and up to two hours before departure. Fare difference may apply.
They should simply select the “CEB Flexi” add-on. They can use CEB Flexi to rebook their flights through the “Manage Booking” portal in the Cebu Pacific website (http://bit.ly/CEBmanageflight).
"While there are some restrictions in place, in general, travelling remains largely safe, as long as preventive measures are done habitually and travelers stay updated on factual information," according to the CEB statement.
Preventive measures are in place to manage the risk of infection from the coronavirus disease COVID-19, the airline underscored.
These measures include thorough disinfection of aircraft, on top of the regular cleaning; providing our crew with Personnel Protective Equipment such as face masks, gloves and disinfectants; restriction on transferring of seats during our flights; and use of HEPA air filters, that block 99.99% of contaminants and viruses.