Travel tidbits

You must be aware of the numerous tempting offers by various airlines - and I do not mean just the budget airlines.  The big-time players are already in the arena of affordable travel by lowering their rates to the barest minimum possible.  This could be due to the ways that are in place in reducing carbon footprints in the air lanes.  We can no longer bring big bags - considered "oversized luggage" subject to tariff, checked in at a different chute, which you will claim separately upon arrival. Nor can you pack your bag to bursting, because the allowed weight per bag has been considerably reduced.  These are all for the overall weight management of the aircraft, to save on precious fuel and reduce flight time.

Back to the tempting offers: Philippines Airlines for the very limited period of September 2 - 4, and travel period of September 10 - 30, 2013 had the Manila-Cebu route for only P1,363.00 one-way all-in fare.  The Cebu to Cagayan de oro/Ozamis/Davao/Puerto Princesa(Palawan)/Zamboanga routes were on offer at P1,210.00 one-way all-in. (There are many other routes on offer.  I am just quoting the ones with Cebu)

Remember, this is on a book and buy basis, with limited seats on offer.  Therefore, you must be on the lookout for these promotions and ready to confirm your flight, then pay.  Promo tickets are non-rebookable, non-refundable and non-routable.  Hence, be sure of your travel plans before you purchase that cheap ticket…otherwise, you lose the whole ticket amount if you are a "no show."

Cathay Pacific Airways recently announced that they will commence new service route from Hong Kong to Newark Liberty International Airport by March 01, 2014.  "The city of Newark is located west of Manhattan Island and the new service will complement Cathay Pacific's current four-times-daily service to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York," explains the media release.  The route will have the CX Boeing 777-300ER (The same aircraft we got from the Boeing factory in Seattle when CX commenced their Premium Economy Class.)  with the award-winning Business Class, the Premium Economy Class and the new more spacious Economy Class.

CX Chief Executive John Slosar states further:  "Our New York service has long been popular with business and leisure travellers alike.  The addition of the Newark service will provide a more convenient option for business travellers living or working in New Jersey.  By providing yet more flights to the New York metropolitan ares, we can offer passengers even more choice and flexibility and, at the same time, continue to boost Hong Kong's standing as an international aviation hub."

Convenient option indeed! How I have always wished that I would be able to land in Newark airport as my cousins reside in New Jersey and it is such a waste of time for them to pick me up at JFK. Now my East Coast arrival will be most convenient all around! Thanks, CX!

Here's how it will be:

CX 920 Cebu-Hong Kong  -- departs 12:45pm and arrives 3:25pm every Tues., Wed., Thurs. and Sat. CONNECTS

CX 890 Hong Kong - Newark  -- departs 6:20pm and arrives 9pm

CX 899 Newark - Hong Kong - daily departure 1:15am and arrives next day at 6am

CX 921 Hong Kong - Cebu  -- departs 9am and arrives 11:45am every Tue., Wed., Thurs. and Sat. OR

CX 921 Hong Kong - Cebu - departs 4:05pm and arrives 6:50pm every Sun., Mon. and Fri.

With the US Daylight Saving Time, here's the               itinerary time adjustment:

CX 920 CEB - HKG - departs 12:45pm and arrives 3:25pm same days as above

CX 890 HKG - EWR - departs 6:20 and arrives 10pm same-day connection

CX 899 EWR - HKG - departs 1:50am and arrives 5:40am next day, daily flights

CX 921 HKG - CEB - departs 9am and arrives 11:45am everu Tue., Wed., Thu. and Sat.

OR

CX 921 HKG -CEB - departs 4:05pm and arrives 6:50pm every Sun., Mon. and Fri.

            Like any other international airline that flies from Cebu to the rest of the world, Cathay Pacific is one of my preferred airlines because it is most convenient to be coming home and passing through immigration and customs requirements at the Mactan Cebu International Airport.  I dread Manila!