⌛ It's true there is a plane

The plane finally arrived today and left once again for Cebu. 35 minute flights cheaper than the ferry. One way with only a carry-on (7kl) is 488 including tax. Hope this flight will last a while Checked baggage add 200p Maybe see you on the plane sometime

 

!! WOWEE !!

Thanks, Bikerdave. Do you think that long term might include next Monday?

I sure hope so as Annabelle and I have tickets.

 

:D that was a good one... looking forward to your report.
Good luck and all the best for you 2...

 

Well, the flight operated again on Monday 9 Mar 09. We were on it. What a difference this short hop makes compared to the 5 1/2 hour bus / boat / bus odyssey!

Anne has realized a whole new experience in the time & space continuum. Let's hope that the flight is sufficiently well patronized for it to continue or even increase in frequency.

The ATR aircraft is a beaut! A high wing monoplane, it affords spactular views of the stunning en route vista. It is powerfully engined, rolls out quickly and attains cruising altitudes effortlessly. It's quiet and vibration free. WOW!

Those who fly through DGT will know that the terminal is limited to a MOG (Maximum On Ground) of two. This is the daily pattern of morning and afternoon service to and from Manila. I was curious as to how the new service would fit in, if their was any slippage in the schedules. It happened yesterday when Flight 686 arrived early. Let me introduce you to the concept of "rolling MOG".

In the first photo, our Cebu flight holds short on the main runway, while a competitor's aircraft clears the DGT ramp. In the second, "De Plane" actually arrives. In the third, my sweetheart prepares to board for the short hop to Cebu!

What a day & what a trip!

 

Great for you guys... thanks a lot. How many passengers did you have on the flight ?

have a great time in Cebu

 

That's great news! Looking forward to use that mode of transportation later in Q2/2009. ;-)

 

Davfitz -- Thanks for the pics and the report! Rick will be taking this flight next month when he visits DGT and Cebu. Any other good tips/information?

Thanks again,

Sue

 

Sorry. I've been neglectful of this thread. Rhoody, there were only about 16-20 passengers on our flight. I'm hopeful that this will improve as word gets out that the CEB - DGT air connection is actually operating. Cebu Pacific is its own worst enemy in having this flight languish for so long in an on-again, off-again status.

Rick and Sue. You should know that there has already been a schedule change. Cebu Pacific (5J) flight 868 DUMAGUETE-CEBU now operates departing @ 0720 with scheduled arrival @ 08000. I'm certain that the change was made to avoid conflict on the DGT ramp. Be certain to re-confirm actual operating times when you arrive here due to the chameleon like nature of this operation.

Rick can save himself some money in Cebu by avoiding the taxi line-up immediately at the airport exit. Cross that street and climb the short stairway at the right hand extremity. There, join a new line-up on the street. Metered cabs operate from there and a downtown trip will be half the cost.

You seem to be well prepared for your Dumaguete visit. You will NOT be disappointed!

 

thanks for the update Sir,

As much as I hope that flight will be a constant thing I can't get rid of the feeling that it will develop into the "Neverending-story in Duma 2" not as successful as part one (the Robinson Saga) but still quite entertaining.

Having said that, last monday I try to book that route for friday (regular, no light-fare) as i needed to bring some stuff for repair to a "real" shop.

One way 1.100 Peso !!! on a 2/3 empty plane, sitting under a banner which promotes 688 (or something like that)....

 

Aw shucks, Rhoody. It is not fair of me to gloat over your misfortune - but just this once, I will.

As you already know, Anne and I really enjoyed our flight to Cebu. Anne has business there on a frequent basis and I go along to carry her baggage. We have decided to use the flight as often as we can at least on deployment. That's where seat sales and timing come in to play.

Cebu Pacific recently held a seat sale with a validity period April to end July. Purchases needed to be completed by 14 March - last Saturday. I still have issues with CP's archaic internet booking procedures, so I was only prepared to risk a small amount of my money. I booked four trips to Cebu. Eventually the system "worked" and I now have our E-tickets.

The fare?

Philippine pesos 692.00 one-way all inclusive (and with full baggage entitlement to boot).

PP 692.00 that is for two!