How to Survive a Long-Haul Flight on a Budget Airline

Last week, I flew to the Philippines (and back) via a budget airline for the 3rd time. Some of my friends couldn't help but ask why. Well, I say, why not? I don't really mind traveling on low-cost carriers, especially when I have to stretch our travel fund a little bit farther! But human as I am, I also have the tendency to compare.

Having experienced flying with some of the bests in the aviation industry, I know I'm missing a lot of things when I'm in a cheap flight. Yet I don't have the heart to loathe low-cost carriers because when I get to see the whole picture, what they offer is exactly what I paid for!

Instead of being disappointed, I learned how to make flying on a budget less excruciating. Here are some ways...

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Dubai-Manila Budget Flights via Cebu Pacific

Last Christmas, Ed and I got ourselves the most fantastic holiday present: the cheapest Dubai-Manila round trip tickets! We were actually experiencing the usual holiday blues until we discovered that Cebu Pacific, a popular low-cost carrier in the Philippines, launched a grand seat sale on Christmas morning. Nothing can ever beat the excitement of booking a homecoming flight, and getting it at half the price was surreal. It was our Christmas miracle.

Months later, our highly anticipated homecoming day arrived. It was our first long-haul flight with Cebu Pacific, so I have been telling myself not to expect too much from a budget airline. I know, it will be totally different from our previous airplane rides. After all, we always get what we pay for.

Cebu Pacific aircraft at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila 

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Who are the Lucky Juans?

It has been three months since Cebu Pacific launched 100 Lucky Juans, a fantastic contest for OFWs in the Middle East. There was an outpour of sentiments and creativity as 100 Dubai-Manila roundtrip tickets were up for grabs. But as they say, all good things must come to end, it is time to wrap up the 100 Lucky Juans competition.

Here are the Lucky Juans who will be flying home for free on October 7, 2013:
(list of winners from Cebu Pacific's Official Facebook Page)

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Millions Have Chosen Cebu Pacific

In the first half of 2013, 7.5 Million guests traveled via Cebu Pacific. Statistics have shown that Cebu Pacific's passengers have increased by 8% compared to the same period last year. The Philippines' leading budget airline had 9% growth  on its International routes and 7.5% growth on its Domestic routes. 

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Where in the world is CEB?

CEB is Cebu Pacific's official mascot. The lovable, well-travelled mascot has visited almost every tourist spot in the Philippines and in some Asian countries. Recently, CEB was sighted in the "City of Dreams" or the "City of Gold" or shall we call it "my second home". CEB was here in Dubai!

I'm pretty sure CEB had fun, I can tell it through through these photos:   

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Cebu Pacific A330's Maiden Flight and Fascinating Facts

Cebu Pacific continues to fulfill its mission to give an affordable mode of travel to Filipinos worldwide! Cebu Pacific Air's A330 aka The Big Juan will not just bring Filipinos closer to Dubai, but to Korea and Singapore as well! CEB's Big Juan just had its inaugural flight to Seoul last July 4 and to Singapore last July 8, 2013. The passengers of the said flights were given special send-offs and freebies. The first inaugural flight passenger to check-in even received a Seoul-Manila round trip ticket! Lucky Juan!

Ever wonder how BIG the Big Juan is? Here are fun fascinating facts about 

Cebu Pacific's brand new airbus A330:

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100 Lucky Juans: Week 3 and 4 UWInners

The weather app on my phone tells me that it's a cruel summer day once again. Times like this make me want to pack my bags, head straight to the Philippines and feel the raindrops on my skin. In reality, I need to endure the summer heat for the next 3 months. Oh how I envy my kababayans in the UAE who are about to take their vacation, especially the 100 Lucky Juans who are going home for free, courtesy of Cebu Pacific! 

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The BIG Juan: Cebu Pacific's A330

I have always been fascinated with airplanes. When I was little, I would tilt my head up in the sky whenever I hear a whoosh sound. I would stargaze and look for blinking airplane navigation lights at night. Until now, I still get that rush feelings whenever I see one. It's a bucket of mixed emotions actually. It can sometimes be homesickness; the longing to be one of the passengers who are on their way home. It can also be euphoria; the giddy feeling whenever I think of my dream getaway or homecoming.  

Now, how would I feel when I see this big Airbus, bearing the Philippine Flag, in the skies of United Arab Emirates real soon?

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100 Lucky Juans: 2nd Batch of UWInners

I am back with another great news to tell! I'm sure many Filipino Expats in the UAE who joined Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans contest on Facebook have been waiting for this. Here is the 2nd batch of Lucky Juans who will be flying to the Philippines for free on October 7, 2013:

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Free Attractions and Cheap Thrills in Dubai

When a budget airline announced their daily direct flights from Manila to Dubai, I wasn't the only one who's overjoyed. My family and friends in the Philippines were so excited about it as well. In fact, most of them are already planning to visit Dubai soon. Since travelling to Dubai is already cheaper, their only concern is how to enjoy the city even on a budget!

Dubai may be a city of glitz and glamour, but it is definitely possible to have fun without spending a fortune!  

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The Lucky Juans: First Batch of UWInners

By now, you have probably heard the great news! You have read the contest mechanics and have probably submitted an entry or two already! Clueless? Then you must have been too busy at work, or have been anti-social(?!), or have been living in a cave(duh!). Seriously, if you haven't checked the news feed lately, here's something every Filipino Expat in the UAE should know: Cebu Pacific is giving away 100 Dubai-Manila round trip tickets! If you are a Kapuso (GMA Pinoy TV Subscriber) and a huge fan of Cebu Pacific Air, all you have to do is to join the 100 Lucky Juans contest at Cebu Pacific's Official Facebook Page for a chance to fly home for free. 

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My Favorite "Juans"

I was browsing the entries for Cebu Pacific's 100 Lucky Juans contest in Facebook a while ago, and I must say that all participants really did an awesome job! I adored the creative artworks and even shed some tears while reading the touching stories of my fellow OFWs in United Arab Emirates! I have read about longing for home and sacrifices of being away. I actually saw a piece of me in most entries. Kudos to all participants!  

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Homecoming is more fun with Cebu Pacific!

I just had the best vacation ever! I wasn't able to get a new country stamp on my passport, but I got a stamp that made me grin from ear to ear: PILIPINAS! I really love coming home! A month-long vacation in the Philippines means 30 days of fun, food and family time. The Philippine islands gave me endless possibilities. I could have a beach holiday, a mountain retreat or an urban getaway. I had a thousand things-to-do running in my head. But since homecoming is all about family, they should go wherever I go. 

As a family-oriented person with a mild case of wanderlust, I planned an 8-day trip with the folks. With just enough funds, I looked for cheap ways to travel to the islands of Negros, Panay, Leyte and Bohol. I thought we had to endure long hours of travel via buses and boats in order to stick with the budget plan. Then, I got lucky and scored Cebu Pacific promotional airfares a month before our trip!                 

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Cebu Pacific Contest: 100 Lucky Juans

It's my 5th year as an Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai. Time flies really fast! It has been 5 years of Expat life and whirlwind of emotions! I feel so blessed to be here, yet homesickness is inevitable. I have missed four Christmas and a lot of birthdays, even my parents' 60th! I would have been home on some of those occasions if airfares are cheaper. I was constantly praying, waiting and hoping for promotional fares. This year, my prayer was answered! Cebu Pacific, the leading airline in the Philippines, will have direct flights to Dubai starting October 7, 2013!!!

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Cebu Pacific: You say Dubai, I say Hello!

I'm the kind of woman who'd rather book a hotel stay than buy a gold necklace. I'd choose food in a fancy restaurant over a new pair of shoes. And I'd rather spend thousands for a plane ticket rather than a designer bag! :) But I'm no big spender! Most of the hotel stays, dine-outs and plane tickets were on promotional offers. I think that explains why I went crazy over Cebu Pacific Airline's "You say Dubai, I say Hello" advertisement. Who doesn't love cheap airfares? I was so overjoyed! I told everyone at work about it, shared the ad on my Facebook Timeline and I even sent a message to my mom!

Photo from https://www.facebook.com/cebupacificair

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