Flight frights

Last December, I went to Boracay through this Piso Fare Promo of Cebu Pacific. Much to my dismay, the service was so poor that I had the worst experience ever in my 38 years in this world. I went to Boracay to relax and have fun. But the fun turned into a series of nightmares starting when I checked in at the Davao International Airport for a flight to Cebu with a connecting flight to Kalibo. I requested the Cebu Pacific check-in counter personnel to have my ticket checked through so that when I arrive in Cebu , I wouldn't have to check in my luggage again for the flight to Kalibo.

However, the said personnel told me I couldn't be checked through, allegedly since I had a split ticket. On my flight back to Davao City on the eve of Christmas 2007, I was at the Kalibo airport at 10 a.m. for my flight was 2:20 p.m. that day. I made sure to check in early since December 24 is a busy season to travel and in case of any delay, Cebu Pacific could find ways to ensure my arrival in Davao City on the same day, which was very important because I did not want to spend Christmas, which is supposed to be spent with friends and family, in a strange place

. Anyway, upon checking in, I was informed that the flight from Kalibo to Cebu was delayed and its departure moved from 2:20 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. I told them that I have to catch a flight from Cebu to Davao at 4:30 p.m. and requested the check-in counter clerk to let me talk with their manager so I could be assisted.

I remember talking to a Mr. Rabe, who unfortunately, just told me that all flights are fully booked and that the best thing they could offer is to waive the rebooking fee. Then he left. I waited for an hour, thinking that they were doing everything to put me on a plane to Davao as soon as we arrive in Cebu .

To my dismay, they did not do anything!!! I was very agitated, knowing that the flight is leaving Kalibo at 4:30 p.m., the same time that the plane from Cebu is leaving for Davao . Indeed, when I got to Cebu, the plane to Davao had already left and not one of the Cebu Pacific personnel exerted an ounce of effort to assist me or to book me in another flight.

While at the airport, my staff advised me to check the Air Philippines flights to Davao . When I got to the Air Philippines counter, they immediately accommodated me on their flight to Davao as there was still one slot available. With this, I wish to express my warmest gratitude to the staff and crew of Air Philippines for accommodating me and making sure that I got home for Christmas.  

PETER SIASU
petersiasu@hotmail.com  

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