Cebgo

South East Asian Airlines (known by the IATA code DG) is not just an air carrier, but a true aerial bridge connecting thousands of islands in the Philippine archipelago. When it comes to traveling to the most picturesque and hard-to-reach corners of the country, where large liners are powerless, their maneuverable aircraft come to the rescue. This airline specializes in delivering travelers right to the doorstep of tropical paradise, making logistics between islands fast and comfortable.

A key feature of the airline is its unique route network built around regional flights. Based at Cebu City airport, the carrier provides a vital link between popular tourist centers and remote provinces. The company's fleet, consisting primarily of modern turboprop aircraft (such as the ATR 72), allows for landings at airports with short runways. It is thanks to this that tourists can reach gems like Busuanga (the gateway to the lakes of Coron) or the surfer's paradise Del Carmen on Siargao Island without transferring to ferries.

The mission of South East Asian Airlines is to ensure the accessibility of air travel in the Southeast Asian regions, offering an alternative to long sea crossings. The company focuses on high flight frequency to key destinations: for example, routes to Cagayan de Oro or Tacloban are serviced daily, allowing travelers to flexibly plan their schedules. Also worth noting are the convenient connections through Manila and Angeles City, linking the north and south of the country.

Safety and punctuality are priorities in the airline's operations. Crews undergo special training for flights in tropical climate conditions and complex terrain. For tourists, choosing flights with the DG code often becomes an opportunity to see the beauty of the Philippines from a bird's-eye view, enjoying views of turquoise lagoons and the green hills of islands like Bacolod or El Nido even before landing.

How to Contact the Airline

For the prompt resolution of issues related to flights, booking changes, or baggage, passengers of South East Asian Airlines (flights with code DG) are recommended to use the unified communication channels of the group to which the carrier belongs (often serviced through the Cebu Pacific / Cebgo platform). The company is actively developing digital services, so most questions can be resolved online without calling an operator.

Contact Details

• Official Website: www.cebupacificair.com (Main platform for ticket search and check-in for DG flights).
• Customer Support (Manila): +63 2 8702 0888
• Customer Support (Cebu): +63 32 230 8888
• International Connections: +61 2 9119 2956 (Australia), +852 397 33 800 (Hong Kong).
• Mobile App: Cebu Pacific (available for download on the App Store and Google Play). This is the most convenient way to manage bookings on the go.

Social Media

The airline actively communicates via social networks, where news about promotions and schedule changes is also published:

• Facebook: facebook.com/cebupacificair
• Twitter (X): @CebuPacificAir
• Instagram: @cebupacificair

Offices and Representatives

Physical customer service counters and sales offices are available at departure airports. Main points of presence:

• Main Hub: Mactan-Cebu International Airport (Cebu City).
• Capital Hub: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Manila), usually Terminal 4 for domestic flights.

Please note: Contact numbers and office operating hours may change. We strongly recommend checking the current information in the "Help" or "Contact Us" section on the official website before your trip. For quick communication, it is often more effective to use the chatbot on the website.

Baggage Rules: What You Need to Know Before Flying

Since South East Asian Airlines (DG) operates flights primarily on small ATR turboprop aircraft, baggage rules here are strictly enforced. Limited space on board and aircraft balance requirements dictate clear standards that passengers must consider in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses at the airport.

Cabin Baggage (Hand Carry)

The basic fare usually includes only hand luggage. This rule applies to all routes, whether it's a short flight to Dumaguete or a flight to the capital.

• Weight Limit: Each passenger is allowed to bring 1 bag weighing up to 7 kg.
• Dimensions: The size of hand luggage must not exceed 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm. This is necessary for the bag to fit in the overhead bin of the ATR aircraft.
• Additional Items: One small personal item (handbag or laptop bag) is allowed, which must fit under the seat in front of you.

Tip: At popular tourist destinations such as Busuanga, staff often weigh hand luggage before boarding. If your backpack looks bulky, it will definitely be checked.

Checked Baggage

On DG flights, a free baggage allowance is often absent in the cheapest fares. Baggage is purchased via the Prepaid Baggage system. This can be done while booking the ticket or later through the "Manage Booking" function on the website (usually no later than 2 hours before departure).

Available Weight Options:

• Standard (20 kg): The optimal choice for a week-long vacation, for example, when traveling to Bacolod.
• Large (32 kg): Suitable for long trips.
• Extra Large (40 kg): The maximum allowable weight per passenger.

It is important to remember that the weight of a single piece of luggage must not exceed 32 kg due to occupational health and safety rules for baggage handlers. If you purchased 40 kg, it must be distributed across at least two bags.

Excess Baggage

If you arrive at the airport with excess weight not paid for in advance, you will have to pay according to Airport Baggage Fee rates, which are significantly higher than online rates. Fees are charged for every kilogram of excess weight. On flights with a high load factor, for example from the hub in Cebu City, excess baggage may be refused if the aircraft's cargo hold is already full.

Sports Equipment

The Philippines is a mecca for surfers and divers, and the airline understands this. For transporting equipment, there is a special option called CEB Sports Equipment.

• Surfing: If you are flying to catch waves in Del Carmen (the nearest airport to the famous Cloud 9 on Siargao), be sure to arrange board transport in advance.
• Diving: Scuba diving equipment is also subject to separate payment. Tanks must be empty, and valves must be open.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

For safety purposes, standard international restrictions apply:

• Prohibited in Hand Carry: Liquids in containers larger than 100 ml, sharp objects, imitation weapons.
• Prohibited in Checked Baggage: Portable chargers (Power Banks) and lithium-ion batteries (these can be carried only in hand luggage), electronic cigarettes, lighters.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits (especially durian due to its smell) may be prohibited from carriage in the cabin.

Packing Tips for DG Flights

Given the specifics of small aircraft flying to Tacloban, Angeles City, and other regional airports, follow these recommendations:

1. Use Soft Bags: Backpacks or soft travel bags are easier to fit into ATR luggage compartments than rigid plastic suitcases.
2. Valuables With You: Always keep money, documents, electronics, and medication in your hand luggage.
3. Protection from Moisture: When flying to islands, tropical downpours are possible during loading/unloading on the open tarmac. Packing items in waterproof covers inside your bag will keep them dry.

Traveling with Pets

South East Asian Airlines (DG), operating flights primarily on compact turboprop aircraft across the Philippine islands, pays special attention to the safety of live cargo. Transporting a pet requires careful planning, as rules on small aircraft are stricter than on large international liners. The company's policy aims to ensure comfort for all passengers and the safety of the animal itself during flights between hubs like Cebu City or smaller airports.

Transport Options

Depending on the weight of the animal, the type of aircraft, and the destination, various transport methods may be offered to you. Important: on many DG flights operated by ATR aircraft, the transport of animals as checked baggage may be limited, and shipping via the Cargo terminal often becomes the primary method.

In Cabin (Hand Carry)

Transporting animals in the aircraft cabin on DG flights is usually strictly regulated and is most often permitted only for service dogs. If the airline confirms the possibility of bringing a small pet in the cabin for your flight, the following standards apply:

• Carrier Dimensions: The container must be soft or semi-rigid, with approximate dimensions not exceeding 40×30×20 cm, to fit freely under the seat.
• Maximum Weight: The total weight of the animal together with the carrier usually must not exceed 7–8 kg.
• Allowed Animals: Most often, only cats and small dogs are permitted.
• Limit per Passenger: One passenger may transport only one container.
• Service Animals: Guide dogs and emotional support dogs are transported in the cabin free of charge (subject to appropriate certificates) and must be muzzled at the owner's feet.

In the Baggage Hold (Checked Baggage)

If transport in the cabin is not possible, the pet flies in a special compartment of the aircraft. Given the Philippine climate, the compartment must be ventilated and air-conditioned.

• Container Requirements: A rigid crate (plastic/metal) complying with IATA standards. The door must have a secure lock preventing accidental opening. The bottom must be covered with absorbent material.
• Size: The animal must be able to stand up fully, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
• Weight: The maximum weight of the container with the animal is discussed individually but is usually limited to 32–40 kg for baggage (anything above this is processed as cargo).
• Additionally: Water and food containers must be attached to the crate.

As Cargo

For large dogs or when flying on small planes to destinations like Busuanga, the airline may require the pet to be processed through the cargo terminal.

• When Required: If the animal's weight exceeds baggage allowances, the breed is on the restricted list for the baggage hold, or the aircraft does not have the technical capability to accept live cargo in baggage.
• Procedure: The animal is handed over at the airport cargo terminal several hours before departure (separate from passenger check-in).
• Special Requirements: Stricter inspection of the crate for durability and ventilation on four sides.

Necessary Documents

For domestic flights within the Philippines (for example, from Manila to Bacolod), the document package must be complete:

• Shipping Permit: Issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) of the Philippines. This is a key document for local flights.
• Veterinary Passport: With up-to-date health records.
• Vaccination Certificate: A valid rabies vaccination is mandatory (administered at least 21 days and no more than one year before the flight).
• Veterinary Health Certificate: Issued by a veterinarian no earlier than 3 days before the trip.

Service Costs

Animal transport is not included in the free baggage allowance and is paid for separately. Rates are indicative and depend on weight and flight zone:

• In Cabin: A fixed fee (usually from 1,000 to 2,000 PHP), if the service is available.
• In Baggage Hold: Often calculated as excess baggage based on rates per kilogram of weight (animal + crate).
• Cargo: Payment is made according to cargo rates, which depend on the volumetric weight of the crate and the route distance (for example, delivery to Manila will cost differently than a short flight).

Preparation Tips

• Crate Training: Allow your pet to get used to the carrier in advance, several weeks before the flight.
• Feeding: Do not feed the animal heavily less than 4 hours before departure, but be sure to give water.
• Reducing Stress: Put a familiar item in the crate (a favorite toy or a t-shirt with the owner's scent). The use of sedatives is not recommended without a doctor's prescription, as they affect thermoregulation.
• Identification: Affix a sticker to the crate with the animal's name, your name, and phone number.

Restrictions

The airline reserves the right to refuse transport in the following cases:

• Prohibited Breeds: Brachycephalic breeds (dogs and cats with flattened faces, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, Persian cats) are often not accepted for transport in the baggage hold due to the risk of respiratory problems.
• Age: Puppies and kittens younger than 3-4 months (before rabies vaccination).
• Condition: Pregnant females, sick, or aggressive animals.
• Exceptions: Restrictions may not apply to certified service dogs subject to prior approval.

We strongly recommend contacting representatives of the airline or the cargo office of South East Asian Airlines (DG) at least 48 hours before departure to clarify current requirements and book a spot for your pet.

Go Rewards Loyalty Program

Passengers of South East Asian Airlines (DG) become members of the Go Rewards loyalty program. This is a unified bonus ecosystem combining the air carrier with one of the largest retail networks in the Philippines, allowing you to earn points not only in the sky but also on the ground. The program is particularly beneficial for those who fly frequently through the hub in Cebu City or travel along the archipelago's regional routes.

Membership Tiers

The program operates a simplified status system that depends on holding co-branded cards and member activity. The main levels include:

• Classic: Assigned immediately upon registration, giving access to point accumulation for every flight and exclusive ticket sales.
• Gold: Available to premium cardholders, offering priority check-in and a dedicated boarding lane.
• Platinum / Black (Elite): The maximum level of privileges, including free extra baggage allowance and access to lounges at select airports.

How to Earn Points

The point accrual system is tied to the amount spent, not the actual flight distance, making it transparent and easy to understand:

• Flights on DG: Points are awarded for every peso spent on the base fare and add-ons (meals, baggage).
• Retail Partners: Accumulation occurs when shopping at Robinsons supermarkets and department stores nationwide.
• Fueling Up: Bonuses are awarded at partner gas stations (e.g., Caltex) when traveling around the islands.
• Credit Cards: Using UnionBank co-branded cards accelerates point accumulation by 2-3 times for everyday transactions.

How to Spend Points

The main advantage of Go Rewards is the absence of Blackout Dates when purchasing tickets with points:

• Free Tickets: Full or partial payment for a flight, for example, to Manila or to resorts.
• Add-ons: Paying for excess baggage or seat selection (CEB Seat Selector).
• Everyday Purchases: Using points as currency at the checkout of partner stores.
• Points Exchange: The ability to convert bonuses into miles of other partner loyalty programs.

Alliance Membership

The airline is part of the world's largest low-cost carrier alliance, expanding the geography of flights:

• Alliance Name: Value Alliance.
• Key Partners: Cebu Pacific, Jeju Air, Nok Air, Scoot.
• Benefits: The ability to book complex routes with transfers (for example, via Singapore or Bangkok) on a single ticket.

How to Join

You can become a member for free in just a few minutes. To do this, download the Go Rewards mobile app or register on the official program website. After registration, you will receive a virtual membership number, which needs to be entered during every ticket booking to Del Carmen, Cagayan de Oro, and other destinations in the network.

Travel Classes and Onboard Comfort

South East Asian Airlines (IATA code: DG), operating flights in close partnership with Cebu Pacific (often under the Cebgo brand), specializes in regional transport. Since the fleet consists of ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft, the service concept here differs from large international liners. The main focus is on efficiency, affordability, and speed of travel between islands.

Economy Class is the only class of service available on all DG flights. However, the absence of business class is compensated by the unique advantages of small aircraft and a thoughtful approach to passenger comfort on short routes.

Seat Configuration

Flying on a turboprop plane has its undeniable advantages, especially for those who dislike sitting in the middle. The cabin of ATR aircraft has a 2 x 2 layout. This means that every seat is either a window seat or an aisle seat. Middle seats are completely absent, ensuring more personal space for each passenger.

Seat Features:

• Standard Seats: Standard leather seats with a pitch sufficient for a comfortable flight lasting 1–1.5 hours.
• Premium Seats: For an additional fee, passengers can choose seats in the front rows (for quick exit after landing) or seats with extra legroom (usually at emergency exits). It is recommended to book this option in advance, especially on popular flights from the Cebu City hub.

Food and Beverages

South East Asian Airlines operates on a "low-cost" concept, where meals are not included in the base ticket price. However, you won't have to stay hungry:

• Fun Café: This is the onboard menu of snacks and drinks. During the flight, flight attendants offer an assortment of snacks, cookies, instant noodles, water, juices, and soft drinks.
• Pre-ordered Meals: On some longer routes, the option to pre-order hot meals is available via the website when booking a ticket (usually 24 hours before departure). The menu often includes Philippine cuisine dishes.

Tip: Given the short duration of most flights (for example, the flight to Bacolod takes less than an hour), service is very fast. If you want to be guaranteed a snack, it is better to bring a light snack with you or order food in advance.

Entertainment and Connectivity

ATR-type aircraft do not feature individual multimedia screens or Wi-Fi on board. The airline offers a "natural" alternative:

• Scenic Views: DG planes fly at a lower altitude than jet liners. This turns an ordinary flight into a real excursion. On the way to Busuanga or El Nido, you can enjoy stunning views of coral reefs, lagoons, and emerald islands right from the window.
• In-flight Magazine: In the seat pocket, you will find Smile magazine (a publication of the Cebu Pacific group), which tells about travel, culture, and the best places in the Philippines.

Special Services

Despite the budget format, South East Asian Airlines strives to ensure comfort for all categories of passengers. It is important to request these services at least 48 hours before departure:

• Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Assistance is provided during boarding and disembarking. Since planes often park at remote stands without aerobridges, staff use special ambulifts or ramps.
• Unaccompanied Minors: The Unaccompanied Minors service is available for young travelers aged 7 to 12 years. Airline staff look after the child from the check-in counter until handover to the meeting party at the arrival airport, for example, in Manila.
• Pregnant Women: Air travel is permitted up to the 34th week of pregnancy (subject to a medical certificate for terms over 24 weeks). It is recommended to always carry a maternity record or a doctor's note indicating the term.

The route network of South East Asian Airlines (DG) is designed to ensure convenient and fast connections between the islands of the Philippine archipelago. The carrier's main transport hub is the airport of Cebu City, from where regular flights operate to both popular tourist locations and important administrative centers of the country.

Useful Tips for Travelers

Traveling with a regional carrier in the Philippines has its own specific features. To make your flight with South East Asian Airlines (DG) as smooth and cost-effective as possible, we have compiled some proven recommendations. These tips will help you save money, time, and stress when planning a trip to the paradise islands.

Hunting for Low Fares

Like its partner company Cebu Pacific, South East Asian Airlines is known for its legendary sales. The main rule for a budget tourist in the Philippines is to book in advance.

• Catch the "Piso Fare": These are famous promo campaigns where the base fare is just 1 Peso (plus taxes and fees). Such sales are usually held several months before the travel date, often coinciding with holidays. Subscribe to the airline's newsletter so you don't miss the start.
• Optimal Time: If there is no sale, try to buy tickets at least 2–3 months before your trip. Buying a ticket at the airport on the day of departure, for example, from Cebu City, can cost 3-4 times more.
• Follow Social Media: Often, announcements of Flash Sales appear on Facebook or Instagram earlier than on the website.

Online Check-in Secrets

Don't waste precious vacation time in queues at the airport. The airline strongly recommends using digital services.

• Time Window: Web Check-in opens 7 days and closes 1 hour before departure. This is especially convenient for those flying with hand luggage only — you can proceed straight to security.
• At the Airport: If you haven't checked in online, be prepared for long queues at counters in busy hubs like Manila. Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight.

Seat Selection Strategy

Since flights are operated on high-wing aircraft (planes with wings located at the top), the view from the windows here is simply magnificent.

• Best Views: The wing does not block the view of the ground, so almost any Window Seat guarantees stunning photos of lagoons and atolls when landing in Busuanga or Del Carmen.
• More Space: If you have long legs, consider purchasing seats in the first row (Premium Seats). However, remember that the seatbacks there may not recline, and hand luggage must be stowed in the overhead bin.
• Avoid Motion Sickness: Small planes are more sensitive to turbulence. If you get motion sickness, choose seats in the middle of the cabin (under the wing), where shaking is felt the least.

Insurance: Why It's Important

The tropical climate is unpredictable. Typhoons and downpours can disrupt flight schedules, especially on island routes.

When booking a ticket, the airline offers an insurance option (often under the CEB Travelsure brand). We strongly recommend not opting out of insurance or taking out your own policy covering flight cancellation or delay due to weather conditions. This will help compensate for hotel and meal expenses if your flight from Dumaguete or another island is rescheduled due to a storm.

Mobile App — Your Best Helper

Install the official airline app (usually shared with Cebu Pacific) before your trip. It offers plenty of advantages:

• Mobile Boarding Pass: No need to look for a printer. Just show the QR code from your phone screen.
• Notifications: You will be the first to know about a flight delay or gate change.
• Add-on Purchases: If you realize you bought too many souvenirs in Bacolod and your suitcase has become heavier, adding baggage via the app is cheaper than paying for excess weight at the counter.

History and Development: From SEAIR to Cebgo

The history of the airline, which travelers know by the code DG, is a fascinating journey of transformations reflecting the development of tourism in the Philippines. The air carrier was founded in 1995 under the name South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR). In those years, the company occupied a unique niche, becoming a pioneer in organizing flights to the most beautiful but hard-to-reach islands of the archipelago, where major airlines simply could not land.

Era of Change and Mergers

During its existence, the airline has gone through several significant stages of rebranding and ownership changes, which allowed it to strengthen its market position:

• Partnership with Tigerair: In the early 2010s, the company began collaborating with the Singaporean group Tiger Airways. This led to a temporary rebranding as Tigerair Philippines. During this period, the fleet was expanded with jet aircraft, and the flight geography widened.
• Integration with Cebu Pacific: A key turning point came in 2014, when the largest Philippine low-cost carrier, Cebu Pacific, acquired 100% of the carrier's shares. This merger gave the company a new lease on life and access to a huge resource base.
• Birth of Cebgo: In 2015, the airline received its modern commercial name — Cebgo, while retaining the historical IATA code DG. Today, it functions as the regional division of the group, responsible for inter-island flights.

Fleet Evolution

The development of the company's fleet has always been dictated by the geographical features of the Philippines. In the early years, SEAIR operated legendary German Dornier 328 and Czech Let L-410 aircraft, capable of landing on very short runways. During the Tigerair era, jet Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft could be seen in the sky.

However, after integration with Cebu Pacific, the strategy changed radically. Management decided to focus on standardization and eco-friendliness. The entire jet fleet was returned, and the company completely switched to using modern turboprop liners ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600. This move allowed for the resumption and strengthening of connections with airports having runway length restrictions, such as Busuanga (Coron) and Camiguin.

Route Network Development

Today, the strategy of South East Asian Airlines (DG) is built around creating convenient connections through major hubs. The main center of operations has become Cebu City, relieving the capital's airport.

The modern route network is oriented towards linking major cities with resorts without the need to transfer in Manila. A prime example of success is the frequency of flights from Cebu: dozens of planes depart daily to Del Carmen on Siargao Island or to Cagayan de Oro. The company constantly analyzes tourist flow, opening direct flights between islands, for example, connecting El Nido with other popular spots, making travel around the country faster and more comfortable.