Flying from Singapore to Manila is one of Southeast Asia’s busiest air routes, and two low-cost carriers dominate the market: AirAsia and Cebu Pacific. Both airlines offer frequent daily flights at competitive prices, but the experience can differ significantly depending on what you book and how you prepare. This article compares them side by side, covering fares, baggage policies, seat selection, onboard meals, check-in procedures, and real-world performance, so you can decide which airline suits your budget and travel style.
We base our comparison on standard economy fares from Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) to Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) as of early 2025. Prices quoted are in Singapore dollars (SGD) and Philippine pesos (PHP) where relevant, and all policies reflect publicly available carrier information. For a broader overview of flying low-cost in the region, see the complete guide to flying low-cost carriers from Singapore and the region.
Route Network and Flight Frequency
Both AirAsia and Cebu Pacific operate multiple daily flights between Singapore and Manila. AirAsia flies under its Philippines subsidiary, AirAsia Philippines, while Cebu Pacific is the Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier. The route is served from Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 4 (AirAsia) and Terminal 1 (Cebu Pacific).
AirAsia Philippines (Z2)
- Daily flights: 3 to 4 per day
- Aircraft: Airbus A320-200 (180 seats) and A321neo (236 seats)
- Typical flight time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Check-in counter: Row 11, Terminal 4
Cebu Pacific (5J)
- Daily flights: 3 to 5 per day
- Aircraft: Airbus A320-200 (180 seats) and A330-300 (436 seats, used on some peak-time services)
- Typical flight time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Check-in counter: Row 3, Terminal 1
Cebu Pacific offers slightly more frequency on some days, especially during peak travel periods like Christmas and summer. AirAsia’s schedule is more evenly spread across the day, with early morning and late evening departures. Both airlines occasionally sell tickets as low as SGD 88 one-way (all-in) during sales, though standard walk-up fares range from SGD 120 to SGD 250 one-way depending on demand.
Fare Types and Base Prices
The base fare on both airlines excludes most extras, baggage, meals, seat selection, and priority boarding are all add-ons. However, the structure of fare bundles differs.
AirAsia Fare Tiers
AirAsia offers three main fare types on the Singapore, Manila route:
- Low Fare (promo): Only a personal item (40 x 30 x 10 cm) included. No checked baggage, no meal, no seat selection. Typical base price: SGD 88-150 one-way.
- Value Pack: Includes 20 kg checked baggage, one meal, and standard seat selection. Typical price: SGD 130-200 one-way.
- Premium Flex: Includes 30 kg checked baggage, two meals, premium seat (hot seat), priority boarding, and free changes. Typical price: SGD 200-350 one-way.
AirAsia’s Value Pack is often a good middle ground for travellers who want checked luggage and a meal without paying for extras individually. For common booking pitfalls, see AirAsia booking mistakes to avoid.
Cebu Pacific Fare Tiers
Cebu Pacific uses a slightly different bundle system, detailed in Cebu Pacific fare types explained:
- CEB Basic (Go Basic): One personal item (36 x 30 x 23 cm) only. No checked baggage, no meal, no seat selection. Typical base price: SGD 90-160 one-way.
- CEB Value (Go Value): Includes 20 kg checked baggage, one meal, and free standard seat selection. Typical price: SGD 140-220 one-way.
- CEB Flexi (Go Flexi): Includes 30 kg checked baggage, one meal, seat selection, priority boarding, and free changes. Typical price: SGD 220-380 one-way.
Cebu Pacific’s Go Value bundle is comparable to AirAsia’s Value Pack, though Cebu Pacific includes seat selection as standard in Go Value, whereas AirAsia’s Value Pack only includes standard seat selection. For budget-conscious travellers who intend to travel light, the basic fare on either airline is similar, but Cebu Pacific’s personal item size limit is slightly smaller (36 x 30 x 23 cm vs AirAsia’s 40 x 30 x 10 cm).
Baggage Allowances and Fees
Baggage policies are a major differentiator. Both airlines charge steep fees for checked baggage purchased at the airport, so pre-booking is strongly recommended.
AirAsia Baggage
- Cabin baggage (included in all fares): One piece up to 7 kg, dimensions 56 x 36 x 23 cm (standard carry-on) plus one personal item (40 x 30 x 10 cm) that must fit under the seat. For detailed rules, see AirAsia baggage allowance guide.
- Checked baggage (pre-booked): 20 kg, SGD 30-40; 25 kg, SGD 45-55; 30 kg, SGD 55-70; 40 kg, SGD 80-100 (per segment).
- Checked baggage (at airport): 20 kg, SGD 60-80; higher weights similarly inflated.
- Excess baggage (overweight/oversize): SGD 20-50 per kg depending on route and airport.
Cebu Pacific Baggage
- Cabin baggage (included in all fares): One piece up to 7 kg, dimensions 56 x 36 x 23 cm, plus one personal item (36 x 30 x 23 cm). For full details, see Cebu Pacific excess baggage costs.
- Checked baggage (pre-booked): 20 kg, SGD 28-38; 25 kg, SGD 40-50; 30 kg, SGD 50-65; 40 kg, SGD 75-95 (per segment).
- Checked baggage (at airport): 20 kg, SGD 55-70; higher weights similarly priced.
- Excess baggage (overweight/oversize): SGD 15-40 per kg depending on airport.
Cebu Pacific’s pre-booked checked baggage is typically SGD 2-5 cheaper than AirAsia’s for the same weight. However, AirAsia’s personal item allowance is more generous for small bags. If you travel with only a backpack, AirAsia’s 40 x 30 x 10 cm personal item limit is easier to fit than Cebu Pacific’s 36 x 30 x 23 cm, which is actually larger in volume but stricter on one dimension. Always check the actual dimensions at the check-in counter, both airlines enforce size limits strictly at boarding gates.
Seat Selection and Comfort
Both carriers use Airbus A320 family aircraft with standard 3-3 seating. Seat pitch (legroom) is similar: 28-30 inches on AirAsia and 28-29 inches on Cebu Pacific. However, there are differences in seat selection policies and costs.
AirAsia Seat Selection
- Standard seat (random assignment): Free at check-in (web check-in opens 14 days before departure).
- Standard seat (pre-selected): SGD 5-10 per seat per segment.
- Hot seat (extra legroom, rows 1-4 and 12-14): SGD 12-20 per seat per segment.
- Quiet zone (rows 7-10): SGD 8-15 per seat per segment (adults only).
AirAsia’s web check-in opens 14 days before departure, allowing early birds to secure standard seats for free. However, if you want to sit with travel companions, pre-selecting is safer. For tips on the check-in window, see AirAsia check-in window.
Cebu Pacific Seat Selection
- Standard seat (random assignment): Free at check-in (web check-in opens 7 days before departure).
- Standard seat (pre-selected): SGD 6-12 per seat per segment.
- Extra legroom seats (rows 1-3, 13-15): SGD 14-25 per seat per segment.
- Seat with extra legroom (exit rows): SGD 18-30 per seat per segment.
Cebu Pacific’s web check-in opens only 7 days before departure, which is half the window of AirAsia. This makes it harder to secure free standard seats together if you book early. For a full breakdown of seat prices, see Cebu Pacific seat prices.
In terms of seat comfort, both airlines are comparable. Cebu Pacific’s A330-300 aircraft (used on some flights) offer wider seats (18 inches vs 17.5 inches on A320) and more legroom, so if you are tall or prefer extra space, check the aircraft type when booking. AirAsia’s A321neo also has slightly wider seats (18 inches) on some configurations.
Onboard Meals and Amenities
Neither airline includes a meal in the basic fare. Both offer buy-on-board menus with Filipino and Asian options.
AirAsia Meals (Santan)
- Pre-booked meal: SGD 6-12 per meal (e.g., Chicken Teriyaki Rice, Nasi Lemak, Pak Nasser’s Nasi Lemak).
- Snacks and drinks: SGD 3-6 each.
- Value Pack includes: One meal + one drink (water or soft drink).
AirAsia’s Santan menu is generally well-reviewed for taste and portion size. Pre-booking is recommended as onboard availability can be limited. For reviews of specific meals, see AirAsia prebooked meals review.
Cebu Pacific Meals
- Pre-booked meal: SGD 7-14 per meal (e.g., Chicken Inasal Rice, Beef Salpicao, Adobo Rice).
- Snacks and drinks: SGD 4-7 each.
- Go Value includes: One meal + one drink.
Cebu Pacific’s meal options are more Filipino-centric, which appeals to many passengers flying to Manila. Portions are slightly larger than AirAsia’s on average. However, the pre-booked meal price is SGD 1-2 more expensive than AirAsia’s equivalent.
Both airlines sell water, soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic beverages onboard. Neither offers in-flight entertainment screens, you must bring your own device. Wi-Fi is not available on either carrier on this route as of early 2025.
Check-in, Boarding, and On-Time Performance
Check-in procedures and boarding efficiency can affect your overall experience.
AirAsia Check-in and Boarding
- Web check-in: Opens 14 days before departure, closes 1 hour before departure. Online check-in is free.
- Airport check-in counter: Opens 3 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure (domestic) or 60 minutes (international).
- Boarding: Priority boarding for Premium Flex and hot seat passengers. General boarding by row numbers.
- Boarding gate closes: 20 minutes before departure.
AirAsia’s longer web check-in window is a clear advantage. You can check in early and secure your preferred standard seat for free. For more details, see AirAsia check-in window.
Cebu Pacific Check-in and Boarding
- Web check-in: Opens 7 days before departure, closes 4 hours before departure. Online check-in is free.
- Airport check-in counter: Opens 2.5 hours before departure, closes 45 minutes before departure (international).
- Boarding: Priority boarding for Go Flexi and extra legroom seat passengers. General boarding by group numbers.
- Boarding gate closes: 20 minutes before departure.
Cebu Pacific’s web check-in window is shorter, and the counter closes earlier (45 minutes vs 60 minutes for AirAsia). If you arrive at the airport late, AirAsia gives you a slightly bigger buffer.
On-Time Performance
According to publicly available data from FlightStats and OAG for 2024, both airlines have similar on-time performance on the Singapore, Manila route:
- AirAsia Philippines: ~72% on-time (within 15 minutes of schedule).
- Cebu Pacific: ~69% on-time (within 15 minutes of schedule).
Delays of 30-60 minutes are common on both carriers, particularly during afternoon thunderstorms in Manila (May, October). AirAsia has a slight edge in punctuality, but the difference is marginal. Neither carrier offers compensation for delays unless they exceed 3 hours under Philippine regulations.
Hidden Fees and Extra Charges
Both airlines are notorious for add-on fees that can inflate the total cost significantly. Here are the most common ones to watch out for.
AirAsia Extra Charges
- Credit card booking fee: SGD 4-8 per passenger per segment (depending on payment method).
- Seat selection (if not pre-booked): Free only if you check in early and accept random assignment.
- Checked baggage (at airport): SGD 60-80 for 20 kg (vs SGD 30-40 pre-booked).
- Meal (onboard): SGD 8-14 (vs SGD 6-12 pre-booked).
- Change fee (Low Fare): SGD 50-80 plus fare difference.
- No-show fee: Full fare forfeited.
Cebu Pacific Extra Charges
- Credit card booking fee: SGD 5-10 per passenger per segment (higher than AirAsia).
- Seat selection (if not pre-booked): Free only if you check in early and accept random assignment.
- Checked baggage (at airport): SGD 55-70 for 20 kg (vs SGD 28-38 pre-booked).
- Meal (onboard): SGD 9-16 (vs SGD 7-14 pre-booked).
- Change fee (Go Basic): SGD 60-90 plus fare difference.
- No-show fee: Full fare forfeited.
Cebu Pacific’s credit card booking fee is generally higher, and its change fees are slightly steeper. However, Cebu Pacific’s pre-booked baggage is cheaper. The key is to compare the total cost after adding all the extras you need. For example, a basic fare on AirAsia (SGD 88) plus 20 kg baggage (SGD 35) and a meal (SGD 8) totals SGD 131. A similar combination on Cebu Pacific (SGD 90 + SGD 30 + SGD 9) totals SGD 129, almost identical. The difference often comes down to seat selection fees and payment method.
Loyalty Programs and Perks
Both airlines have loyalty programs, but they are less generous than full-service carriers.
AirAsia, BIG Loyalty
- Earning points: 1 BIG point per SGD 1 spent on base fare and add-ons (excluding taxes and fees).
- Redeeming points: 1,000 BIG points = SGD 10 off base fare (varies by route).
- Status tiers: Red (entry), Silver, Gold, Platinum, benefits include priority check-in, extra baggage allowance, and lounge access.
Cebu Pacific, GetGo
- Earning points: 1 GetGo point per PHP 10 spent (approximately SGD 0.25).
- Redeeming points: 1,000 GetGo points = PHP 100 off (SGD 2.50).
- Status tiers: Go Rewards (entry), Go Premium, Go Elite, benefits include priority boarding, free seat selection, and extra baggage.
Both programs are useful if you fly frequently with the same airline, but the earning rates are low. AirAsia’s BIG points are easier to redeem for flights within Southeast Asia, while Cebu Pacific’s GetGo points are more valuable for domestic Philippine routes. For occasional travellers, neither program is a deciding factor.
Which Airline Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on your priorities:
- For the lowest base fare: Both are similar, but AirAsia occasionally offers slightly lower sale prices (SGD 88 vs SGD 90). Check both airlines’ websites during sales.
- For checked baggage: Cebu Pacific’s pre-booked baggage is SGD 2-5 cheaper per 20 kg.
- For seat selection: AirAsia’s longer web check-in window (14 days vs 7 days) makes it easier to get free standard seats together.
- For legroom: If you book a Cebu Pacific flight on an A330-300, you get wider seats and more legroom. Otherwise, both are similar.
- For meals: AirAsia’s Santan menu is slightly cheaper and well-reviewed, but Cebu Pacific’s Filipino options are more authentic.
- For on-time performance: AirAsia has a slight edge (72% vs 69%), but neither is highly reliable.
- For payment method: AirAsia’s credit card fee is lower (SGD 4-8 vs SGD 5-10).
If you are a budget traveller with no checked baggage and no need for seat selection, both airlines are essentially interchangeable, pick whichever has the lowest total fare on your travel dates. If you need extras, add up the costs carefully. For more tips on finding the cheapest fares, see how to find cheapest fares on Scoot (the principles apply to AirAsia and Cebu Pacific as well).