Cheaper airfares seen to greet travelers in Sept amid fuel surcharge downgrade

Lower airfares are expected to greet travelers at the onset of "Ber" months this September as the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) downgraded the fuel surcharge level for both domestic and international flights.

In an advisory, CAB said passenger and cargo fuel surcharge for domestic and international flights was set at Level 5 for the September 1 to 30, 2024 period, down from the current Level 6.

Good news, air travelers!

Lower airfares are expected to greet travelers at the onset of “Ber” months this coming September as the Civil Aeronautics Board downgraded the fuel surcharge level for both domestic and international flights to Level5 from the current Level6. @gmanews pic.twitter.com/9eAzhIHOuo

— Ted Cordero (@Ted_Cordero) August 21, 2024

Fuel surcharge is an optional fee, apart from the base fare, that airlines may pass on to passengers to recover costs incurred due to the volatility of jet fuel.

The CAB adjusts fuel surcharges in relation to the price movement of jet fuel.

Under Level 5, the fuel surcharge for domestic passenger flights ranges from P151 to P542 depending on the distance, while for international passenger flights originating from the Philippines, the fuel surcharge ranges from P498.03 to P3,703.11.

Under the current Level 6, passengers will be paying P185 to P665 in fuel surcharges for domestic flights, depending on flight distance.

For international flights, the surcharge ranges from P610.37 to P4,538.40.

"Airlines wishing to impose or collect fuel surcharges for the same period must file its application with this Office on or before the effectivity period, with fuel surcharge rates not exceeding the above-stated level," the CAB said.

In a statement, Cebu Pacific described the fuel surcharge level downgrade as a "positive development" for the traveling public.

"We welcome the decision of the Civil Aeronautics Board to lower the fuel surcharge for the month of September. This recent adjustment is a positive development that supports our efforts to offer more affordable travel options," said Xander Lao, Cebu Pacific president and chief commercial officer.

"Cebu Pacific is dedicated to offering value-for-money fares to our customers and looks forward to carrying more passengers as we continue to boost connectivity across all our hubs," said Lao.

AirAsia Philippines communications and public affairs head Steve Dailisan said the lowering of the fuel surcharge from Level 6 to Level 5 in September will “have a huge impact on the public’s booking behavior. “

“Filipinos are always on the lookout for discounts. Any budget saved from airfares can be used as an additional budget for hotels, restaurants, activities, or souvenirs," Dailisan added. — VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News