Flying Cebu Pacific? Hand-carry limit rises to 10 kg starting September 15

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 14, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific passengers will soon be able to bring more hand-carry baggage onboard, but travelers should check their flight number before packing.

Starting September 15, 2026, Cebu Pacific will increase the combined hand-carry allowance on its 5J flights from 7 kilograms to 10 kilograms per passenger.

The higher allowance applies to flights departing on or after September 15 regardless of when the ticket was booked.

However, the change does not apply to Cebgo-operated flights.

Passengers on flights with the DG code will continue to have a maximum combined hand-carry allowance of 7 kilograms because Cebgo operates smaller aircraft with more limited cabin storage.

Two bags are still the limit

The increase in weight does not mean passengers can bring additional pieces of baggage.

Each traveler may still carry:

• One hand-carry bag for the overhead compartment, measuring no more than 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm
• One personal item that fits under the seat, measuring no more than 20 cm x 20 cm x 35 cm

Wheels and handles are included when measuring baggage dimensions.

For Cebu Pacific 5J flights, the combined weight of both items must not exceed 10 kilograms.

Check your flight code

Passengers can easily determine which baggage limit applies by checking the first two characters of their flight number.

A flight beginning with 5J is operated by Cebu Pacific and will have the new 10-kg allowance beginning September 15.

A flight beginning with DG is operated by Cebgo and remains subject to the 7-kg limit.

This is especially important for travelers with connecting itineraries involving both airlines. Cebu Pacific said the baggage allowance will apply per flight, meaning a passenger connecting from a 5J service to a DG service must comply with the lower 7-kg limit on the Cebgo leg.

Oversized bags may still cost you

Even if a bag weighs less than the maximum allowance, it still needs to meet the airline’s size requirements.

Cebu Pacific said additional charges may apply if baggage exceeds the permitted dimensions, number of pieces or weight.

Travelers who know they will need more baggage are encouraged to purchase checked baggage through the Cebu Pacific website or app before arriving at the airport. The airline says prepaid baggage is generally cheaper than paying applicable baggage charges at the airport.

Mobility aids required by passengers, including wheelchairs, crutches, walking sticks and prosthetic devices, are not counted toward the hand-carry allowance.

Duty-free purchases made after security screening are also excluded, provided they remain in their original duty-free packaging and are accompanied by a receipt.

The updated policy takes effect September 15, giving passengers on Cebu Pacific’s mainline flights an additional three kilograms of cabin baggage allowance.

Before heading to the airport, travelers should remember the key distinction: 5J means 10 kg; DG stays at 7 kg.