The disappointment that was Cebu Pacific…

I was driving to Tagaytay when I heard on the radio about the incidents last December 23rd in Hongkong.  Two Filipino mothers on their way home to the Philippines were being asked by the crew of CEBU PACIFIC to transfer planes because of their special children.

Apparently, the said airline has a policy where no two “mentally ill” persons could be on the same flight.

The mothers stood their ground.  There was no mention of their husbands – so picture a mother with her special child being asked to de-plane from Hongkong.  A mother and a child… no, do not forget, a special child.  Could there be any clearer picture of vulnerability??!

Cebu Pacific later on issued a public apology because apparently there was a misunderstanding of the policy. C’mon… they could have delayed the flight and called their management in MANILA to check if they understood the policy right at that exact time.

The two mothers booked their tickets – went through the gates and once onboard, were being asked to de-plane simply because of that “mentally-ill” explanation.

Now it is very clear that CEBU PACIFIC was in violation of the law.  Discrimination against women and children.. and yes, SPECIAL CHILDREN.

Did Cebu Pacific crew forget that whenever Filipinos see the Philippine carriers overseas, it is almost as if they are already home?  I would be angry if that happens in another airline bound for the Philippines – but I got angrier because it was our own airline that did this to two mothers and their special children.

Shame on you Cebu Pacific!  Yes the apology you issued was just appropriate – but you broke the law and an apology will not remove the penalty for that.

This incident just sheds light how much inconsiderate we have become.  If a big company such as CEBU PACIFIC could not even properly explain to their staff and crew what their manual states… THEN “HOUSTON… WE HAVE A PROBLEM!”

Cebu Pacific could spend millions in advertising and promotions of flights and tour packages, and YET, could not spend additional time and money to make sure that their policies are clearly understood? 

I have been flying this airline since they started using that Terminal 3.  More spacious and more accessible.  But in the light of this event, I am thankful that I am flying PAL this weekend.  And maybe I should just get PAL everytime from now on.

They should feel the ramifications of their inconsiderate attitude and behavior, and yes, their ignorance of the law.  Their franchise to operate outside the country should be suspended, because after all, they have proven that they are not capable of extending compassion and understanding even to the most vulnerable among us.

Oh, yes I forgot… my last flight with Cebu Pacific was Dec 11th bound for Kalibo. I must say that it was the most terrible touchdown I had ever experienced.  Most of the caucasians with us got really scared.  It felt like we were dropped by about 10ft on the runway – a big belly flop landing.

Cebu Pacific was recently rated as teh 5th Best budget airline in the region.  But with this incident in Hongkong, Cebu Pacific should be scratched -off the list. 

To the two mothers, we are so sorry that you had to go through with that ugly experience in Hongkong. I hope that your children were not very much traumatized despite the “menacing” way by which the crew, reportedly, handled the situation.  Accept their apology – but yes, exercise your rights to make them realize the ramifications of what they did.