Cebu Pacific on Friday launched its “test before boarding” process for passengers flying from Manila, offering antigen tests for only P700 each.
In a statement, Cebu Pacific said passengers from Manila can take an antigen test hours before the scheduled time of departure, with results released within 30 minutes.
The budget carrier said antigen tests are priced at P700, “the lowest rate in the industry.”
Cebu Pacific said the testing facility at the NAIA Terminal 3 is now open for walk-ins from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The airline’s passengers need to register onsite and pay the fee directly to the Philippine Airport Diagnostic Laboratory.
Cebu Pacific conducted a pilot run of its “test before boarding” process, with only three testing positive out of a total of 1,143 passengers. The three passengers who tested positive were not allowed to proceed with their flight.
At the same time, Cebu Pacific also offers reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests for P3,300 through three partner laboratories, namely PADL, Health Metrics, Inc., and Safeguard DNA Diagnostics Inc. Passengers of Cebu Pacific and Cebgo can book appointments via https://bit.ly/CEBFlightReminders.
Domestic tourists can also get a subsidized RT-PCR test at the UP Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Half of the original cost will be subsidized by the Department of Tourism through the Tourism Promotions Board, which means the passenger has to only pay P900. Passengers need to register five days before their trip via www.tpb.gov.ph/rtpcrphtravel.