Why Budget Airlines Aren't Always Cheap; Taipei Thoughts

I'm not a fan of budget airlines. I like traveling and therefore when I do it, I want it to be both fun and special. Budget airlines for the most part add a measure of uncertainty and unpleasantness to that process, which frankly to me isn't worth the potential savings.

Case in point: pondering a quick jump to Cebu, Philippines, for a course, I thought I might be able to bop down on Cebu Pacific Air, a budget careful that happens to have my destination's name painted on its plane. Cebu Pacific is not known for on-time performance, and its big flight out of Beijing leaves at 1am. The flight to Cebu from Beijing was routed through Manila. Total fare, not including additional charges for luggage, is RMB 3,305.40, May 18-21. That to me sounded ridiculous for a budget airline flying to its flagship destination.

I checked it against Cathay Pacific Airlines, my default intra-Asia carrier. Cathay, routed via Hong Kong, and including tax and baggage: RMB 3,252. So, Cebu Pacific, what are you on about? On what basis are you charging more than Cathay? I'm not sure I'm taking this trip yet, but I am sure that I'll be flying Cathay if I do. If I'm going to put up with all the inconvenience budget airlines require (off-hour departures, no-frills service, baggage charges), then it better damn well be significantly less expensive than the other options.

Some thoughts on Taipei. I want to say this as nicely as possible. My last visit there was 23 years ago. There's no question it's a lovely place, people are friendly, and if you like Taiwanese food, then the food is great. But I was underwhelmed, considering the way people rave about the place. On a first visit, there's plenty to see, especially if you haven't been before. Although there's some scuba diving I'd like to do in Taiwan, if I don't get back to Taipei again anytime soon, I won't feel like I missed anything. A twenty-something friend who has lived in Taipei, Beijing, and the US put it this way: "It's where people my age come to retire." Thanks, but I'm still a few years away from retirement age.

That said, if you go, stay at the W Taipei Hotel. It's fabulous. Staying in such a cool place may have prevented me from getting out and exploring more of the city.

Lastly, a lesson hard learned: don't put your deposit for hotel incidentals on a debit card. I made that mistake at said W Hotel, and I'm still waiting to get the money back. In this case, it doesn't appear to be just a hold, but rather an actual deduction. Clear space on a credit card and use it.

Photo: Steven Schwankert/the Beijinger