Is This the Pioneering Step Towards Narita’s Comeback? United Airlines’ Tokyo/Narita to Cebu Flight UA32/33 [Flight Report]

United Airlines launched the Tokyo/Narita to Cebu route on October 27. It is a route operated under the Fifth Freedom rights from Tokyo/Narita, with one round trip daily. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific also operate one round trip each daily on this route, and with United Airlines entering the scene, the total comes to three round trips per day. This has increased the travel options for those moving from Japan to Cebu Island. The aircraft used is the Boeing 737-800, which is also used on the Tokyo/Narita to Guam route, equipped with 16 business class and 150 economy class seats, totaling 166 seats. The flight is manned by Guam-based crews.

In the past, United Airlines operated several routes under the Fifth Freedom rights from Tokyo/Narita to nearby Asian regions such as Hong Kong and Seoul/Incheon. However, all were suspended by 2017 due to the expansion of the joint venture (JV) with All Nippon Airways (ANA) among other reasons. Therefore, the operation of the Tokyo/Narita to Cebu route marks the revival of Fifth Freedom routes from Japan after seven years. Incidentally, the flight numbers for the Tokyo/Narita to Cebu route, UA32/33, are the same as those for the Tokyo/Narita to Los Angeles route.

Furthermore, as part of its plans to expand its Pacific route network, the company has announced the launching of routes to Ulaanbaatar on May 1, 2025, Kaohsiung on July 11, 2025, and Koror within the summer schedule of the same year. Kenichi Kiriyama, the Sales Office Manager for Japan and Micronesia, indicated at the inaugural ceremony for the Tokyo/Narita to Cebu route that the company aims to expand its Pacific route network and is contemplating the “re-hubbing” of Narita.

Looking at the schedule for the Tokyo/Narita to Cebu route, the outbound UA32 flight departs Tokyo/Narita at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Cebu at 10:05 p.m. The return UA33 flight departs Cebu at 9:30 a.m. and arrives in Tokyo/Narita at 3:15 p.m. The schedule is designed with consideration for connections to North American flights, which typically concentrate in the evening.

Philippine Airlines operates its outbound PR433 flight departing Tokyo/Narita at 2:35 p.m. and arriving in Cebu at 7:00 p.m., while the return PR434 flight departs Cebu at 8:10 a.m. and arrives in Tokyo/Narita at 1:35 p.m., placing both flights in relatively close time frames to those of United Airlines.

Cebu Pacific, with its outbound 5J5063 flight departing Tokyo/Narita at 8:55 a.m. and arriving in Cebu at 1:25 p.m., and the return 5J5062 flight departing Cebu at 2:25 a.m. and arriving in Tokyo/Narita at 8:10 a.m., offers a schedule convenient for short-trip travelers, typical of an LCC.

Boarding the Inaugural Flight from Tokyo/Narita

The inaugural flight I boarded was on October 27. While United Airlines does not disclose the actual number of passengers, it was nearly full. The majority of passengers appeared to be Filipino, with only a handful of Japanese visible, and there were quite a few passengers connecting from the mainland United States.

The outbound UA32 flight departs Tokyo/Narita at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Cebu at 10:05 p.m., with a total flight time of 5 hours and 35 minutes, designed considering connections from North American flights.

Upon arrival in Cebu, it’s likely that passengers will head straight to their accommodations. Staying at a reasonably priced hotel on the first day can keep costs down and allow for an early start the next day. There are many accommodation options even on Mactan Island, where the airport is located.

The departure preparations took some time, and due to congestion, we took off from Runway A around 6:25 p.m. Shortly after takeoff, it was announced that the estimated flight time would be 4 hours and 39 minutes.

The flight experienced some minor turbulence due to air currents for a while, but about an hour after takeoff, service for meals and drinks started. The meal options were “Fried Chicken (referred to by some as ‘KARAAGE’) or Pasta,” so I chose the pasta. A macaroni with mushroom and tomato sauce was served.

▲Alcoholic beverages are chargeable on short-haul economy flights, but a variety of soft drinks are available. Ordered AHA Sparkling Water

“I might have eaten too much curry at the lounge before departure” (I had three servings) and while struggling with a sense of fullness, the plane smoothly continued its journey south over the Philippine Sea. Soon, various islands of the Philippines came into view.

Compared to the festive atmosphere of the inaugural Tokyo/Haneda to Guam flight, the mood inside the plane this time was more subdued. However, as we neared arrival, an announcement greeted us to the “beautiful island of Cebu!” which spontaneously prompted applause from the passengers.

We landed in Cebu around 9:50 p.m. Passing through the welcome water salute on the taxiway triggered another round of hearty applause.

▲ Staff in traditional costumes welcomed arriving passengers at Cebu Airport

Strict Baggage Inspection at Cebu Airport

I used the return UA33 flight on October 31. The Cebu departure was scheduled for 9:30 a.m., so I arrived at the airport around 7:00 a.m. The international flights terminal, Terminal 2, opened in July 2018. Its wood arch roof, large stained glass windows, and terrazzo floors embedded with shell fragments evoke the ambiance of a resort hotel.

Cebu Airport’s security checks left a marked impression for their thoroughness. Initially, reservation checks are done at the terminal entrance, not allowing anyone but passengers inside. Then, while queuing for the check-in counters, security staff individually confirmed if passengers had any luggage given to them by others and if they had packed their luggage themselves. Additionally, before the boarding gates, there was another round of questions about the luggage. Though it was a simple check, such as whether any purchases were made within the airport, it indicated the possibility of frequent luggage-related issues.

There were no delays due to the low number of departing flights at the time, but it’s advisable to arrive at the airport a bit earlier than usual to be prepared for any potential issues.

▲ The return flight meal was Chicken with Potatoes. The other option was “Tempura”

The flight itself was uneventful, and time flew as I entertained myself with the United Airlines app’s games. One game, where you guide incoming planes to avoid collisions, was surprisingly addictive after being recommended by a United Airlines representative.

▲ A game playable within the United Airlines app, “Cleared to Land” (screenshot)

We arrived in Tokyo/Narita on schedule. I managed to exit to the arrival lobby around 3:30 p.m. While it may deviate from the main topic of this report on the Cebu route, Narita Airport’s Terminal 1 is known for “Yakisuki Yanma,” a meat dish restaurant accessible with Priority Pass. It’s usually packed, but the off-timing in the afternoon might prove an advantage.

So, I decided to check it out and, as expected, found a shorter line. After enjoying the Yakisuki set meal, I headed home, feeling the joy of being back in Japan. (Report supported by United Airlines)