Michael Turner
Recommendation: For intercity coach trips across Central Visayas hub, load a main suitcase into undercarriage compartment when booking with major carriers. Standard policy often allows one main piece plus one small personal bag without charge; oversized items usually incur an extra fee. Overhead racks on air-conditioned coaches handle backpacks, laptop cases, and small duffels.
At terminal, tag and hand over checked piece directly to conductor or baggage handler and request a receipt stub. Arrive 30–60 minutes before scheduled departure for busy routes. Keep passport, electronics, medications, and cash in a carry-on that remains with you onboard. Use a TSA-style lock and cushion fragile contents with clothing or bubble wrap.
Typical undercarriage bay limits: combined dimensions near 160–180 cm and weight around 25–30 kg per piece, though exact rules vary by carrier. Minivan shuttles feature smaller compartments and stricter weight caps; premium coach lines provide handled loading and numbered tags. If a piece exceeds allowed size, ask staff about freight options or alternative vehicles.
Quick checklist: 1) Label each bag with name and phone; 2) Photograph contents and exterior before handing over; 3) Keep valuables in carry-on; 4) Ask staff about any fees before boarding; 5) Retain receipt until final collection.
Bringing baggage on coaches across Central Visayas
Recommendation: Place large suitcases in undercarriage hold on long-haul coaches; keep passports, cash and electronics inside a carry-on stored in cabin.
- Free allowance: Most provincial coach companies include one checked piece between 20–25 kg; some operators permit two pieces up to about 30 kg combined.
- Excess charges: Typical rates vary roughly PHP 20–80 per extra kilogram or a flat PHP 100–300 per additional piece; confirm exact tariff at ticket counter before purchase.
- Carry-on limits: Aim for 7–10 kg and approximate dimensions 55×35×20 cm to fit overhead racks or under-seat space.
- City minibuses and shuttle vans: Frequently restrict cabin items to small backpacks; larger trunks may be refused or loaded on roof for an extra fee.
- Check-in routine: Arrive 30–60 minutes prior to departure to tag and hand over checked items; retain baggage claim stub until baggage retrieval and inspection.
- Security measures: Lock zippers, add interior tracking information, photograph contents, label exterior with name plus local phone number, and keep medications and valuables inside cabin bag.
- Damage or loss claims: Report missing or damaged items immediately at operator office; filing normally requires claim stub and ID, so keep receipts for any paid surcharges.
- Oversized or specialty gear: Bicycles, surfboards and bulky equipment usually need advance notification and may incur surcharges; use hard cases and padding.
- Terminal hours and retrieval: For overnight trips verify hold access at destination–some terminals operate limited hours which affects retrieval timing.
- Insurance option: Consider travel insurance covering checked-item loss or damage for intercity travel across islands.
Final check: Ask ticket agent for exact size/weight limits, permitted item list and fee schedule before boarding; if itinerary involves multiple operators request written confirmation of baggage handling to reduce surprises.
Which vehicle types (city, intercity, airport shuttles) accept checked items and their typical size/weight limits
Prefer intercity coaches for checked items heavier than 15–20 kg; keep valuables, electronics, and fragile gear in hand baggage.
City services (jeepneys, public vans, urban minivans)
Most urban carriers offer only overhead racks or under-seat space. Free stored items usually limited to small backpacks or tote bags under 7–10 kg and dimensions roughly 45 x 35 x 20 cm. Large suitcases or heavy cases are often refused from hold storage and may be loaded onto roof racks by private operators with extra fee; roof transport commonly limits single-piece weight to 15–20 kg and requires waterproof wrapping and secure strapping. Always confirm operator policy before boarding.
Intercity coaches and airport shuttles
Intercity coaches and dedicated airport shuttles typically provide underfloor compartments for checked pieces. Standard complimentary allowance generally ranges 20–25 kg per passenger for one piece; common size limit is 158 cm linear (length + width + height). Oversize items (surfboards, large instruments) usually incur fees and require prior notification; overweight pieces above 25–30 kg often face extra charges or special handling rules. Shuttle operators serving terminals may allow two pieces per fare (each 20–25 kg) or one larger piece plus carry-on; premium or deluxe coaches sometimes raise free allowance to 30 kg per piece. Arrival at ticket counter 20–30 minutes prior to departure recommended for check-in of bulky items.
Practical tips: weigh and measure each piece before travel; attach clear name tag; photograph contents for claims; move fragile contents to cabin bag; buy excess-weight ticket in advance when transporting items over 25 kg.
How to load, tag and retrieve bags at North Terminal, South Terminal and Airport Terminal
Keep valuables and travel documents inside carry-on; bring photo ID and printed ticket to ticket counter before loading; remove electronics and fragile items from checked bag and place inside carry-on.
At loading bay, hand over bag to porter or staff after showing ticket; request and keep claim stub; attach staff-issued tag to external handle with zip-tie; place internal paper tag with name and phone inside main compartment.
Tagging tips: write operator name, route, seat number and date on external tag; add bright ribbon or colored tape for fast visual identification; take photo of both tag and bag serial number before handing over; for heavy toolpacks consider hard-shell case or a rugged pack such as best welding backpack.
Terminal differences: North Terminal and South Terminal usually have outdoor loading bays with porter service between 05:00 and 22:00; expect manual carriage into cargo hold for provincial coaches and platform-side loading for intercity coaches; Airport Terminal operates 24/7 with indoor screening and X-ray for checked items, stricter security procedures and dedicated baggage counter for shuttles.
Retrieval process: watch destination board for arrival bay number; wait at designated pickup area; present claim stub and photo ID to staff; inspect bag in presence of handler; refuse to leave pickup area with damaged item until damage noted on receipt.
Lost or damaged item protocol: report missing or damaged item at terminal office within 24 hours; provide ticket, claim stub, ID and photos; request incident report copy and operator contact; for delayed recovery track item using operator hotline and terminal baggage office email; keep receipts for any emergency purchases for reimbursement claims.
Fees and porter guidance: typical porter tip range PHP 20–150 depending on size and distance to boarding area; if no porter available lift smaller bag onto coach luggage shelf yourself; avoid overpacking hold bag to simplify manual handling.
Expected fees, surcharges and company rules for extra or oversized bags
Pay surcharges at ticket counter before boarding: typical rates range PHP50–150 per additional standard bag (up to ~20 kg), PHP200–500 for oversized pieces (combined dimensions over ~100 cm), and PHP300–800 for very heavy items (25–30+ kg). Airport shuttle operators often add handling fees of PHP100–300 on top of base surcharge.
Typical fee breakdown by service type
City coaches/minivans: small personal bags usually free; extra or bulky parcels commonly rejected or routed to cargo services with fees starting at PHP150. Intercity coaches: extra-bag fee PHP50–150; overweight surcharge PHP20–50 per kg over limit. Long-haul express coaches with underfloor compartments: extra standard bag PHP100–200; oversized or sports gear PHP250–600 and may require advance notice. Airport shuttles and premium carriers: fixed allowance (one piece 20–25 kg); excess charged PHP150–500 per piece plus handling fee.
Company rules, payment, handling and claims
Weighing and tagging happen at ticket counter or luggage bay; keep tag stub until retrieval. Most operators accept cash; major terminals may take GCash or card but plan for cash when using provincial services. Declare fragile or prohibited items at drop-off; undeclared restricted goods can be seized and fines applied. If operator requires boxing or protective wrapping, fees apply and refusal can result in cargo refusal without refund.
Receipts: always request written or printed receipt showing amount paid and tag number. Storage and unclaimed-item policies: daily storage charges commonly PHP50–150; unclaimed items held 7–14 days before disposal or auction according to carrier rules. Liability caps vary by operator; common limits span PHP500–PHP5,000 or a per-kilogram formula–purchase separate cargo insurance for high-value items.
Dispute resolution: ask for supervisor on-site; escalate to terminal management within 24–48 hours with receipt and tag copy. For oversized freight or consistent heavy shipments consider freight forwarder or courier service instead of carrier front counter to avoid repeated surcharges and to secure tracking and insurance.
For compact rain gear that won’t trigger oversize fees consult best umbrella money can buy. For broader context on how transport costs and cross-border restrictions may affect carrier fees see how can a country respond to a trade embargo.
Immediate steps if baggage lost, damaged or delayed after boarding island coach
Report incident to on-site terminal office or driver/conductor immediately; request written incident report and reference number and retain boarding ticket, baggage tag and photo ID.
Document condition with time-stamped photos of exterior, interior, damaged areas and serial numbers; create contents inventory with approximate values and attach original purchase receipts for high-value items.
For suspected theft, proceed to nearest police station and file official complaint; obtain copy of police report with blotter or incident number and provide that document to carrier and insurer.
For damaged items, obtain written repair estimate from authorized service center or certified technician; keep all damaged components and original packaging until claim resolution.
For delayed items, check depot lost-and-found daily and provide tag number, coach plate or route number, boarding time and seat number; record name and contact of staff handling search and any reference number issued.
Notify carrier customer service in writing within 7 days for damage claims and within 30 days for missing items; attach incident report, boarding ticket, tag, photos, receipts, police report and repair estimate; include bank details for reimbursement and request acknowledgement of receipt.
Suggested email subject and body: Subject: “Claim for damaged baggage – Incident [reference number] – [date]”. Body: “Good day, I am filing claim for damaged baggage after route [route name] on [date]. Incident ref: [reference number]. Damaged items: [list with values]. Attached: incident report, boarding ticket, baggage tag, photos, receipts, police report, repair estimate. Please confirm receipt and provide expected timeline for resolution. Bank details: [name / bank / account number]. Contact: [phone / email].”
If carrier fails to respond within 14 days, escalate to LTFRB via online complaint form or email and to DTI consumer protection if needed; include copies of all documents and a log of follow-up attempts; consider small-claims court or civil action when informal remedies stall.
Notify travel insurer and credit card issuer within policy timelines (commonly 30 days) and submit same documentation plus proof of travel purchase when applicable; keep insurer claim numbers for follow-up.
When settlement is offered, require written agreement detailing amount, any deductions and release conditions; do not discard damaged item until payment cleared or written release signed; retain originals and all correspondence for at least 12 months.
