Information on Philippine Airlines Flights

Often abbreviated to PAL, Philippine Airlines is the national flag carrier of the Philippines. Based out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), it holds a place in the history books as the first commercial airline in Asia and currently serves more than 30 domestic destinations and 40 more across Asia, North America, the Middle East and Australia.

Philippine Airlines also widens its global network with various codeshare agreements, including some with major airlines like American, Cathay Pacific, Singapore and Turkish. I have flown with PAL several times; mostly between Manila and Cebu, but also from Manila to Singapore.

Economy Class on PAL

Philippine Airlines offers four categories of Economy Class: Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value and Economy Flex. The main differences between them include the amount of free luggage permitted, the charge for flight changes and refunds, and the rate of mileage accrual for Mabuhay Miles members. Bear in mind that Supersaver tickets are the most affordable, but are nonrefundable and don’t include any checked luggage on domestic routes.

Regardless of which category you book, seats are fairly comfortable with an adjustable base cushion. Pillows, blankets and headphones are provided on longer flights, while all flights over 45 minutes include a refreshment service. This takes the form of sweet and savory buns on domestic flights and hot meals with cold sides for international flights. Seats are also equipped with a 9-inch seat-back or in-arm television screen.

Comfort Class for domestic flights

In 2022 the airline replaced their Premium Economy service with Comfort Class for domestic flights. This upgraded experience includes priority check-in and boarding, a hot sandwich and choice of drinks, more legroom and seating near the front of the plane for faster boarding and disembarkation. Mabuhay Miles members flying in Comfort Class will accrue miles at 115%, while all passengers are entitled to complimentary Mabuhay Lounge access.

Premium Economy Class for international flights

Premium Economy remains available on international flights. The extra expense will get you priority check-in, boarding and luggage delivery as well as more spacious seating in a dedicated cabin. Highlights include an 8-inch recline and an adjustable footrest. The in-flight entertainment screens are also bigger, while upgraded menu choices are served on china tableware with linen napkins. I particularly like that the beverage offering extends to cocktails in this class.

Choose Business Class for a VIP experience

Business Class is available on all international flights and on select domestic routes served by A321 and A330 aircraft. Benefits include an exclusive concierge service and dedicated check-in, priority boarding and complimentary access to Mabuhay Lounges at eight airports across the Philippines. You’ll also be treated to a gourmet selection of Western, Asian or Filipino dishes served on proper glass and china tableware.

Seating depends on the aircraft type. Some recline at a 15-degree angle, while those on A350, Tri-Class A330, B777 and A321neo planes convert into a fully flat bed complete with a plush duvet. All have an individual reading light and ports for charging your laptop and USB-powered devices.

There are two categories of Business Class: Business Value and Business Flex. The latter offers a greater luggage allowance on domestic flights, a higher rate of mileage accrual and more generous flight change and refund policies.

PAL luggage allowance policies

Regardless of travel class, Philippine Airlines allows passengers one piece of carry-on baggage and one personal item. When it comes to checked luggage, it’s important to check your ticket carefully because the airline operates both the weight system and the piece system depending on your route.

For example, my Economy Saver flight to Singapore included one bag of up to 30 kilograms on the weight system while a friend flying to the US was permitted two suitcases of 50 pounds each in accordance with the piece system. On weight system routes, you can bring as many suitcases as you like as long as the combined weight remains within the allowance and no bag exceeds 32 kilograms.

Domestic flights

Here’s a breakdown of the luggage allowances for each travel class and system: On domestic flights, Economy Supersaver tickets do not include any checked luggage. Economy Saver tickets include 10 kilograms (in my experience, the most practical option for a cost-effective weekend getaway), Economy Value and Economy Flex include 20 kilograms, Comfort Class includes 25 kilograms, Business Value includes 30 kilograms and Business Flex includes 35 kilograms.

International flights

On international flights, all Economy Class tickets include 30 kilograms on the weight system or two pieces of 50-pound luggage on the piece system. Premium Economy fares include 35 kilograms on the weight system or two pieces of 55-pound luggage on the piece system; while both categories of Business Class include 40 kilograms on the weight system or two pieces of 70 pounds each on the piece system.

Exceptions to the rules

The maximum free baggage allowance for domestic flights to Basco in the Batanes Islands is 10 kilograms in all Economy Class categories due to the light aircraft used. If you’re traveling with a baby, you may bring a stroller, carry basket or car seat in addition to your regular luggage allowance, free of charge. Don’t get caught out, though – unlike many other airlines, you’re entitled to just one baby item.

Amenities and entertainment

One thing I love about Philippine Airlines: While Wi-Fi isn’t yet available on every aircraft, those that do have it give all passengers a complimentary 10MB plan for web browsing and messaging. Mabuhay Miles members receive complimentary unlimited messaging, while Business Class and Mabuhay Miles Million Miler passengers receive 100MB of free data. There are also one-hour, three-hour and unlimited data plans available for purchase.

You’ll also be able to access free movies, TV shows and music on your seat-back or in-arm screen. I was impressed that the entertainment selection offers a good balance between the latest Western blockbusters and original language Filipino movies. Additionally if you prefer to watch on your own device, you can do so by downloading the myPAL Player app before your flight. Finally, kids are given a themed activity bag.

Diverse food and drink selection

I find the food on board Philippine Airlines to be middle-of-the-road in terms of quality, but have to give points for the blend of Western and Asian flavors even in Economy Class. Special meals are available on international flights and include 18 options designed to suit most dietary and religious requirements. These include three different types of vegetarian meals, diabetic and gluten-free meals, and kosher, Moslem and Hindu meals.

myPAL upgrades

Philippine Airlines allows customers to tailor their travel experience with a range of myPAL Upgrades that are available for anyone to purchase. These range from confirmed upgrades to the chance to bid for an upgrade at the price of your choosing; and from extra baggage allowance to meal upgrades and travel insurance.

I particularly appreciate the ability to pay for a more spacious exit row or bulkhead seat, or even to reserve the seats next to you in Economy so that you are guaranteed a free seat on one or both sides. Although dependent on availability, this can be a great way to get more space and privacy at a better price than upgrading to Comfort Class, Premium Economy or Business.

Mabuhay Miles

The airline’s loyalty program, Mabuhay Miles, offers four tiers of membership: Classic, Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler. Tier miles on qualifying flights contribute towards earning a higher status, with Elite members and above eligible for lounge access and priority check-in, boarding, luggage handling and airport standby. The amount of additional luggage you’re allowed and the rate at which you accrue miles also increases with each tier from Elite up.

Premier Elite and Million Miler members are eligible to receive annual Upgrade Travel Certificates. Respectively, they can also bring one or two guests into the Mabuhay Lounges. Regular (non-tier) miles are earned on all Philippine Airlines and codeshare flights as well as on spending with program partners from banks to car rental companies and hotels. They can be redeemed on anything from flights to partner products and myPAL Upgrades.

Mabuhay Lounges

Entry to the Mabuhay Lounges is a considerable perk for Business Class, Comfort Class and eligible Mabuhay Miles members. These lounges are located at eight airports across the Philippines including one at each terminal in Manila and Cebu. Offering fresh and tasty buffet dining, comfortable seating and complimentary Wi-Fi, they have everything you need for a pleasant layover experience.

Economy Class passengers can also pay to enter the lounges as long as they’re not full. I found it worth doing so at Terminal 1 Ninoy Aquino International Airport where highlights included decent barista coffee, great views of the aircraft through generous windows and seats equipped with international outlets – ideal for when you forget to pack your power adapter. Payment is made at the counter and requires a boarding pass.