Find cheap Philippine Airlines flights

Philippine Airlines operates three cabin classes, but your experience depends entirely on which aircraft you’re flying and where you’re headed. I’ve flown both international and domestic routes with the carrier, and the variability between planes is significant enough that knowing your aircraft type before booking can make or break your journey. If you’re looking for a carrier that nails the hospitality part of the journey, this guide will help you make the most of your flight.

Why fly Philippine Airlines?

As the flag carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines (or PAL, as it’s often called) is a solid choice for flights to, from and around the Philippines. It has a decent safety record, with its last major incident decades ago, and it’s known for warm, welcoming service at 35,000 feet. Think of it as your gateway to the islands, with a touch of that famous Filipino warmth.

That said, the experience can vary quite a bit. Its fleet has some shiny new planes with all the modern bells and whistles, but also some older birds showing their age. The key is knowing what you’re booking.

Philippine Airlines cabins and classes

Business class

Philippine Airlines’ business class varies significantly depending on which aircraft you’re flying. I’ve tested both international and domestic routes, and the differences are substantial enough to influence my booking decisions.

For long-haul flights, I always opt for the Airbus A350. It offers a fully lie-flat cabin in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring every passenger has aisle access, plus multi-course meals and warm, attentive service.

The Boeing 777 planes are less impressive, with a disappointing 2-3-2 seat map. Some Airbus A330 aircraft have a 2-2-2 configuration with fully flat beds that are comfy but less impressive than the A350.

I’ve lucked out on many routes, especially to Australia, where the newer A330s with fully-flat beds in a 1-2-1 setup often operate. Look for routes with these updated A330s featuring the newer product.

Regardless of the plane, I always find the same friendly inflight service across the fleet.

On shorter domestic and international flights, the Airbus A321ceo planes have wide recliner seats in a 2-2 setup. They feel a lot like domestic first class in the U.S. The newer A321neo Long Range planes are a step up with fully flat beds, but they’re still in a 2-2 layout, so you might be climbing over your seatmate. The A321neo Short Range variant has recliner seats in the same 2-2 configuration.

Premium economy

Premium economy on the Airbus A350-900 is a personal favorite of mine. The seats are slightly wider and offer more legroom in a 2-4-2 configuration, making for a more comfortable journey compared to standard economy.

The Boeing 777s don’t offer premium economy at all. I always research the plane seat layout before booking since most booking sites make it clear what aircraft type you’re flying.

Comfort class

This isn’t a separate cabin, but a fare upgrade that adds perks like priority boarding, lounge access and extra snacks. It’s a nice little boost to the ground experience. But once you’re on the plane, you’re heading to an economy seat like other passengers.

Economy class

If you’re flying economy, get ready to be cozy. On the B777, the seating is a tight 3-4-3, which means a lot of hurdles if you’re stuck in a middle seat. The A350 is better with a 3-3-3 setup, but you’ll still be close with your neighbors.

The A330s vary, with the 309-seater Tri-Class offering a 2-4-2 economy layout while high-density versions feature a 3-3-3 configuration. Most domestic flights use jets with a standard 3-3 layout. My go-to for short domestic hops are the Dash 8 planes with their 2-2 configuration. No middle seats means no worries about your seat assignment.

Here’s a pro tip: On many wide-body planes, the rear rows often have different seat configurations where the fuselage narrows. I always try to snag a seat in those two-seat sections for a little extra breathing room.

Pre-flight experience

Here’s everything you need to know before you even get on the plane.

Baggage policies

The number and weight of your checked bags depend on your fare. I always compare the options, since buying a higher fare can be cheaper than paying for extra bags and often includes other perks.

On international flights, baggage allowances vary by route and fare class, so check the specific allowance for your ticket.

For domestic flights, be careful. The cheapest fares don’t include a checked bag at all, while Economy Saver only allows a 22-pound bag. It’s often worth it to buy up to an Economy Value or Flex fare to double that weight allowance.

For carry-ons, things get tricky. They have a strict 15-pound limit, which is less than what many U.S. travelers are used to. In my experience, they tag all approved cabin bags and weigh them. Business class passengers usually get a pass on this, but better to be prepared.

Upgrades on flights

I really like that PAL offers both fixed-price and auction-style upgrades. On long-haul flights, you can often buy an upgrade to a premium cabin at check-in or during online check-in at least 4 hours before departure if there are seats left. It’s a gamble, but a great way to fly in comfort for less.

You can also bid for an upgrade up to 36 hours before departure. I don’t risk it on long flights, but I do it all the time on short domestic hops. I usually bid the minimum amount offered, and it often clears, getting me lounge access, priority check-in, a hot meal and a better seat. Totally worth it.

Lounges

In the Philippines, lounge expectations should be moderate. The airline’s Mabuhay Lounges are fine, but not spectacular. While you’re there, be sure to try the “Arroz Caldo,” a classic Filipino rice porridge with chicken. Access is for business class and top-tier elite status members, but not premium economy passengers. However, Comfort Class passengers on domestic flights do receive complimentary access to Mabuhay Lounges.

Onboard experience

While the airport experience can be average, the onboard service is where PAL really shines. Filipinos are famous for their hospitality, and the cabin crew lives up to that reputation no matter where you’re sitting. Here’s what you can expect onboard.

Wi-Fi and entertainment

Onboard Wi-Fi, called myPAL Wi-Fi, is available on the newer Airbus A321neo, A350 aircraft and Boeing 777. Business class passengers and top-tier Mabuhay Miles members get 100MB for free. A great perk is that anyone who joins their loyalty program gets free access to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Messenger.

That’s reason enough to sign up for Mabuhay Miles. Everyone else gets 10MB of free Wi-Fi, which disappears the second you open Instagram, so plan on buying a package if you need to stay connected. Paid plans are available in standard (valid for 3 hours) and unlimited options.

All long-haul planes have in-seat screens with 100 movies, 25 TV channels and 600 music tracks. The selection is decent, with a good mix of international films, but it could be better for the long flights PAL operates. On the older B777s, I find the screens small and glitchy, but the newer Airbus planes have much better systems.

Food and drinks

On international flights, you can expect a full meal service that often includes Filipino-inspired dishes. Think chicken adobo or beef caldereta alongside more standard international fare. The food is generally pretty good for airline food, and they offer a selection of complimentary soft drinks, juices, beer and wine.

Domestic flights are shorter, so the service is simpler. You’ll typically get a snack and a drink. If you have dietary restrictions, make sure to request a special meal at least 24 hours before your flight.

Amenities

I love that business class passengers get slippers and amenity kits from designer brands like Furla, though the blankets and pillows could be more substantial. The headphones are noise-reducing, but on older planes, they can have some static. Hint: the newer A350s don’t have this problem.

In premium economy, you’ll typically find a pillow and a blanket at your seat. All passengers in all cabins get basic headphones for the entertainment system.

Loyalty programs, miles & credit cards

The Mabuhay Miles program is average at best, but it makes sense for folks who fly the carrier often.

Mabuhay Miles

Since PAL isn’t part of a major airline alliance, its partner network is limited. Mabuhay Miles members can earn and redeem miles on flights operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA), which is a Star Alliance member. This opens up more redemption options for U.S.-based travelers if you credit your flights strategically.

If you stick with Mabuhay Miles, domestic redemptions start at 3,500 miles each way for economy on short Zone 0-100 routes. Business class starts at 5,500 miles for these shorter routes, while longer routes like Manila to Cebu require 8,500 miles. You can also use miles to upgrade or save them for international trips.

Elite status

The program offers nice perks for its elite members, like priority check-in, lounge access and bonus miles. U.S.-based travelers can earn status, but again, I’d recommend a partner program like ANA for more flexibility and value across a global network.

Credit cards

Philippine Airlines has a co-branded credit card suite called the PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Mastercard, available in multiple tiers including World Elite, World, Platinum, and NOW, but I wouldn’t recommend it for U.S.-based flyers. There are many other travel cards that offer far better value and perks. Stick with a U.S.-based card that earns flexible points and offers travel insurance. If you live in the Philippines, the main perk of the PAL card is a 5% discount on select international flights when booked online via the official airline website.