About Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier of the Philippines and the oldest commercial airline in Asia, operating under IATA code PR and ICAO code PAL. Headquartered in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the airline was founded on 26 February 1941 and launched its maiden flight on 15 March 1941 from Manila to Baguio. Today, Philippine Airlines serves an extensive network of domestic and international destinations spanning Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, North America, and Europe from its primary hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila.
Philippine Airlines is a full-service carrier offering three cabin classes — Economy (Fiesta), Premium Economy, and Business (Mabuhay) — with complimentary meals, generous checked baggage allowances, and in-flight entertainment on most routes. The airline operates a modern fleet of over 80 aircraft, including wide-body Airbus A350, Airbus A330, and Boeing 777 jets for long-haul services, and narrow-body Airbus A321neo and A320 aircraft for domestic and regional routes. Philippine Airlines is not currently a member of any global airline alliance but maintains codeshare partnerships with several international carriers to extend its global reach.
Airline Overview and History
With a history spanning more than eight decades, Philippine Airlines holds the distinction of being the first airline in Asia and has played a pivotal role in connecting the Philippines to the world. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- 26 February 1941 — Philippine Air Lines, Inc. is incorporated following the acquisition of the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company (PATCO) by a group of businessmen led by Andres Soriano
- 15 March 1941 — First commercial flight operated from Manila (Nielson Field) to Baguio using a Beechcraft Model 18
- 1946 — Resumed operations after World War II and became the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific Ocean with a Manila to Oakland, California service
- 1947 — Expanded international services to Europe, making Philippine Airlines one of the first Asian carriers to operate intercontinental routes
- 1974 — Introduced wide-body aircraft with the delivery of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10
- 1986 — Became the first Asian airline to operate the Boeing 747-400 on trans-Pacific routes
- 2010s — Underwent a major fleet renewal programme, introducing the Airbus A330 and Airbus A321neo to modernise operations
- 2018 — Received its first Airbus A350-900, enabling ultra-long-haul services
- 2021 — Successfully completed a financial restructuring under Chapter 11 in the United States, emerging as a leaner and more competitive carrier
- December 2025 — Received its first Airbus A350-1000, configured with 382 seats across three classes, marking a new era of premium long-haul travel
The airline's primary hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is strategically located in Metro Manila, serving as the main gateway for both domestic and international air travel in the Philippines. From MNL, Philippine Airlines connects passengers to over 30 domestic destinations across the Philippine archipelago and to major cities in Asia, Australia, the Middle East, North America, and select European destinations. The airline's vision is to be a five-star airline and the carrier of choice for travellers to, from, and within the Philippines, delivering warm Filipino hospitality — known as the spirit of Mabuhay — on every flight.
Fleet and Aircraft
Philippine Airlines operates a modern and diverse fleet of over 80 aircraft, comprising both wide-body and narrow-body types to serve its extensive route network. The fleet includes the following aircraft families:
- Airbus A350-1000 — The airline's newest flagship aircraft, received in December 2025 and configured with 42 lie-flat Business class seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 316 Economy seats. Six additional A350-1000s are on order for delivery through 2027
- Airbus A350-900 — Wide-body long-haul aircraft used on routes to North America, the Middle East, and key Asian destinations, featuring three-class configuration with lie-flat Business class
- Boeing 777-300ER — High-capacity wide-body aircraft deployed primarily on trans-Pacific routes to the United States and Canada, featuring fully flat Business class beds with 78-inch pitch
- Airbus A330-300 — Medium to long-range wide-body aircraft serving Asia-Pacific routes including Australia, Japan, and regional hubs, configured with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins
- Airbus A321neo — Modern narrow-body jet used on high-demand domestic and regional international routes, offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort
- Airbus A321ceo — Narrow-body aircraft undergoing cabin refurbishment from mid-2025 with new seats and updated in-flight entertainment systems
- Airbus A320 — Short to medium-range narrow-body aircraft serving domestic routes and select regional services across Southeast Asia
Philippine Airlines maintains its fleet to the highest international safety and maintenance standards. All aircraft undergo regular scheduled maintenance in accordance with Philippine Civil Aviation Authority regulations and manufacturer recommendations, ensuring safe and reliable operations across the airline's global network.
Top Flight Routes
Philippine Airlines serves a wide network of destinations from its Manila hub. For travellers departing from Malaysia, the most popular route is the direct service between Kuala Lumpur and Manila. Below are some of the most popular Philippine Airlines routes and connections relevant to Malaysian travellers:
- Kuala Lumpur to Manila — The most popular Philippine Airlines route from Malaysia, connecting KL directly to the Philippine capital. Ideal for business travellers, holidaymakers exploring Manila and beyond, and Filipino diaspora returning home
- Kuala Lumpur to Singapore — A popular regional route where you can connect to Philippine Airlines flights onwards to Manila and other Philippine destinations via Singapore
- Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok — Connect via Bangkok for onward Philippine Airlines services to Manila and other Asian destinations
- Kuala Lumpur to Hong Kong — Hong Kong is a key Philippine Airlines hub with frequent connections to Manila and Cebu
- Kuala Lumpur to Seoul — Connect to Philippine Airlines' services to Incheon for travel to South Korea or onwards to the Philippines
- Kuala Lumpur to Osaka — Philippine Airlines operates services between Manila and Osaka, accessible via KUL connections
- Kuala Lumpur to Taipei — Another key Asian route where Philippine Airlines offers onward connections from Taipei to Manila and domestic Philippine destinations
- Kuala Lumpur to Sydney — For travellers heading to Australia, Philippine Airlines operates Manila to Sydney services that connect conveniently from Kuala Lumpur
In addition to these routes, Philippine Airlines operates extensive domestic services within the Philippines, connecting Manila to popular destinations such as Cebu, Davao, Boracay (Caticlan), Palawan (Puerto Princesa), Siargao, and many more island destinations. Travellers can search all available Philippine Airlines routes and fares directly on Traveloka to find the best connection from Malaysia.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding Philippine Airlines' baggage rules before you fly helps you pack efficiently and avoid unexpected fees at the airport. Below is a comprehensive summary of the airline's baggage policies for international flights.
Cabin Baggage
- Weight limit: 7 kg (combined weight for carry-on bag and personal item)
- Carry-on dimensions: Maximum 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (must fit in overhead bin)
- Personal item: One additional personal item allowed — laptop bag, handbag, or small backpack — with maximum dimensions of 45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm (must fit under the seat in front)
Checked Baggage — International Flights (Asia Routes)
Free checked baggage allowances on Philippine Airlines international flights to and from Asia vary by fare class and cabin:
- Economy Supersaver: No free checked baggage on certain Asia and Pacific routes — passengers can purchase baggage add-ons
- Economy Saver: Up to 10 kg of free checked baggage
- Economy Value: Up to 20 kg of free checked baggage
- Economy Flex: Up to 20 kg of free checked baggage
- Premium Economy: Up to 25 kg of free checked baggage
- Business (Mabuhay) Class: Up to 40 kg of free checked baggage
For flights to and from North America, Philippine Airlines uses a piece-based system where Economy passengers typically receive two checked bags of up to 23 kg each, while Business class passengers receive two bags of up to 32 kg each. The maximum weight per single piece of luggage is 32 kg for all classes.
Excess Baggage
Excess baggage fees for international flights on Asian routes are charged per kilogramme under the weight system. Rates start from approximately USD 8 per kg depending on the route. Passengers can save up to 50% by pre-purchasing additional baggage through Philippine Airlines' myPAL Prepaid Baggage service at least 4 hours before departure, rather than paying at the airport counter.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Philippine Airlines follows international aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
- Flammable materials, explosives, and dangerous goods are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors exceeding 6 cm) must be placed in checked baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Liquids in cabin baggage must comply with the 100 ml per container rule and fit in a single resealable transparent bag
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport check-in counters for Philippine Airlines open well in advance of departure. Recommended arrival times at the airport:
- Domestic flights: At least 2 hours before scheduled departure
- International flights: At least 3 hours before scheduled departure
At the check-in counter, staff will verify your travel documents and identification, issue your boarding pass, process your checked baggage, and assign your seat. During peak travel periods such as Christmas, Holy Week, and summer holidays, arriving earlier than the recommended time is advisable.
Online Check-in
Philippine Airlines offers online check-in through its website and mobile app for both domestic and international flights. Key details:
- Opening window: Available from 24 hours before departure
- Closing window: 90 minutes before departure for international flights; 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights
- Process: Visit the Philippine Airlines website or app, enter your booking reference and last name, select your seat, and download or print your boarding pass
- Bag drop: Passengers who have completed online check-in with checked baggage must visit the Online Check-in Bag Drop Counter no later than 1 hour before departure for international flights
Online check-in saves time at the airport and allows you to choose your preferred seat in advance, subject to availability.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Business Class (Mabuhay Class)
Philippine Airlines' Business class, also known as Mabuhay Class, offers a premium travel experience on all wide-body aircraft:
- Seating: Lie-flat seats with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration on the A350 fleet, and fully flat beds with 78-inch (198 cm) pitch on the Boeing 777-300ER
- Entertainment: Personal 18.5-inch seatback touchscreen with an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and music via the myPAL in-flight entertainment system
- Meals: Multi-course gourmet dining featuring Filipino and international cuisine, with fine wines, spirits, and premium beverages. Business class passengers on long-haul flights enjoy signature Filipino dishes such as adobo, sinigang, and bistek alongside international options
- Amenities: Amenity kits, premium blankets and pillows, USB and AC power outlets at every seat, and noise-cancelling headphones
Premium Economy
Available on the A350 and A330 fleet, Premium Economy offers an elevated experience at a mid-range price point:
- Seating: Wider seats with extra legroom in a 2-4-2 configuration on the A330, with enhanced recline compared to standard Economy
- Entertainment: Personal seatback touchscreen with access to the myPAL entertainment library
- Meals: Enhanced meal service with upgraded menu options and premium beverages
- Amenities: USB and AC power outlets, priority baggage handling, and increased checked baggage allowance
Economy Class (Fiesta Class)
Economy class on Philippine Airlines provides a comfortable full-service experience:
- Seating: Standard seats with competitive legroom. Wide-body aircraft feature seatback touchscreens, while narrow-body A320 and A321 aircraft offer a comfortable cabin suitable for short to medium-haul flights
- Entertainment: The myPAL in-flight entertainment system is available on wide-body aircraft with over 100 movies, 25 TV channels, and 600 music selections. On narrow-body aircraft, wireless streaming entertainment (myPAL Player) may be available for passengers to access content on personal devices
- Meals: Complimentary Filipino and international meals are served on most flights, including a main course and beverages. Special meals (vegetarian, halal, kosher, child meal, and other dietary options) can be pre-ordered at least 24 hours before departure
myPAL In-Flight Entertainment
The myPAL entertainment system offers passengers access to a wide selection of content including the latest Hollywood blockbusters, Filipino cinema, Asian drama series, documentaries, music albums, and games. On aircraft equipped with seatback screens, the touchscreen interface allows easy browsing and selection. On aircraft without built-in screens, the myPAL Player wireless streaming service lets passengers stream content directly to their personal smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Require their own seat and ticket. Must be accompanied by an adult passenger aged 18 or above. Child fares may be available on selected routes
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare. Only one infant per accompanying adult is permitted. Bassinets may be available on long-haul flights upon advance request (subject to availability)
- Required documents: Valid passport for all international travel. Birth certificate may be required to verify the child's or infant's age
Pregnant Passengers
Philippine Airlines has specific policies for expectant mothers based on the stage of pregnancy:
- Below 24 weeks: Travel permitted — the passenger fills up Part 1 of the Expectant Mothers Information Sheet (EMIS) form
- 24 to 32 weeks: Travel permitted — the personal physician must complete Part 2 of the EMIS form
- 32 to 35 weeks: Travel requires clearance from a PAL physician (Flight Surgeon or Company Physician), who must complete Part 3 of the EMIS form
- Beyond 35 weeks: Philippine Airlines does not accept pregnant passengers for carriage
The EMIS form is valid for 7 days from the date of issuance and must be completed on a per-flight basis. If the expectant mother is below 21 years of age, written consent from the husband, parent, or guardian is required.
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Philippine Airlines provides comprehensive assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, and other special needs:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in through boarding, during the flight, and at disembarkation
- Priority boarding for passengers requiring additional time or assistance
- Assistance from trained cabin crew during the flight
- Acceptance of portable oxygen concentrators and other approved medical equipment on board
Passengers requiring special assistance or medical equipment should contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to ensure all arrangements are in place.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Eligible ages: Children aged 8 to 11 travelling alone are classified as unaccompanied minors
- Booking: Must be arranged by calling Philippine Airlines' Customer Care and Reservations team — online booking is not available for unaccompanied minors
- Requirements: An accompanying adult must check in the child, provide valid photo identification, and complete the Unaccompanied Minor form at the check-in counter. The accompanying adult must remain at the airport until the flight is airborne
- In-flight care: Cabin crew supervise the child throughout the flight
- Arrival: A Customer Service Representative escorts the child to the authorised pickup individual at the destination
- Service charge: Approximately USD 35 per direction (plus applicable taxes)
- Restrictions: Unaccompanied minor service is not available on connecting flights or flights requiring a layover
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Philippine Airlines flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and navigate to My Booking
- Select the Philippine Airlines booking you wish to modify
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new available flight
- Pay any applicable fare difference or rescheduling fees
- Receive your updated e-ticket via email and the Traveloka app
Rescheduling fees depend on your fare type. Economy Flex and Business Flex tickets generally allow changes with lower or waived fees, while Supersaver and promotional fares may have stricter conditions and higher change fees. Changes made within 24 hours of the original booking are typically free of charge.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on your fare class:
- Economy Flex and Business Flex: Fully refundable — cancel and receive a full refund to your original payment method
- Economy Saver, Economy Value, Premium Economy, and Business Value: Partially refundable — a cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount
- Economy Supersaver and promotional fares: Generally non-refundable — may be converted to travel credit for future Philippine Airlines bookings
Philippine Airlines offers a 24-hour cancellation policy that allows passengers to cancel without penalty within 24 hours of booking, regardless of fare type. To request a cancellation or refund for a booking made through Traveloka, visit your booking details on the Traveloka app or website and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
Airline-Initiated Cancellations
If Philippine Airlines cancels or significantly delays a flight due to reasons within its control, passengers are entitled to a choice between rebooking on the next available Philippine Airlines flight at no additional cost, or receiving a full refund of the unused ticket. Contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance with disrupted bookings.
Why Book Philippine Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Booking Philippine Airlines flights through Traveloka provides a seamless and rewarding experience with several key advantages:
- Best price guarantee — Access competitive fares and Traveloka-exclusive promotions on Philippine Airlines flights
- Easy comparison — Compare Philippine Airlines flights with other carriers side by side, sorting by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops
- Flexible payment options — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, online banking, or popular Malaysian e-wallets including Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, and ShopeePay. Instalment payment plans are also available
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket immediately via email and the Traveloka app after payment
- 24/7 customer support — Access Traveloka's multilingual customer support team around the clock for any booking queries, changes, or travel assistance
- Earn Mabuhay Miles — Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles members can earn frequent flyer miles on flights booked through Traveloka by entering their membership number during booking
- Add-on services — Easily add travel insurance, extra baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers during the booking process
- Manage bookings effortlessly — Reschedule, cancel, or request refunds directly through the Traveloka app or website without needing to contact the airline separately
Tips for Finding Cheap Philippine Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Use these proven strategies to secure the best fares when booking Philippine Airlines flights on Traveloka:
- Book early — Flight prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. Booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance often yields the best fares for international routes like Kuala Lumpur to Manila
- Be flexible with travel dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different departure dates. Shifting your trip by just a day or two can result in significant savings
- Fly midweek — Tuesday and Wednesday departures generally offer lower fares compared to weekend flights on the KUL-MNL route
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature for your preferred route to receive instant notifications when fares drop
- Check the promotions page — Visit Traveloka's flight deals and promotions page regularly for flash sales, promo codes, and limited-time offers on Philippine Airlines tickets
- Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid peak travel seasons such as Christmas, Chinese New Year, and summer school holidays. Shoulder seasons often offer better fares and availability
- Consider connecting flights — If direct flights are expensive, check whether a one-stop routing via Singapore or Hong Kong offers a lower total fare
- Bundle flights and hotels — Book your Philippine Airlines flight together with hotel accommodation on Traveloka for additional bundle discounts
- Choose a lighter fare — If you are travelling with minimal luggage, select an Economy Supersaver fare without checked baggage to reduce the ticket price
How to Book Philippine Airlines Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Philippine Airlines flight on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and tap on the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (e.g. Kuala Lumpur) and destination (e.g. Manila), select your travel dates, choose the number of passengers, and pick your preferred cabin class
- Tap the Search button to view all available flights for your selected route and dates
- Browse the results and use filters to sort by price, departure time, flight duration, or airline. Select your preferred Philippine Airlines flight
- Enter passenger details for all travellers — full name as shown on passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional checked baggage, seat selection, travel insurance, or meal pre-orders
- Review your complete booking summary including base fare, taxes, fees, and any add-ons
- Select your preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plan — and complete the payment
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app. Save or print your e-ticket for check-in at the airport
Your Philippine Airlines booking is now confirmed. Remember to enter your Mabuhay Miles membership number during booking to earn frequent flyer miles, and check in online 24 hours before departure for a smoother airport experience. Enjoy your flight and the warm Filipino hospitality that Philippine Airlines is known for.