About Philippine Airlines
Philippine Airlines is the flag carrier of the Philippines and Asia's oldest airline still operating under its original name, flying under IATA code PR and ICAO code PAL. Headquartered in Pasay City, Metro Manila, the airline was incorporated on 26 February 1941 and flew its maiden flight on 15 March 1941 from Manila to Baguio. Today, Philippine Airlines connects a wide network of domestic and international destinations spanning Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, North America, and Europe from its main 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), complete with complimentary meals, generous checked baggage allowances, and in-flight entertainment on most routes. The airline operates a modern fleet, including widebody Airbus A350, Airbus A330, and Boeing 777 jets for long-haul service, alongside Airbus A321neo and A320 narrowbody aircraft for domestic and regional routes. For most of its history Philippine Airlines was not a member of any global airline alliance, though it maintained codeshare partnerships with several international carriers to widen its reach. That changed in June 2026, when Philippine Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding to join the oneworld alliance as its 16th member, with full membership expected to take effect once the transition is complete. Once formalized, Mabuhay Miles members will be able to earn and redeem miles across the wider oneworld network.
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 defining role in connecting the Philippines with the rest of the world. Key milestones in the airline's history include:
- 26 February 1941 - Philippine Air Lines, Inc. is incorporated following the takeover of the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company (PATCO) by a group of businessmen led by Andres Soriano
- 15 March 1941 - The airline's first commercial flight operates from Manila (Nielson Field) to Baguio using a Beechcraft Model 18 aircraft
- 1946 - Operations resume after World War II, and Philippine Airlines becomes the first Asian airline to cross the Pacific Ocean on the Manila to Oakland, California route
- 1947 - International service expands to Europe, making Philippine Airlines one of the first Asian carriers to operate intercontinental routes
- 1974 - Widebody jets are introduced with the delivery of the McDonnell Douglas DC-10
- 1993 - Philippine Airlines receives its first Boeing 747-400, opening the era of nonstop flights between the Philippines and the United States
- 2010s - The airline undertakes a major fleet renewal program, adding new Airbus A330s and introducing the Airbus A321neo to modernize operations
- 2018 - Philippine Airlines receives its first Airbus A350-900, enabling ultra-long-haul service
- 2021 - The airline completes a financial restructuring under Chapter 11 in the United States, emerging as a leaner and more competitive carrier
- December 2025 - Philippine Airlines takes delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000, configured with 382 seats across three cabins, marking a new era of premium long-haul travel
- June 2026 - Philippine Airlines signs a Memorandum of Understanding to join the oneworld alliance, becoming its 16th member
The airline's main hub at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) sits at the heart of Metro Manila, serving as the principal gateway for domestic and international air travel in the Philippines. From MNL, Philippine Airlines connects passengers to more than 30 domestic destinations across the Philippine archipelago, as well as major cities across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, North America, and select destinations in Europe. The airline's vision is to become a five-star carrier and the airline of choice to, from, and within the Philippines, delivering the warm Filipino hospitality known as the Mabuhay spirit on every flight.
Fleet and Aircraft
Philippine Airlines operates a modern and diverse fleet, made up of widebody and narrowbody types that serve its extensive route network. The fleet includes the following aircraft families:
- Airbus A350-1000 - The airline's newest flagship aircraft, delivered in December 2025 and configured with 42 fully flat-bed Business seats, 24 Premium Economy seats, and 316 Economy seats
- Airbus A350-900 - A long-range widebody used on routes to North America, the Middle East, and key Asian destinations, configured in a three-class layout that includes fully flat-bed Business seating
- Boeing 777-300ER - A high-capacity widebody used mainly on trans-Pacific routes to the United States and Canada, featuring fully flat-bed Business seats and legroom of up to 78 inches
- Airbus A330-300 - A medium to long-range widebody serving Asia-Pacific routes, including Australia, Japan, and regional hubs, with Business, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins
- Airbus A321neo - A modern narrowbody used on high-demand domestic and regional international routes, offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort
- Airbus A321ceo - A narrowbody aircraft undergoing a cabin upgrade program, with new seating and an updated in-flight entertainment system
- Airbus A320 - A short to medium-range narrowbody serving domestic routes and select regional services within Southeast Asia
Philippine Airlines maintains its fleet to the highest international safety and maintenance standards. All aircraft undergo scheduled maintenance in line with Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines regulations and manufacturer recommendations, ensuring safe and reliable operations across the airline's global network.
Top Flight Routes
Philippine Airlines serves an extensive network of destinations from its Manila hub, along with growing service from regional hubs such as Cebu and Davao. Whether you are flying within the Philippines or connecting to major cities abroad, here are some of the most popular Philippine Airlines routes to check on Traveloka:
- Manila to Cebu - One of the busiest domestic routes in the country, linking the capital to the Queen City of the South for business travelers, families, and tourists heading to the Visayas
- Manila to Davao - A key route connecting Luzon to Mindanao, popular with business travelers and residents visiting family in the south
- Manila to Puerto Princesa - The gateway to Palawan's beaches and lagoons, a favorite for leisure travelers year-round
- Manila to Caticlan (Boracay) - The most convenient way to reach Boracay's white sand beaches directly from the capital
- Manila to Tokyo (Narita) - Philippine Airlines connects Manila to Japan's capital with regular service, popular with tourists, students, and the sizable Filipino community in Japan
- Manila to Los Angeles - One of the airline's longest-running trans-Pacific routes, well used by overseas Filipino families and balikbayans
- Manila to New York (JFK) - A nonstop ultra-long-haul route operated with the Airbus A350, connecting the Philippines directly to the US East Coast
- Manila to Sydney - A well-established route for travelers heading to Australia, serving both leisure visitors and the Filipino diaspora
- Manila to London (Heathrow) - Philippine Airlines' link to the United Kingdom and a convenient connecting point for onward European travel
- Manila to Singapore - A short regional hop that also serves as a useful connection for travelers heading further into Southeast Asia
- Manila to Hong Kong - One of the most frequently flown routes out of Manila, popular with business travelers, shoppers, and Overseas Filipino Workers
- Manila to Dubai - A vital link for the large Filipino community working in the United Arab Emirates
- Cebu to Tokyo - A growing international route out of Cebu's Mactan-Cebu International Airport, reducing the need to transit through Manila
Beyond these routes, Philippine Airlines operates extensive domestic service connecting Manila and Cebu to destinations such as Iloilo, Bacolod, Zamboanga, Siargao, Tacloban, and many other island destinations across the Philippine archipelago. Travelers can check all available Philippine Airlines routes and fares directly on Traveloka to find the best connection for their trip.
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding Philippine Airlines' baggage rules before you fly helps you pack more efficiently and avoid unexpected charges at the airport. Here is a complete summary of the airline's baggage policy for international flights.
Carry-on Baggage
- Weight limit: 7 kg (for the hand-carried bag)
- Hand-carry dimensions: Maximum 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (must fit in the overhead bin)
- Personal item: One additional personal item is allowed, such as a 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 may purchase additional baggage
- Economy Saver: 23 kg to 30 kg free checked baggage on most Asia and Pacific routes, depending on the route
- Economy Value: 30 kg free checked baggage on most Asia and Pacific routes
- Economy Flex: 30 kg to 35 kg free checked baggage on most Asia and Pacific routes, depending on the route
- Premium Economy: 35 kg to 40 kg free checked baggage on Asia and Pacific routes where it is offered
- Business Class (Mabuhay): Up to 40 kg free checked baggage
For flights to and from North America, Philippine Airlines uses a piece-based system, with Economy passengers typically receiving 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 for any single bag is 32 kg across all cabins.
Excess Baggage
Excess baggage charges for international flights on Asia routes are calculated per kilogram over the free allowance. Rates vary by route. Passengers can save by purchasing extra baggage in advance 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 other dangerous goods are prohibited in both carry-on and checked baggage
- Sharp objects (knives, scissors longer than 6 cm) must be placed in checked baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks may only be carried in cabin baggage
- Liquids in carry-on baggage must comply with the 100 ml per container rule and be packed in a single resealable transparent bag
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Philippine Airlines' airport check-in counters open well ahead of departure time. Recommended arrival times at the airport are:
- 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 school holidays, it is advisable to arrive earlier than the recommended times.
Online Check-in
Philippine Airlines offers online check-in through its website and mobile app for both domestic and international flights. Key details:
- Opens: Available from 24 hours before departure
- Closes: 1 hour 15 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
- Baggage drop: Passengers who have completed online check-in but still have checked baggage must proceed to the Online Check-in Baggage Drop counter no later than 1 hour before departure for international flights
Online check-in saves time at the airport and lets you choose your preferred seat earlier, 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 widebody aircraft:
- Seating: Fully flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration on the A350 fleet, plus fully flat-bed seats with 78 inches (198 cm) of legroom on the Boeing 777-300ER
- Entertainment: An 18.5-inch personal touchscreen with an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and music through the myPAL in-flight entertainment system
- Meals: Multi-course gourmet meals featuring Filipino and international cuisine, paired with a selection of premium wines, spirits, and beverages. Business Class passengers on long-haul flights can enjoy Filipino specialties such as adobo, sinigang, and bistek alongside international choices
- Amenities: Personal 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 fleets, Premium Economy offers an elevated experience at a moderate price point:
- Seating: Wider seats with extra legroom in a 2-4-2 configuration on the A330, with better recline than standard Economy
- Entertainment: A personal touchscreen with access to the myPAL entertainment library
- Meals: Enhanced meal service with better menu choices and premium beverages
- Amenities: USB and AC power outlets, priority baggage handling, and a higher checked baggage allowance
Economy Class (Fiesta Class)
Philippine Airlines' Economy Class offers a comfortable full-service experience:
- Seating: Standard seating with competitive legroom. Widebody aircraft feature seatback touchscreens, while narrowbody A320 and A321 aircraft offer a comfortable cabin suited to short and medium-haul flights
- Entertainment: The myPAL in-flight entertainment system is available on widebody aircraft with more than 100 movies, 25 TV channels, and 600 music selections. On narrowbody aircraft, wireless streaming entertainment (myPAL Player) may be available for passengers to access content on their own devices
- Meals: Complimentary Filipino and international meals are served on most flights, including a main course and beverages. Special meals such as vegetarian, halal, kosher, and children's meals can be pre-ordered at least 48 hours before departure
myPAL In-Flight Entertainment
The myPAL entertainment system gives passengers access to a wide range of content including the latest Hollywood releases, Filipino cinema, Asian drama series, documentaries, music albums, and games. On aircraft with seatback screens, a touchscreen interface makes browsing and selection easy. On aircraft without built-in screens, the myPAL Player wireless streaming service allows passengers to stream content directly to their own smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Traveling with Children and Infants
- Children (2-11 years old): Require their own seat and ticket. Must be accompanied by an adult passenger aged 18 or above. Child fares may be available on select routes
- Infants (under 2 years old): May travel on the lap of an accompanying adult at a reduced infant fare. Only one infant is allowed per accompanying adult. Bassinets may be available on long-haul flights upon advance request, subject to availability
- Required documents: A valid passport is required for all international travel. A birth certificate may be required to verify the age of a child or infant
Pregnant Passengers
Philippine Airlines has specific policies for expectant mothers based on the stage of pregnancy:
- Under 24 weeks: Travel is permitted, and the passenger completes Part 1 of the Expectant Mothers Information Sheet (EMIS) form
- 24 to 32 weeks: Travel is permitted, but the passenger's own physician must complete Part 2 of the EMIS form
- 33 to 35 weeks: Travel requires approval 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 travel
The EMIS form is valid for up to 7 days for international flights and 3 days for domestic flights, and must be completed for each flight. If the expectant mother is under 21 years old, written consent from her 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 upon disembarkation
- Priority boarding for passengers who need extra time or assistance
- Assistance from trained cabin crew during the flight
- Acceptance of portable oxygen concentrators and other approved medical equipment in the cabin
Passengers who require 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 age: Children aged 8 to 11 years old traveling alone are classified as unaccompanied minors
- Booking: Must be arranged by contacting the Philippine Airlines Customer Care and Reservations team, as online booking is not available for unaccompanied minors
- Requirements: The Unaccompanied Minor Handling Advice Form must be submitted at least 48 hours before departure. The adult brings the child to the terminal entrance, where a Philippine Airlines representative meets the child
- In-flight care: Cabin crew will look after the child throughout the flight
- Arrival: A Customer Service representative will escort the child to the authorized individual designated to receive them at the destination
- Service fee: A service fee applies per sector, varies by route, and is paid when the ticket is issued
- Restrictions: The unaccompanied minor service is not available for connecting flights or flights requiring a transit stop
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling a Flight
To reschedule a Philippine Airlines flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and go to My Booking
- Select the Philippine Airlines booking you want to change
- Choose the reschedule option and pick your new available flight
- Pay any applicable fare difference or rebooking fee
- Receive your updated e-ticket by email and in the Traveloka app
Rebooking fees depend on your fare type. Economy Flex and Business Flex tickets generally allow changes at a lower fee or free of charge, while Supersaver and promotional fares tend to have stricter conditions and higher change fees.
Cancellation and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on your fare class:
- Economy Flex and Business Flex: Refundable, subject to the fare rules
- 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 and not eligible for travel credit conversion unless the flight is disrupted
To request a cancellation or refund for a booking made through Traveloka, go to your booking details in 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 for reasons within its control, passengers are entitled to choose between rebooking on the next available Philippine Airlines flight at no additional cost, or receiving a full refund for the unused ticket. Contact Traveloka's 24/7 customer support for immediate assistance with an affected booking.
Why Book Philippine Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Booking your Philippine Airlines flight through Traveloka gives you a smooth and rewarding experience with several key advantages:
- Great value fares - Access competitive prices and exclusive Traveloka promotions for Philippine Airlines flights
- Easy comparison - Compare Philippine Airlines flights side by side with other airlines, sorted by price, departure time, flight duration, and number of stops
- Flexible payment options - Pay using credit or debit cards, bank transfer, GCash, Maya, or convenient installment plans
- Instant e-ticket - Receive your booking confirmation and e-ticket immediately by email and in the Traveloka app after payment
- 24/7 customer support - Reach Traveloka's multilingual customer support team any time for booking questions, changes, or travel assistance
- Earn Mabuhay Miles - Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles members can earn miles on flights booked through Traveloka by entering their membership number when booking
- Add-on services - Add travel insurance, extra baggage, seat selection, and airport transfers easily during the booking process
- Manage bookings with ease - Reschedule, cancel, or request a refund directly through the Traveloka app or website without needing to contact the airline separately
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these proven strategies to get the best fares when booking Philippine Airlines flights on Traveloka:
- Book ahead - Flight prices tend to rise as the departure date approaches. Booking 4 to 8 weeks in advance often gives the best fares for international routes such as Manila to Tokyo or Manila to Los Angeles
- Stay flexible with your travel dates - Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different departure dates. Shifting your travel by just a day or two can lead to meaningful savings
- Fly on weekdays - Flights on Tuesdays and Wednesdays generally offer lower fares compared to weekend departures on busy domestic routes like Manila-Cebu
- Turn on Price Alerts - Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature for your preferred route to get notified as soon as fares drop
- Check the deals 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 the off-peak season - Avoid peak travel periods such as Christmas, Holy Week, and the summer school break. Shoulder seasons often bring better fares and more availability
- Consider connecting flights - If a direct flight is expensive, check whether a one-stop route through 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 traveling light, choose the Economy Supersaver fare without checked baggage to bring down the ticket price
How to Book 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 the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (for example, Manila) and destination (for example, Cebu), select your travel dates, set the number of passengers, and choose your preferred cabin class
- Tap the Search button to see all available flights for your chosen route and dates
- Browse the search results and use the filters to sort by price, departure time, flight duration, or airline. Select your preferred Philippine Airlines flight
- Enter passenger details for all travelers, full name as it appears on the passport, date of birth, nationality, passport number, and contact information
- Add extras such as additional checked baggage, seat selection, travel insurance, or pre-ordered meals
- Review your complete booking summary, including base fare, taxes, fees, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method, credit card, debit card, bank transfer, GCash, Maya, or an installment plan, and complete the payment
- Receive your e-ticket instantly by email and in the Traveloka app. Save or print your e-ticket for airport check-in
Your Philippine Airlines booking is now confirmed. Don't forget to enter your Mabuhay Miles membership number when booking to earn reward 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.