Looking to take a break from the tropical haven that is the Philippines, or jet off to an international destination with Asia’s first commercial airline? When you book a flight with Philippine Airlines (PAL), the experience is met in your trip. Thousands of passengers and tourists have been flown to the islands and beyond for decades by PAL, the country’s flag carrier and sole full-service network airline, with its signature Heart of the Filipino service.
Airline websites can be difficult to use, and deciphering the fine print in fare rules can seem overwhelming. Whether you’re a jet-setting globe-trotter or are booking a ticket to your dream vacation, the PAL airline booking system can be quite confusing. Still, by learning how it works, you won’t just save time and money –you’ll also escape unnecessary stress. Booking the perfect seat to decoding your baggage allowance, a little prep can go a long way.
This guide will cover all the basics of ensuring your spot with Philippine Airlines. We are going to walk you through how to book and divide the different cabin classes, as well as provide unique hacks that will allow you to enhance your overall travel experience with Mabuhay Miles.
How to Book Your Flight Online
Booking your flight is easier than ever thanks to digital platforms. You can secure your ticket through the official Philippine Airlines website or their mobile app, available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Step-by-Step Web Booking
- Search for Flights: On the homepage, enter your origin, destination, travel dates, and the number of passengers. You can choose between round-trip, one-way, or Multi-city itineraries.
- Select Your Flight: The system will display available flights along with different fare families (more on that below). Compare the schedules and prices to find the best fit for your itinerary.
- Enter Passenger Details: Input the names of all travelers exactly as they appear on their government-issued IDs or passports. This is also where you can input your Mabuhay Miles number if you are a member.
- Add Extras: Before payment, you will have the option to add “Travel Extras” such as prepaid baggage or specific seat selections.
- Payment and Confirmation: Pay using a credit card, debit card, or other available payment channels. Once confirmed, you will receive an e-ticket itinerary receipt via email.
Using the Mobile App
For travelers on the go, the PAL mobile app offers a streamlined experience. You can book flights, check flight status, and even check in directly from your phone. The interface is similar to the website but optimized for smaller screens, making it convenient to manage your booking from anywhere.
Understanding Fare Classes
Philippine Airlines offers varied fare families designed to suit different budgets and travel needs. Understanding these can help you avoid unexpected fees later.
Economy Class
This is the most popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. Within the economy, you will typically find tiered options:
- Economy Supersaver & Saver: These are the most affordable fares but come with the strictest conditions. They often have limited rebooking flexibility and lower mileage accrual rates.
- Economy Value: A middle-ground option that usually offers a standard baggage allowance and reasonable cancellation fees.
- Economy Flex: As the name suggests, this fare offers the most flexibility, often including free changes (fare difference may apply) and higher mileage earning rates (up to 100%).
Premium Economy
Offered on selected international (to New York or Honolulu, for example) and domestic routes, Premium Economy has more legroom and a sole-use required service in the cabin. Travelers seated in this section usually receive priority check-in and boarding, as well as an increased free baggage allowance based on your Economy fare.
Business Class
For maximum experience, some aircrafts in Business Class provide lie-flat beds, delicious gourmet food and access to Mabuhay Lounges.
- Business Value: Offers the luxury experience at a lower price point but with some restrictions on refunds and rebooking.
- Business Flex: Provides maximum flexibility, often allowing free changes and significantly higher mileage accrual (up to 150%).
Note: Baggage rules vary by route. For example, US flights typically use a piece system (e.g., 2 pieces at 50lbs each for Economy), while other international routes may use a weight system.
Managing Your Booking
Once your ticket is issued, the “Manage Booking” feature is your best friend. You can access this on the website by entering your booking reference and last name.
Seat Selection
While standard seats may be assigned for free at check-in, you can secure your preferred spot in advance.
- Choice Seats: Select an aisle or window seat near the front of the cabin for quicker disembarkation.
- Exit Row Seats: These offer extra legroom but require passengers to meet safety criteria.
Baggage Add-ons
If you exceed your free baggage allowance, it is wise to purchase myPAL Baggage Plus prepaid baggage. Buying extra weight online is significantly cheaper than paying excess baggage fees at the airport counter. Note that a single piece of checked baggage generally cannot weigh more than 32kg (70lbs) for safety reasons.
In-Flight Meals
PAL is known for its tasty in-flight dining, but you have options to customize it:
- Special Meals: If you have dietary, medical, or religious requirements (such as Vegan, Muslim, or Gluten-Free), you can request a special meal at least 48 hours before your flight.
- myPAL Flavors: Want to upgrade your dining experience? You can purchase premium meals created by top chefs for a nominal fee. These must be booked up to 48 hours before departure and are non-refundable.
Deals and Loyalty Programs
Traveling smart means making the most of every peso you spend.
Mabuhay Miles
Membership in PAL’s frequent flier program, Mabuhay Miles, is free and available for passengers two years old and above. Members accrue miles not only when flying but also through partners like hotels, car rentals and credit cards. Your miles are good for free flights or service class upgrades.
Finding Promos
“Ultimate Seat Sales” and other promos are posted on the PAL website and social media platforms. Although the promo fares are so, so cheap, bear in mind that these are usually non-refundable and non-rebookable. Be sure to review all of the fare rules before booking.
Essential Check-In and Travel Requirements
To ensure a smooth departure, pay attention to check-in timelines.
Online Check-In
You can check in online starting 24 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows you to skip the long queues at the check-in counters.
- International Flights: Online check-in closes 1 hour and 15 minutes before departure.
- Domestic Flights: Online check-in closes 1 hour before departure.
Airport Cut-off Times
Even if you checked in online, you need to be mindful of bag drop times.
- For international flights, you generally need to be at the bag drop counter at least 1 hour before departure (45 minutes for Quanzhou).
- For domestic flights, the counter closes 45 minutes before departure.
Always bring a valid government-issued ID for domestic travel and a passport valid for at least six months for international travel. Visa requirements depend on your destination and citizenship, so verify these with the relevant embassies before you fly.
Fly Smarter with PAL
It’s easy to book a flight with Philippine Airlines once you figure out what to do. Selecting the correct fare class, planning for extras in advance and taking advantage of online check-in can help you avoid a lot of frustration when it comes to flying in general.
Also, do not forget to join Mabuhay Miles before your first trip so you can earn rewards right away. With a bit of planning, you can relax and enjoy the special warmth of Filipino hospitality that is designed to make flying with PAL an experience in itself.
