09 March, 2020
02 March, 2020
17 December, 2019
07 December, 2019
Philippine Airlines were founded in 1941 and are the national flag-carrier of the Philippines. Also known as PAL, they are the oldest and longest serving commercial Asian airline that still operate under their original name.
Passengers can fly to 31 destinations in the Philippines, as well as 54 destinations overseas across Asia, the United States, Europe, Oceania and the Middle East. Their main hub is located in Manila, with three other secondary hubs located in Davao, Clark and Mactan-Cebu. They also run a domestic subsidiary called PAL Express, with services across the Philippines.
Philippine Airlines are not currently members of any airline alliances, however they do partner with 14 other airlines across the globe, including Cathay Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines and Vietnam Airlines.
Their fleet currently numbers 61 aircraft, with a further 14 on order. These include Airbus A320, A321, A330 and A350's, as well as Boeing 777's. The airline has a strong partnership with Airbus.
The airline was named the "Most Improved Airline of 2019" award from airlineratings.com, and received a 4-Star Global Airline rating from Skytrax and APEX. They have also received previous awards for their in-flight cuisine, employee treatment and training.
Philippine Airlines currently only fly direct from Auckland. They currently don't have any New Zealand airline partners, so customers from other NZ cities must make their own way to one of those serviced by Philippine Airlines on a seperate ticket.
All flights will transit via their hub in Manila, and from there passengers can travel onwards to a wide range of Asian destinations, as well as the U.S, Europe and the Middle East.
Passengers can also take advantage of Philippine Airlines' airline partnerships, allowing travellers to visit a wider range of destinations across the world.
Philippine Airlines flights often go on sale, though they don't run set weekly or monthly sales like some airlines. They do feature a variety of different sales throughout the year though. Previous sales have included their Anniversary Sale (May), Boxing Day (December 26th) sales, Black Friday (after Thanksgiving), New Years sales (January 1st) and others.
They also often feature 'seat sales', Earlybird sales (for fares booked several months in advance), companion sales (for two or more passengers in one booking) and destination-specific sales, with discounted fares to and across Asia, Europe and more. They also offer specials on their holiday packages with flights included.
Philippine Airlines often crop up in our emails with really cheap fares to Japan, Europe and South-East Asia.
They also offer cheaper fares for any Filipino students.
There is a dedicated 'Promotions' page on their website, or you can sign up to their emails to be notified of any future deals. Or just sign up with us, and we will let you know every time there are great deals!
Philippine Airlines have three main cabin classes - Economy, Premium Economy and Business.
All flights from New Zealand on Philippine Airlines include checked baggage, in-flight meals and entertainment.
Cabin/Carry On Baggage
Economy/Premium Economy - 1 x 7kg piece (no larger than 56x36x23cm) + 2 small personal items such as handbag, laptop, coat or duty free bag.
Business - 1 x 7kg piece (no larger than 56x36x23cm) + 2 small personal items such as handbag, laptop, coat or duty free bag.
Checked Baggage (from New Zealand to the Philippines and the rest of South-East Asia)
For flights from New Zealand there is no limit to how many pieces are allowed as long as the total weight limit is observed.
Economy: 25kg (each piece must be less than 32kg and 158cm total LxHxW)
Premium Economy - 30kg (each piece must be less than 32kg and 158cm total LxHxW)
Business - 35kg (each piece must be less than 32kg and 158cm total LxHxW)
Flights from New Zealand to Europe: Economy 1 x 30kg, Premium Economy 1 x 35kg, Business 1 x 40kg
Flights from New Zealand to the USA, Middle East and Japan: Economy 2 x 23kg, Premium Economy 2 x 25kg, Business 2 x 32kg
All Elite, Premier Elite and Million Miler members of the 'Mabuhay Miles' frequent flyer program get extra baggage allowances.
You can check in for your Philippine Airlines flight either online, via the Philippine Airlines app (available for both iOS and Android), or in person at the airport.
Check in via the app or online opens 24 hours prior to departure, and you can print boarding passes at home. You can also choose seats, pay for baggage or extras, or upgrade. Luggage can be dropped at a kiosk, or at the Philippine Airlines Online Check-in counter.
There are also Philippine Airlines self-serve kiosks at some airports which allow you to print boarding passes and luggage tags without lining up.
To check in at the airport counter, check directly with the airport website for the exact time the counter opens. However, in general check-in counters are open 3 hours prior to departure for international flights.
'Mabuhay Miles' is the name of Philippine Airlines Frequent Flyer program. It came about in 2002 after several other loyalty programs were combined. The program allows passengers to earn miles on Philippine Airlines flights and airline partner flights. You can also earn miles with other travel and retail partners, such as holiday packages, hotel stays, dining, car hire, shopping, insurance, credit cards and more.
The program is free to join, and there are four tiers to the loyalty program, beginning with 'Classic' Status, followed by 'Elite', 'Premier Elite' and 'Million Miler'. Each membership tier provides various extra benefits to passengers, including extra baggage, free upgrades, lounge access and more.
Points can be redeemed for flights with Philippine Airlines and partner airlines, as well as upgrades, lounge access, and partner deals such as accommodation and holiday packages.
Website: https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/aboutus/contactus
Phone from New Zealand: +649 969 7477
Email: pal@airlinemarketing.co.nz