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Philippine Airlines

Asia's oldest airline still flying under its original name

  • PhilippinesCountry
  • PRIATA Code
  • PALICAO Code
  • IndependentAlliance
  • Full-ServiceAirline Type

Guide reviewed

About Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines is the national airline of the Philippines, flying from Manila and Cebu across the islands and to Asia, Australia, the Middle East and North America. Every fare includes a 7 kg cabin bag, and checked allowances depend on the fare and route. This guide covers power bank rules, check-in at Manila, island-hopping and how it compares with Cebu Pacific and Cathay Pacific.

Founded in 1941, it is the oldest commercial airline in Asia still flying under its original name. It flies Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s on long-haul routes and Airbus A320-family jets on shorter routes.

Philippine Airlines flights to Manila
Photo: Alexes Gerard / Unsplash

Power Bank Rules on Philippine Airlines

Philippine Airlines updated its power bank rules in April 2026:

  • Carry power banks in cabin baggage only, never in checked bags.
  • Only power banks of up to 100 Wh are accepted, with a maximum of two per passenger.
  • Keep them with you, in the seat pocket or under the seat. Power banks cannot be recharged during the flight.

Check-In at Manila

The airline flies from Terminal 1 at Manila for international flights and Terminal 2 for many domestic flights, so check your ticket. Arrive at least three hours before international flights, as traffic to the airport can be slow.

Families and Special Assistance

Infants under two travel on an adult’s lap. Request wheelchairs and other special assistance at least 48 hours before the flight. Bassinets can be requested on long-haul flights.

Island-Hopping in the Philippines

Domestic flights are the easiest way to explore:

  • Cebu, Bohol and Boracay (Caticlan or Kalibo) are popular beach destinations.
  • Palawan, home to El Nido and Coron, is reached through Puerto Princesa and Busuanga.
  • Book domestic flights early for Holy Week and Christmas.

How to Find Cheap Philippine Airlines Flights

Cheap Philippine Airlines flights: airplane flying in a blue sky
Photo: Viktor Forgacs on Unsplash
  • Compare Supersaver with Saver if you need a checked bag.
  • Avoid Holy Week and Christmas, when demand peaks.
  • Use Cebu as a gateway to the central islands.
  • Watch for seat sales on the website.
  • Compare airlines: use the FlightSelects flight search to see its fares next to Cebu Pacific, Cathay Pacific and others.

Philippine Airlines vs Cebu Pacific vs Cathay Pacific

Three airlines popular with travellers to the Philippines.

Philippine AirlinesCebu PacificCathay Pacific
HubManilaManilaHong Kong
TypeFull-serviceLow-costFull-service
Cabin bag7 kg7 kg7 kg
LoyaltyMabuhay MilesGo RewardsAsia Miles

See our Cebu Pacific guide and Cathay Pacific guide to compare.

Arriving in Manila

Ninoy Aquino International Airport is about 10 km south of central Manila. Traffic is heavy, so allow plenty of time. Ride-hailing apps such as Grab, airport taxis and hotel cars are the easiest options.

You can also book an airport transfer in advance at a fixed price.

Is Philippine Airlines a Good Airline?

Yes. It offers a large domestic network, long-haul flights to North America and Australia, and generous baggage on many international routes.

For more options, see our airline guides and the FlightSelects travel blog.

Facts checked in October 2026 against Wego on baggage allowances and CAPA on the April 2026 power bank rules. Rules change, so check the official website before you travel.

Airline Partnerships

The airline is not a member of a global airline alliance, but it codeshares with many major airlines.

Codeshare & Interline Partnerships

It codeshares with airlines such as ANA, Etihad and others, and its regional sister brand PAL Express flies domestic routes.

Hubs & Focus Cities

Manila Ninoy Aquino International (MNL) is the main hub, with a secondary hub at Cebu (CEB).

Popular Philippine Airlines Routes

The busiest routes link Manila with Cebu, Davao, Tokyo, Singapore, Los Angeles and Sydney. Choose a route to see recent schedules and fares.

Fares are the lowest recently found by our partners and can change quickly. Select a fare to check live prices and availability.

Philippine Airlines Reschedule & Cancellation Policy

Economy is sold as Supersaver, Saver, Value and Flex fares, and Business as Value and Flex. Premium Economy is also available on long-haul flights.

When you change a booking, you pay any fare difference plus a change fee, which is lowest on Flex fares.

  • Economy Supersaver No checked bag on domestic flights; the strictest rules.
  • Economy Saver Smaller checked allowance.
  • Economy Value and Flex More baggage and flexibility.
  • Business Value and Flex Lounge access and larger allowances.
  • How to change or cancel Use Manage Booking on the website or app.

Philippine Airlines Seat Selection & Additional Services

Meals are served on international flights, and seat selection is free on higher fares.

Business passengers get lounge access in Manila and Cebu.

  • Meals Included on international flights.
  • Seats Paid on cheaper fares; included on higher fares.
  • Business Lounges and lie-flat seats on long-haul aircraft.
  • Special assistance Request wheelchairs and other help in advance.

Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance

Every passenger can bring one cabin bag of up to 7 kg (56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus a personal item such as a handbag or laptop bag.

On domestic flights, Supersaver has no checked bag, Saver includes 10 kg and Value and Flex 20 kg. Internationally, Economy includes 20–30 kg on most Asian routes and two 23 kg bags to Japan, the Middle East and North America.

  • Cabin bag Up to 7 kg, 56 × 36 × 23 cm.
  • Personal item Up to 45 × 35 × 20 cm.
  • Domestic Supersaver No checked bag.
  • Domestic Saver 10 kg.
  • Domestic Value and Flex 20 kg.
  • Asia and Australia Usually 20–30 kg in Economy.
  • Japan, Middle East and North America 2 × 23 kg in Economy.

Mabuhay Miles: Philippine Airlines Loyalty Programme

Mabuhay Miles is the airline's frequent flyer programme. Members earn miles on flights and partners and can spend them on award flights and upgrades.

  • Programme Mabuhay Miles.
  • Earn Flights and partner airlines.
  • Redeem Award flights and upgrades.
Join or log in on the Philippine Airlines website

Philippine Airlines: Frequently Asked Questions

01What are Philippine Airlines’ IATA and ICAO codes?

The airline's two-character IATA code is PR. It appears in flight numbers (for example PR 101), on tickets and on airport departure boards. Its three-letter ICAO code is PAL, which air traffic control and flight-tracking services use to identify the airline.

02Which airline alliance is Philippine Airlines part of?

It is not a member of a global airline alliance, although it may still have codeshare or interline agreements with individual airlines.

03When was Philippine Airlines founded?

The airline was founded in 1941.

04What are Philippine Airlines’ main hubs?

Its main hubs and focus cities are: Manila (MNL) – Main Hub.

05What is Philippine Airlines’ frequent flyer programme called?

The frequent flyer programme is called Mabuhay Miles. Members earn points or miles on eligible flights and can redeem them for award tickets, upgrades and other benefits.

06What is the Philippine Airlines cabin baggage allowance?

One 7 kg cabin bag (56 × 36 × 23 cm) plus a personal item.

07Does the Philippine Airlines Supersaver fare include checked baggage?

Not on domestic flights. Saver includes 10 kg and Value and Flex 20 kg.

08How many bags can I check to the US?

Economy includes two 23 kg bags on flights to the US and Canada.

09Where is Philippine Airlines based?

Its hub is Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport, with a secondary hub in Cebu.

10Can I use a power bank on Philippine Airlines?

On Philippine Airlines you can carry up to two power banks of up to 100 Wh each in cabin baggage, kept with you or under the seat. You cannot recharge them during the flight, and they are never allowed in checked bags.

Philippine Airlines, its logo and trademarks are the property of Philippine Airlines, Inc. and are used for identification and informational purposes only. FlightSelects is not affiliated with or endorsed by Philippine Airlines unless expressly stated. FlightSelects may earn a commission when you book through partner links, at no extra cost to you.