The last thing on my list when I made my reservation for a flight to Manila via World Pinoy Flights was a juggernaut of paperwork, or rather a wall-of-terms document similar to one which I had to sign on the website of every airline. I was an experienced traveller, and it was the first time that I was flying with Philippine Airlines (PAL) following a round-the-world trip itinerary, and I did not want to be caught unawares by the airline’s baggage guidelines.
I will tell you my whole experience, starting with packing my bags at my London apartment to passing the PAL check-in desk at the Manila Airport, as I dwell upon the main subject, which is the Philippines Airlines baggage allowance. I will interlace with a few World Pinoy Flights viewpoints because, regardless of where you travel, it is all about knowing what you can bring and what you will pay when travelling.
How Much Baggage Does Philippine Airlines Allow? Rules and Policies
Would you like to fly with Philippine Airlines? Whether you are travelling within the Philippines or to another country, it is essential to know the Philippines Airlines’ baggage allowance. Because each airline has its own baggage policy, the amount of luggage you can bring depends on where you’re going and what class of fare you are paying for. You may also incur additional baggage fees if you are unaware of them.
This blog post from World Pinoy Flights has everything you need to know. We will discuss the Philippine Airlines baggage policy, which includes the maximum weight and size of bags, as well as rules for both foreign and domestic travel, among other details.
An outline of the baggage policy for Philippine Airlines
The Philippine Airlines Baggage Policy says that each passenger can bring one personal item and one free carry-on bag. The Philippine Airlines baggage dimensions and weight of the Philippine Airlines carry-on allowance can’t go over 7 kg (15 lbs). It must be no bigger than 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (22 in x 14 in x 9 in).
Besides your carry-on, you can bring one personal item with you. This could be a laptop bag, a handbag, or a small backpack. It needs to be small and simple to put under your seat.
- Free checked bags: Philippines Airlines baggage allowance will depend on the type of ticket you have and the route you are taking. However, the total length, width, and height of each checked bag cannot exceed 158 cm (62 inches), and each bag can’t weigh more than 32 kg (71.6 lbs).
- More than the allowed amount of checked luggage: If your checked luggage is bigger or heavier than what is allowed, you may have to pay an Excess Baggage Charge (EBC). These fees change based on your trip and fare class.
- Purchasing Extra Baggage Space: If you need to bring more than the allowed amount, you can use PAL’s Prepaid Baggage service to buy extra space ahead of time. This will save you money because you won’t have to pay extra fees at the airport.
For official guidance on passenger rights and baggage limits in the Philippines, you can refer to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance (International and Domestic)
Philippine Airlines international baggage has a different rule. Your travel options will depend on your cabin class and whether you are travelling within the country or to another country. Depending on the fare class, most international airlines allow passengers to bring two bags with them. When you book, please check your Philippines Airlines baggage allowance. Up to 32 kg (70 lbs) can be put in each bag.
On the other hand, passengers flying in Economy Value and Economy Flex on planes when flying within the Philippines (except those going to or from Basco, Batanes) can bring up to 20 kg of luggage with them. Infants can bring one free bag with them when they buy a ticket.
For passengers interested in the Manila to London route, see our detailed update on when Philippine Airlines will resume flights to London.
Philippine Airlines Fees for Extra Baggage
Philippine Airlines (PAL) charges extra baggage fees if the amount of checked luggage you bring is more than the free baggage allowance (FBA). For domestic trips, you’ll have to pay PHP 350 per kilogram for extra luggage. The prices for international flights depend on the route and the place you’re going. Understanding the Philippines Airlines baggage allowance helps you budget for your trip and avoid unexpected costs. You can also buy a prepaid baggage limit to stay away from these fees.
Philippine Airlines London to Manila: Special Considerations
For passengers on the Philippine Airlines London to Manila route, it’s important to note that it’s considered a long-haul route. The international baggage allowance typically permits two pieces of free baggage at 23 kg each for economy class passengers. Always verify your specific baggage policy when booking, as charges and dimensions may vary depending on your fare type. The Philippines Airlines baggage allowance for this route is generous compared to many carriers.
Things You Should Know About Philippine Airlines Baggage
- The FBA benefit is only valid for that one trip and may not apply to connecting flights.
- You can’t bring dangerous things in your checked or carry-on bags.
- Just because a few things are tied or wrapped together doesn’t mean they are one cabin item.
- People can pay in advance for extra luggage.
- There are fees for bags that are too big or too heavy.
- One of the things that passengers can bring on board is a laptop, a coat, and reading material.
- You can buy prepaid bags at the airport or online.
- Philippine Airlines states that you may still be able to purchase airport baggage up to an hour before your flight, provided you have checked in online or at the airport.
- If you have a bag that exceeds the allowed weight, you may need to repack it or purchase additional baggage.
- Consider purchasing sports luggage if you need to transport your sports gear.
- If your flight is delayed or doesn’t go as planned, and you decide not to go, the airport baggage fee will be returned to you.
The Key Takeaway
Travelling to the Philippines, more so on international flights across the Atlantic, it is important to remember that you are allowed to carry one checked bag with a weight of up to 23 kg and one carry-on bag with a weight of up to 7 kg. The baggage allowance on Philippine Airlines is higher compared to most Western airlines, although exceeding the limits or packing additional items such as sports equipment may incur extra fees. Measuring your luggage and weighing it beforehand helps you avoid unexpected issues at the check-in counter.
Before your flight, you should do your research on the Philippine Airlines baggage policy and have prepared it beforehand, and you will find that you save the most by knowing the baggage fees even before you get to the airport.
FAQs about the Philippines Airlines Baggage Allowance
How many bags and how much weight am I allowed to bring on Philippine Airlines?
The baggage policy of Philippine Airlines depends on the fares and routes. The typical checked baggage weight is 30 kg (66 lbs) for most of the economy cabins (or 2 bags of 15 kg each) and 7 kg (15 lbs) for one carry-on bag. Higher limits are given to the premium and business-class passengers (not exceeding 40 kg per bag), whereas children and infants frequently have fewer. It is always better to check your fare before you pack.
What is the size of baggage for Philippine Airlines?
The airline limits the overall dimensions of the linear length (length + width and height) of each bag one is checking to a max of 158 cm (62 inches). Carry-on bags should not be over 55cm long, 40cm wide, and 23cm deep and should not weigh more than 7kg. Going beyond these restrictions could attract extra charges or re-examination of luggage.
Can I bring extra baggage on Philippine Airlines international flights?
Yes, the Philippine Airlines international baggage policy provides an option of carrying extra bags at a fee. You can also include a second checked bag on most long-haul flights (e.g., London to Manila) at a price of USD 120,150 or the local equivalent. See the flight-specific fare chart to check the specific amounts, as the fares vary depending on the destination and fare class.
How many carry-on bags am I allowed to carry on Philippine Airlines?
Passengers can bring one personal item (e.g., a small backpack or laptop bag) and one cabin bag. The cabin bag must follow the size and weight limit of 7 kg (15 lbs) and 55 × 40 × 23 cm. If your carry-on exceeds these limits, it may need to be checked, and additional fees could apply.
Are there any baggage specifications for the Philippine Airlines London to Manila flight?
In the case of flights from London to Manila, the baggage policy of the airline is the same as in its other destinations: 30 kg/checked bag and 7 kg/carry-on. Nevertheless, the longer duration of flights may make you pack less or buy an additional allowance in case you are expecting to carry a lot of luggage. Check your own itinerary, particularly when on a connecting ticket, because some of the routes will either have a more rigid limit or an extra charge.
Can you buy extra baggage space on Philippine Airlines?
Yes, you can buy extra luggage from Philippine Airlines (PAL). You can pay ahead of time for extra luggage either when you book your flight or afterwards, or you can buy it at the airport. Most of the time, it’s cheaper to buy it online or over the phone before the flight than at the airport.
