Other Asian, Australian and South Pacific Frequent Flyer Programs - philippine airlines service

Hey has anyone flown PR recently? what can we expect from this airline (business class) sydney/manila/Bangkok, return ie, which lounge's do they use in Sydney/Bangkok , what type of aircraft and level of service ect ,ect, should we expect
Any help would be good .
thanks westman.

Hi

Flew 4times this month with PR BKK-MNL on Business--- the AC was 319 and 330, service was excellent. They cabin keep the cabin only for C-pax and deny all Y pax to enter or using the WC. The seat on all flights was nice for this 3hours flight both ways, the lounge in Manila is not that nice, but in BKK PR use Thai Airways Lounge so this was nice.

SYD-MNL uses PAL's new Boeing 777s.

As you can see in my signature, I'm very fond of PAL's in-flight service. :D

I flew Manila Macau in J a couple of times this month on Airbus 320

Service and cabin is OK

The AVOD is a joke. Theay have AVOD but the selection of programs is terrible -- I think they were downloaded from youtube or something.

I noted the toilet rolls in the J lavs have PAL writen all over them to make sure they are not stolen!

The AVOD is a joke. Theay have AVOD but the selection of programs is terrible -- I think they were downloaded from youtube or something.

For a route as short as MNL-MFM (or even MNL-HKG), having many AVOD options probably would not be practical. I do think though that PAL has to contend with licensing issues for the contents of their AVOD systems, since perhaps they don't have enough money to invest in more AVOD content for short-haul aircraft, preferring instead to put that money in long-haul AVOD.

I think you are correct, Akiestar. However, I've been flying the long haul PAL flights to MNL and have noticed that the AVOD options are increasingly featuring older movies, perhaps to save on licensing fees. Last week there were several Harry Potters, Lord of the Rings, and even some old movies from the 80s. I have to admit, though, that they were enjoyable as a "blast from the past." :p

I think you are correct, Akiestar. However, I've been flying the long haul PAL flights to MNL and have noticed that the AVOD options are increasingly featuring older movies, perhaps to save on licensing fees. Last week there were several Harry Potters, Lord of the Rings, and even some old movies from the 80s. I have to admit, though, that they were enjoyable as a "blast from the past." :p

Speaking of PR and Harry Potter...... last time MNL-LAX I got the non-refurbished 747.... again. I did get op-uped though so I won't complain to much :D. Business class on the one non retrofitted 744 has PTV's but not AVOD. But on my business class seat the control was broken so my PTV was stuck, playing Harry Potter on a continuous loop,:eek: for 13 hours strait.:eek::eek:;) Fortunately I had my laptop loaded with movies and they plied me with alcohol and since it was a free op-up I will give them allot of extra latitude on a broken PTV, but otherwise I imagine many people could be driven quite insane by being trapped in a plane watching Harry Potter on a continuous loop for 13 hours strait.:D

Hi,

It has been over 1 year since my last trip LAS-MNL in business on PR. Anyone flown the route (or the plane type) recently? Specifically wondering if anything has changed with seats or entertainment.

BTW, the fares are still excellent! LAS-MNL in business for $2,900 compared to Delta with 2 connections for $4,300 or American with the same 2 connections as Delta but for $7,700! Must be the JAL segment on the AA trip. :D

Thanks

Anyone flown the route (or the plane type) recently? Specifically wondering if anything has changed with seats or entertainment. s

As long as the Philippines is stuck in Cat II, MNL-LAS will continue to be operated using PAL's A340s. MNL-YVR though now uses the new 77Ws.

Oh yes, I know all too well about the reason for the older plane. But what I was asking was if anyone had been on the 340 recently and could offer any thoughts about business seating. Has anything changed? Can you still ask at the airport about Row 1 or Row 2? Is there now a charge for the first 2 rows (there was not last time I flew the route - it was first come first serve).

Anyone?

Thanks.

I've always flown on PAL, mostly because I always fly domestic and around Asia. Service has always been good on business class but I'm not sure about economy. There are times when you meet rude flight attendants but it's bound to happen. Some might not have an idea of what personal space means but again...it doesn't happen all the time.

Although I notice that the (relatively) younger pursers are less attentive than the older ones. On a trip to Bangkok last June our purser was either in the galley or in the booth the whole time because I only saw here once or twice for the entire trip. PAL operated the retrofitted 744 for that flight but when I tried checking for movies all the screed said was "unable to reach your media. please press the HOME button...." I had to inform the crew 4-5 times before it got fixed. After that I just heard the purser ask one of the crew if it was okay and she was off again. I would have expected her to at least approach the passenger and explain what happened. It was an empty flight anyway so I don't know what's been keeping her busy the entire time.

On the same trip back, a different purser this time, still on the 744 and still not a full flight (it was a Sunday and Monday was still a holiday). I was informed that all window seats from 1st to 3rd rows are wet because of a leak on the flight to Bangkok. When I tried using the entertainment system mine wouldn't switched on...the only thing the crew told me was..."it got wet." Again the purser was not to be seen the entire trip.

I've flown on CX a few times and usually the Inflight Service Manager or Senior Flight Purser would even introduce themselves personal before the flight. If there are problems they would approach you personally and apologize or explain. It used to be that way for PAL, I just don't know what happened these last few years.

Oh by the way, last 2 Monday's ago. PAL's PR731 from Bangkok flew to Manila with no air-conditioning...Now I'm seriously considering if I should just take CX next time, a 1-2 hour break in HKIA isn't all that bad.

Oh yes, I know all too well about the reason for the older plane. But what I was asking was if anyone had been on the 340 recently and could offer any thoughts about business seating. Has anything changed? Can you still ask at the airport about Row 1 or Row 2? Is there now a charge for the first 2 rows (there was not last time I flew the route - it was first come first serve).

Anyone?

Thanks.

Depending on your booking class on business, you may avail of Rows 1 or 2, however they usually offer that to those who book under J or C/D, although on regional flights it's pretty much open for anybody who requests.

I like the A340 because the seats lie flat on Rows 1 and 2, although a bit lumpy its softer than the new Recaro seats on the 744 and 773. Worst case ask for 15A or C at least that an exit row seat which offers good legroom but still a normal business class seat.

I will be flying regularly to MNL, business class. If you could choose any airline, what airline would you fly?

I have heard good things about Singapore Airlines. Are they good?

I will be flying from US east coast, usually New York, and London.

Thanks

SQ -- wonderful airline in J, great connections from LHR to MNL; not so great JFK/EWR-MNL (due to timing of flights, sometimes there's an overnight stay in SIN in either direction, in spite of 4x daily SIN-MNL flights)

CX -- great connections from either JFK or LHR, with 4 flights a day each from either LHR or JFK to HKG connecting to any of around 6-7 daily flights HKG-MNL = very convenient. Also very good J product, although IMHO, SQ seat wider + food selection slightly better. Both SQ and CX J class can be expensive ex-LHR or JFK, but fares are seasonal.

PR -- flies only from LAS, SFO, LAX, but J fares very reasonable. J seat, food, service adequate, but far from CX or SQ (again just IMHO)

Other options might be Middle East airlines like Emirates or Qatar or Etihad (all with daily or twice daily flights LHR or JFK to Middle East, connecting to also daily or double daily flights to MNL) -- been hearing great things, but have never tried...

Thank Felix, I'll report back after my next couple of trips

JFK/EWR - MNL doesn't require an overnight stay in either direction.

The NYC-SIN flight comes in the morning, which connects to the 0940 flight to MNL, and the return to JFK is at night, so probably the last flight out of MNL. EWR should work as well because there is a 0740 flight from MNL

SQ22 SIN-EWR leaves 1055. Earliest MNL-SIN dep0810, arrives1140. So have to leave the night before to connect to flight to EWR.

SIN-JFK-SIN will connect, that's true, but has extra stop in FRA. (2 stops to MNL vs. 1 stop on CX.)

Hey has anyone flown PR recently? what can we expect from this airline (business class) sydney/manila/Bangkok, return ie, which lounge's do they use in Sydney/Bangkok , what type of aircraft and level of service ect ,ect, should we expect
Any help would be good .
thanks westman.

I flew to sydney last week they use air new zealand lounge.... and they used airbus 340.. just get the first 2 rows which lies flat 180 degrees

I was flying on PR in June, from Manila to Hong Kong. It was just a 2 hours flight but the airline really impressed me with its product and service. Good, the flight was operated with a B747 and only 8 pax have been on bord in Mabuhay Class (Business). A full breakfast was served, nice & attentive flight attendants. The PR Terminal 2 in Manila is also much better than the old Terminal 1, where all other international departures take place. PR Mabuhay Lounge was ok, but nothing special to write about...

Pictures:

PR B747 in MNL (RP-C7472) (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-1.JPG)

Mabuhay seat I (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-2.JPG)
Mabuhay seat II (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-3.JPG)
Mabuhay seat in sleeping position (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-4.JPG)

Menu - cover (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-7.jpg)
Menu - PR pinoy chef brigade (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-8.jpg)
Menu - PR300 MNL-HKG (breakfast) (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-9.jpg)
Menu - PR301 HKG-MNL (lunch) (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-10.jpg)
Menu - beverages (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-11.jpg)

My choice: the Filipino breakfast "Dinuguan and Menudo-flavored Pork Longaniza" (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-5.JPG)
The brown drink is kind of an ice-tea and called 'Pinoy Fiesta Cooler' Very tasty! Also the Mango Smoothie (served before takeoff) was delicious!

Flight attendants brought me also the Mixed Seafood Congee (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-6.JPG)

Honestly, I did not expect all that on this short flight and on Phillipine Airlines. Therefore I can only recommand to fly PR and I will surely do it again :-)

Nice trip report and pics. Thanks!

New plane.

I would have picked the same breakfast. :)

Menu - beverages (http://www.jamiejetblue.com/uploads/ft/1106-PR300/PR300-11.jpg)Colt 45 in Business Class?!?! :D

Colt 45 in Business Class?!?! :D

You better believe it.:D:D For those special occasions when Coors is not classy enough. With a slogan like "It works every time!" how can you go wrong? They never seem to have 40oz bottles of Colt 45 on board though.:mad:;)

I flew Manila Macau in J a couple of times this month on Airbus 320

Service and cabin is OK

The AVOD is a joke. Theay have AVOD but the selection of programs is terrible -- I think they were downloaded from youtube or something.

I noted the toilet rolls in the J lavs have PAL writen all over them to make sure they are not stolen!

I think this is to ensure that you do not have PAL on your behind when you leave the aircraft. :D :D :D

I only flew PAL on short segments (HKG-MNL, MNL-GUM, SIN-MNL) but I always find the service to be quite good. And the flight attendant are rather friendly. In term of IFE, it depends of the plane type but for such short flights it does not really matter

Do business class pax from HKG-MNL have lounge access in Hong Kong?
Thanks.

Do business class pax from HKG-MNL have lounge access in Hong Kong?
Thanks.Yes, PR uses the CNAC VIP Lounge by gate 16. PR flights usually depart from gates 16-18.

Someone on SQTalk has written a trip report about SIN-CGK in C. He says he's very impressed! :D

http://www.sqtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12378

Colt 45 in Business Class?!?! :D

Not too shabby! The reason why they serve Coors, Colt 45, Carlsberg or Manila Beer/Beer na Beer is because the owner of Philippine Airlines owns the brewery (Asia Brewery) that has licensed or created those beers in the Philippines.

So...it's not really un-classy to do so in Business Class...it's just business. I mean if you own a brewery, you might as well serve that beer to your passengers instead of buying others right?

Not too shabby! The reason why they serve Coors, Colt 45, Carlsberg or Manila Beer/Beer na Beer is because the owner of Philippine Airlines owns the brewery (Asia Brewery) that has licensed or created those beers in the Philippines.

So...it's not really un-classy to do so in Business Class...it's just business. I mean if you own a brewery, you might as well serve that beer to your passengers instead of buying others right?

The funny part is outside PR flights or in the lounge in MNL I have never seen Colt 45 in 12 ounce cans before. I didn't even know you could get it that way. :D Around Southern California Colt 45 is usually only found in 40 oz bottles or 24 oz cans. :D Both Colt 45 and the Manila Beer they serve are 7% alcohol so they pack about one and a half times the kick of an ordinary beer so I guess that keeps the passengers happy.:D

Currently Lucio Tan is very actively courting San Miguel's deep corporate pockets to take a 49% ownership position in PAL and give it an infusion of cash. So I imagine the beer selection may be changing before too long if that deal actually goes through.

Yes, PR uses the CNAC VIP Lounge by gate 16. PR flights usually depart from gates 16-18.

Thank you Mr. Roboto. ^

Btw, I remember when the Houston Astros baseball team used to be called the Houston Colt .45's. :)

The funny part is outside PR flights or in the lounge in MNL I have never seen Colt 45 in 12 ounce cans before. I didn't even know you could get it that way. :D Around Southern California Colt 45 is usually only found in 40 oz bottles or 24 oz cans. :D Both Colt 45 and the Manila Beer they serve are 7% alcohol so they pack about one and a half times the kick of an ordinary beer so I guess that keeps the passengers happy.:D

Currently Lucio Tan is very actively courting San Miguel's deep corporate pockets to take a 49% ownership position in PAL and give it an infusion of cash. So I imagine the beer selection may be changing before too long if that deal actually goes through.

That's a good deal. PAL needs more money to compete. It's a shame that Asia's oldest, continuous operating airline isn't shining as bright as it once was because of poor management and overly-ambitious dreams of grandeur. It needs to re-create a solid intra-Asia route and focus on the Middle East and Canada.

Colt 45 is nothing compared to Red Horse. Red Horse is the devil disguised in a long neck. A couple swings of this and you'll be hurling dinner faster than drinking a whole bottle of Ipecac.

I took my first PR flight today, MNL-HNL in Y on a A340-300

I had planned to fly UA MNL-GUM GUM-HNL with at least the first segment in FC but there was a delay, and a cancellation, so United had me stay an extra night and put me on PR 100 today instead.

I was pleasantly surprised with the food and service in coach. It was as good as United, Continental, or Delta has done in the many times I've flown in their coach sections.

Yes, the entertainment system was just a CRT monitor every so often on the ceiling, and yes the seats seemed just as bad as other non-premium coach seats, so I wasn't particularly pleased with the change from my original plans, but it wasn't bad at all.

I took my first PR flight today, MNL-HNL in Y on a A340-300

I had planned to fly UA MNL-GUM GUM-HNL with at least the first segment in FC but there was a delay, and a cancellation, so United had me stay an extra night and put me on PR 100 today instead.

I was pleasantly surprised with the food and service in coach. It was as good as United, Continental, or Delta has done in the many times I've flown in their coach sections.

Yes, the entertainment system was just a CRT monitor every so often on the ceiling, and yes the seats seemed just as bad as other non-premium coach seats, so I wasn't particularly pleased with the change from my original plans, but it wasn't bad at all.

First of all, it's actually insulting to hear someone say that the airline's service is "just as good as United, Continental, or Delta." Haha

To experience a better flight experience with PAL, take a flight from MNL to SFO. They always use the newer A340s that they just leased.

I will be flying regularly to MNL, business class. If you could choose any airline, what airline would you fly?

I have heard good things about Singapore Airlines. Are they good?

I will be flying from US east coast, usually New York, and London.

Thanks


As of June 2012 you can fly Hawaiian Airlines Direct JFK-HNL-MNL and this will give you millage on different programs. At first the price for J was only $3,400, but now seems to be closer to $5,000.

First of all, it's actually insulting to hear someone say that the airline's service is "just as good as United, Continental, or Delta." Haha

To experience a better flight experience with PAL, take a flight from MNL to SFO. They always use the newer A340s that they just leased.All of PR's remaining four A340s were produced in the late 90s, they are at least 15 years old. They are all the same.