Originally Posted by
davistev
Philippine Airlines discounted economy seats (the ones they always advertise on the web site) never acrues miles.
I can fly EVA for the same price and get 70 or 80% of miles flown.
Actually, a standard PAL ticket from Manila to the United States and Canada always earns miles, and most of their promos for trans-Pacific travel guarantee at least 25% mileage accrual. Only their more "affordable" promos (like the current promo and the Real Deal a few months back) do not allow mileage accrual.
Originally Posted by
davistev
Philippine Airline domestic seats rarely accrue miles as well if in discounted economy (so I fly Cebu Pacific for newer aircraft and on time performance).
PAL domestic tickets in economy begin accruing miles at fare class T. The lowest fare classes (W and U) of course will not accrue miles. Basically, PAL is telling you that if you want Mabuhay Miles, you will need to pay a few hundred pesos more to earn them. Remember, they are competing against two large LCCs, and mileage accrual is a frill PAL believes most Filipinos will not take advantage of (if I'm not mistaken, the majority of those who fly PAL domestically are flying either Econolight or a discount fare, and at the same time do not have a Mabuhay Miles membership) unless you ask for it and are willing to pay the premium. If you want to book a T-class ticket but the website shows W and U fares, you need to call them up or go to a ticketing office.
By the way, PAL has a better OTP than Cebu Pacific (95% for PAL versus 89% for Cebu Pacific for the month of September, if I'm not mistaken).