Philippine Airlines Business Class: Seats, Amenities, Baggage

Philippine Airlines Business Class Seat Map

[Image source: Philippine Airlines]

Philippine Airlines Business Class seating varies by aircraft. The newest long-haul cabins provide more privacy and direct aisle access, while some older aircraft have a more traditional Business Class layout.

The A350-1000 currently provides PAL's newest Business Class experience. Its 42 seats are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, so every passenger has direct aisle access. The seats are 20.25 inches wide, have a 44-inch pitch, convert into fully flat beds, and include privacy doors.

The A350-900 also has a 1-2-1 Business Class cabin, with 30 seats that convert into full-flat beds. PAL lists a 44-inch pitch and a seat width of approximately 23 to 24 inches for this cabin.

The A321neo Long Range has 12 Business Class seats in a 2-2 arrangement. Although it doesn't use a 1-2-1 layout, PAL describes the seats as providing all-aisle access and full-flat recline. 

The A321ceo is considerably different. Its 12 Business Class seats use a 2-2 arrangement, with 37 inches of pitch and 6 inches of recline. PAL doesn't list Wi-Fi or inflight entertainment for this aircraft. 

Philippine Airlines Business Class Seat Selection

If you're traveling alone, a 1-2-1 cabin is excellent because it gives you direct aisle access without disturbing another passenger. On the A350-1000, the privacy doors also give solo travelers a more secluded space.

If you’re traveling as a couple, you may prefer center seats with paired seating, as this design allows you to sit together. Your preferred location may also depend on whether you value a window view, extra privacy, or easier aisle access.

PAL can change aircraft assignments, so treat the seat map attached to your actual booking as the most useful guide. A Business Class ticket doesn't guarantee a specific seat type across the airline's fleet.

Philippine Airlines Business Class Amenities & In-Flight Experience

The onboard experience depends heavily on the aircraft, but Business Class generally adds more personal space, premium service, entertainment, power, and enhanced dining.

A350-1000

The A350-1000 has some of PAL's most advanced Business Class amenities, including 4K seatback entertainment, AC power, USB-A and USB-C ports, wireless charging, privacy doors, and complimentary myPAL Wi-Fi for Business Class passengers.

A350-900 

The A350-900 also has embedded entertainment, power outlets, and myPAL Wi-Fi, while its full-flat seats are designed for long-haul comfort. On the A321neo Long Range, Business Class includes full-flat seats, embedded entertainment, AC and USB-A power, and myPAL Wi-Fi.

The aircraft essentially plays a huge role when you're deciding whether a Business Class fare represents good value for your trip. A long overnight flight on a full-flat aircraft is a very different experience from a shorter flight in a reclining Business Class seat.

In-Flight Dining Options and Menu

PAL's Business Class dining combines Filipino and international dishes. Menus vary by route and flight, but travelers may find Filipino specialties alongside Asian and Western choices. Eligible passengers can use PAL's Book-a-Dish service to pre-order selected meals up to 72 hours before departure. Options can include Filipino dishes such as chicken inasal, bistek, and kare-kare, depending on the flight and menu. 

If you’re unfamiliar with Filipino cuisine, it's useful to know that some dishes use ingredients with strong or distinctive flavors. Kare-kare, for example, is traditionally served with bagoong, a fermented seafood paste. Passengers with allergies or specific dietary requirements shouldn't assume that a dish is suitable based on its name alone. PAL offers special meals for certain dietary, medical, and religious requirements, subject to availability and advance arrangements.

Philippine Airlines Business Class Lounge Access

Eligible international Business Class passengers can use PAL's Mabuhay Lounges at selected airports. PAL also has arrangements with partner lounges at some international destinations. Mabuhay Lounges are available at select Philippine airports, including Manila, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Cagayan de Oro. Facilities and operating hours differ by location. 

At Manila (Ninoy Aquino International) and other major airports, lounge access can be useful if you arrive early, have a long wait before departure, or want somewhere quieter to work or relax. Lounge eligibility isn't determined by the word "Business" alone. The applicable flight, airport, cabin, frequent-flyer status, and lounge rules can all matter. PAL's lounge house rules should therefore be checked when your itinerary includes a partner lounge or a domestic connection.

Philippine Airlines Business Class Baggage Allowance

Your Business Class baggage allowance depends on your route and fare conditions. Philippine Airlines (PAL) uses both piece-based and weight-based baggage systems, so there isn't one standard allowance for every Business Class itinerary. PAL states that the Free Baggage Allowance shown on your ticket applies to the specific flight.

On international routes that use the piece system, Business Class can include two checked bags weighing up to 32 kg (70 lb) each. For example, PAL's current U.S. and Canada baggage information lists 2 pieces at 32 kg (70 lb) per piece for Business Class.

Other routes use a total weight allowance instead. PAL's published tariff, for example, lists 30 kg for Business Class travel between the Philippines and Korea, while other destinations have different allowances.

If your itinerary includes connecting flights, check the baggage allowance for each sector. PAL notes that the allowance for one flight may not necessarily apply to a connecting flight, particularly when another carrier is involved.

Keep in mind that these are examples, not a universal Business Class allowance. Your ticket or booking confirmation is the best source for the baggage allowance applicable to your journey. This is very important if you're traveling on a multi-airline itinerary. A partner airline may apply different baggage rules to another sector, even if you purchased the entire trip as one itinerary.

Is Philippine Airlines Business Class Worth It? (Premium vs Economy)

PAL's cabin options vary according to aircraft and route, so the differences between cabins aren't identical on every flight.

PAL's international Premium Economy is available on selected A350 and A330 tri-class aircraft. It has a separate cabin, wider seats, personal entertainment screens, legrests, and a 38-inch seat pitch.

For domestic Philippine flights, PAL uses Comfort Class for its domestic premium-economy product. It provides benefits such as priority check-in and boarding, additional baggage, and increased legroom. It isn't the same cabin product as international Business Class.

If sleeping during a long flight is your priority, the aircraft's Business Class seat is the most important distinction to check. Premium Economy and Comfort Class offer additional space, but they don't provide the same full-flat sleeping experience.

How to Upgrade to Philippine Airlines Business Class

PAL has several upgrade options, but availability depends on your ticket, flight, aircraft, and the number of seats remaining in the higher cabin.

Philippine Airlines Business Class Upgrade With myPAL Upgrade

myPAL Upgrade is PAL's bidding system for eligible passengers. If your booking qualifies, you can submit an offer for an upgrade to a higher cabin. Eligible passengers may receive an invitation around seven days before departure, and travelers can also check their eligibility through the myPAL Upgrade page. You submit an offer within the available range, and you're charged only if the offer is accepted.

Remember that not all bookings qualify. PAL's exclusions include certain ticket types, award tickets, and some group bookings. A successful upgrade provides the applicable benefits of the upgraded cabin, including Business Class seating, meals, priority services, and the relevant baggage allowance. However, PAL states that mileage earned after a myPAL Upgrade is based on the original ticketed booking class, not the upgraded cabin.

Philippine Airlines Business Class Upgrade at Check-In

PAL may also offer eligible passengers the opportunity to upgrade during online check-in or at the airport.

Online check-in upgrade offers can become available within 24 hours of departure, while airport upgrades are available for eligible passengers subject to availability and the applicable terms. An airport upgrade can be useful if you didn't purchase Business Class initially but want to check whether a paid upgrade is available close to departure. The offer isn't guaranteed, and availability can change quickly.

Philippine Airlines Business Class Upgrade With Mabuhay Miles

Mabuhay Miles members can use eligible miles or upgrade certificates for qualifying flights, subject to PAL's redemption rules and available upgrade inventory.

The number of miles required depends on the route and type of upgrade. PAL's terms also specify restrictions on which flights, fares, and booking classes qualify. Now, if you're planning to use miles, check the eligible booking class before buying an Economy or Premium Economy ticket. Having enough miles doesn't guarantee an upgrade seat will be available.

Tips for Booking Philippine Airlines Business Class

• Check the aircraft, not just the cabin name. PAL Business Class can range from a modern, private A350-1000 seat to a reclining seat on an A321ceo.
• Look at the seat map before selecting your seat. If you're traveling alone, direct aisle access can make a 1-2-1 cabin particularly convenient.
• Consider the length of your flight. A full-flat bed is more valuable on an overnight long-haul flight than on a short regional sector.
• Check the baggage allowance attached to your ticket. Don't assume that the same weight or number of bags applies to every PAL route.
• Check food options in advance. If you'd like to try a particular Filipino dish, Book-a-Dish may allow you to pre-select one on an eligible flight.
• Allow time at the airport. If lounge access is included with your journey, arriving early enough to use it can make the airport experience more worthwhile.
• Recheck the aircraft before departure. Aircraft swaps can happen, and a change can affect the seat configuration and amenities shown when you originally booked.

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