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PAL Express, previously named Airphil Express, is a full-service and low-cost carrier based in the Philippines. It is a codeshare partner and fully owned subsidiary of Philippine Airlines (PAL), the national flag carrier of the Philippines. PAL Express acts as PAL's domestic division, flying to 31 domestic destinations. The codeshare partnership means that domestic flights (and a few international flights) are ticketed by Philippine Airlines, but the actual flight is operated by PAL Express.
The airline was founded in 1995 as 'Air Philippines'. Air Philippines ceased operations until Philippine Airlines invested in the airline, which was then re-launched as PAL Express in 2013.
PAL Express operates a fleet that includes Airbus and Bombardier aircraft and provides both domestic and international services to from the Philippines to destinations within Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and the United Arab Emirates.
Top Tip: Do you plan on exploring the Philippines? Check out our guide to domestic flights within the Philippines for more travel tips, including domestic flight FAQs!
Did you know? When you book PAL Express flights through Alternative Airlines you can choose to pay using Philippine Peso. It's one of over 160 currencies you can choose from.
Baggage Policy
Please note that each flight ticket has its own free baggage allowance policy; this will be confirmed during the flight booking process. If you would like to fly with more baggage, it is quick and easy to add extra bags to your booking. Unless otherwise stated, the free baggage policy is as follows:
Carry-on Baggage
The carry-on allowance applies to all passengers, no matter their travel class. Every passenger is entitled to one piece of carry-on baggage, which must be small enough to be placed in the overhead bin or under the passenger seat. The maximum total dimension of carry-on baggage is 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in), and a maximum weight of 7 kgs. (15 lbs).
In addition to the free carry-on allowance, each passenger is allowed to carry on board a maximum of two personal items. Only two of the following personal items will be accepted:
- A small handbag or purse
- An overcoat, wrap or blanket
- A small camera or binoculars
- A laptop or tablet with a case
- A reasonable amount of reading material
- A duty-free bag
- An infant's food for consumption during the flight
- A pair of crutches, walking stick, or other prosthetic devices - provided that the passenger is dependent upon it
Checked Baggage
Checked baggage allowance on domestic flights:
Economy Supersaver tickets aren't permitted a free checked baggage allowance.
Economy Saver ticket-holders are permitted up to 10kg / 22lbs of free checked baggage.
Economy Value and Economy Flex passengers can take up to 20kg / 44lbs of free checked baggage.
Premium Economy passengers can take up to 25kg / 55lbs of checked baggage.
Business Value fare-holders are permitted up to 30kg / 66lbs of free checked baggage.
Business Flex passengers can take up to 35kg / 77lbs of free checked baggage.
Checked baggage allowance on international flights:
To Asia — if flying Economy, passengers are allowed 25kg of checked baggage; if flying Premium Economy, passengers are allowed 30kg of checked baggage; if flying Business, passengers are allowed 35kg of checked baggage.
To the US — all Economy passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage at 23kg per piece, except for Economy Plus passengers, which are allowed two pieces of checked baggage at 25kg per piece. Business Class passengers are allowed two pieces of checked baggage at 32kg per piece.
To Korea— if flying Economy, passengers are allowed 20kg of checked baggage; if flying Premium Economy, passengers are allowed 25kg of checked baggage; if flying Business, passengers are allowed either 30kg (Business Promo and Business Classic) or 35kg (Business Flex).
Class Fares
Cabin classes will depend on the route and aircraft being operated. There will either be one cabin class available (Economy) or two cabin classes available (Economy and Business, or Economy and Premium Economy).
PAL Express has introduced a new range of Fare Families, with different allowances associated with each tier. This means passengers can enjoy flexibility in choosing the fare that comes with the right benefits for them - such as required baggage allowance and cancellation rights. Within both Economy Class and Business Class, there are different fares available. It's easy to select the perfect fare for you when booking your flights through Alternative Airlines - you can find out more about how to do this here.
Economy Class
Economy Class Facilities
PAL Express offers a modern, clean, and spacious Economy Class, which has a tropical holiday feel.
Drinks and snacks will be served. In-flight entertainment is available via personal touch-screen monitors.
Economy Class Seating
The seat cushion can be moved for comfort, and passengers are able to recline to their perfect position. Monitors are also included in the seating with a touch-screen function. The relaxed feel of the seats also extends out into the cabin, where curtains, carpets and surfaces are upholstered in shades of blue, white, grey, silver and tan.
Premium Economy Class
Premium Economy is a class product new to 2019 and is currently only available on selected domestic flights. Premium Economy is an upgrade on Economy, with additional services and amenities.
Premium Economy Class Facilities
Premium Economy passengers can enjoy priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling services at the airport.
On domestic flights: Welcome drinks and hot towels, a hearty hot sandwich and a choice of assorted drinks.
On international flights: 13.3-inch myPAL eSuite personal monitors, refreshing hot towels, meal service, and WiFi.
Premium Economy Class Seating
On domestic flights: Enjoy extra-legroom seats.
On international flights: spacious premium seats: 38-inch seat pitch, 8-inch recline, and built-in leg rests and footrests.
Business Class
Business Class Facilities
Each seat is outfitted with a personal TV screen, with over 60 hours of Hollywood movies and popular television to choose from.
The airline provides a top-class dinner service and passengers can choose from a wide range of complimentary drinks and refreshments.
Business Class Seating
Business Class seats are outfitted in plush, deep-blue upholstery that simulates reflections of light on water. Business Class seats provide extra legroom and allow further reclination - up to a 15-degree angle. Each seat is equipped with individual and adjustable 'goose neck' reading lights, a laptop charging port and a USB port.
In-Flight Entertainment
In-flight entertainment is available for all passengers, with a wide selection of new movies, TV shows, music and games to choose from. Business Class seats are equipped with personal television screens. Economy passengers can stream music TV and movies onto a personal device via the myPal Player app.
On selected flights, the myPAL entertainment system is available for all passengers, not just Business flyers, and lets passengers choose from over 300 hours of content to watch or play on personal seat-mounted touch-screen televisions.
TV Shows
Find sitcoms as well as hilarious Philipino TV shows. The airline regularly updates the TV shows on offer - even frequent flyers can find something new to watch.
Movies
Discover Hollywood's new releases as well popular films from around the world.
Meals and Drinks
PAL Express mostly operates Philippine Airlines' domestic network. A complimentary beverage and light meal (or snack) is served to all passengers on all domestic flights exceeding 45 minutes. Meal service is provided to all passengers on international flights.
Special Meals
Please note that special meals are available on international flights, and do not apply to snacks or condiments served on domestic flights. It is therefore recommended that you bring some snacks with you for your flight.
If you are flying on an international flight with PAL Express, then a wide selection of special meals to suit dietary, medical, and religious needs are available. More information, including special meals available and how to request a special meal, can be found on our Philippine Airlines page.
In-Flight Wi-Fi
WiFi is only available on select international flights, not on domestic flights within the Philippines. On international flights where WiFi is enabled, all passengers receive 30MB of complimentary WiFi, with upgrade plans available (100MB free for Business Class passengers).
Check-In
To check-in for your PAL Express flight, you can do so online or at the airport.
Online Check-In
Passengers can check in online for their PAL Express flight through the Philippine Airlines web check-in page. Online check-in opens 24 hours and closes 1 hour before scheduled flight departure.
Airport Check-In
Passengers that are unable to check in online can check in to their PAL Express flight at the airport - visit the Philippine Airlines check-in desk to check in at the airport. Airport check-in closes 45 minutes before their scheduled departure.
October 2019 Update
Travelling during Undas? Philippine Airlines is urging passengers travelling domestically within the Philippines to arrive at the airport two hours before scheduled departure. This applies to flights between October 25th and November 4th, 2019. Undas is a religious holiday season to celebrate All Saints Day, which is usually celebrated on the first and second day of November. As a result of the public holiday, there is increased passenger traffic, so passengers are advised to take this into account when travelling.
Airline Alliance
PAL Express and its parent airline, Philippine Airlines, are not currently part of an airline alliance.
Frequent Flyer Program
Philippine Airlines has a frequent flyer program called Mabuhay Miles, which allows passengers to collect flight miles on Philippine Airlines and its code-share partners (including PAL Express).
When you make a PAL Express booking through Alternative Airlines, it is easy to collect air miles or frequent flyer points. During the booking process, you will be given the option to select your frequent flyer membership - simply select Mabuhay Miles and quote your Mabuhay Miles membership number. A full guide can be found here.
Destinations that PAL Express flies to
Pal Express operates an extensive flight network within the Philippines including to cities such as Cebu, Clark, Davao, Manila, Zamboanga and many more.
Alternatives to PAL Express
Please click on the logos below to find out more about airlines that fly similar routes:
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Hub Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (IATA code: MNL) is the main airport serving Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and the primary hub airport for PAL Express. The airport was opened in 1935 and was previously known as Manila International Airport. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the main gateway into the Philippines and is also a hub airport for Cebu Pacific, Cebgo, Sky Pasada, Philippine Airlines and AirAsia Philippines.
PAL Express mostly operates from MNL's Terminal 2, which is dedicated to the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, and its subsidiaries (including PAL Express).
Fleet
As of January 2023, PAL Express operates a fleet of Airbus A320-200s, Airbus A321-200s and De Havilland Canada Dash 8 Q400s. The A321 has been transferred from Philippine Airlines' own fleet.