Philippine Airlines

I have been flying PAL for the last 26 years. Still the best local carrier there is and for the past year or so they certainly upped their game with new route and equipment used. I mostly fly with them domestically and never had a problem in check in so far no delays and meals satisfactory for short and mid haul flights probably better the most. T2 is fine. it is well priced and a value for money compared to other airlines especially on mid haul and long. Plus who can beat the baggage allowance. Hopefully they change their A340 and older A330 quickly or have them retrofitted with new products and a better hospitality training on some FA's on long haul especially the older one's or replaced them. Other than that will fly them again.

YVR-MNL MNL-BKK. Excellent service and seat-back entertainment systems. The food was very good and was served often throughout the flight. Transfers were handled quickly in the airport and all connecting flights were made without issue. Seats aren't amazing but are on par with other airlines.

My partner and I traveled from Melbourne Australia last September this was my partner's first trip to Manila. He was appalled at the service onboard. Once the meals were being served he asked if he could have a scotch on the rocks to which the stewardess said very quietly to "have a look " in the kitchen? She came back with a half- empty bottle and her face expression was like "don't tell anyone that we are serving wine beer or any kind of alcohol". Food was alright and not too heavy on the stomach.

I flew from Vancouver to MNL October 5 at 1.40am. This was my first time flying PALs B777. It was a brand new plane compared to their past planes which were A340 or A330. Service was excellent with a very smooth landing.

Flew via their new A321 on a morning flight. The service was excellent which made up for the loss of on-board entertainment. There were not headsets nor movies to watch the entire flight! I hope they solve this as soon as possible.

If you have a choice avoid Economy class in all new Philippine Airlines planes whether Airbus A330-300 or Boeing 777-300ER. Philippine Airlines has installed very narrow 3-3-3 seating in Economy on it's A330-300's (originally designed by Airbus for 2-4-2) and 3-4-3 on it's 777-300ERs (originally designed by Boeing for 3-3-3). The result for passengers is a horrible narrow shoulder-to-shoulder seat making a very claustrophobic and degrading experience for anyone of normal adult size. Since its acquisition by Philippines' San Miguel group Philippine Airlines has turned into a petty-minded low-cost cargo plane for people.

MNL-SYD-MNL. My wife and I left Manila via terminal 2 on 1st November 2013 check in was great no holdups. The Mabuhay Lounge is quite good food adequate and freshly replaced frequently. The flight itself on a 777ER was a night flight and uneventful except the leg rest only came up halfway. The service was very good and the food choices also very good. The return flight was on the 16th November. Check in again very easy. The flight itself was a day flight on a A440 the plane itself although a bit old was ok. The seats were larger than economy but still comfortable but again the footrest would not come up resulting in swollen feet again. However the service was absolutely first class as was the food so this made it worthwhile. PAL have certainly lifted their game over the last few years and I would rank them as equal to any other Asian Airline. Definitely not a 3 star airline but at least a 4 star airline. We are going to Bangkok in December so I will compare that trip to this.

MNL-SIN on new A321. Seat would have been very comfortable if a footrest was provided. As it is your legs just dangle over the edge of the chair with no support. USB power supply provided but no outlet for a laptop. No TVs - not even over head ones or any other inflight entertainment. Crew helpful and attentive toilet kept clean. Dinner was excellent better than I've had on some 5 star airlines. Nice lounge at Manila airport. "B" grade business class but priced accordingly. Will use again if the price is right.

CGK-MNL-CGK flight to MNL departed late due to late arrival from Manila. A319 is used on this route and timing of the flight is a bit inconvenient as you left Jakarta at 1AM and arrived in Manila at 6AM. Aircraft is clean and well maintained no PTV but overhead screen is available. Returning from Manila in a more convenient morning flight arriving in Jakarta at 1PM. Inflight service on both flights are good meal served is adequate with plenty of drink service. Cabin staff friendly and willing to help. . Only drawback is their entertainment inflight as the flight lasted around 4 hours and it would be better to have PTV in each seat rather than overhead screen.

October 13 YVR to MNL Business class on a 777-300. Very comfortable seating great service and reasonably good food (only ate breakfast). These seats are almost flat bed seats with a minor recline when fully extended. I was able to sleep for 7 hours on my side without slipping to the floor - pretty good.