Packing for a trip with Philippine Airlines (PAL)?
Worried about baggage rules screwing you over?
Will they weigh your carry-on?
What is the deal with checked luggage fees?
You are not alone—travelers lose sleep over this stuff.
This guide breaks down how to check in baggage with Philippine Airlines.
It is clear, actionable, and packed with real-world tips.
Let’s cut the chaos and get you through the airport like a pro.
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First, Understand the Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance
PAL’s baggage rules depend on your ticket type and route.
Domestic or international, economy or business—it’s all different.
Screw this up, and you’re hit with fees that sting.
Let’s break it down so you don’t get burned.
Carry-On Baggage (What You Can Bring Onboard)
Every passenger gets one carry-on bag and one personal item.
Think laptop bag, purse, or small backpack. Here is the deal:
- Size limit: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm (22 in x 14 in x 9 in).
- Weight limit: 7 kg (15 lbs).
- Personal items: Crutches, prosthetics, or a small camera bag are cool.
My buddy Jake flew PAL from Manila to Cebu.
His carry-on was a smidge over 7 kg.
They weighed it at the gate—boom, sent back to check-in.
Moral? Get a luggage scale for $10 on Shopee.
Weigh your bag at home to dodge drama.
Checked Baggage (What Goes in the Hold)
Checked baggage allowance varies by fare and destination. Here is the lowdown:
Domestic flights:
- Economy Supersaver: No free checked baggage.
- Economy Saver: 10 kg free.
- Economy Value/Flex: 20 kg free (10 kg for Basco routes).
- Business Value: 30 kg free.
- Business Flex: 35 kg free.
International flights:
- Economy Supersaver: 0–23 kg, depending on route.
- Economy Saver/Value/Flex: Two pieces, 23 kg each (US/Canada/Middle East).
- Premium Economy: Two pieces, 25 kg each (select routes).
- Business Class: 30–40 kg or two pieces at 32 kg max.
Pro tip: Each checked bag can’t exceed 158 cm (length + width + height).
Over 32 kg? Repack or pay up.
Infants (paying 10% of adult fare) get 7 kg plus a stroller.
How to Check In Baggage with Philippine Airlines
Checking in baggage with PAL is straightforward if you are prepped. Here is the step-by-step to crush it.
Step 1: Know Your Allowance
Check your ticket or PAL’s website.
Your fare type (e.g., Economy Supersaver) spells out your free baggage limit.
Don’t guess—log into your booking or call PAL’s hotline.
Example: Sona booked an Economy Flex ticket to Tokyo.
She confirmed two 23 kg bags free.
Saved her $120 in fees by double-checking.
Step 2: Pack Smart
- Weigh your bags: Use a scale before heading to the airport.
- Tag your luggage: Slap on a name and address tag.
- Avoid valuables: No cash, jewelry, or meds in checked bags.
- Fragile items: Pack tight or carry onboard if allowed.
Last month, my cousin Ana’s checked bag got scratched.
PAL didn’t cover it—normal wear and tear, they said.
Lesson? Old bags get beat up.
Use a sturdy suitcase or wrap it for peace of mind.
Step 3: Check-In Options
PAL offers multiple ways to check in baggage. Pick what fits your vibe:
Online check-in: Open 24 hours to 2 hours before departure.
- Still need to drop bags at the counter.
- Hit the web check-in counter 45–60 minutes before takeoff.
Airport counter check-in: Show up early.
- 60 minutes before international flights (Bangkok, Dubai, etc.).
- 45 minutes for domestic or other international routes.
Prepaid baggage: Buy extra weight online to save cash.
- Example: 20 kg domestic prepaid is ~PHP 950 vs. $100 at the counter.
Heads-up: Gates close 15 minutes before departure. Don’t dawdle at Jollibee.
Step 4: Handle Special Items
Got golf clubs, scuba gear, or a guitar? PAL has got rules:
- Sports equipment: Excess fees apply (e.g., $100 for scuba gear to the US).
- Musical instruments: Small ones can be carry-ons if under 7 kg.
- Medical devices: Oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines are free but need approval.
Call PAL ahead to confirm.
My friend Mark’s surfboard cost $150 extra to Sydney. He didn’t check—ouch.
Avoiding Baggage Fees: How To Save
Excess baggage fees are a trap. Here is how to sidestep them:
- Prepay online: Cheaper than paying at the airport.
- Redistribute weight: If one bag’s over, shift stuff to another.
- Join PAL’s Mabuhay Miles: Frequent flyers get extra allowance.
- Pack light: Use a 28L underseat bag for carry-ons (fits PAL’s limits).
Reddit user “TravelPinoy” booked Economy Supersaver.
No free checked baggage.
They prepaid 20 kg post-booking for PHP 950.
Saved ~PHP 2,000 vs. airport rates.
Check PAL’s site for prepaid options.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
Baggage issues happen. Here is how to handle them like a boss:
Lost baggage: Report at the baggage assistance counter on arrival. After 5 days, it’s “lost.” Fill out a claim form.
Damaged baggage: Report immediately at the airport. PAL may not cover minor scratches or dents.
Overweight fees: Negotiate politely or repack at the counter.
Example: My neighbor’s bag was delayed in LA.
She reported it ASAP, got it back in 48 hours. Always keep receipts and tags.
Can I check-in 2 bags for 20kg in PAL?
Whether you can check in two 20 kg bags with Philippine Airlines (PAL) depends on your ticket type, fare class, and destination (domestic or international). Let me break it down for you:
Domestic Flights
- Economy Supersaver: No free checked baggage. You’d need to pay for both bags (prepay online for ~PHP 950 per 20 kg or higher at the airport).
- Economy Saver: 10 kg free. You could check one 10 kg bag free, but a second bag or extra weight costs extra.
- Economy Value/Flex: 20 kg free (10 kg for Basco routes). You could check one 20 kg bag free, but a second bag requires payment.
- Business Value: 30 kg free. You could check two 15 kg bags or one 20 kg bag with 10 kg left.
- Business Flex: 35 kg free. Two 20 kg bags might push you over, but you could split the weight (e.g., 20 kg + 15 kg).
International Flights
- Economy Supersaver: Allowance varies (0–23 kg). Check your ticket. If no allowance, you’ll pay for both bags.
- Economy Saver/Value/Flex: Often includes two pieces at 23 kg each (e.g., US/Canada/Middle East). Two 20 kg bags would be fine if your route allows two pieces.
- Premium Economy: Two pieces at 25 kg each (select routes). Two 20 kg bags fit easily.
- Business Class: 30–40 kg or two pieces at 32 kg each. Two 20 kg bags are usually fine.
Pointers
- Size limit: Each bag must not exceed 158 cm (length + width + height).
- Weight cap: No single bag can be over 32 kg without special approval.
- Prepay to save: If you need extra baggage, prepay online—it’s cheaper than airport rates.
- Check your ticket: Log into your booking or call PAL’s hotline to confirm your exact allowance.
Example: My friend Ana flew Economy Flex to Tokyo. Her ticket allowed two 23 kg bags. She checked two 20 kg bags, no fees. But her cousin on a Supersaver to Cebu paid for a 20 kg bag because his fare included nothing.
Bottom line: Two 20 kg bags are possible if your fare allows at least 40 kg total or two pieces (common on international Economy Saver/Value/Flex or higher). Check your booking to be sure, and prepay if needed.
What items are not allowed on Philippine Airlines?
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has strict rules on prohibited items to keep flights safe. These apply to both carry-on and checked baggage, with some items banned entirely. Below is a clear breakdown of what is not allowed, based on PAL’s policies and general aviation regulations.
Items Completely Banned on Philippine Airlines
These items can’t be in carry-on or checked baggage. Don’t even think about packing them:
- Explosives: Fireworks, dynamite, flares, or blasting caps. Example: My cousin tried bringing sparklers for a beach party. Airport security confiscated them instantly.
- Flammable substances: Gasoline, lighter fluid, or aerosol cans (except personal toiletries under 100 ml). Tip: Check your camping gear—propane canisters are a no-go.
- Compressed gases: Butane, oxygen tanks (unless pre-approved for medical use), or tear gas.
- Toxic/infectious substances: Pesticides, mercury, or lab samples with biohazards.
- Radioactive materials: No medical or industrial isotopes.
- Corrosives: Acid, bleach, or wet batteries (non-spillable batteries may be allowed with restrictions).
- Magnetized materials: Strong magnets that mess with plane instruments.
- Oxidizing agents: Pool chlorine or peroxides.
Items Restricted in Carry-On (Allowed in Checked Baggage)
These can go in checked luggage but are banned from the cabin:
- Sharp objects: Knives, box cutters, scissors (blades over 6 cm), or swords. A friend packed a ceremonial bolo in his carry-on for a cultural event. Security sent it to checked baggage after a long chat.
- Sporting equipment: Baseball bats, golf clubs, or hockey sticks. Golfers, declare your clubs at check-in to avoid fees.
- Tools: Hammers, crowbars, or drills.
- Firearms/ammunition: Allowed in checked baggage with permits, but never in carry-on.
- Must be declared, unloaded, and packed in a locked case. Contact PAL ahead.
- Self-defense items: Pepper spray, tasers, or batons. Heads-up: These may be illegal at your destination, so check local laws.
- Liquids over 100 ml: Drinks, gels, or creams (unless in checked bags).
- Exception: Medications or baby food with proof (e.g., prescription).
Items Restricted in Checked Baggage (Allowed in Carry-On)
Some stuff is safer in your carry-on:
- Valuables: Cash, jewelry, laptops, or cameras. My neighbor’s checked bag got rifled through in transit. His watch was gone. Keep valuables with you.
- Medications: Prescription drugs with a doctor’s note.
- PAL recommends carrying enough for your trip in your carry-on.
- Fragile items: Glasses, musical instruments (small ones under 7 kg can be carry-ons).
- Lithium batteries: Spare batteries (e.g., for power banks) must be in carry-on, under 100 Wh.
- Checked bags can have devices with installed batteries, but spares are a no.
Special Cases: Items Needing Approval
These require pre-clearance from PAL:
- E-cigarettes/vapes: Allowed in carry-on only, no use onboard.
Example: A Reddit user got fined for vaping in the lavatory. Don’t be that guy. - Medical devices: Oxygen concentrators or CPAP machines need PAL’s okay.
- Call at least 48 hours before your flight.
- Sports gear: Surfboards, bikes, or scuba tanks.
- May incur fees (e.g., $100 for scuba gear to the US). Declare early.
- Dry ice: For perishable food, up to 2.5 kg with approval.
- Live animals: Pets in cargo or cabin (small dogs/cats) need paperwork.
Prohibited by Destination
Some items are fine with PAL but banned at your destination:
- Pork products: Australia and the US are strict due to disease risks. My aunt’s chicharon was seized in Sydney. She didn’t check the customs rules.
- Plants/seeds: Many countries ban fresh produce or soil.
- Weapons: Knives or guns legal in one country might get you arrested in another.
Tip: Check your destination’s customs website (e.g., Australia’s ABF or US CBP) before packing.
How to Stay Safe
- Read PAL’s website: Check the baggage section for updates.
- Declare early: Call PAL’s hotline for special items (e.g., firearms, medical gear).
- Double-check at home: Use a checklist to avoid packing banned stuff.
- Know the stakes: Smuggling prohibited items can mean fines, jail, or a ban from flying.
A guy on r/phtravel packed a stun gun in his checked bag to Manila. It was legal in his home country but not in the Philippines. Customs flagged him, and he missed his flight.
Key Takeaways for Stress-Free Baggage Check-In
- Check your baggage allowance before packing.
- Weigh and tag your bags at home.
- Prepay extra baggage online to save.
- Show up early—45–60 minutes before departure.
- Report issues (lost/damaged bags) immediately.
Final Thoughts
Checking in baggage with Philippine Airlines doesn’t have to suck.
Know the rules, prep like a pro, and you will breeze through.
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