Philippine Airlines Baggage Fees 2023: What To Expect

With headquarters in Pasay City, Philippine Airlines is the oldest operating commercial airline in Asia. The airline offers service to nearly 100 destinations worldwide and offers a large fleet with budget-friendly fares. Before you fly with Philippine Airlines for the first time, you may want to familiarize yourself with their baggage policies and fees—especially as they relate to checked and carry-on baggage. If you’ll be traveling with an infant, you may also want to be aware of the airline’s specific policies for lap infants and baby gear.

By getting to know Philippine Airlines’ baggage policies and fees before your flight, you’ll be able to pack with confidence and avoid baggage surprises at the airport.

Philippine Airlines Checked and Carry-On Allowances

Compared to other large airlines such as Saudi Arabian Airlines baggage policies, the Philippine Airlines’ baggage policies for checked and carry-on luggage are pretty standard in the sense that checked baggage allowances can vary based on fare and route. Carry-on allowances are a little more consistent and straight-forward, but there are still some things you’ll want to know before you fly.

Checked Bag Allowances and Fees

When you fly with Philippine Airlines, the number of checked bags included with your flight will depend on the type of fare you book as well as whether your flight is domestic or international. Longer-haul flights, for example, tend to include more checked baggage. And the higher the class you book, the more likely you are to have higher checked baggage allowances either in terms of number of checked bags included or total weight of checked luggage.

On Philippine Airlines, all domestic flights are subject to total weight limits on checked bags rather than a set number of checked bags per fare. For example, a Flex Economy fare flying domestically will generally have a total checked baggage weight limit of 55 pounds (25kg), whereas a Business Promo fare on the same flight will have a larger weight allowance of 66 pounds (30kg).

On international flights, checked baggage allowances may be based on weight concept or piece concept, depending on a specific destination. For example, Economy fares flying to Korea or Pacific Asia may have total weight limits ranging between 44 pounds (20kg) and 66 pounds (30kg), whereas the same fare flying to Japan, the Middle East, or North America will have a piece concept limit of two checked bags weighing no more than 50 pounds (23kg) apiece.

Most fare types of Philippine Airlines flights include at least some free checked baggage; the exception is the Basic class fare (offered for some domestic flights), which does not include any free checked baggage at all.

The best way to find out exactly what your checked baggage allowance is for a Philippine Airlines flight is to contact the airline directly or visit their website, as allowances can vary so greatly depending on fare type and destination.

Carry-On Allowances and Fees

Philippine Airlines policies regarding carry-on baggage are a little more straight-forward. All passengers, regardless of fare, are permitted to bring one standard-sized carry-on bag that measures no greater than 45 linear inches (115cm) and weighs no more than 15 pounds (7kg). When measuring carry-ons for size, be sure to include any wheels, handles, or other accessories to ensure accuracy. A bag that is too large or heavy will be required to be checked, and you’ll be responsible for any applicable fees.

In addition to a standard carry-on bag, all Philippine Airlines passengers may also bring along two small personal items, such as a purse, laptop, reading material, or pocketbook.

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What About Infants, Strollers, and Baby Gear?

Those traveling with infants have the option of paying 10% of an adult fare in order to increase their carry-on allowance in order to accommodate a diaper bag or other baby gear. This additional carry-on should meet the same size and weight limits of a standard carry-on at no larger than 45 linear inches (115cm) and no heavier than 15 pounds (7kg). Passengers traveling with an infant are also permitted to bring a collapsible stroller aboard the flight at no additional charge.

Charges For Additional Bags and Overweight Luggage

Philippine Airlines has strict size and weight limits for checked baggage, though these can vary depending on fare and route. For fares with weight-concept allowances, overweight charges are generally calculated based on the number of kilograms over the weight limit the bag is. The price-per-kg will depend on destination, but typically ranged between $8 and $24 each way. For flights where checked baggage allowances are based on piece concept, the fee for overweight luggage is generally determined by multiplying the price of an additional checked bag by anywhere from two to four, depending on the route.

Speaking of excess baggage fees, these will also vary depending on your destination. Most start at $100-$150 and can go up to about $225, so it’s best to check with the airline ahead of time for specific fees based on your route. Keep in mind that for most flights, you can save money on excess baggage by paying for it ahead of time.

Saving On Philippine Airlines Baggage Fees (Or Avoiding Them Altogether)

Nobody wants to pay more than they need to for baggage fees. Fortunately, you can cut down on Philippine Airlines baggage fees or possibly avoid them altogether with a few simple tips.

Get Reimbursed By Your Credit Card

Check with your credit card company to see if they offer reimbursement for baggage fees when you travel. This is a perk being offered by more and more credit card companies these days due to high demand. If your credit card includes this benefit, be sure to follow all rules and regulations for getting reimbursed once you return home from your travels.

Book a Fare With Checked Baggage Included

Almost all fares on Philippine Airlines include at least some checked baggage, so unless you know you’ll be able to pack light enough to avoid the need for checked bags altogether, you’ll want to make sure you book a fare with a checked baggage allowance that suits your needs. Remember that Basic Class domestic fares do not include any checked baggage, so you’ll want to avoid this fare if you need to check any bags.

Pre-Pay for Any Excess Baggage

If you already know that you’ll need to check more baggage than what your fare allows standard, consider adding and paying for these bags ahead of time. Pre-paying for baggage can save you a fair amount of money (up to 70% when flying domestically and up to 45% when flying internationally).

Limit What You Pack to Your Carry-Ons

All Philippine Airlines fares include one standard carry-on bag as well as two personal items, so if you’re able to pack lightly, you may be able to avoid the need for checked baggage altogether. This can also be ideal for saving yourself the wait at the baggage carousel after your flight, though limiting your baggage to carry-ons may not be practical for all trips.

Philippine Airlines Baggage Policies: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to a few of the most commonly asked questions we receive about Philippine Airlines baggage policies and fees.

How can I pre-pay for baggage with Philippine Airlines?

There are two ways to pre-pay for baggage when flying with Philippine Airlines; you can either call the airline directly anytime after you book to pay for excess baggage or pay for your baggage online when you check in for your flight. In most cases, this can be done up to 24 hours in advance before your flight’s scheduled departure time and can be done by logging into your account using your flight information on the Philippine Airlines website. Pre-paying for your excess luggage can be a great way to save up to 70% on your costs.

How can I avoid overweight and oversized baggage fees?

Overweight and oversized baggage fees on Philippine Airlines can be quite hefty, so you’ll want to take steps to avoid these by knowing what your size and weight allowances are for your checked bags ahead of time. From there, use a luggage scale before you’ve left for the airport to confirm that your bags fall into your weight allowance; you can also measure your bags to ensure they don’t exceed the size allowances (45 linear inches or 115 linear centimeters for most flights). If any of your bags are too heavy, consider moving some items to your carry-on (if possible) to more evenly distribute the weight and avoid fees.

How many checked bags are included with my fare?

Checked bag allowances can vary based on your fare type and destination, though all fares except for Basic Class include at least some checked luggage for free. In some cases, your checked bag allowance may be based on total weight instead of a specific number of bags, so be sure to check with the airline before your flight so you know whether a weight-concept or piece-concept allowance applies to you.

Philippine Airlines Customer Service Number

For travelers flying with Philippine Airlines, having the customer service number at hand is important in case they encounter any issues with their flights. The Philippine Airlines customer service number is 1-800-435-9725 for customers within the United States. If you’re calling from outside the U.S., you can visit the airline’s website for the corresponding international customer service hotline.

When calling the Philippine Airlines customer service number, be sure to have your flight details and any necessary information ready, such as your booking reference number, so the representative can quickly assist you with your concern. The customer service team can help with various issues, such as flight cancellations, rescheduling, baggage concerns, and other flight-related inquiries.

Aside from the hotline, Philippine Airlines also has an online help center where customers can send an email, browse through the FAQs, and chat with a customer service representative. The online help center can be accessed through the airline’s website, making it a convenient option for travelers who may not have access to a phone.

Overall, having access to the Philippine Airlines customer service number is essential for a seamless travel experience. Keep the number saved in your phone or write it down so that you can reach out to the airline quickly and easily if you need assistance before, during, or after your flight.