Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance: Understanding Baggage Policies for Philippine Airlines

This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.

Updated April 2024

Preparing for a trip doesn’t require navigating through unclear baggage regulations. Luckily, Philippine Airlines is known for its clear baggage guidelines, making travel easier. Philippine Airlines, a major airline, has guidelines for how much baggage you can bring. Catering to frequent fliers and newcomers to air travel alike, familiarizing yourself with these rules is essential for a smooth journey.

In this article, Wego will go through the details of Philippine Airlines’ baggage policy, looking at sizes, weights, and rules for what you can bring.

Philippine Airlines baggage allowance

Philippine Airlines prides itself on its esteemed aviation legacy as the flagship carrier of the Philippines and one of Asia’s longest-running commercial airlines. With a strong dedication to delivering seamless and gratifying journeys for passengers, Philippine Airlines ensures an exceptional travel experience from beginning to end.

Every ticket from Philippine Airlines comes with a designated Free Baggage Allowance policy. This FBA entitlement only applies to the specific flight stated on your ticket and may not necessarily cover any connecting flights you have. Should your FBA entitlement be lower on your connecting flight, either with PAL or another carrier, it’s essential to know that excess baggage fees may be required.

Carry-on baggage

Each passenger is entitled to one piece of carry-on baggage, ensuring seamless travel. The dimensions of your carry-on should not exceed 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in), with a maximum weight of 7 kg (15 lbs).

Moreover, they understand the importance of personal items during your flight, which is why, in addition to your carry-on, you’re allowed to bring on board one (1) of the following personal items:

• a small handbag
• pocketbook or purse
• an overcoat, wrap, or blanket
• laptop with case, with dimensions up to 45cm x 35cm x 20cm (18in x 14in x 8in)
• a reasonable amount of reading material
• duty-free bag
• infant’s food for consumption in-flight

In addition to the personal items, a passenger is allowed to carry on board one (1) of any of the following items:

• medical assistance items, such as crutches, walkers, collapsible/foldable/manual wheelchairs, walking sticks, and other necessary prosthetic devices, provided they are essential for your well-being.
• small musical instruments
• a small camera, or binoculars

Please note that larger musical instruments like Guitars, which cannot fit in the overhead compartments or under the passenger seats, should be checked in as baggage, whether in a hard or soft case.

It’s important to remember that items strapped, wrapped, or tied together will not be considered a single cabin item. Also, wheelchair acceptance is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Checked baggage

Baggage check–in is only possible when your entire trip is covered by a single ticket. Your Free Baggage Allowance remains valid for your journey, as indicated on your ticket. For journeys with separate tickets, the FBA stated on each ticket will apply.

Passengers can bring multiple pieces of baggage if they adhere to their Free Baggage Allowance weight limit. However, each piece of luggage must weigh no more than 32kg (70 lbs). Any bags surpassing this weight requirement must be repacked; otherwise, they will not be permitted to be transported.

Domestic flights

When traveling on Philippine Airlines and PAL Express flights within the Philippines, it is vital to understand the free baggage allowance that applies to your particular class of service. Here’s what you need to know about your checked baggage entitlement:

• Economy Supersaver: No baggage allowance is provided.
• Economy Saver: Up to 10kg.
• Economy Value: Up to 20kg. For flights to Basco, the allowance is 10kg.
• Economy Flex: Up to 20kg. For flights to Basco, the allowance is 10kg.
• Premium Economy: Up to 25kg.

Business Class

• Business Value: Up to 30kg
• Business Flex: Up to 35kg.

International flights

Parts of Asia

The covered routes include Bali, Bangkok, Beijing, Guangzhou, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Jinjiang, Kota Kinabalu, Kuala Lumpur, Macau, Manado, Phnom Penh, Shanghai, Singapore, Taipei, Xiamen, and Cebu/Kalibo-Chengdu.

Economy Class

• Bali, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, and Singapore: 30kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 35kg for Premium Economy.
• flights between the Philippines and Hong Kong: 30kg for Economy Supersaver and Economy Saver, 35kg for Economy Value and Economy Flex, and 40kg for Premium Economy.
• flights from the Philippines to Taipei: 30kg for Economy Supersaver and Economy Saver, and 35kg for Economy Value and Economy Flex.
• flights from Taipei to the Philippines: 30kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, and Economy Value, and 35kg for Economy Flex.
• Beijing, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Macau, Shanghai, Xiamen, Cebu/Kalibo–Chengdu: 25kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 30kg for Premium Economy
• Busan, Seoul: 20kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 25kg for Premium Economy

Note that Premium Economy only applies to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Xiamen flights and Busan, and Seoul flights.

Business Class

• Bali, Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh, and Singapore: 40kg for Business Value and Business Flex
• flights between the Philippines and Hong Kong and flights between the Philippines and Taipei: 40kg for Business Value and Business Flex
• Beijing, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Macau, Shanghai, Xiamen, Cebu/Kalibo–Chengdu: 35kg for Business Value and Business Flex
• Busan, Seoul: 30kg for Business Value and 35kg for Business Flex

Pacific

The covered routes include Auckland, Brisbane, Perth, Port Moresby, Melbourne, and Sydney.

Economy Class

• Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth: 30kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 35kg for Premium Economy
• Port Moresby: 30kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex

Note that Premium Economy is only applicable in Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney flights.

Business Class

• Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney, Perth: 40kg for Business Value and Business Flex
• Port Moresby: 40kg for Business Value and Business Flex

Europe

The covered routes include London.

Economy Class

• routes: 30kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 35kg for Premium Economy

Business Class

• routes: 40kg for Business Value and Business Flex

Middle East

The covered routes include Dammam, Doha, Dubai, Kuwait, and Riyadh.

Economy Class

• routes: 2 pieces up to 23kg (50lbs) each for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 2 pieces up to 25kg (55lbs) each for Premium Economy
• Tel Aviv: 30kg for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 35kg for Premium Economy

Business Class

• routes: 2 pieces up to 32kg (70lbs) each for Business Value and Business Flex
• Tel Aviv: 40kg for Business Value and Business Flex

Japan

The covered routes include Haneda, Fukuoka, Nagoya, Narita, Osaka, and Sapporo.

Economy Class

• routes: 2 pieces up to 23kg (50lbs) each for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 2 pieces up to 25kg (55lbs) each for Premium Economy

Business Class

• routes: 2 pieces up to 32kg (70lbs) each for Business Value and Business Flex

US & Canada

The covered routes include Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Toronto, and Vancouver. The subsequent Free Baggage Allowance (FBA) is exclusively applicable for flights between locations in the USA, Hawaii, and Canada with regions including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, the South Asian Subcontinent, Japan, Korea, the North and Central Pacific, as well as the Southwest Pacific.

Economy Class

• United States/Canada: 2 pieces up to 23kg (50lbs) each for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 2 pieces up to 25kg (55lbs) each for Premium Economy

Note that Premium Economy is only applicable in Honolulu, New York, and Toronto flights.

Business Class

• United States/Canada: 2 pieces up to 32kg (70lbs) each for Business Value and Business Flex

Guam

Economy Class

• Guam: 2 pieces up to 23kg (50lbs) each for Economy Supersaver, Economy Saver, Economy Value, and Economy Flex, and 2 pieces up to 25kg (55lbs) each for Premium Economy

Business Class

• Guam: 2 pieces up to 32kg (70lbs) each for Business Value and Business Flex

Excess baggage

Any check-in baggage that surpasses the allowed dimensions or maximum weight will be categorized as oversized or overweight, and an Excess Baggage Charge (EBC) will be applied.

Baggage exceeding the allotted FBA will be subject to the following EBC:

Domestic flights

For Excess Baggage Charges on domestic flights across all routes, both departing from MNL and arriving to MNL, a fee of PHP 350 (inclusive of VAT) per kilo will be applied.

International Flights

Asia

Routes	Excess Baggage Charge  From MNL per kilo	Excess Baggage Charge  To MNL per kilo
Bali	USD 10	IDR 149900
Bangkok		THB 360
Beijing		CNY 70
Busan	USD 12	KRW 15700
Guangzhou	USD 8	CNY 60
Hanoi	USD 10	USD 10
Ho Chi Minh
Hong Kong	USD 13	HKD 102
Jakarta	USD 10	IDR 149900
Jinjiang	USD 8	CNY 60
Kota Kinabalu		MYR 42
Kuala Lumpur	USD 10	MYR 44
Macau	USD 10	MOP 90
Manado	USD 8	IDR 112600
Phnom Penh	USD 10	USD 10
Seoul	USD 12	KRW 15700
Shanghai	USD 10	CNY 70
Singapore		SGD 14
Taipei		TWD 302
Xiamen	USD 8	CNY 60
Cebu / Kalibo – Chengdu	USD 10	CNY 70

Pacific

Routes	Excess Baggage Charge  From MNL per kilo	Excess Baggage Charge  To MNL per kilo
Auckland	USD 24	NZD 33
Brisbane		AUD 35
Melbourne
Perth
Port Moresby	USD 16	PGK 58
Sydney	USD 24	AUD 35

Europe

Route	Excess Baggage Charge From MNL	Excess Baggage Charge To MNL
London	USD 50/kilo	GBP 50/kilo

Middle East

Routes	Excess Baggage Charge from MNL per piece			Excess Baggage Charge to MNL per piece
	In Excess of allowed number of pieces	Overweight (23.1kg-32kg); Oversized (63in-80in)	Oversized (81in or more);  Overweight (23.1-32kg) AND Oversized (81in or more )	In Excess of allowed number of pieces	Overweight (23.1kg-32kg);  Oversized (63in-80in)	Oversized (81in or more);  Overweight (23.1-32kg) AND Oversized (81in or more)
Dammam	USD 160	USD 160	USD 320	SAR 600	SAR 600	SAR 1,200
Doha	USD 160	USD 160	USD 320	QAR 590	QAR 590	QAR 1,165
Dubai	USD 160	USD 160	USD 320	AED 590	AED 590	AED 1,175
Riyadh	USD 160	USD 160	USD 320	SAR 600	SAR 600	SAR 1,200

Japan

Travel from Japan to Southeast Asia

Philippine Airlines’ special baggage allowances

Philippine Airlines acknowledges that passengers may have unique situations requiring special baggage accommodations. PAL provides allowances for unconventional baggage and distinct needs to cater to these requirements.

Batteries and flammable liquids

Battery-powered wheelchairs or other similar mobility devices with non-spillable or spillable batteries can be checked in, provided they meet the following conditions:

• advance notification and PAL approval are required.
• battery terminals are insulated to prevent short circuits.
• secure attachment to the wheelchair.
• upright loading, stowing, securing, and unloading.
• strong, rigid packaging.
• damaged, leaking, or improperly packaged batteries are not allowed.

Lithium metal batteries are limited to 2g lithium per battery. Lithium-ion batteries are limited to 100 Wh per battery. Up to two spare lithium-ion batteries (101-160 Wh) with approval. Spare batteries must be protected.

Certain items like balance wheels, hoverboards, air wheels, solo wheels, and mini-Segways are prohibited. All flammable liquids, including lighter refills, paints, and thinners, are prohibited in carry-on or checked baggage.

Bulky/fragile/limited release baggage

Philippine Airlines offers a solution: the Limited Release Baggage tag to safely transport delicate, oversized, or inadequately packed items. This tag is essential when checking items requiring special care, such as fragile, perishable, or improperly packed baggage.

Here are some examples of items that fall under this category:

• bicycles
• media bags
• musical instruments
• paintings
• sculptures
• sleeping bags
• strollers
• tents
• trophies
• vases

Cabin baggage

In cases where passengers need to securely transport valuable items such as religious articles or musical instruments, Philippine Airlines provides the option of cabin baggage that occupies a paid seat.

To ensure proper handling, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• only one item is allowed per seat.
• the item must be appropriately packed to prevent potential injury to passengers or crew members.
• the weight of the item should not exceed 32 kg.
• the item’s height must not exceed the height of the backrest at its highest position.

It is advisable to make prior arrangements at PAL ticket offices to arrange for this service.

Guns and ammunition

Transporting firearms and ammunition via Philippine Airlines follows stringent safety regulations to ensure a secure journey. Here’s what you need to know:

• firearms, when adequately packed, are only accepted as checked baggage. They must be declared unloaded or disabled, securely encased, and stored in the cargo/baggage hold compartment.
• special authorization is required per relevant laws, and passengers are responsible for obtaining necessary documentation based on departure, destination, and transit countries.
• ammunition (less than 5kg) is allowed as part of check-in baggage, securely packed.
• other weapons capable of discharging projectiles (like harpoon guns) must be unloaded and placed in checked baggage unless prohibited at the destination or transfer points.

A Firearm Handling Fee is required for domestic flights and may be adjusted based on regulatory updates. The handling fee for a Short Firearm or a Long Firearm is PHP 1200. Please note that these fees are inclusive of a 12% VAT charge.

Human remains

Here is a comprehensive overview of the regulations and documentation necessary for the transportation of cremated human remains:

Cremated human remains:

• carrying ashes is allowed in both carry-on and checked baggage.

International travel:

• essential documents include the Death Certificate, Cremation Certificate, and a possible Consular Certificate, varying based on destination country rules.
• Bureau of Quarantine clearance is required for transporting ashes out of the Philippines.
• use a protective crematory or funeral urn, especially in countries like the USA where specific containers may be required.

Travel within the Philippines:

• cremated remains must be securely placed in a crematory or funeral urn to prevent breakage.

Transport via Cargo:

• requires advance arrangement with proper documentation.
• international Cargo: Embalming or Cremation Certificate, a sealed wooden or metal casket with specific packing criteria, and Quarantine Certificate.
• Philippines Domestic Cargo: Securely cushioned funeral urn, Quarantine Certificate, and, for Human Bones, an Exhumation Permit.

Unembalmed remains require a sturdy cadaver or body bag that adheres to specific standards, ensuring containment and compliance with safety regulations. Please note that human remains cannot be consolidated with other goods. For more specific details, refer to PAL’s human remain information page.

Musical instruments

For passengers traveling with guitars, please note that guitars cannot fit in the overhead compartments or under seats on the aircraft. Guitars must be checked in to ensure proper accommodation during the flight, regardless of whether they are in a hard or soft case.

Musical instruments that fall within the passenger’s free baggage allowance and are within 39 inches (100 cm) in length will be accepted free of charge. However, if the musical instrument exceeds these dimensions, it will be considered an additional piece of baggage (according to the piece system) or excess weight (according to the weight system), and applicable excess baggage charges will apply.

Other larger musical instruments that cannot fit in the overhead compartment should also be checked in. Please ensure the musical instrument is properly packaged to prevent any damage during transit.

Remember that Philippine Airlines will not be held liable for any damage that may occur during transit due to inadequately-packaged guitars and other musical instruments.

Pets

Please be aware that various countries may have specific rules and regulations regarding the carriage of animals as baggage, which can depend on local Government Authorities’ restrictions.

For pets like dogs, cats, and birds that are acceptable for carriage as baggage, the following guidelines should be followed:

• pets must be placed in a secure hard case and a leak-proof container.
• valid vaccination certificates and exit/entry permits from the Philippine Bureau of Animal Industry, Animal Health Division (AHD) in Diliman, Quezon City, are required.
• pets should be accompanied by passengers who are at least 12 years old.

Note that certain breeds of animals might not be allowed for carriage. For more detailed information, please visit Philippine Airlines’ official website.

It’s advisable to contact PAL at least 48 hours before your scheduled flight to inquire about the acceptance of pets as baggage. This is particularly important due to the possibility of last-minute aircraft changes at your specific airport of origin.

Plants

When it comes to bringing plants during your travels, it’s essential to be aware that regulations for plant import can vary significantly from country to country. To avoid any complications, we strongly recommend contacting your destination country’s local agriculture or plant authority. They can provide specific guidelines for plant import and inform you about any restrictions imposed by local Government Authorities.

If you travel to the Philippines, you can gather information about plant import requirements by contacting the Bureau of Plant Industry.

Seafood, meat, and perishable items

Traveling with seafood, meat, and perishable items requires careful consideration due to varying global regulations. It’s essential to check with the destination country’s Bureau of Plant and Quarantine and Customs to understand specific rules and restrictions.

Please be aware that U.S. Customs and Border Protection has prohibited certain meat and poultry products from countries/regions with exotic animal diseases. Visit their website for details.

While Philippine Airlines can accept these items for domestic check-in with proper packing, policies may differ abroad. Passengers are responsible for checking regulations at their destination. For more information, contact the destination country’s relevant authorities.

Sports equipment

Sports equipment can be transported along with your regular baggage, subject to existing policies and conditions. Standard excess baggage fees apply, except for the following items:

Snow Ski

Dimensions: Equivalent to 62 inches (158 cm), regardless of actual dimensions. Set: Includes one pair of skis, poles, and boots. Extra sets incur charges. Piece System Charges:

• first set: 25% of Excess Baggage Charge
• succeeding sets: 100% of Excess Baggage Charge Weight System Charges:
• first set: 25% of Excess Baggage Charge
• succeeding sets: 100% of Excess Baggage Charge

Golf Clubs

Dimensions: Equivalent to 62 inches (158 cm), regardless of actual dimensions. Set: Includes one golf bag with clubs and shoes. Extra sets incur charges. Piece System Charges:

• first set: 50% of Excess Baggage Charge
• succeeding sets: 100% of Excess Baggage Charge Weight System Charges:
• equivalent of 6kg Excess Baggage Charge
• succeeding sets: 100% of Excess Baggage Charge

Surfboards/Wakeboards

Piece System Charges:

• one piece assessed as excess baggage
• if length ≤ 109 in. (277 cm): 100% Excess Baggage Charge
• if length > 109 in. (277 cm): 200% Excess Baggage Charge

Sleeping Bag or Bedroll

Dimensions: Equivalent to 62 inches (158cms) Piece System Charges: Excess Baggage Charge applies

Bicycle (non-motorized)

Dimensions: Linear dimension of 62 inches (158cms) Piece System Charges: Excess Baggage Charge applies

Fishing Equipment

Dimensions: Equivalent to 62 inches (158cms) Piece System Charges: Excess Baggage Charge applies

Packaging requirements apply for certain items. For more details, visit PAL’s official website.

Medications and medical oxygen

For passengers requiring medical oxygen, Philippine Airlines provides in-flight oxygen, and personal oxygen bottles on board are not permitted for safety and regulatory reasons. However, passengers may carry oxygen cylinders weighing under five (05) kilograms for use before embarkation and after disembarkation, with proper packing and no onboard use. Advance notice and check-in times are required, with 72 hours notice for international flights and 48 hours for domestic flights.

Regarding medicinal articles, non-radioactive medicinal items weighing up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs) or 2 liters (2 quarts) are permitted for check-in or carry-on. Individual articles should not exceed 0.5kg (1 lb) or 0.5 liters (1 pint).

Specific rules and regulations apply for devices such as Portable Oxygen Concentrators, Continuous Positive Airways Pressure machines, ventilators, and respirators. For further details, visit the Philippine Airlines website.