What to Expect in PAL Business Class

What to Expect in PAL Business Class: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Premium Journey

Are you considering upgrading your next flight to Philippine Airlines (PAL) Business Class, but wondering if it's truly worth the investment? Perhaps you're a seasoned business traveler looking for details, or simply curious about the perks of a more luxurious journey. Flying Business Class with Philippine Airlines, also known as Mabuhay Class, promises an elevated travel experience designed for both comfort and convenience, blending premium services with the renowned Filipino hospitality.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through what to expect in PAL Business Class, from the moment you consider booking to your arrival at your destination. We'll cover everything from priority services on the ground to the in-flight comfort, dining, entertainment, and overall value, ensuring you're well-informed for your next premium flight.

The Pre-Flight Experience: A Smooth Start

The premium experience of Philippine Airlines Business Class begins long before you even step onto the aircraft. PAL aims to minimize wait times and ensure a seamless start to your journey.

Priority Check-in and Baggage Handling

As a Business Class passenger, you'll enjoy dedicated check-in counters, significantly reducing your waiting time at the airport. This priority treatment extends to baggage handling, meaning your luggage will be among the first to be offloaded upon arrival.

When it comes to baggage allowance, Philippine Airlines Business Class offers generous limits. For flights between Canada/USA and the Philippines, you're typically allowed two checked bags, with each piece weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg) and combined dimensions not exceeding 124 inches (316 cm). For other international routes, the allowance can vary, often ranging from 30 kg to 40 kg depending on the destination and fare type. You can also bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item, with the main carry-on not exceeding 7 kg and specific dimensions.

Exclusive Mabuhay Lounge Access

One of the most anticipated perks of flying PAL Business Class is access to the exclusive Mabuhay Lounge. These lounges offer a quiet and comfortable environment, perfect for relaxation or catching up on work before your flight.

What can you expect inside the Mabuhay Lounge?

• Comfortable Seating: Spacious and well-appointed lounge areas provide ample room to relax.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free Wi-Fi, ideal for business travelers.
• Dining Options: Enjoy a selection of hot and cold dishes, snacks, and beverages, including a well-stocked bar. Some lounges even feature fresh noodle stations.
• Shower Facilities: Particularly beneficial for passengers with long layovers, some lounges offer shower facilities to refresh before your flight.

It's important to note that Mabuhay Lounge access is generally for Business Class passengers on international flights with a boarding pass for the respective day. While the main Mabuhay Lounge is in Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 and 2, PAL Business Class passengers may also have access to partner lounges at other airports, such as The House in Sydney or Marhaba Lounge in Melbourne.

Your Sanctuary in the Sky: The PAL Business Class Seat

Once onboard, the core of your Business Class experience is the seat itself. Philippine Airlines operates a mix of aircraft, including the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, and Airbus A330, with seat configurations and features varying by aircraft type.

• Fully Flat-Bed Seats: On long-haul flights, especially on newer aircraft like the A350, Tri-Class A330, B777, and A321neo, you can expect fully flat-bed seats that recline into a comfortable sleeping position, complete with a duvet. These seats often offer direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 configuration, enhancing privacy and convenience.
• Angled Flat Seats: On some older aircraft, such as certain Boeing 777-300ERs, you might find angled flat seats in a 2-3-2 configuration. While not completely flat, they are generally comfortable for rest.
• Recliner Seats: For shorter regional routes, particularly on aircraft like the Airbus A321, Business Class may feature wide recliner seats in a 2-2 configuration, offering ample legroom and adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and footrests.

Regardless of the specific seat type, PAL Business Class seats are designed to provide more space and comfort than economy, often including personal storage compartments, multi-plug power adaptors, and USB ports.

Culinary Delights: Dining Above the Clouds

Dining in PAL Business Class is a significant upgrade, offering a gourmet experience at 30,000 feet. You can expect full-course meals featuring a selection of Western and Asian flavors, prepared with fresh ingredients.

• Multi-Course Meals: Meals typically include appetizers (like Tuna Tataki Salad or Chicken Tinola), main courses (such as Filet Mignon, Miso Seabass, Pork Adobo, or Tapsilog), and desserts (like Halo-halo or chocolate ice cream).
• Beverage Service: A selection of premium beverages, including champagne, juices, and other drinks, are available.
• Pre-Select Meals: For international flights departing from Manila, Business Class passengers can often pre-order their meals at least 72 hours before departure via the PAL website or mobile app, or through their contact center. This service allows you to choose from a variety of options, including special dietary meals.
• Snacks: Between meals, light snacks and additional beverages are available upon request, including items like chips, nuts, and chocolate bars.

Stay Entertained and Connected: In-Flight Amenities

To keep you engaged throughout your journey, Philippine Airlines Business Class offers various entertainment and connectivity options.

• In-Flight Entertainment (IFE): Most aircraft feature a high-resolution touchscreen entertainment system with a wide selection of movies, TV shows, and music. On some aircraft, particularly the newer A350 fleet, the system is modern and user-friendly. For certain aircraft, wireless IFE allows you to stream content directly to your personal devices via the myPAL Player app. iPads may also be lent out to Business and Premium Economy passengers for an enhanced viewing experience.
• Wi-Fi Connectivity: Wi-Fi is available on select aircraft, especially newer generation planes and international routes. While a free 10 MB plan is often available for all passengers, Business Class passengers typically receive an additional 100 MB of complimentary Wi-Fi, with options to purchase more data. It's advisable to check Wi-Fi availability for your specific flight before departure.
• Amenity Kits: On long-haul flights, you can expect to receive a luxurious amenity kit, often from brands like Furla or ACCA KAPPA, which includes skincare products, eyeshades, slippers, and other travel essentials. Pillows and duvets are also provided for your comfort.

The Signature Service: Attentive Care

One of the most consistently praised aspects of the Philippine Airlines Business Class experience is the warmth and attentiveness of the cabin crew. They are known for their proactive and personalized service, often addressing passengers by name and anticipating their needs. This high level of Filipino hospitality contributes significantly to a pleasant and comfortable journey.

Is PAL Business Class Worth It?

Choosing to fly Philippine Airlines Business Class is an investment in comfort, convenience, and a more relaxed travel experience. From priority services and exclusive lounge access on the ground to spacious lie-flat seats, gourmet dining, and attentive service in the air, the benefits are clear. While the "hard product" (seats and IFE) can vary by aircraft, the overall commitment to a premium experience, especially the renowned Filipino hospitality, remains a consistent highlight. For those seeking to minimize travel fatigue and enjoy a more refined journey, especially on long-haul flights, PAL Business Class offers a compelling proposition.

Have you flown PAL Business Class? Share your experiences and what you loved most about your journey in the comments below!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the baggage allowance for PAL Business Class?

For flights between Canada/USA and the Philippines, Business Class passengers are generally allowed two checked bags, each weighing up to 70 lbs (32 kg). For other international routes, the allowance can range from 30 kg to 40 kg, depending on the destination and fare type. You can also carry one cabin bag (up to 7 kg) and one personal item.

Can I access the lounge if I'm flying PAL Business Class?

Yes, Business Class passengers on international Philippine Airlines flights with a valid boarding pass for the day are generally granted access to the exclusive Mabuhay Lounge. These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a selection of food and beverages.

Are there pajamas or amenity kits in PAL Business Class?

While Philippine Airlines Business Class provides a full-size pillow and a good quality duvet, they typically do not provide pajamas. However, you will receive a luxurious amenity kit, often from brands like Furla or ACCA KAPPA, which includes various toiletries and travel essentials, along with slippers.

Is Wi-Fi available in PAL Business Class?

Yes, Wi-Fi is available on many Philippine Airlines flights, particularly on newer aircraft and international routes. Business Class passengers usually receive a complimentary Wi-Fi allowance (e.g., 100 MB), with options to purchase additional data if needed. It's recommended to check Wi-Fi availability for your specific flight before departure.