Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance In 2025: Latest Policies & Backpack Guide

Exploring the Philippines this Christmas season? First, let’s dive into Philippine Airlines baggage allowance policy before packing for the awaiting adventures.

Philippine Airlines (PAL) may not be the first option that appears for every traveller, their baggage policy is pretty lenient for a low-cost airline, especially for domestic routes (you know how a lot of budget airlines are with their baggage allowance!). 

Philippine Airlines Overview: Is PAL A Low-Cost Airline?

PAL is one of Asia’s oldest commercial airlines. Makaristos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Philippine Airlines is the flagship airline of the Philippines. It has been a household name for travellers to and from this beautiful country and its islands for many years. 

From its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao, PAL operates flights to 72 destinations: 30 domestic and 42 international ones. 

Philippine Airlines offers a mix of both Airbus A320 and Boeing crafts. PAL also provides a “full-service experience” regardless of cabin type. 

So, by definition, it sounds like PAL is not really a budget airline? Well, PAL is considered a low-cost airline not because of its operations but rather because of its pricing. 

Compared with other full-service airlines in the region, its fares are pretty competitive without sacrificing amenities. Compared with other actual low-cost carriers, you pay just a bit more but are still able to receive full-service experiences. 

On the other hand, they do offer a lot of flexible fare options. As of 2024, PAL has 5 different fares for Economy class, the cheapest being Economy Supersaver which covers no baggage.

Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance For Carry-Ons

Philippine Airlines baggage allowance policy allows into the cabin 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item free of charge. These should fit in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of yours. 

• Your carry-on can be a backpack or suitcase

• Your personal item is usually a smaller backpack, a purse, a laptop bag, a duty free bag, a coat, or baby food.

One of the great perks of Philippine Airlines baggage allowance is that you’re also allowed these approved additional items, which are usually checked and/or charged as extra baggage by some airlines.

• Items for medical assistance

• Small music instruments

• Small camera or binoculars

• Power strips.

In total, you’re allowed to carry 3 items: 1 carry-on bag (suitcase), 1 personal item, and 1 item that is listed above. 

PAL Carry-On Luggage Size And Weight Limits

As of 2024, there’s no difference between Economy, Premium Economy, and Business class in terms of quantity, weight, and size of carry-on bags. Here’s a summary of how big and heavy your carry-ons can be on PAL without being charged.

Philippine Airlines personal item size.

Does a 28L backpack fit under an aeroplane seat?

Yes. Philippine Airlines baggage allowance for carry-ons allows a maximum of 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in) for the main bag and 45cm X 35cm X 20cm (18in X 14in X 8in) for the personal item. 20L-30L backpacks usually fit this dimensions.

No baggage allowance is too strict for the 28L. 

28L backpacks, such as the ones in CabinZero underseat bag collections, are pretty handy when it comes to lightweight travelling and essentially a good trick to avoid extra baggage costs. Why?

Well, to start with, they fit most cabin bag sizes of airlines, even stingy ones. By having a cabin-sized bag ready, you don’t have to worry about last-minute surprises. 

You can also alternate one as a carry-on for short trips or as a spacy personal item for longer trips. That means 1 bag for multiple uses!

Paired with the right travel packing technique, it’s essentially all you need for stress-free flights with PAL, or any carrier in the world.

Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance For Checked Bags

Philippine Airlines baggage allowance for checked bags differs between domestic and international routes. 

For domestic flights, the “piece concept” (quantity) is typically not applied. For international flights, you have to adhere to both the quantity as well as the weight and size concepts. 

Domestic flights

For routes within the Philippines, your free baggage allowance is determined by weight and fare types. You may hear some travellers refer to it as “weight system” or “weight concept”.

Checked baggage for domestic flights is based on weight. If you exceed the weight limits, you will be charged with excess baggage fees.

So, what’s the catch when there are no piece and size limits? Well, unless your bag is noticeably oversized or you’re carrying an abnormal number of bags, you really don’t have to worry about these limits. 

CabinZero’s tip: Stick to the standards if you’re worried about that, which is:

• Size limit of 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions

• Quantity of 2-3 pieces.

International flights

Philippine Airlines baggage allowance for checked bags on international flights is measured in 2 systems/concepts: weight and piece. 

So, what’s the difference between them? 

• The weight system means no specific number of bags is determined. You only have to adhere to the total weight limit.

• The piece system means that you will have to adhere to both the quantity and weight limit.

Depending on your routes, your baggage is determined by either the weight or piece system. 

Different routes have different baggage allowances. IG: @chamasangkay

However, regardless of the system, bags should not exceed the size limit of max 158 cm (62 inches) per bag.

Here’s a summary of some routes and fares and which system it falls under. 

H2. Philippine Airlines Excess Baggage Fees

If you exceed Philippine Airlines baggage allowance for carry-ons, most of the time you will have to check your excess baggage. For checked bags, you will have to pay an excess baggage fee.

Fees differ for domestic and international flights. Routes that fall under the weight or piece system are also subject to different rates. 

It’s also important to note that even if free baggage allowance for a whole region is the same, two cities or countries within a region do not always have the same excess baggage charges.

For example: Flights to the Philippines from Toronto have an excess baggage rate of CAD 525 for oversized baggage, whereas Vancouver has a CAD 600.

For precise excess baggage rates, check your bookings as well as PAL’s EBC policy carefully.

Booking and Checking-In With Philippine Airlines

You can book flights with Philippine Airlines either through their website or mobile app. 

Third-parties are also an option, but unless there are exclusive promos, booking directly with the airline official sites always scores better prices.

Airport counter check-in with PAL depends a lot on which airport you’re departing from. Ninoy Aquino International Airport is notoriously busy, so you can check in online as soon as 24 hours before boarding.

You can prepay for your checked baggage with PAL during or after booking (no later than 4 hours before boarding). 

Prepaid baggage is typically cheaper than paying at the airport. That is if you exceed the free baggage allowance. 

Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance FAQ

Here are some answers to questions to help you understand Philippine Airlines baggage allowance even better.

1. Is Philippine Airlines strict with baggage weight?

Yes. Philippine Airlines is strict with baggage weight, especially for international flights. 

• For hand luggage, you get 1 carry-on bag/suitcase, 1 personal item, and 1 approved item (usually for medical assistance, babies, or small equipment like a camera). Their combined weight should be 7 kilograms (15 lbs) or less.

• For checked baggage, you can check whether your routes fall under the weight or piece system. 

While some routes allow for flexibility, it’s best to stay within the limit to avoid additional charges. 

2. Is sports equipment free on flights?

PAL considers sports equipment as 1 piece of baggage. It means that if you carry 1 piece of sporting equipment and 1 suitcase, your total baggage is 2 items. 

Skiing equipment, golf clubs, bicycles, and packed fishing sets are all considered 158 cm (62 inches) in size, regardless of their actual dimensions. 

Items that are noticeably larger are subject to excess baggage fees.

3. Are strollers and wheelchairs counted in the baggage allowance?

No. Baby strollers and wheelchairs are not counted towards your baggage allowance. 

It means that if you’re allowed 2 free bags, then you can carry them + a stroller/wheelchair. They are usually required to be foldable and appropriately packed.

Always check with Philippine Airlines first before flying with these items. While they’re free, some routes/aircrafts still have a first come first serve basis. 

In case you cannot carry them, you can still use them up to the aircraft door and the airline staff will check them for you free of charge and return when you arrive at your destination.

Navigate Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance Easily With CabinZero

Philippine Airlines baggage allowance seems overwhelming at first glance, but if your baggage does not exceed their free allowance, there’s nothing to worry about. 

CabinZero’s 28L Underseat Bags can be a lifesaver. By fitting conveniently to most airlines’ size limits, they can minimise the risk of extra charges. 

For more travel insights, packing tips, and new destination discoveries, check out our blog or follow us on social media!

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh