Philippine Airlines PAID ME to Fly! Manila to Puerto Princesa

[@PhilippineAirlinesTV]

Hi Matt's Planet. Thank you for sharing your experience. We understand the inconvenience caused by the downgrade due to the aircraft change, which was required for operational reasons. We're pleased that our staff was able to offer compensation to help make up for this. We hope you had a pleasant experience at the lounge and that it contributed to your comfort before the flight. We also appreciate your comments regarding the seat issue, and we're glad our cabin crew moved you to a more comfortable seat. It’s great to hear you enjoyed the inflight snack as well. Your satisfaction remains a top priority for us, and we’re happy that your overall experience was positive. We look forward to welcoming you back on board again soon! ✈

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that! It was a very good experience and the downgrade wasn't a big deal - these things happen! I hope I get the chance to fly with you long haul in the near future

[@bulletcruise]

@@PhilippineAirlinesTV it was great to see how your staff handle this. Things go wrong all the time. Customers forgive if they realise you care of the outcome. However, do try and see why the refund amount was more than the price of the tickets..it should ideally be the next class value minus taxes etc.

[@kbtred51]

Nice pin

[@steve-marsh]

I believe that is called a deal eh!? Well done :)

[@MattsPlanet]

Couldn't say no! Literally!!!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

Completely agree with all you say about PAL Matt - I've also had some great experiences flying all around the islands with them - although they've never paid me to do so! Nice to see they appreciated your review too

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - nice to hear from them! Heard from Oman Air last week too...

[@NonstopEurotrip]

@MattsPlanet move aside Noel Phillips and Sam Chui!

[@Jacob-mv2jh]

Congrats on achieving 20k subscribers Matt!!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks! Celebratory video incoming...

[@Brandon-jp5ow]

Palawan is one of the most beautiful places I’ve visited! Love the Phils, sorry about your crappy experience

[@MattsPlanet]

It was a little annoying but it all worked out well!!! I have to agree about Palawan, but Puerto Princesa may not be its highlight....

[@Brandon-jp5ow]

Agreed! Port Barton, Coron, El Nido in that order is what towns I liked best in my opinion

[@jimmyjames6492]

Very interesting ordeal. Glad it all worked out and I see that Philippine Airlines even commented. Thanks for the great info + video!

[@MattsPlanet]

That was a good day! Thanks for watching

[@peetbothma1500]

Nice one again Matt, not just the normal stuff from others in your current job👍 2 comments. 1. Winter beard in Summer climes🤔. Sure know where you are. 2. Auditors are always alarmed by nature😇😂 Please keep them coming😎🇿🇦👌

[@MattsPlanet]

Ha ha! It was still going to be winter when I got back so I decided to leave it!!!

[@matthewgordon-banks7553]

Your whole video was very warming on a cold UK winter weekend. It must have been the shirt. And paid to travel, to boot! Much fun. I'm sure many moons ago I had the option to fly to Berlin on a Phillipines Airlines aircraft that stopped by there. I didn't take it.

[@MattsPlanet]

Happy memories of warmer weather for sure!!! I flew long haul on Philippine Air back in the 90's and it was a great, albeit retro experience.... Sydney to Manila but it wouldn't surprise me if odd connecting hops used to be possible....

[@speedendurance]

i worry about checking in my carry on, as it has my laptop & other fragile items. That's why i always carry a spare 'bag in a bag'... i think you mentioned that in one of your older videos.

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks J - I also had a backpack which had all of my breakables in it so there was little risk of checking things in.... A point to point flight too so low risk of the stuff getting lost.... Although I did make a mistake by leaving my laptop charging cable in the bag - I'd have been a bit stuck without it if the bag had gone missing....

[@paololim3513]

Glad you reviewed my home airline. Just a word of caution: Philippine Airlines itself does not operate most of its domestic flights anymore (just one flight flying to General Santos, and another flight to Cebu that continues on to Tokyo). Most flights have been taken over by subsidiary PAL Express, which might explain your situation.

[@MattsPlanet]

This was a "proper" PAL plane that was registered to PAL - it may explain why they were a bit confused about having a business class ticket!

[@ukdavepianoman]

Not flown any Philippines airlines yet. That was really wonderful recovery service from the situation - a lot of airlines could learn from this. I love Manila - people are wonderful, interesting places to visit. The only headache is the awful traffic - I'm hoping it's improved since 2020 although not holding my breath. Congrats on the 20K subs!

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - I wouldn't say the traffic has gotten any better....

[@GLAFly]

A thriller from Manilla! Great video - and interesting that "Premium Economy" seems to be essentially the same as Euro Business (albeit you wouldn't usually get the business class check in or lounge access. I'm assuming the proper business class service is a larger seat, similar to US and Middle Easter Business/First short haul cabins?

[@MattsPlanet]

It was hard to distinguish their PE from Europe's business - except perhaps Philippine Air's PE is better!!! I think they have the 2-2 layout in "proper" business - guess I'll have to go back and find out!

[@GLAFly]

@MattsPlanet sounds like a good excuse to go back!

[@Locutus]

Flight time is similar to JER/LON. BA barely have time to complete service in Club before landing! On such short flights, I think they are just best giving you a takeaway lunchbox in Club. Chicken, beef or vegetable. 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

Ambition is one thing, but reality is another!

[@gregpacker7802]

Hi Matt, Great video as always, the drinks offering gets a little better in that lounge later in the day you can certainly get beer and wine from that little manned bar, not sure about spirits. As far as I am aware only ever water or juice on domestic routes. Premium economy often comes with lounge access, for example I recently flew from Cebu to Iloilo (where only Premium economy is offered) and we got lounge access on both legs (and on the leg from Cebu a personal escort from check in through security to the lounge!) As an airport to fly into internationally Cebu is fantastic new and spacious and much better than Manila so if you are flying on my top tip is to arrive into Cebu

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks - good tip on the Cebu entry. I flew there domestically nearly 20 years ago and it was decent then!!

[@cundallthepieman]

Pal customer service has always been good, both in the air and on the ground I found... Just gutted they stopped their LHR to MNL direct service...

[@MattsPlanet]

They handled it brilliantly - almost too well as it turned out! A direct flight would be nice....

[@bellabam8]

I've flown PAL numerous times & had great experiences. I would consider flying PAL again.

[@MattsPlanet]

Its a shame they don't serve anywhere in Europe these days

[@Simonbarker1980]

That dragon boat comment was a banger!

[@MattsPlanet]

Would have been fascinating to see!!

[@Eezygeezer-t3h]

What a bizarre (but great) experience! Funny how things work out sometimes 🎉

[@MattsPlanet]

Sometimes you win, often you lose!!!

[@paulhellander2791]

Reallu enjoyed that. Thanks! Paul in Oz

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for watching!

[@deathbag]

Brilliant video Matt! Fun and informative as always.

[@MattsPlanet]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@timtony7153]

Hi Matt, Excellent video again! Should visiting the phillipines be on my travel bucket list? You might be surprised to know that when I was studying, Iworked part time at Brussels airport. Hewa Bora, Onurair, Biman Bangladesh to name a few airlines had station managers that enticed pax to give up their seat with cash in situations of overbooking. They looked for volunteers, mentioned the amount people could " earn", and did the deal at the gate! cash at airport gates was very common in the 90's! Ooh , I miss those times, Hewa Bora Lockheed Tristar, engine start meant no visibility on the apron for 10 minutes because of black smoke!! Classic!

[@MattsPlanet]

The Philippines is an amazing place - a good blend of developing country colour and energy and good facilities for visitors. Well worth a visit I'd say! Happy memories from Brussels!

[@cardiffst]

Wait, two resort videos upcoming?? Yay!

[@MattsPlanet]

Just need to make them now!!!

[@038kp]

Very interesting. I imagine the extra money you received was in FX value, with the value of the GBP rallying since you bought the ticket so the GBP value of what you paid in pesos when you bought the ticket is higher now than when you paid. You got lucky with the lounge access, this is why I have the amex platinum card so I'm covered with lounge access regardless of the scenario

[@MattsPlanet]

I don't think the exchange rate moved that much!!! And that Amex Platinum is really expensive....

[@limjason9511]

Had the same 200 USD voucher each which brought us to use it book the same flight again the next year. The crew and staff always been great and pleasant but they really have an issue with changing planes, and also changing confirmed seats ---- now we got a stack of mabuhay miles , I guess we will back with them again soon.

[@MattsPlanet]

That will get you a long way around the Philippines!

[@mariusm9108]

We were meant to arrive at Puerta Princesa airport back in 2020 and would have flown with Cathay Pacific directly to Hong Kong. Obviously the pandemic put a stop to that. We did go in the end but it was in 2024, then unfortunately the option to fly to Hong Kong didn't exist anymore. BA 241 to Hong Kong and connecting with Cathay to arrive in Palawan, that was the original plan.

[@MattsPlanet]

That would have been really handy - adding another stop in Manila is a right pain....

[@tonyracks2956]

well they do say money goes to money !!!!!!! great video as always matt hope you stay in good health ...

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed! Thanks for watching

[@karlp8484]

Some of the world's best/exclusive island resorts are in the Philippines. Not widely advertised, sort of semi-secret. That TV program Fantasy Island with the midget, Ricardo Montalban and seaplane was set at one of these actual resorts.

[@MattsPlanet]

One day!!! The Dusit Thani in Makati was pretty nice though!

[@karlp8484]

@@MattsPlanet Makati, good call. So much better than Metro Manila, I always stayed there because Shell Philippines headquarters was there.

[@mitchellshaw4560]

I have a suggestion. Fy to Denver airport! It's top class.

[@MattsPlanet]

I've been there a few times (before the channel) and it is a good looking airport - big too!

[@halfassleepallthetime8688]

Hey Matt, if you're interested in going to iloilo city, I live in guimaras island. No worries if you've already left but if you still here drop me a message

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for the offer! This was back in November so I'm long gone....

[@Rydia704]

Great Video Matt, I'm just wondering if you would ever do a Beginner traverler tips video? I've not travelled since 2000 when I was a kid and so much has changed. I'm even like "How do you navigate the airport, what about check in, security, medicines etc" 😂 But I could understand if that's a bit too basic a video idea and I should just bite the bullet and just jump in head first 😂 to then realise it's actually quite simple and I'm just over thinking it. Keep up the good work :)

[@MattsPlanet]

Thanks for that - I think there could be scope for a more basic "how to" video - let me give it some thought!!! And the best way is to get back out there and jump in headfirst!

[@RedmondsVideos]

I flew with Philippine Airlines back in December and was left feeling a little dissatisfied with the experience. I paid extra for a flight from Bangkok to Davao via Manila in the hope of having a better experience than a LCC. To be honest the service was far from par and the food was basically inedible, hard vegetables and unseasoned meat. I am certainly not a fussy eater when it comes to plane food. To add further annoyance I booked it well in advance and only a few weeks later after booking it Cebu Pacific started operating a direct flight from Bangkok to Davao for a cheaper price. Oh well, lesson learned and when I return again in April I will be choosing Cebu Pacific for the direct flight to Davao. Although it is a LCC, at least you get what you pay for and there is the knowledge to prepare yourself preflight.

[@MattsPlanet]

Report back after an experience on Cebu! I have a video coming up on them and they were decent....

[@RedmondsVideos]

@@MattsPlanet yes when I lived in Korea I used them a few times and never had any complaints with them. But to be honest I’m a flyer where I accept what I get for what I pay for so for the prices they offer, I have no complaints

[@bulletcruise]

Great customer service. I dint know why as a shareholder I'd be upset. I'd be upset they paid you more than your fare, but I'd be very pleased they gave you a refund. Most shareholders, retail and longer term ones actually like good companies and customer service. Southwest airlines was a great example before the sharks took it over. As shareholders, we need to understand long term growth is far more important than a short term squeeze. Ofcourse... Most investors are sharks and not long term holders.

[@MattsPlanet]

If they did that to every customer!!! But this could well prove to have been a great investment as people now watch this video!

[@adriver4471]

It is a shame Philippine Airlines stopped the direct flights from LHR Was a decent service as well

[@MattsPlanet]

Its a long flight but you'd hope there was demand for a direct flight...

[@ReyvenBergado-tf2sc]

Puerto Princesa is the most forested city in the world

[@MattsPlanet]

Now that's a cracking bit of trivia.... Davao I think is the largest city in the world too?

[@tayne5009]

You should follow the airline’s example and pay us to watch this video.

[@MattsPlanet]

Does 1 peso per view work for you???

[@oblongmusic3389]

It’s more fun in the Philippines..!! 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

It certainly can be!

[@dospalmascb]

Well, BA could learn something from this lol.

[@MattsPlanet]

Indeed - they won't though!

[@halitosis75]

PAL have a great relationship with ANA

[@MattsPlanet]

Good to know!

[@heyimJaxin]

hey

[@MattsPlanet]

Hi George

[@doc2log]

The goverbnet should realize that airports these days are or should be pleasant with lounges, restaurants and maybe even some form of entertainment areas like the big airports in Singapore, KL, Namhkok or even Jakarta! Sorry but PAL became really CEAPPY when it was bought by that Chines tycoon as it used to be among the top airlines in the world. But thank Hod for the Ayrline staff!

[@MattsPlanet]

The Philippine government does seem to have trouble with airports.... I've heard Cebu is more like it....

[@alanwheeler3696]

Slightly crazy financial behaviour. But there are some crazy examples I could give you of uk organisations providing compensation when it is not asked for or needed in any way and in effect that’s what you have got here.

[@MattsPlanet]

I guess they don't dole out cash to every customer!

[@alanwheeler3696]

@ cash itself not no LOL. But money into accounts, very close.

[@ss-xy2im]

Given the experience you might have just kept the voucher 😂

[@MattsPlanet]

I was happy with how it all worked out!

[@Fat_Cat_747]

Watch out for sneks

[@MattsPlanet]

I'm always on alert....

[@ZengoMay]

Comedy of errors; all positive in your case.

[@MattsPlanet]

I was happy!

[@Korbkorn]

I would be scared around. Guessing from this video, you're a person not to argue with . Whiny, angry, righteous and demanding. Enjoy your trip and please make this your last trip to the Philippines.

[@MattsPlanet]

That's not very nice is it??? I'm a lovely bloke...