PHILIPPINE AIRLINES A330 BUSINESS CLASS 🇵🇭⇢🇦🇺【4K Trip Report Manila to Sydney】Unacceptable!

[@tfft]

🚨 Reply from Philippine Airways 🚨 Somewhere in the comments below you will find a comment that was posted on the video quite quickly after it was published from the PAL KZbin Channel. Since then, today (26/07) I also received an email from a 'Customer Relations Officer' from a generic PAL email address which very similarly to the comment they left on the video, appologized for each problem during the flight item by item, but it was all in a very, generic corporate format. They also asked for my specific booking details and offered me compensation in the amount of... wait for it... 2,000 Mabuhay Miles for the poor experience. While I do give them credit for reaching out in any capacity (it's more than most airlines do...), the 2,000 miles offer is comical. This is the text of my reply: "Thank you very much for the email. I am not seeking any sort of compensation for my experience, so the 2,000 miles will not be necessary. Might I suggest though, that your team reevaluate your compensation and service recovery metrics as 2,000 Mabuhay Miles for such a poor experience is almost insulting. I assure you, this is not a ploy for a higher offer, even if you offered 1,000,000 Miles, as I said I am not seeking anything so I would not accept, I am just suggesting for future guests who may deserve such compensation. Thank you."

[@russell6006]

Brilliant reply!

[@magixmagi2952]

They do apologize for example for not crediting my mabuhay miles. Followed up a month later- they still apologized and referred me to their mabuhay miles dept to resolve issue - which by the way is still unresolved. My thinking is- the burden of resolving should not be passed on the passenger -coordinating with different departments. PAL is one organization, right?

[@willsmith39]

In fairness to them given that experience offering you only 2000 mabuhay miles was an act of genuine kindness. Because a million miles with this lot doesn't even bare thinking of, it's the stuff of nightmares. That salmon starter looked quite capable of causing a passenger body count Al Qaeda would be delighted with. It litteraly didn't pass the sniff test so the fact you wisely gave it a wide berth I feel sure is why this video even exists and you're not currently in ICU somewhere. The whole meal in fact looked like an act of high altitude gastro terrorism. I had bad seafood at place in Cebu ten years ago and I'm still mentally scarred by the aftermath. All my dining companions are similarly trumatised but all at least still alive to tell the tale mercifully. I still remember the name of the joint, it was called the 'No problem restaurant & bar'. We all felt afterwards they at least should change it to "occasional problem" and give their patrons a sporting chance. In fairness it was partly our fault as we ordered a lobster that I think had been in the tank so long it was practically a family friend. Never a good sign when the staff are on first name terms with your food. They jokingly said it was called Frank, although in retrospect we all agreed that they probably weren't joking at all. Frank certainly took out his vicious revenge. I spent the rest of that vacation in the CR, my as#hole like a Japanese flag. Sorry, I think that was perhaps over sharing that last part😞

[@bienmarquez1819]

Great review! Booked and paid for a flight for 4 pax last June 12th because I had to attend a meeting in SYD on June 14th. Received an email on June 10 that our flight is moved to June 13. Received another email on June 11 that our flight is moved to June 15! Had to book another airline so we could leave on June 12. No apologies whatsoever from PAL. Screwed up my entire schedule. Time to build up my points with another airline.

[@amaliahightower]

Philippines Airlines CEO doesn’t care about customer service!! It’s privately owned by oligarchs. I 💗 Korean Air!

[@andrewtheogre5971]

This, in my humble opinion, is how an airline flight review should be. Straightforward, to the point descriptions, great editing and honesty. Loved it, I salute you sir.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much for that. 'to-the-point' used to be in my introduction script, but it was cut out, somewhat ironically, to make the clip shorter and... more straightforward haha. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jacobvids]

I've been secretly saving money to surprise my wife with a business class trip to Manila on Philippine Airlines. I'm glad I saw this video and avoided a massive disappointment.

[@tfft]

Enjoy your trip 🗺️

[@hotpink432008]

You made the right decision, good job

[@paulsz6194]

So which airline did you end up flying with, @jacobvids ?

[@tfft]

❇❇❇ Since the time that I recorded and finished this video, Philippine Airlines has moved their international operations to Terminal 1. Feel free to comment about... anything else 😅

[@davenorth2903]

Terminal 1 is sub par at best. They don’t have a dedicated PAL lounge and subcontract it out to some company I believe called pawgs. Terrible. No toilet and no working coffee machine. Biz class check-in is decent but I feel very sorry indeed for those people in economy. The lines were unbelievable.

[@nayaman1023]

Please do not fly with PAL waste of money Mate

[@MichaelGGarry]

@@davenorth2903 Sub-par? Its like visiting those old Airport movies from the 70s! Although that does have a certain charm, assuming I've had enough sleep and haven't got food poisoning at the time :D

[@pasu129]

I truly hope that before you got off the flight, you had a chance to chat with the Captain about the horrible service received. I would be furious if I was you and received that kind of treatment from a cabin manager (purser).

[@erichanson134]

@@davenorth2903they’re building a new Mabuhay Lounge but it’s not done yet but expected sometime between next month and the fall. However, they definitely should have better planned it and opened it when they transferred over. I can’t imagine how crowded and inconsistent those 3rd party lounges must be right now.

[@JDere]

Your critique of the PAL is on the spot. Let me add some other woes we experienced on PAL's 777-300er. We recently flew PAL business class LAX-MNL, R/T on April 2023. We had a family emergency the PAL had the only direct/nonstop flight to MNL. The A330 is head over heel better than their 777-300. There's no space at all on the 777-300 business class seats to put accessories such as cellphone or IPAD. The seats are 3" narrower, and it's configured 2-3-2 across. Worse part of the seat is the angled bed that leave your feet dangling half way to the floor. On the return flight, we encountered turbulence 3 hours out of Manila and didn't smooth out until we reach Seattle. The extended foot pedal part of the bed flops up and down during most of the flight. Getting rest during the entire flight? Fat chance. They didn't bother to serve the mid-flight meal due to the turbulence. My wife's IFE does not work. The FA reset twice and gave up. LAX-MNL portion, five business class passengers had their cellphone slipped from the arm rest and got stuck underneath the seat, my included. They had to call maintenance personnel to come onboard to take the seats apart to get the phones back. All flight info, health certificate, and immigration data are loaded on the phone app. You can't leave the plane without it. We arrived MNL on Terminal 1 and departed on Terminal 3. The business class lounge on terminal 3 is a hole in the wall. It's smaller than my kitchen, few seats and fewer snacks. I thank the receptionist for the privilege of use of their toilet and left. The lounge absolutely have no redeeming value. Service onboard is like the tale of two cities. LAX-MNL: Food and Service were excellent. MNL-LAX: Food and Service were Mediocre. FAs pretty much stick by themselves throughout most of the flight. Positive point: The champagne and red wine were great!!!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@g-manthenurseman7532]

That’s why I’ve always sucked it up in economy from SFO to MNL. The business class sucks on this route/plane and should be priced as premium economy at most. On the other hand, it’s UNITED direct now! Business is amazing there.

[@rachelehrenberg9231]

My Filipina step mom used to say, "we are a very inconsistent people...300 years in a convent and 75 eating hot dogs. A reference to the Spanish colonization and the American one. My experiences reflect yours precisely. For every honest and friendly taxi driver, flight attendant or front desk staff there is the polar opposite...often on the same day. Since I am sort of wedded to Star Alliance I usually am on NH or SQ through Manila. Travel to the Philippines is not for amateurs.

[@tfft]

I almost choked on my mint 😂😂 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@kevinbuckley4507]

I only traveled Phil Air once and I will NEVER use them EVER again The seats were small and the staff were SHORT in more ways then one if you get what i mean . My Airline of choice now is EVA or ANA NEVER FLY PAL And the cost is about the same maybe $100-$200 more but trust me YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

[@noway5347]

Love the descriptive....your step mom used, spot on and totally un PC!....the food on this flight looked beyond redemption. Was deluded to think things were on the up.

[@EpicThe112]

​​@@kevinbuckley4507you are correct easy example Terminal 1 JFK where Filipinos try going to KE🇰🇷 and BR🇹🇼 towards MNL and CEB despite having PR127🇵🇭 so are SFO and LAX. JFK Terminal 4 CI KL🇳🇱 and SQ > PR🇵🇭.

[@EpicThe112]

Have you ever considered United Airlines via Guam towards Newark Terminal C. If you went that way, you should see an entry stamp mark, US CBP AGA Agana, GU, from that point onwards its domestic all the way to Terminal C in Newark. Back then NWA EWR-MNL via DTW & NRT. However doing it from the return trip you encountered the strict Security in Detroit

[@mgt13177]

This is a good review. People like you keep airlines' standards in check, and if they dont't keeo up with passenger expectations based on their own promises they'd lose to the competition. Their executives should take a hit and sacrifice their bonuses for the survival of the company at least for the meantime to allow their operations to recover from Covid's effects.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@ton7qico]

After having recently concluded a trip from Sydney just a few weeks ago, I felt nostalgic about seeing the title of your video. I too got a A330 Business Class but it was from QANTAS, the national carrier of Australia. I have to admit your experience was a far cry from the service I got. The purser and flight attendant on QANTAS was very attentive and they had quite the offering for libations. I really appreciate your honesty and candidness. It helps travelers like me put things into perspective.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@noski33]

While I have not taken a flight with PR for more than a decade now, I'll never fly Qantas too, ever! Tried once from SG, plane was horribly cramped I thought I was in a budget airline! Entertainment sucks too. And food was cheap. No Qantas for me!

[@OneJuanWon]

I've been to the Philippines twice, but in my research when planning my trips I saw the unusually high amount of negative passenger feedback from PAL customers. Flying from the west coast of the US, I have opted for EVA Air instead - both experiences were very positive. My destination for each trip was Cebu, I avoided going to Terminal 1 at NAIA for similar reasons I avoided PAL. I find their decision to buy new planes as a way to resolve many of these issues a misguided one, to me it seems a lot of what plagues PAL is the culture of the company from the top down. It doesn't matter how nice/new your planes are, if inefficiencies and poor service abound at every turn, a shiny new airplane isn't going to fix the real problem(s).

[@tfft]

Not to mention that they just tried the "let's be better by buying new planes..." just five years ago... Thanks for watching 🩴

[@j134679]

Yep. Top down indeed. A huge problem with Philippine companies that are family-run. Blood takes precedence over merit.

[@cawoleff8734]

Same observation with Flight Crews of PAL not seating on the Galley on our recent flight MNL to DOHA. It was so hard for us to ask for assistance since there was no "call" button to get their attention. We only saw them during food/drinks and warm towel distribution. And I think 1x to check the lavatory near us to replace supplies. No follow up collection of trash after they collected the food trays. They only collected extra trash one time which made our cups and other food plastics piled up. Imagine they have already collected the food tray but since you still have your drinks with you, you didnt give it to them so you can finish it. Remember that they were no where to be found so you can ask them to collect it. Seems like they were all holed up at the back/kitchen. The only time they sat down the crew seat was when it was time for landing. That was so different with other airlines where crews keep on roaming around and checking on passengers. Or just seated on their crew seat near the aisle. I liked the food though since it appeals to my Filipino taste. 😩

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@kirkkorenko5743]

I feel your pain. I flew in business class from Manila to San Francisco only to discover that my seat would not go flat so I could sleep. The crew tried to make it work but couldn't. I never like airline food so I make sure to eat a good meal before flying. The purser assured me that I would get extra flight miles for being inconvenienced. Of course that didn't happened. I had my friend in Manila keep trying and finally they gave me the extra miles. PAL has much work to do.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@edsmith8301]

The same thing happened to me paid business class the seat wouldn’t even recline. They didn’t do nothing for me don’t bother complaining to we care they don’t do anything.

[@loveaodai100]

My experience with Philippine Airline dates back to 1989 where they did something nasty which turned into a very positive memorable experience. The flight was from LA to Manilla then to Saigon. Frankly I don't remember anything about the plane or service from LA except that it was ok. The "nasty" was that the plane from Manilla to Saigon did not hold enough for the number of passengers and so about 30 of us were left to wait all day in a very tired and cranky state in Manilla with little instruction. Toward the end of the day we were notified that Vietnam Airlines which in those days were still known by its Vietnamese name "Hang Khong Viet Nam" name flew in a plane to bring us to Saigon. The memorable aspect was that the plane was a Soviet IL 18 (no NOT Soviet era... 1989 was still the time of the Soviet Union) which was a four engine turboprop which was rather old. Funny... because unlike the PA aircraft I remember everything about that plane including the luggage piled in the back of the plane under netting. To this day that flight was one of the most memorable things I have ever done. That plane sat in a back corner of the airport in Hanoi for many many years but is now gone.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@djbabygggudani7911]

After watching this review,I will never ever use PR.thanks for this honest review!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@horus808]

As a Filipino, I totally agree on this. PR is not worth my money anymore, let alone flying business class with them. I could fly with other foreign airline with the same price but definitely better service.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@EpicThe112]

If you want something better than them there are 5 star Skytrax carriers from the same region and better than PR🇵🇭 NH and JL🇯🇵 OZ & KE🇰🇷 BR🇹🇼 CX🇭🇰 SQ🇸🇬. If you are looking for the same Fleet Carry a five-star rating then CX🇭🇰 fits. If you have a companion who is Taiwanese South Koreans Japs Singaporean or Hong konger they actually see it the other way around JL/NH🇯🇵OZ/KE🇰🇷BR/CI🇹🇼CX🇭🇰SQ🇸🇬> PR🇵🇭.

[@felicidadcastro4076]

We flew PR in 2016 and we had great food and inflight service...checkin' out was a breeze and we did'nt mind sitting 18 hours from Vancouver to Manila..We thought, hey, we missed the local foods ( back then, they served 4 awesome main meals and a variety of asian cuisine) and the sweet services of the flight attendant so why not do it this year. Enter 2022, and everything opposites happened..No more warm meals, attendants were super-rude (i got told many times to put my purse up top) and the gates were chaotic, really had horrible experience checking in..Guys, you can also watch Panlasang Pinoy vlogger's review when he spent xmas 2022 in the Philippines and you will get the sense of what I am talking about..In a nutshell, we will not be flying PAL anytime soon unless they've upgraded their services at par with the best airlines out there, e.g. Singapore Airlines. Heck, Japanese flight attendants were way more polite than our own.Just sayin'.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@paulkazzer]

The best part of your videos are you don’t relish having to criticise a subject matter. Rather you objectively point out the problems and hope they can be resolved. Very informative and genuinely good natured. Although gamey ham sounds terrifying 😮

[@tfft]

I really appreciate this comment as it really does speak to what I try to do. Except for rare occasions, I don't find it necessary to take crappy experiences personally. It is what it is and me talking about it ad naseum isn't going to get it fixed any quicker. Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@kianakan96826]

THIS IS THE BEST AND MOST HONEST REPORT ON PHILIPPINE AIRLINES!!!!!!! YOU HIT THIS EXACTLY CORRECT! I know this because I fly PAL business class about 7 times a year from Honolulu to Manila. Oh, and by the way, you didn't say the plane registration but I will guess that it is C-8789 and the seat 4A is my (used to be favorite). That light was never fixed, in fact it went on and off my entire 10 hour flight from Manila to Honolulu. Also, the screen didn't work on my flight. The food from Honolulu to Manila is usually ok. The food from Manila to Honolulu is ATROCIOUS! Your food review made me laugh so hard - so true true. Oh, and did you ever get to ride aircraft C-8764?? That aircraft has the old seat configuration 2-2-2 and NO IN FLIGHT SCREEN AT ALL! What civilized international long-haul aircraft doesn’t have a flight entertainment system? … I know.. Philippine Airlines. I know what you mean about the flight pursers.. some are really lazy and the worse ever, but some are much better. One flight I couldn’t use the bathroom. I really had to use the bathroom ( I am old), but since they didn’t schedule the use by setting a line-up for who is next, I had to “hold it” for hours until landing. THAT’S NOT ALL!! Try going on their website - what a joke! And they’re customer service agents - word of warning - don’t take what they say for the truth. I call them 3, or 4 times and usually get different answers. I have enough miles to fly using miles for the next three roundtrips from Honolulu to Manila and then I am trying a real airlines, Japan Airlines for a trial - I hear JAL is AWESOME! Again, thank you so much for this review. I am definitely a new subscriber due to your quality imagery and great narration. THANKS!

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@mikesick971]

This mirrors my experiences exactly. I had many flights with PAL in Business. 1) First: There is so many staff at the airline that try hard to provide a good customer experience. That is true for most of the lower level flight attendants specifically. But they are let down by superiors and airline management and have to suffer many disappointed customers without it being their fault! 2) However, many pursers seem to believe that they do not have to work hard on the same traits anymore. Level one: being plain lazy, level two: expecting the other staff to serve them while being lazy instead of taking care of customers. Level three: being even rude towards valid feedback and complains with no attitude to fix problems (if you ever get hold of them as they are also level two). 3) food is very hit and miss: i has some of the best meals on PAL, but i had several of my worst bordering being inedible. 4) PAL is the only airline that is regularly unable able to provide your meal choice. I have no idea why this seems to be un-fixable. I seldom got my choice. 5) While airplane maintenance is done by Lufthansa Technik (thanks god!), the interior maintenance seems to be a different team. I had very few flights where the seat and the other features ever worked flawless. Whatever excuses PAL makes below, they seem not to try to fix that since years.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@j134679]

unavailable meals mean cost cutting. They only load as per passenger count & the menu cards are only an illusion of choice

[@EpicThe112]

​@@j134679you are correct on that and when my brother came back from on on PR126 he hated the food and my father told him that BR🇹🇼SQ🇸🇬TG🇹🇭KE/OZ🇰🇷CX🇭🇰 JL/NH🇯🇵 have better food than PR.

[@ejmanansala6732]

While Philippine Airlines call themselves the "Heart of the Filipino", their post-pandemic service makes them quite an embarrassment for Filipinos. I've been flying on the San Francisco to Manila (and vice versa) route every summer since I was little, so it's hard to see what they've become. Hopefully with United launching their 777-300ER's to Manila from San Francisco, it'll be the final punch to show them that they need to take their operations seriously 🙏

[@tfft]

I'm in the minority which thinks PR will actually be strengthened in the long term by UA's entrance into the market, but we shall see. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@WanderingProphet]

@@tfftI’m curious. Why do you think that PR will be strengthened in the long term by UA’s entry? Is it because their prices will drop?

[@tfft]

Market confidence is contagious especially when you have travel firms flush with cash (especially US based airlines and hotel groups…). My opinion is- but I’d say the data would likely back me up on this- that The Philippines is the most under traveled country on earth. Loosely, the number of travelers relative to the population and attractions. A major reason behind this is lack of International Standard premium accommodation variety. When you think of nice hotels in Boracay, you think of the Shangri La, right? Why? Bc (basically) it’s the only well known mass market premium brand there. That’s insane. I think UA entering the market will do one of two things: 1. Spur hospitality development in PH bc everyone wants a piece of the American Tourist pot. Long story short, but over time it’ll of course benefit PAL with more interest and development in general in the country from Americans (beyond PH diaspora). UA is unique for taking chances on potentially high yielding markets that no other US airline would have ever thought of. PPT and CPT being two prime examples. Or 2. United fails and pulls out of the MNL market. Because of United’s reputation for making unique (especially Asian) markets work, if United can’t make money off of the route it all but guarantees to PAL that they will have a monopoly on the US/Canada market for decades to come bc no other North American carrier would touch MNL after United pulled out. Win or lose for United = Win or win for PAL.

[@kianakan96826]

I think that United route was just approved! Congratz!!!

[@yayyayyayyyyayyay]

@ejmanansala6732 are there any other flight from Manila to SFO?

[@gilbertlamayo4682]

I'm a Filipino, but I have avoided flying PR international for 13 years now and counting. The onboard service has gone from bad to worse. The worst? It has recently moved all international flights to Terminal 1. Connecting to a domestic flight at Terminal 2 is another inconvenience. If I were a tourist, I'd rather fly directly to Cebu and avoid PAL and Manila at the same time.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@keithfantinalgo4665]

that's what i'll be doing...

[@ianchang7150]

Just by looks alone Chicken Adobo certainly doesnt even look appealing. Ako na lang kaya mag luto niyan. Ha! Ha! Ha!

[@jacquesabella5451]

@@EpicThe112 QR, EK,

[@EpicThe112]

@@jacquesabella5451 The middle eastern ones that fly to both CEB and MNL. Speaking of PRs Asian competition these are CX KE OZ MU and SQ BR that fly to both CEB and MNL from HKG ICN SIN TPE and PVG. for CEB operations PR codeshares on CX and CI

[@CheCosaTesoro]

So true, flying into Sydney over the harbour with the city below is just wow! Never gets old.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@quattrobajeena8623]

It's my first time watching your content and I find really clear and comprehensive si nce there are very precise yardsticks that you use in reviewing airlines. I think theyre helpful in setting expectations. Looking forward for more.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@sirid2987]

PAL service have drastically went downhill since they filed for bankruptcy. They’ve been cutting corners on a lot of things. Passengers are complaining about not being fed on long international fights on the economy seats and just overall, terrible attitudes by the flight attendants and their desk counter service. However, Asiana Airlines is even worse because they have no customer service to call and it’s an AI generated chat app that replaced humans.

[@jirehla-ab1671]

How abt Korean Air?

[@kdapson1452]

Just flew Business LA-Manila. While the passengers seated to my immediate right and left sumpted on dinner, I watched cabin crew traipse up and down the aisles delivering dinner meals. Only when after being asked my dessert choice and informing her that I hadn't received dinner, did she seem genuinely surprised and offered her apologies. After my meal was delivered and I told her that I hadn't ordered this, did she again apologize, and went on about there "was some sort of issue in the back". But compared to another passenger, I can't complain. She was in a seat that got stuck in the reclined position. Apparently there have been seat problems with some of the aircraft that were used for cargo runs during the pandemic travel bans. Apparently reconfiguring them for passengers has posed some problems.

[@tfft]

To be fair, the road down hill started before Covid (and bankruptcy). As for Asiana, I was actually on the phone with them a couple weeks ago… was very quick to connect. Call the Korean number.

[@kilantravels]

Everyone should turn their CC on as sometimes you’ll find hidden gems there, I really appreciate the amount of work you put into your script!

[@tfft]

I am curious... lol

[@PinayFuzzions]

Hahaha you were right about all of this are negative feed back. It's been a year since of this video, and I have flown with them few times since then. Some are hit and missed of the services from the gate through the flight itself. I hope my flight next time is better than the last. Aloha from Hawaii

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@einezcrespo2107]

Yeah PAL is a hit or a miss. As a Filipino who has flown PAL domestic and international they could do better. I can't say all of my experiences were bad. I missed my flight once to Manila from HK after a night of partying. I had to buy another ticket.While feeling sorry for myself my name was called to the Gate and they asked me to surrender my boarding pass. The flight was oversold and they gave me an upgrade to Business Class. I wasn't gonna say no. 😂

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@MrHmjg]

flying between vancouver/manila/bangkok business class has been excellent. changing planes in manila is a pain.

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@liamculham8486]

I flew with PAL in 2019 from Heathrow to Hong Kong and back with a transit in Manila both ways. Flights there was fine, had no issues. Changing flights, however, was an absolute nightmare. It felt so disorganised and was just very stressful. They changed one of my flights on the way back which meant a long wait, thankfully they put me up in a hotel for that for no cost to me. Was a very average experience for me overall.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@Emerson-gr8uc]

I just flew business class from Manila to Singapore and the meal tasted like it was from economy class but on a ceramic plate. I did have a choice of Orange Juice, water, soda or Tropic Juice as a pre-flight drink. The plane was an Airbus A321 and not the A320-Neo which is supposed to be the newer upgrade to business class seating. PAL is like hit or miss when flying with them even though I prefer them over Cebu Pacific.

[@tfft]

Yupp, you can see my previous review connecting to this flight on an A321 from KL as well. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@stevedavies4386]

@@tfft same here, flew from Singapore to manila Business Class got on the plane and had no entertainment at all.

[@yayyayyayyyyayyay]

just curious why you chose PAL first, you could have chosen other airlines.

[@MBihon2000]

I don't care about inflight food, airlines are not restaurant, but I am very thankful that I arrived to my destination in one piece! One piece baggage allowed. Mabuhay!

[@j134679]

we always fly SQ for Singapore flights. A no brainer.

[@B_y1n]

On PAL, my business class flight from Bangkok to Manila did not have water for the restrooms. The stewardist had place a 1L bottled water to wash our hands. Lucky for me I was the first to use the restroom and it was a 2 hour flight.

[@tfft]

Sounds fun lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@18751]

We had very similar experience flying from SFO to Manila, and then from Manila to Singapore. The lounge was sad and crowded, the transit was chaotic and nerve-wrecking. On the flight, the light that just won't quit, and the food was unfit for human consumption. No more!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Teroso2_1]

Saw another PAL business class tripreport and that person also got served the tataki and i couldn't help but get flashbacks to this vid. Not to mention their seat was also broken to the point where it was actually just funny.

[@tfft]

I have seen that Tataki at least 20 times in the past couple of months. Seems to be served on 90% of regional flights from SE Asia lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@MarcLiberts]

Sad. I flew PAL many times from JFK-MNL-JFK pre pandemic and it was generally GREAT. I also flew PAL a few times from LAX-CEB-LAX and it was pretty good (obviously pre-pandemic). I'm flying PAL again in February 2024 CEB-MNL-BKK-MNL-CEB in economy. Hoping for a good experience :)

[@tfft]

Actually, across the board in business and economy, I've always found their regional services to be solid. My video preceeding this one was from KUL-MNL and was excellent. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@hotpink432008]

Good luck. After a bad experience with Philippine Airlines, I’m switching to emirates.

[@EpicThe112]

​@hotpink432008 have you ever considered the other Asian carriers that are five-star skytrax rated they are Star Alliance NH🇯🇵 BR🇹🇼 SQ OZ🇰🇷 Skyteam Alliance KE🇰🇷 Oneworld Alliance CX🇭🇰 and JL🇯🇵. Those 7 airlines from the region offer better service than PR

[@rosemarieruege5104]

My cousin and I had the same sad experienced from PAL . It is the same problem every year we fly. Seats won’t recline, lights or tray not working but they still sell you the seats although they have problems with it and of course the stewardess will offer you mileage compensations. We are not flying PAL ever again.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@merlionsin8129]

I've got bad news: starting late June 2023, ALL international PR flights are concentrated in Terminal 1. Welcome to hell. Slow security queue, utterly chaotic boarding, freezing waiting room at the gates. What the hell were they thinking? The previous arrangement to use part of T2 for lower volume international PR flights was heaven and earth compared to T1

[@tfft]

Yup, as I commented already :) Thanks for watching 🩴

[@shawnchen9495]

Purchases a Philippine business class from jfk to hk, with connecting from Manila. connecting on terminal 1 is straight to hell is exactly what I experiencing right now. The lounge or call cafeteria style, the staging dimsum already has turned with the bad smell, the rice bawl has been bake in the slow cook for hrs, really don’t understand if any chef behinds it. Not to mention with a dead bird laying outside the window. Checkpoint was chaotic, felt like a third world and extremely nerve wracking. This is my worse flight investment ever.

[@EpicThe112]

​@@shawnchen9495the better option for that one is rival CX🇭🇰 since they have been competing for HKG-MNL for 70 years back then they were equal to each other until the 1990s-present when CX had the better planes and products

[@nilskyproductions]

Your videos are of such top notch quality, you inspire me to improve my flight reviews all the time! Thanks for sharing. It’s a shame your flight was bad.

[@tfft]

Can’t comment on the good without a bit of the bad. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@kikobaliko19]

Me and my family been going to philippines every 2 years for vacation and never even consider taking PAL. And always skip NAIA and go to Mactan airport l.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@a.nelsonsucgangm.d.8261]

When the New Manila International airport(Bulacan) opens and the Clark International airport is fully operational, hopefully thegovernment of the day closes down the existing Manila Intl (NAIA) Airport - all 3 terminals. It had never been pleasant (then and even worse, now) to go to Manila via the existing international airport. It is a nightmare 10x over. Flying wth PR makesthe nightmare far more terrifying! Don't even get me started with Customs and Airport security slipping blank bullets into your luggage the extorting you for money (mind you, has to be in USD)....Sad, and its almost embarrasing to say that I am a Filipino.

[@Arin_Yuni]

Used to fly PAL on a frequent basis from 2010-18, stopped just before their rebranding and when they recieved the 4 star airline award so never really got to experience the new PAL, Jesus Christ never knew it failed that horribly

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@gperocho1]

Just recently i had a very stressful experience with them. During boarding, they placed a weighing scale at the boarding gate then weighed all my carry on items including the duty free items that i had. I was told by the ground crew that i could return my duty free items to reduce the weight. I've never heard of such a thing and since there was not much time leaft, i ended up paying the overweight fee. I felt like it was a hold up. Im never flying with them and i also warned my friends about them.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@lifeinpalawan]

We saw that happen at the gate too!!!

[@lauriechilds6819]

I have travelled Philippi e Airlines business class in March/ April this year their service, friendliness, food, etc, was excellent, very great to fly with then, they are fantastic 👍

[@tfft]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@kianakan96826]

you were lucky.. very lucky to have such a good experience

[@bongm6039]

Hopefully with United flying from SFO to MNL starting late October, PAL with finally up their game.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@freydomgod7112]

Coming from a Filipino we appreciate your honesty, great video.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@brilliantbutblue]

Goodness me, 4:01 thats alot of passengers who require special assistance (in wheelchairs) all going to Sydney! I dont think l have ever seen so many for one flight.

[@tfft]

I invite you to JFK to watch any flight departing for Port-au-Prince or Port of Spain. You’d end up counting the passengers NOT in wheelchairs faster 😂

[@brilliantbutblue]

@tfft : Wow!! Things that make you go hmmmm.

[@sulavregmi4964]

Kevin, yours is quickly becoming one of my favorite travel channels. Wonder why Sam chui or Jeb brooks never ever have a bad flight experience. hahaha

[@sulavregmi4964]

Also, I’m probably gonna get skewered for saying this but recently flew Qatar business class and loved their 787 experience more than Q suites 🫢🫢😬😬

[@coopa2002]

Sam Chui has been outed as having completely staged videos and being a not very nice person. Jeb brooks on the other hand is just large enough that staff will be aware and treat him favourably

[@tfft]

Sam Chui I think needs no explanation from me, but I would be inclined to defend Jeb Brooks, who I think is one of the more stand up creators in the industry.

[@liamtremblay6486]

In terms of PAL meals, I think you should’ve went for the seabass. This is the new PAL menu, and I got the seabass option whereas my mother got the fillet. Her fillet was cooked well done (as usual on aircrafts) but she likes her steak that way usually so it wasn’t an issue to her but to myself and anyone else it was a no go. The seabass however, one of the BEST in flight meals I’ve had lately. It was soft and melted in my mouth. Fish is the safer choice on PAL flights. It’s a shame you were disappointed but I would say airlines usually are a hit or miss when it comes to steak or chicken even if you’re in a premium class (just like the inedible veal I had on emirates first)

[@tfft]

The sea bass was actually my first choice (since I remember when they relaunched their catering in 2018 all of their Pinoy fish dishes were really good…). But alas, it was sold out by the time they got to me. Between the rubber band and rice commentary, I didn’t have enough video to explain that part 😂 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@markstravels757]

This truly an honest review of PAL business class, i agree with you that PAL talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk. All hype, I even experienced poor service and food on board their 777 in business class. MNL - LAX. Thank you for your honest review 👍🏼

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@EpicThe112]

Regarding PR Mabuhay Class this needs to be improved even more on routes they complete with 5 star rated Skytrax carriers Skyteam Alliance KE🇰🇷 Oneworld JL🇯🇵 QR CX🇭🇰 Star Alliance KE🇰🇷NH🇯🇵BR🇹🇼 and SQ since they have better seats and products than PR. Since my mom flew JFK-MNL-KIX round trip their return trip a B777-3F6/ER they couldn't sleep on it due to how bad the seats are. As a Filipino traveller from EWR/JFK to MNL, you should be trying to avoid PR at all costs that. On SFO-MNL PR B777-3F6/ER will lose to a B777-322/ER.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ApolloHeliosPhoebus]

Have been waiting for this given the teasers in past videos - and because I was curious to see how you would be negative, which isn’t your vibe! You do it well. And are you fair? Ye you are. It’s interesting that you spent longer on the purser than the light itself - i agree with that unstated point that attitude and effort matter as much as what staff can actually control. A good team would also have seen you eat nothing and try to offer something.

[@tfft]

Simply because the light is no one’s fault. The failure to provide effective service recovery is the problem- rather the failure of the purser to even pretend to care was the problem haha

[@Teroso2_1]

What's disappointing is that the new business class seats of PAL are only on 8 aircraft as of now. This means that all 777s (which are their workhorses to America) and select A330s (which are flown to the Middle East) have much more inferior seats compared to their A350s. PAL has never shown any intent to refurbish them either, yet they advertise a seat that is only on a small fraction of their fleet. And you also have a point, 2018 PAL was so exciting to follow along, new seats, planes, routes, and then it just stopped, I get COVID happend but now, especially with the developments that they've been making profits again, it's about time they fixed their issues with consistency. I mean very soon their 2-3-2 777 business class seat will have to contend with United Polaris on flights to SFO.

[@tfft]

For as long as the likes of EK and TK continue to fly with 2-3-2 777s, I don’t see PR changing. Their 2-2-2 A330s though, those are horrible. Hopefully those are first to go. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Teroso2_1]

Their high density A330s that are flown to the Middle East are literally AirAsia X rejects xD

[@joeychan6300]

PAL pretty much raised the white flag on its battle against foreign carriers that they’re even not trying. Their market at this point is pretty much catered towards Filipinos (both local and overseas). That’s why United greenlit its first Mainland US to Philippines route owing to the sad state of PAL and not just to beef up the competition.

[@tfft]

I’m sorry but 7.3 times out of 10 I’ll take PR food and service over UA food and service 😅

[@pushslice]

@@tfft Maybe I would too, with that very specific criteria. but at the end of the day if I’m paying for J ticket, it’s because of the space I’m spending all those hours in . and in that respect, Polaris is far far ahead (which is something to say when Polaris isn’t even that great in the global context..)

[@Adair9800]

New subscriber here. Flew on Philippine Airlines early 2023 from SFO to BKK, with a reasonable connection in MNL. I did not have such a nice seat. I was really envious of your seat on the A-330. The B777-300ER did not have lie flat seats in. business class, and you really did not have much privacy like your seat offered. Service and food was quite nice, and especially enjoyed the mid flight porridge for a snack. The connecting flight to BKK was in Business class on an A321. One of the nicest Business class seats for a narrow body jet. Food and service was outstanding. They must have changed catering company in MNL. What I don’t understand is why they must make all flight announcements innthe Business class lounge at NAIA (Manila airport). At least the food is very good, and they have a shower available for use. I hope PR fixes their inconsistent service issues. I fly both American Airlines and United Airlines, but unfortunately PR is not a member of either One World or Star Alliance, so that may well limit my travel with them.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@shahjehan]

I love these reviews. Honest and no crap.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@mattweller]

I just booked PAL to avoid Scoot on a trip from TPE to SYD via MNL. This time I was on economy. The checked baggage service inspection in MNL was interesting to say the least, seemed wmquite disorganised and the bags from the inbound flight took over an gour to arrive. The onward flight was operated by Wamos Air. Overall its Economy config wasn't the worst I have seen, being 2-4-2 on an A330. Overall I would give it 3 stars, with MNL getting 1 star.

[@tfft]

You may have lucked out! Some of PAL's A330s have 3-3-3 economy lol

[@davenorth2903]

Lol. Forgot to mention the moving map didn’t work on my flight either. Hahahaha. Had us somewhere in Ghana on a flight between Manila and Dubai. Hahahaha

[@tfft]

I was so mad bc since I had no idea where we were I almost missed flying over Sydney! Where that clip starts in the video is the exact moment I looked out the window and realized lol.

[@tmyers2526]

Oh! You still missed flying our national pride Qantas! Try flying International in Economy and see if you can beat your lowest Flip Flop score! 😮 Excellent video as always! Please keep them coming!

[@tfft]

International QF video coming in a couple weeks. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@maxandmaggie2010]

I agree with you. Rudeness of flight attendants are not acceptable regardless of where seats you paid. I had a flight going back to the US that the attendants were not happy and seems not getting along with each other. Guess what the quality fo work and service suffers.

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@gk1771]

That was one of the newer 309-seater A330s you flew on, and it was already like that. Try their older 363 seater ones, which still has the old style "bigger seat only" business class seats with no fancy features or lie-flats, and the cabin is literally falling apart inside, that they have duct tape on the walls to cover cracks or hold things together. I flew the 777 business class to and from LAX, 2019, 2021, and 2022 respectively, and yes, the food keeps getting worse, and the 777 business class seats are in a 2-3-2 configuration, just slightly larger than premium economy with no privacy barrier between passengers, and unless you are on an aisle seat, someone has to make way if you have to use the lavatory. Not to mention, those seats are tough like Styrofoam, and do not contour to the human body at any position when laying down. Same seats when I flew there on their 747-400 back 2011. I've had pleasant crews most of the time. Not much of a problem there. It's mostly their pleasant and helpful employees, both flight and ground crew that make up for the incompetence of the upper management. You just ended up with a horrible purser. That's rare. I have more things to say about PAL in general, since I also travel with them domestic, and to Asian destinations, but that would be for another time since this comment has gone long enough. I do hope they improve their services and equipment since I've been banking miles with them for years and am about to hit elite status on my next flight, which would give me lounge access when flying economy, priority check-in and boarding, and other perks.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@igobyplane]

man watching this video makes me think that of the many times i've flown in and out of MNL... they must have all been terminal 1 😅 have never flown PR, mostly due to no alliance alignment. sad to see this flight was such a miss, hopefully they see this and so some work.

[@tfft]

Sad indeed! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@haris8093]

Thank you for your review. Thank you for the great video today. Thank you.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@SinnoraiLife]

I had no idea about the terrible transit time between T1 and T2. I enjoy watching your reviews by the way~~

[@tfft]

At least now that international flights are all to T1, intl to intl should be streamlined, but intl to dom or vise versa still going to be a problem I suppose. Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@AGH1401]

Both are bad. Really bad.

[@tboy1236]

Another great video Kevin! That intro music is always a vibe!

[@tfft]

Glad you like it!

[@BeantownMrs]

That's the saddest looking chicken adobo I've ever seen. 😭

[@tfft]

Agreed! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jimhearsonwriter]

8:25 It's not quite the same as Japanese ground crews bowing and waving as you leave, but at least the jet bridge gave you a nice big smile.

[@tfft]

Lol, there's always something to appreciate!

[@goingavgeek]

I agree, PAL experience lately is either best or worst flight experience. Hopefully they realize their shortcomings and work on its improvement. I had a great time watching your review. Nice edits.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@bluejay313]

Great honest review ... convinced me to look elsewhere for a budget business class airline.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@dantorres506]

OMG! The overhead light problem also occurred on my PR flight from Cebu to Manila. It was in May, I was seated in the 1st middle row of Premium Economy with the entire row to myself. I kept reaching out to the seat beside mine to turn off the light, after the 4th time I gave up, it was just a 1 hour flight anyway. It was also on an A330.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@ryansofly]

Your experience in T2 seems so tranquil compared to mine! Hehe you sat in the same seat as I did on PR209 to MEL. Its really shocking how bad the service is. And the food.... Gosh. Your experience was a COMPLETE opposite to mine, and I secretly filmed some of the nicest interactions between the crew and I. So I was waiting for this video with much anticipation.

[@tfft]

In the air it's a juristictional nightmare, so I never film crew interactions- especially without their consent haha.

[@RollSoundRollcamera]

I’m a Filipino American who flies from LAX to MNL frequently and I refuse to fly PAL because of their atrocious customer service and meal service.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@EpicThe112]

Which one is your choice between Los Angeles and Manila? My Father's Side always avoids PR they go JL/NH🇯🇵 BR/CI🇹🇼 CX🇭🇰 SQ🇸🇬 KE/OZ🇰🇷. Not the case with my mother's side they would always go PR103/113

[@matthewferrick3288]

I'm flying to the Philippines non stop from San Francisco a 14 hour flight in March 2025. In business class. My two choices are United and Philippine Air. United is like $400 more. I think my choice had been made.

[@tfft]

It's rare that I'd pick United for just about anything lol... but in this case, it's a no brainer.

[@cesc7804]

I have been traveling different airlines all these past 4 decades and all airlines have their ups and downs. For example, during our most recent Qatar business class trip, the steward kept on opening my door while I was trying to change because the queue to the bathroom was long but he was unavailable when we wanted our meals served. (btw the size of that PAL business class is almost the same space as the Q suite). During our last trip to New Zealand aboard Qantas the stewardess who looked about to retire was very rude when she saw my used plastic cups stacked (I didn’t know it stacking was prohibited). She could have corrected me pleasantly. A few weeks ago,aboard Thai Airways, the stewardess rolled her eyes upward when I wasn’t able to comprehend her “seafood”. I though the choices were chicken and pork (I was at the window seat and can’t hear her clearly) and I said pork 😂 and the bathroom had no water at all the entire 3 hour flight from Bangkok to Manila. I wouldn’t mention my bad experience with Air France 😢 and Air Asia (they kept forgetting that we bought food) To tell you the truth PAL stewardess are still the best.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@sarromountainspring3313]

Oohh, God! This is why I haven’t flown on PAL in 30 years! Some things never change!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@joeychan6300]

As a Filipino, Philippine Airlines strongly remains in the hearts of the Filipino people but is pretty much a no go for everyone else. The fact that MNL is atrocious in this side of the continent and PR’s shrunk fleet mean that the overall product is wildly uneven. Even the new A330 business class aged horribly.

[@nntflow7058]

True, the moment they fitted their A330 with 9-abreast economy class seat. It's the end for me. I'll take Cebu Pacific since their tickets are way cheaper.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@mercboy111]

Couldn’t agree more. And they’re now expensive!!

[@MBihon2000]

PAL's inflight service could mediocre, but I rather reach my destination in one piece. Mabuhay!

[@mercboy111]

@@MBihon2000 you could fly CX for 25% cheaper than PAL and you still arrive in one piece 😅

[@KWTan-ki9hh]

After the PAL international flights was moved from T2 to T1…. I avoid Manila and fly to Mactan via Changi to the benefit to SG. I have done this twice annually. I wonder how many travellers are doing the same thing avoiding Manila…to the bright chaps in all there wisdom, I wonder if this move to T1 made good business sense?

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@seausblue125]

Inconsistent service quality standards is not uncommon with PR. - it is the norm for much of its time in business. With regard to the staff issues, less senior flight attendants are more concerned with pleasing their customers than their seniors on board. To get a cabin service manager who actually watches out for customers, you would have to get lucky and try to get on a flight where the CSM (or chief purser) was just promoted to that position - still aching to prove he/she can do the job. But there will be more challenges and competition for the airline on the horizon. Soon, PR will no longer be able to count on their SkyTrax rating to woo trans-Pacific customers. UA will shortly begin offering nonstop SFO-MNL nonstop flights and PR will lose its near-monopoly on nonstop trans-Pacific services (which will somewhat affect total revenue) - unless their service standards improve overall. And while they may only marginally lose a small portion of its Filipino clientele, competition means international travelers don't have to put up with poor service - in any class, and at any fare.

[@tfft]

I agree with the majority of what you said, except the effect UA entering the market will have on them. I'd honestly be surprised if UA lasted there for more than a couple seasons. VFR markets like MNL, SGN, HAN, CGK, CEB, etc are simply different machines that don't see as much disruption when foreign airlines enter the mix. UA counts on J fares and Manila just is not going to give them as much as they could be getting on a multitude of other city pairings. But, we shall see.

[@kianakan96826]

Very well said, true and accurate with some good insights! Thank you, Sir!

[@kaceykong9421]

Back in May, I flew PR in business from Sydney to Manila. I had similar feelings too. Unfortunately, I flew on one of their old A330 which had no entertainment system. Their old version bed was not very comfortable. There was not much storage for me to put things. The food was not very good. It was almost like Airasia X level. One thing good on that flight was that my cabin crew was quite enthusiastic and responsive.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@silverkijh]

Woah... I used to fly to the Philippines quite often, so always wanted to give the PAL biz class a try, but not anymore! Not confident at all with the safety check a purser like that would have done. You should write a complaint letter about the purser for everyone's sake. 😬

[@tfft]

My reply to that is, this video is my letter :) Thanks for watching 🩴

[@russell6006]

If you’re flying from west coast US to MNL, PAL metal is Boeing 777-ER with 2 3 2 BC configuration. Not worth the money in my opinion.

[@curtsoltau5911]

I have to agree with your assessment on PAL! The worst service I have received from any airline I have flown. The only advantage to flying them is their non stop flight from Lax to MNL! The worst is flying MNL to Lax with all the mass confusion trying to check in and what is up with the (3) security check points!!!😢

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@_Tripsandtips101]

Actually they removed the 1st security checkpoint before entering though the check-in area is only still accessible to ticket holders. Maybe you can fly up to SFO and take United's 77W service from SFO to MNL?

[@rawrbot]

they keep adding terminals in Manila with no consideration on how to change between them in a realistic way. Thanks for the trip report, I'm Filipino and when I'm heading home have always been wanting to give their J product a try but multiple reviews show alot of inconsistencies that I will stick to SQ for now

[@tfft]

Biproduct of city center airports, I reckon. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@abrahamdsl]

we even extended the first metro rail line but with the nearest station to the airport practically worthless.

[@nurdiananordin3417]

I'm really impressed by ur honest Review.. good job..👍🏼

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@randolphamos4627]

A rubbery chicken adobo for business class?? I wonder what they serve in economy 😬

[@tfft]

An actual rubber chicken, perhaps? 😊

[@randolphamos4627]

@@tfft compared to other Asian carriers, PAL is so far behind when it comes to comfort, service and food.

[@michaelliu2258]

Thank you so much for this review. Lucky that i do a last minute search for reviews just before booking my flight to LAX. Thought wud be nice to have a stopover holiday in MNL before my trip to LA. Better to change my itinerary, i can't bear with uncaring crew, especially in Business Class.

[@tfft]

Enjoy your trip 🗺️

[@DeniseSommerRoque]

Thanks

[@homer3152]

Great video, as always from one of the best reviewers out there. I really love your unbiased reviews. And i love the price tags😂 And you teach me new things..and words😂 Now i have to google for that word you used to describe the food😅

[@tfft]

Haha, hopefully I won't have many more workds like that to look up in the future... at least not negative ones lol. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@shadowfilm7980]

I have flown PAL for many years. I have around 900,000 air miles. I used to live in Manila. For eleven years. So I know a thing or two about Filipinos and their culture. Country. It’s a laid back culture. Things get done on a more slower timeline. It’s definitely a hit and miss when it comes to anything. They try really hard. I am finding it hard to believe how what you presented here was even business class at all. It didn’t really show it. It looks like the airline is trying to cut corners. Which is really bad when you are paying more for much more. But you don’t really get it. I might be going back to Asia by the end of the year. I don’t know if I’ll go back to Manila. Might be Thailand this time around. I know their infrastructure is better. Than in the Philippines.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@MBihon2000]

I don't expect much in any airlines, except to take me where I'm going in one piece. Mabuhay!

[@simonfraser1491]

Happy that you are no longer coming back here, shadowfil7980. We don't need entitled and judgmental foreigners here.

[@_Tripsandtips101]

I hate to say this but if a country like Vietnam is smashing the Philippines in the area of tourism, I don't know what else there is left to tell you. I mean to be honest, it feels like given the progress of many Asian neighbours, I keep wondering if the Philippines is more like a Latin American country lost in Asia. What do you think @shadowfilm7980?

[@EpicThe112]

You are correct on that end if you compare Thai Airways to Philippine Airlines the one that will come out on top is Thai Airways over Philippine Airlines

[@jacksontong2333]

What great timing, I was debating a trip to the Philippines on PR due to their ridiculously low prices on J, after seeing this I’m going to Singapore instead. SIA is a lot more expensive but their hard and soft products are both top notch

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@robertcochrane6005]

Excellent review thank you , just a pity that PAL cannot plan and focus ahead, fly into Cebu from Australia rather than the over crowded disfunctional Manila airport and the transfer between terminals is horrific and stressful.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@bloodfox217]

I am glad to have stumbled to your video! while its unfortunate that i have already booked my first ever business class flight with them and am now fearful for my future experience XD. loved your review, i hope to have a better experience than what you had. On a side note it does sound like PAL on their own expects the subpar quality of their flights and decided that saying sorry is easier than fixing what has to be fixed. I would have gone crazy with the amount of problems you have faced more so the food :(!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@walkingboss]

Philippines airline does not deserve to be 4 star. it is a 3 star at best. If it wasn't for their direct flight to Manila from Ny, i would never use them. Not one aspect of flying thim is 4 star

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@EpicThe112]

You are correct there are solutions to that issue one of them is Singapore Airlines EWR/JFK-MNL via SIN🇸🇬 the lowest offer is SQ21 to SQ918 for MNL at $800

[@thekingsman1231]

Thanks for this review. I just moved to Manila from Sydney and only fly that route to and back on Qantas Business :)

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@jamesvelchez8154]

This is a true reflection of PAL. Never ever fly them for a long haul flight! Better spend a little bit more to get a real comfort of a business class cabin!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@arhamjainaj6626]

Your reviews are amazing Hoping for first class in future too 😊

[@tfft]

Multiple on the way! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@paulready8897]

Thank you for the review. I will fly Singapore Airlines next time I go to the Philippines, as they are cheaper and one of the best airlines in the world, unlike Philippine Airlines whose only good point is that they have direct flights, whereas with Singapore Airlines you will have a layover in Singapore but arrive in Manila at nighttime, while Philippine Airlines you arrive very early in the morning.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@EpicThe112]

There are multiple SIN-MNL SQ flights, and if you did SQ25/23 from JFK, you connect to SQ910 a daytime SIN-MNL flight while the SQ21 World's 2nd longest flight from EWR connects to MNL from SIN on SQ918. Ask a Filipino traveller that did JFK/EWR to MNL on SQ they put SQ > PR127

[@oldschoolvinylrips5644]

i don’t think SQ is cheaper

[@EpicThe112]

@oldschoolvinylrips5644 some cases it will be cheaper you can get something like $1767 lowest is $800-1200 on JFK/EWR to MNL on SQ. Do that should be saving around $50-1,000 over PR127/126

[@chesterarenas]

I totally agree with you on this review. It’s sad where PAL is right now! The decline is saddening

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@uncle_gazpacho]

That rice seriously killed the whole airline for me.

[@Peachu_n_Goma_Home]

As a daily rich eating asian that rice is just NO 🤮

[@tfft]

Same here. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@Blank00]

Not helping is the fact that they will be the first full-service carrier to install 10-abreast economy in A350s. I think that most people defending this aren't even PAL fans, they're Airbus fans BSing about how that's not worse than 9AB 787s and 10AB 777Xs

[@tfft]

I'm by no means a fan boy of either side, but I think there's one thing worth mentioning. The new A350s are 4 inches wider inside the cabin. Currently the A350s use 18" seats while 787s normally feature 17". By reducing each aisle by 2", you'd be able to fit standard 787 seats 10 abrest in the new A350s. I'm NOT saying I support it or would enjoy flying it, but... I do think it's fair to point out that it's not going to be 16" wide seats a la Cebu and PAL A330s. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@susanyeung4165]

🤣 almsot pulled the trigger on their biz class cuz it was cheap. Now I'm glad I didn't. Thanks for saving me from eating gamey ham and instant rice.

[@tfft]

My pleasure 😉 Thanks for watching 🩴

[@elmerfrejoles98]

That's why I fly regular economy only. Save $$ and I see the flight map just fine. Sure First & business class gets to board in and out early, but getting to my destination safely is just as rewarding. But you're right, if you paid premium fee$ for your airline seat, you should get premium experience, too.

[@tfft]

I also, just wanna sleep lol.

[@pitchan3786]

Not bashing PAL (PR) by any means but the carriage that they use for MNL to SYD bound went downhill post pandemic. The in-flight food looks sad the seat I had looks old and not well maintained from what I caught the last time. and I thought it only applies to the economy side until I watched this video on a business class side of things. Crew are still hospitable but for the price to pay, I rather choose Cebu Pacific for a direct flight. At least their food is actually more delicious than PAL. Hopefully PAL will improve these shortcomings as they were a great airline before pandemic. Great work with your review and analysis 👏

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@jirehla-ab1671]

​@@tfftits understandable, they need to cut costs or else it will be harder to pay the employees or debt.

[@bc8129]

First time to encounter your channel. Love it!!! 👌🏻

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@wanderingtin]

As a Filipino my self I avoid for PR whenever I fly. I have heard a lot of horror stories and I'd rather not risk it.

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@insanhina9255]

Funny, i have filipina colleague who claims she avoids anything filipino as possible.She even avoid Phillipines thats why she is in my country now .😂

[@RetiredPinayNurse]

I agree with you. I usually just fly coach with PAL, in the back. The Flight attendants can be heard constantly talking about their personal lives.

[@tfft]

Well that's half of the airlines in the western world as well haha. Thanks for watching 🩴