Philippine Airlines baggage allowance depends on your fare type and route. Domestic carry-on is capped at 7 kg combined (bag + personal item). Domestic checked baggage ranges from 0–35 kg by fare class. International allowances vary from 30 kg (Economy, Asia routes) to 2 pieces at 32 kg each (Business, US routes). Excess baggage on domestic flights costs PHP 400/kg (effective April 10, 2025).

Packing for a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight without knowing the rules is a gamble you don’t want to take at the check-in counter. PAL operates a fare-family system where your baggage allowance is tied directly to the ticket you purchase not just the cabin class. An Economy Supersaver ticket, for example, may come with zero free checked baggage on certain routes. A Business Flex ticket gives you 35 kg.

What Is the Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance for Domestic Flights?

Philippine Airlines applies a weight-based system for domestic flights. Free Baggage Allowance (FBA) ranges from zero kilograms on Economy Supersaver tickets to 35 kg on Business Flex fares. The specific allowance is printed on your e-ticket, and it applies per sector not per journey.

Edge case to know: Passengers flying to Basco, Batanes on an Economy Flex or Value ticket only receive 10 kg, even though the standard allowance for that fare is 20 kg. This is a commonly missed exception.

Connecting flights caveat: Each ticket segment carries its own FBA. If your allowance on a connecting flight is lower, PAL or the connecting carrier may charge excess baggage fees for the difference even if your bags were already checked through.

What Is the Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance for International Flights?

For international flights, Philippine Airlines uses a weight concept for most Asia and Pacific routes, and a piece concept for North America (US, Canada, Guam). Economy passengers flying to Asia typically receive 30 kg, while those flying to the US receive 2 checked bags at 23 kg each.

Asia and Pacific Routes (Weight System)

Exception: Economy Supersaver fares generally receive no free checked baggage on flights to and from select Pacific and Asian destinations. Additionally, on routes to/from Beijing, Jinjiang, Shanghai, Xiamen, and Korea, allowances may vary across all Economy fare types. Always verify the allowance shown on your specific ticket.

North America, Guam, and Saipan (Piece System)

The piece system means you cannot consolidate weight across fewer bags. Each piece must stay within its individual weight limit.

What Is the Philippine Airlines Hand Carry / Carry-On Baggage Allowance?

Philippine Airlines allows all passengers regardless of cabin class one carry-on bag (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm) and one personal item (max 45 x 35 x 20 cm). The combined weight of both items must not exceed 7 kg (15 lbs). This limit applies uniformly across Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.

The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. If your carry-on exceeds size or weight limits at the gate, it will be checked and excess baggage fees may apply.

What Are the Philippine Airlines Baggage Size and Weight Limits?

Philippine Airlines caps checked baggage at a maximum linear dimension of 158 cm (62 inches) and a maximum weight of 32 kg (70 lbs) per individual piece. Any single bag exceeding 32 kg will not be accepted and must be repacked before check-in.

• Maximum checked bag size: 158 cm / 62 in (length + width + height combined)
• Maximum weight per piece: 32 kg / 70 lbs
• Carry-on max size: 56 x 36 x 23 cm
• Personal item max size: 45 x 35 x 20 cm
• Maximum combined carry-on weight: 7 kg

Bags that fall within the weight limit but exceed 158 cm in linear dimensions on weight-concept routes are classified as oversized and are subject to an additional charge on top of any excess weight fee.

What Are the Philippine Airlines Excess Baggage Fees?

Philippine Airlines charges excess baggage based on whether your route uses the weight system (per kg) or piece system (per piece). Domestic excess baggage is PHP 400 per kg (effective April 10, 2025). International charges range from USD 8/kg for nearby Asian routes to USD 250+ per piece for North American routes.

Domestic Excess Baggage Fees

International Excess Baggage Fees  Asia (Per kg from Manila)

Pacific Excess Baggage Fees (Per kg from Manila)

North America, Japan, Middle East (Piece System)

Real-world cost example: A passenger flying Manila to Los Angeles with an Economy ticket (2-piece allowance, 23 kg each) who checks a third bag weighing 25 kg will pay USD 250 for the extra piece plus USD 250 for the overweight charge totaling USD 500 for that single bag.

Special declaration for valuables: If your checked baggage value exceeds PAL’s standard liability limits, you may declare a higher value before departure at USD 1.00 per USD 100.00 of declared value, up to a maximum declared value of USD 2,500.

How Does Philippine Airlines Handle Special Baggage?

Sports Equipment Fees

All sports equipment pieces are measured at 62 inches (158 cm) regardless of actual size, for the purpose of calculating the piece concept fee.

Musical Instruments

Guitars cannot be placed in overhead compartments and must be checked in whether in a hard or soft case. A guitar is free if it falls within your existing FBA and measures 39 inches (100 cm) or less in length. Larger instruments that must travel inside the cabin require a Cabin Seat Baggage arrangement:

• A separate seat must be purchased at 100% of the applicable Economy or Premium Economy fare
• Maximum item weight: 32 kg
• Item height must not exceed the seat backrest at its highest position
• Only window or center seats are permitted no exit rows, emergency exits, or aisle seats

What Items Are Restricted or Prohibited on Philippine Airlines Flights?

Carry-On Only (Not Allowed in Checked Baggage)

• Portable consumer electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras)
• Spare lithium-ion batteries under 100 Wh (up to 20 spares)
• Spare lithium-ion batteries between 101–160 Wh (max 2; airline approval required)
• Power banks (max 2; must be labeled with capacity in Wh or mAh)
• E-cigarettes, vape devices, tobacco sticks

Power bank rule update (April 17, 2026): PAL issued a specific travel advisory reinforcing that power banks must not be placed in overhead bins. They must remain on your person, in the seat pocket, or under your seat at all times. Charging power banks is strictly prohibited throughout the entire flight, including during taxi, takeoff, and landing.

Checked Baggage Only (Not Allowed as Carry-On)

• Battery-powered wheelchairs and mobility devices
• Alcoholic beverages (retail packaging, 24–70% ABV, max 5L per person)
• Ammunition (max 5 kg gross weight; securely packaged)

Banned Entirely (Carry-On and Checked)

• Hoverboards, electric unicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, mini-segways, solowheel, balance wheels
• Smart luggage with non-removable batteries exceeding 0.3g lithium metal or 2.7 Wh lithium ion
• Flammable liquids (including lighter refills, paints, thinners)
• Camping stoves with fuel containers
• Explosives, fireworks, flares
• Spare lithium batteries greater than 160 Wh

Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) Rules

• Each container must hold 100 ml or less
• All LAG containers must fit in one transparent resealable plastic bag with a maximum 1-liter capacity (roughly 20.5 cm × 20.5 cm)
• Only one LAG bag is permitted per passenger
• The bag must be presented separately at security screening

How Can You Purchase Extra Baggage Allowance on Philippine Airlines?

Philippine Airlines offers the myPAL Baggage Plus prepaid baggage program, which lets passengers purchase additional checked baggage allowance before their flight. Prepaid rates are per sector and vary by destination and are typically lower than the excess baggage charges applied at the airport. Purchasing in advance through the PAL website or app is the most cost-efficient option.

Mabuhay Miles loyalty program members may also receive enhanced baggage allowances depending on their tier status.

What Should You Know About PAL’s Baggage Policy for Connecting Flights?

Each flight ticket carries its own Free Baggage Allowance. This is one of the most commonly overlooked rules. If you book a PAL domestic ticket separately from your international ticket, the domestic FBA applies independently and may be lower than what your international ticket allows. PAL or the connecting carrier can charge excess baggage fees if the allowance on any segment is lower.

For connections involving different terminals in Manila, baggage may not be checked all the way through due to facility limitations. Passengers with connections to the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand are required to claim their baggage in Manila and undergo additional security screening.

What’s New: Recent Philippine Airlines Baggage Updates (2026)

• August 17, 2026: PAL offered flexible travel arrangements for passengers affected by adverse weather conditions on August 18–19, 2026.
• July 28, 2026: PAL completed a self-service check-in system update to improve real-time baggage information for passengers.
• April 17, 2026: PAL issued an official travel advisory on power bank rules, aligned with updated ICAO guidance. Maximum 2 power banks, no overhead bin storage, no charging during flight.
• June 6, 2026: Philippine Airlines was invited to join the oneworld® Alliance a development that is expected to influence future codeshare baggage policies and interline agreements.
• April 10, 2025: Domestic excess baggage fee increased from PHP 350 to PHP 400 per kg (VAT inclusive) on all PAL and PAL Express domestic routes.

Practical Tips for Avoiding Excess Baggage Fees on Philippine Airlines

• Book the right fare family from the start. If you know you’ll need 20 kg, an Economy Supersaver ticket with zero free baggage will cost you more in fees than an Economy Saver or Flex ticket.
• Buy prepaid baggage in advance. The myPAL Baggage Plus rates are lower than airport excess baggage charges.
• Weigh your bags before leaving home. This prevents surprises at the check-in counter, especially on domestic routes where the PHP 400/kg fee adds up quickly.
• Don’t consolidate sports equipment into personal bags. Sports gear is assessed under its own fee structure combining it with other items may push you into an unexpected weight bracket.
• Declare valuables before departure. If you’re traveling with high-value items, register a special declaration at PAL’s check-in counter (USD 1 per USD 100 of value, up to USD 2,500).
• Remove lithium batteries from checked bags. Spare batteries, power banks, and electronics in checked luggage can result in bags being held at security or denied carriage entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Philippine Airlines Economy Supersaver include free checked baggage?
No. On many routes particularly to and from Asian and Pacific destinations Economy Supersaver fares come with zero free checked baggage. The allowance is clearly stated on the ticket. Passengers who anticipate needing checked bags should book at least an Economy Saver fare or purchase prepaid baggage via myPAL Baggage Plus before departure.

What is the domestic excess baggage fee on Philippine Airlines in 2026?
As of April 10, 2025, Philippine Airlines charges PHP 400 per kg (VAT inclusive) for all domestic excess baggage on PAL and PAL Express-operated flights both from and to Manila. This rate replaced the previous PHP 350/kg rate. No separate tier exists for different weight brackets on domestic routes.

Can I bring a guitar as carry-on baggage on Philippine Airlines?
No. PAL explicitly requires all guitars to be checked in, regardless of whether they are in a hard or soft case, because guitars do not fit in overhead compartments. Guitars are carried free of charge if they fall within your existing Free Baggage Allowance and measure 39 inches (100 cm) or less in length. Larger instruments require a Cabin Seat Baggage arrangement with a separately purchased seat.

How many power banks can I bring on Philippine Airlines?
A maximum of two (2) power banks are permitted, and they must travel in carry-on baggage only never in checked bags. Power banks must not be stored in overhead bins; they must remain on your person, under your seat, or in the seat pocket. Per PAL’s April 2026 advisory, charging power banks onboard is prohibited for the entire duration of the flight.

 What happens if my bag weighs more than 32 kg on Philippine Airlines?
No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg (70 lbs) under any circumstances. If a bag exceeds this limit, PAL will require you to repack it before check-in and will not accept it for carriage as a single unit. This rule applies on all routes even if the passenger’s total weight allowance would otherwise accommodate the weight.

Does Philippine Airlines charge the same excess baggage fee for all international routes?
No. Fees vary significantly by route. For example, Manila to Singapore costs SGD 14 per kg, while Manila to Los Angeles costs USD 250 per additional piece. Routes using the weight system (Asia, Pacific) are charged per kilogram, while routes using the piece system (US, Canada, Middle East, Japan) are charged per piece with separate overweight and oversized surcharges.

Can I pool my baggage allowance with a travel companion on Philippine Airlines?
No. Philippine Airlines does not allow pooling of baggage allowances between passengers. Each traveler’s Free Baggage Allowance applies individually, and excess baggage is calculated per passenger based on their own ticket and fare family.

Are hoverboards and e-scooters allowed on Philippine Airlines?
No. Hoverboards, electric unicycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, solowheel, mini-segways, balance wheels, and similar battery-powered non-mobility devices are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage on all PAL flights. This restriction applies with or without the battery installed.

Does the Basco, Batanes route have different baggage rules?
Yes. Passengers flying to Basco on Economy Flex or Value tickets which normally include 20 kg of free checked baggage receive only 10 kg on the Basco route. This route-specific exception is one of the most commonly overlooked domestic baggage rules on Philippine Airlines.

Will PAL’s upcoming oneworld Alliance membership change baggage policies?
Potentially, yes. Philippine Airlines received an invitation to join the oneworld® Alliance on June 6, 2026. Once membership is formalized, passengers may benefit from enhanced interline baggage agreements and reciprocal frequent flyer tier recognition which can affect complimentary baggage allowances on codeshare and partner-operated flights. PAL has not yet announced a specific implementation timeline for baggage-related changes.