If you often fly with Philippine Airlines, joining Mabuhay Miles can make every trip more rewarding. It’s PAL’s frequent flyer program where members collect miles from flights, partner airlines, hotels, and even credit cards. Those miles can be used for free flights, seat upgrades, and other perks. The best part is it’s free to join, and as long as you keep your account active, your miles won’t expire. For many Filipinos who travel for work, family visits, or vacations, Mabuhay Miles is a simple way to save while enjoying extra benefits in the sky.
✈️ What is Mabuhay Miles?
Mabuhay Miles is the frequent flyer program of Philippine Airlines (PAL). It rewards loyal passengers every time they fly with PAL or its partner airlines. You also earn miles from hotels, banks, and lifestyle partners in the program. These miles can then be redeemed for free flights, flight upgrades, and other travel perks.
The best part? Joining is free, and as long as you earn or use miles at least once every two years, your account stays active and your miles won’t expire.
💳 How to Earn Mabuhay Miles
Sources: philippineairlines.com
You don’t need to be a frequent flyer to earn miles. Here’s how:
Flights with PAL
Every ticket earns you miles, both local and international.
Partner Airlines
PAL is part of codeshare agreements, so you can also earn miles with select partner airlines.
Credit Cards
Many Philippine banks let you convert reward points into Mabuhay Miles.
Hotels and Lifestyle Partners
Booking hotels, shopping, and even car rentals with partners can give you extra miles.
✈️ Best Credit Cards to Earn Mabuhay Miles
If you want to turn everyday spending into Mabuhay Miles, some Philippine credit cards make that easier. Below are cards worth considering, with their strengths and trade-offs.
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles Platinum Mastercard
Sources: pnb.com.ph
- You earn 1 rewards point = 1 Mabuhay Mile.
- You get a 2,000-mile welcome gift upon activation.
- If you spend ₱100,000 on PAL transactions in 1 year, you get additional 10,000 Mabuhay Miles.
- Also, enjoy a 5% discount on select PAL international flights booked via their site.
PNB-PAL Mabuhay Miles World Elite Mastercard
Sources: pnb.com.ph
- This is an elite tier, by invitation only.
- You get big welcome gifts: up to 40,000 Mabuhay Miles.
- The rate: PHP 28 spend = 1 rewards point = 1 Mabuhay Mile.
- You also get lounge access (10 visits via Mastercard Travel Pass) and status upgrade perks.
Metrobank Travel / World / Premium Cards
Sources: metrobank.com.ph
- These Metrobank cards let you convert Metrobank rewards points into Mabuhay Miles.
- For example, their “Travel Platinum Visa / World Mastercard” have better conversion rates (lower points needed per mile).
RCBC Cards (AIRMILES Feature)
Sources: rcbccredit.com
- RCBC lets you convert card rewards to “AIRMILES” and choose which airline points you want — including Mabuhay Miles.
- The standard conversion is 5 RCBC Credit Card AIRMILES = 1 Mabuhay Mile.
- Some RCBC cards have “Preferred AIRMILES” where 1:1 conversion is possible (for eligible cards)
Security Bank Platinum / Gold Mastercard
Sources: securitybank.com
- Security Bank is a PAL partner.
- Their points can convert to Mabuhay Miles: e.g., 11,667 rewards points = 1,000 Mabuhay Miles.
- You also get travel perks like lounge access and travel insurance.
BPI Cards (Signature, Platinum Rewards, etc.)
Sources: bpi.com.ph
- BPI allows conversion of BPI Rewards points to Mabuhay Miles.
- They even offer bonus miles when you redeem your Mabuhay Miles via BPI.
🌏 Where You Can Use Your Mabuhay Miles
Mabuhay Miles are not just for flights with Philippine Airlines. They give you plenty of ways to save and enjoy more when you travel. Here’s how many Filipinos make the most of their miles:
✈️ Flights with PAL and Partner Airlines
Your miles can be redeemed for flights with Philippine Airlines, whether domestic or international. You can also use them with select partner airlines. Many Filipino travellers use their Mabuhay Miles for trips to Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, or the US to cut down on airfare costs.
💺 Seat Upgrades
Booked an Economy ticket? Use your miles to upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class. This is a popular choice among kababayans flying long-haul, since it means more space and comfort without paying the full price.
🏨 Hotels and Travel Partners
Mabuhay Miles has hotel and travel partners where you can redeem points for stays, rentals, or travel services. This comes in handy when flying to destinations where hotels can be pricey, like Japan or the US.
🛍️ Shopping and Dining
Your miles can also be spent on shopping, dining, and lifestyle deals with partner merchants. This is a smart way to use smaller mile balances that aren’t enough for flights.
🎁 Everyday Lifestyle Rewards
Even if you’re not planning to fly soon, Mabuhay Miles can be used for rewards such as wellness, entertainment, or shopping vouchers. It’s a good option if you want to enjoy your points without waiting for your next trip.
💡 Tips on How to Use Mabuhay Miles
If you’re a Filipino traveller with Mabuhay Miles, you’ll want to make sure every point counts. Here are some practical tips:
✈️ Book Early for Flights
Award seats are limited, especially on popular routes like Manila to Tokyo or Los Angeles. Redeem your miles as soon as you know your travel dates.
💺 Use Miles for Upgrades
Instead of saving miles for a full free ticket, consider using them to upgrade from Economy to Premium Economy or Business Class. This gives you more comfort without spending extra cash.
🛍️ Spend Small Balances Smartly
If your miles are not enough for a flight, use them for shopping, dining, or lifestyle rewards with PAL partners. Better to enjoy them than let them sit unused.
🏨 Combine Miles with Partners
Check PAL’s hotel, car rental, and merchant partners. Redeeming miles for hotels abroad can help you save on expensive stays in places like Japan or the US.
👨👩👧👦 Pool Miles with Family
Mabuhay Miles has a “Family Membership Program” where family members can combine their miles. Perfect for OFWs or balikbayans planning a vacation together.
⏰ Keep Track of Expiry
While Mabuhay Miles don’t expire as long as your account is active, it’s good to log in once in a while, earn or redeem, and keep your account updated.
✅ Final Tip for Kababayans: Don’t wait until the last minute to use your miles. Whether it’s for a ticket home, an upgrade, or a hotel stay, plan ahead and you’ll get the most value out of your Mabuhay Miles.
❓ FAQs: Mabuhay Miles
Is Mabuhay Miles free to join?
Yes. You can sign up online at the Philippine Airlines website or at PAL ticket offices. No membership fee is required.Do Mabuhay Miles expire?
As long as you keep your account active by earning or redeeming miles at least once every two years, your miles will not expire.Can I use my Mabuhay Miles for someone else?
Yes. You can redeem your miles to book tickets for family or friends, as long as you are the account holder making the transaction.How many miles do I need for a domestic flight?
It depends on the route, but a one-way ticket within the Philippines (like Manila–Cebu) usually starts at around 4,500 to 6,000 miles.Can I earn Mabuhay Miles without flying?
Definitely. You can earn miles through partner banks, credit cards, hotels, shopping, and even car rentals.