Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance: Hand Carry and Checked Bag Guide

If you are flying with Philippine Airlines, it is important to understand the baggage rules so you will not panic or pay extra at the airport. Many Filipino travelers get confused about what is allowed, especially on international flights. This guide explains everything in a simple way based on real travel situations. Whether you fly for work, vacation, or to visit family, this will help you prepare your bags properly before your trip.

What You Can and Can’t Bring on Philippine Airlines

Sources: philippineairlines.com

Packing can be confusing, especially if you are not sure what airport security or Philippine Airlines will allow. Here is a clear guide to help Filipino travelers know which items are safe to bring and which ones can cause delays at the airport.

Allowed in Carry On (Hand Carry)

You can bring these items inside the cabin as long as they follow PAL hand carry rules: 7 kg weight limit and 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm size limit.

Not Allowed in Carry On

These items will be taken during security screening if placed in your hand carry.

Checked Baggage Restrictions

Even in your checked baggage, some items are not allowed because they can be dangerous or cause damage.

Hand Carry Allowance

Sources: philippineairlines.com

Every Philippine Airlines passenger can bring one hand carry bag and one small personal item. This is the bag you keep with you inside the cabin, so it is better to pack the things you use often.

Hand Carry Bag

• Maximum weight: 7 kg
• Size limit: 56 cm x 36 cm x 23 cm
• Must fit in the overhead bin
• Do not overpack soft bags because staff may check the size before you board
• If the airport follows the 100 ml liquids rule, keep all liquids in a small clear pouch

Personal Item

• Can be a handbag, laptop bag, camera bag, or small backpack
• Must fit under the seat in front of you
• Ideal for items you reach for often like your wallet, phone, passport, medicine, and charger

Items that must stay in your hand carry

Some items are not allowed in checked baggage because they are valuable or can get damaged. Keep these with you:

• Power banks
• Laptops and tablets
• Cameras
• Important documents
• Cash and jewelry

Checked Baggage Allowance

Your checked baggage allowance with Philippine Airlines depends on your route, fare brand, and cabin class. PAL uses two types of systems: the Weight System for most domestic flights and selected regional routes, and the Piece System for long haul international routes.

Below is a clear and correct breakdown based on official PAL guidelines.

Domestic Flights (Within the Philippines)

Philippine Airlines uses the Weight System for all domestic routes.

Weight Allowance by Cabin Class

• Economy Class: 20 kg
• Premium Economy: 25 kg
• Business Class: 30 kg

You may check in more than one bag as long as the total combined weight does not exceed your allowance.

Important Domestic Rules

• No single checked bag may exceed 32 kg.
• Strollers for infants may be checked in for free.
• Boxes are allowed, but they must be properly packed and meet size rules.
• Bag size should not exceed 158 cm when length, width, and height are added together.

If you often bring local pasalubong like dried fish, fruits, or delicacies, pack them well and check airport rules because some items may have restrictions.

International Flights

International routes mostly use the Piece System, but some nearby countries still use the Weight System. Below is the correct detailed guide.

International Flights Using Piece System

Philippine Airlines uses the Piece System for long haul routes. These flights usually allow two checked bags, and each bag has its own weight limit. This system applies to the regions below.

Piece System Routes and Allowances

Important Piece System Reminders

• Weight limit applies per bag, not total.
• Even if your total weight is under the allowance, a single bag above 23 kg (or 32 kg) will be charged excess fees.
• You cannot combine the weight of two bags.
• Each bag must not exceed 158 cm when length, width, and height are added.
• No checked bag can exceed 32 kg for safety reasons.
• Boxes are allowed if they meet size and weight limits.

International Flights Using Weight System

Some regional international routes of Philippine Airlines use the Weight System instead of the Piece System. Under this system, your checked baggage allowance is based on the total combined weight, not the number of bags.

Routes That Use the Weight System

This applies to most flights within Asia, including:

• Japan
• South Korea
• Singapore
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Thailand
• Malaysia
• Vietnam
• Selected China routes

These destinations usually have shorter flight times compared to long haul routes, which is why PAL uses the weight-based policy.

Weight Allowance by Cabin Class

Important Rules Under the Weight System

• You can check in multiple bags, as long as their total combined weight does not go over your allowance.
• No single bag can exceed 32 kg for safety reasons.
• Bag size must not go beyond 158 cm (length + width + height).
• Prepaid baggage is available for travelers who need additional weight.

Extra Baggage Fees

Extra baggage fees depend on whether you are flying domestic or international. Buying prepaid baggage online before your flight is always cheaper than paying at the airport.

Domestic Flights (Within the Philippines)

How Extra Fees Work

For domestic flights, Philippine Airlines uses the weight system. Any baggage that goes beyond your Free Baggage Allowance will be charged an Excess Baggage Charge (EBC) based on the number of extra kilos.

According to the latest official PAL update:

International Flights

Piece System Routes (USA, Canada, Middle East, Australia, Guam, London)

Extra baggage fees are charged per piece.

• Buying an extra bag online is cheaper than paying at the airport.
• If one bag exceeds the 23 kg or 32 kg limit, an overweight fee applies.
• You cannot combine weight across bags. Each bag must be within its allowed limit.

Weight System Routes (Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, selected China routes)

Extra baggage is charged per kilo.

• Prepaid baggage is available in different weight bundles.
• Bags cannot exceed 32 kg per piece for safety reasons.

Special Items

Philippine Airlines allows special items on board, but each one must follow specific rules. These items may need extra handling, so it is better to pack them properly before arriving at the airport.

Final Reminder for Travelers

Understanding your Philippine Airlines baggage allowance makes your trip easier and helps you avoid extra fees at the airport. Whether you are flying within the Philippines or going abroad, knowing the correct rules will save you time and stress on your travel day.

Tips for Filipino Travelers

• Weigh your bags at home so you will not pay extra at the airport
• Put heavy gadgets in your hand carry to keep your checked baggage light
• If you are bringing pasalubong, leave extra space for snacks and chocolates
• Use a luggage tag with your name and number
• Take a photo of your suitcase before checking in
• If you booked your flight on Trip.com, you can check your baggage details inside your booking page

If you follow these simple steps, you can enjoy a smoother check in experience and focus more on your trip instead of worrying about baggage issues.