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.

Important Note: Philippine Airlines baggage allowance can change by route, fare type, cabin class, and ticketing period. Always check the baggage allowance shown on your ticket before your flight.

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 type, and cabin class. PAL may use either the Weight System or the Piece System, so always check the baggage details shown on your ticket before flying.

Domestic Flights Within the Philippines

Philippine Airlines uses the Weight System for domestic flights. This means your baggage allowance is based on the total weight of your checked bags, not the number of bags.

Important domestic baggage rules:

• No single checked bag should exceed 32 kg.
• You may check in more than one bag as long as the total weight stays within your allowance.
• Bag size should not exceed 158 cm when length, width, and height are added together.
• Infant strollers, prams, and car seats may usually be checked in for free, subject to space and airport handling rules.
• Boxes are allowed if they are properly packed and follow PAL size and weight rules.

If you are bringing pasalubong, dried goods, fruits, or local delicacies, pack them properly and check airport restrictions before your flight.

International Flights

PAL international baggage rules depend on the route. Some routes use the Piece System, while selected regional routes may use the Weight System. Do not assume that all Asian routes use the same baggage rule.

International Flights Using the Piece System

Under the Piece System, your allowance is based on the number of checked bags allowed. Each bag has its own weight limit.

Japan and South Korea should not be listed under the general Weight System section. PAL’s current Japan and Korea baggage information shows a piece-based allowance for Economy routes.

Piece System reminders:

• The weight limit applies per bag, not as a combined total.
• You cannot combine the weight of two bags.
• If one bag is overweight, excess baggage charges may apply even if your other bag is lighter.
• No checked bag should exceed 32 kg for safety reasons.
• Each bag must follow the size limit shown on your ticket.

International Flights Using the Weight System

Some PAL international routes may still use the Weight System. Under this system, your allowance is based on total checked baggage weight.

Instead of listing fixed international allowances like Economy 20 kg to 25 kg, Premium Economy 30 kg, or Business 35 kg to 40 kg for all Asian routes, use safer wording because allowances can change by route, fare brand, and ticketing period.

For the most accurate allowance, check:

• Your PAL ticket or booking confirmation
• The Manage Booking page
• The official PAL baggage allowance page
• The baggage details shown when booking your flight

This is especially important for international trips because the baggage rule may be different depending on the destination, fare type, and whether your flight is operated by PAL or a partner airline.

Extra Baggage Fees

Extra baggage fees depend on your route, cabin class, fare type, and whether your flight uses the Weight System or Piece System. Buying prepaid baggage before your flight is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.

Domestic Flights Within the Philippines

For domestic flights, excess baggage is charged per kilo.

Always check the latest PAL baggage fee before flying because baggage charges may change without prior notice.

International Flights

International Flights Using the Piece System

For Piece System routes, extra baggage is usually charged per extra piece, overweight bag, or oversized bag.

This may apply to routes such as Japan, South Korea, USA, Canada, Guam, Middle East routes, Australia, London, and selected long-haul routes.

Important reminders:

• Extra bags are charged per piece.
• Overweight bags may have a separate charge.
• Oversized bags may have an additional fee.
• You cannot combine baggage weight across two pieces.
• Bags above 32 kg must be repacked and may not be accepted.

International Flights Using the Weight System

For routes using the Weight System, excess baggage is usually charged per kilo.

Important reminders:

• Your total checked baggage weight must stay within your allowance.
• You may bring more than one bag, but the combined weight should not exceed your allowance.
• Each bag should still follow PAL’s per-piece safety limit.
• Prepaid baggage may be available if you need more baggage allowance.

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.