Philippine Airlines Early Check In: Rules, Options and Tips

If you’ve ever rushed to the airport and stressed about long check-in lines, you’re not alone. As a Filipino traveler, I’ve experienced delays too, especially during holidays and long weekends. That’s why understanding Philippine Airlines early check-in can really help you save time and avoid last-minute panic before your flight.

What Is PAL Early Check-In?

PAL early check-in means you can check in for your flight before arriving at the airport. It helps you save time and avoid long lines.

There are two main types:

1. Online or Mobile Check-In

• Available 24 hours to 1 hour before departure
• Lets you choose your seat early
• You get a digital boarding pass
• You can go straight to the Bag Drop counter if you have luggage
• If hand carry only, you can proceed directly to security

2. Early Check-In at the Airport

• Available only for selected flights or peak seasons
• Offered at some locations like NAIA Terminal 1 or 2
• May include special off-site or early check-in services at selected locations when officially announced by PAL or the airport. Availability can change, so always check PAL’s latest advisory before your flight.
• Not always guaranteed, so treat this as optional

When Can You Check In for PAL Flights?

For Philippine Airlines, check-in usually opens 24 hours before your flight. But the closing time depends on your route, so it’s important to know the difference.

PAL Check-In Time

Domestic Flights

• Opens: 24 hours before departure
• Closes: 1 hour before departure

International Flights

• Opens: 24 hours before departure
• Closes: 1 hour before departure, unless PAL gives a different instruction for your specific route.

Flights to or from USA and Canada

• Opens: 24 hours before departure
• Closes: 1 hour 15 minutes before departure

Important Reminders

Even if you check in online, you still need to follow the Bag Drop deadline if you have luggage:

• At least 45 minutes before departure for domestic flights
• At least 1 hour before departure for international flights

If you arrive late at the Bag Drop counter, your luggage may not be accepted

Some passengers cannot use online check-in:

• Unaccompanied minors
• Passengers needing medical assistance
• Special cases that require document checking

How to Do Early Check-In with PAL

Here are the main ways to do early check-in with Philippine Airlines. Choose what works best for your situation.

1. Online Check-In (Web or Mobile)

This is the easiest and most common option.

• Go to the Philippine Airlines website or mobile app
• Enter your Booking Reference (PNR) and last name
• If available, you may also use your e-ticket number when checking in online.
• For international flights, you can now add your eTravel QR code details during check-in
• Select your seat
• Download or screenshot your digital boarding pass

This option saves the most time, especially if you want to avoid long airport lines.

2. Self-Service Kiosks at the Airport

This is a good option if you didn’t check in online.

• Available at PAL-operated terminals such as NAIA Terminal 1 for international flights and NAIA Terminal 2 for domestic flights.
• Can be used by:
• • All domestic passengers
  • Filipino passport holders for most international routes (except some Middle East destinations)
• Scan your passport or enter your booking reference
• Print your boarding pass
• In some terminals, you can also print your bag tags

These kiosks are now more widely available, so lines move faster compared to before.

3. The Bag Drop Step (Very Important)

This is where many travelers get confused.

• If you have carry-on only:
• • Go straight to security (domestic) or immigration (international)
• If you have checked baggage:
• • Go to the Online Check-In Bag Drop counter
  • This lane is faster than the regular check-in line

Important reminder:

• You still need to arrive early to meet the Bag Drop deadline
• If you miss it, your bags may not be accepted

Who Cannot Use Online Check-In for PAL

Not everyone can use online check-in. If you fall under these cases, you need to go to the airport counter.

Unaccompanied Minors

• Children traveling alone must check in at the airport
• Staff need to verify documents and assist with the process

Passengers Needing Medical or Special Assistance

• Includes wheelchair requests or medical conditions
• Airport staff must handle the check-in to ensure proper support

Large Group Bookings (16 passengers and above)

• Online check-in usually works only for up to 15 passengers in one booking
• Bigger groups need to check in at the counter

Tickets with Pending Payment or Not Fully Issued

• If your booking is not fully paid or confirmed, online check-in will not work
• You need to settle this at the airport or before your flight

Advanced Seat Selection with PAL (myPAL Seat Select)

Early check-in is your last chance to get a good seat without paying extra. Once check-in opens, many standard seats become available for free, but they go fast.

Types of Seats You Can Choose

Forward Seats

• Located closer to the exit
• Good if you want to get off the plane faster

Extra Legroom Seats

• Usually found in exit rows
• More space to stretch your legs
• You must be at least 15 years old and physically fit to sit here

Standard Seats (Free During Check-In)

• These become free during the 24-hour check-in window
• Includes window and aisle seats
• Popular seats can be taken within minutes