Philippine Airlines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Philippine Airlines (PR) is a full-service carrier whose allowance depends on the route system and your fare family (Economy Supersaver, Saver, Value, Flex). Most intra-Asia routes use a weight concept (commonly 20–30 kg in Economy), while long-haul routes to the US, Canada, Middle East, Australia, Guam and London use a piece concept (typically 2 x 23 kg in Economy). Each piece is capped at 32 kg and 158 cm total dimensions. Always confirm by your specific fare and itinerary.
The bottom line on Philippine Airlines baggage
Philippine Airlines is a full-service carrier that bundles a generous checked allowance into the fare, so most travelers pay nothing extra — the catch is that the rules flip by route. Intra-Asia flights count total weight (commonly 20–30 kg), but US, Canada, Middle East and Australia routes count pieces, and there you cannot pool weight: each of the two bags is capped at 23 kg individually.
The smart move is to confirm whether your route is weight-based or piece-based and pack to that system, then pre-purchase any excess on philippineairlines.com rather than at the airport, where rates are higher. Keep every carry-on under 7 kg since PAL weighs them, and add your Mabuhay Miles number at booking — elite status can lift your free allowance.
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Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- The allowance flips by route: intra-Asia flights count total weight (commonly 20–30 kg), but US, Canada, Middle East and Australia routes count pieces at 2 × 23 kg.
- On piece-concept routes you cannot pool weight — each bag is capped at 23 kg individually, so one 30 kg bag and one 16 kg bag isn't allowed and the heavier bag is charged overweight.
- No single checked piece may exceed 32 kg or 158 cm total, and domestic Philippine excess is billed at about PHP 400 per kg — cheaper if prepaid online.
Philippine Airlinesbaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One small personal item — a handbag, laptop bag, or similar accessory, up to about 45 × 35 × 20 cm — is allowed in addition to the cabin bag, and must fit under the seat in front of you. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | Economy allows one cabin bag up to 7 kg, maximum 56 x 36 x 23 cm (115 cm total), plus one small personal item. Business and First Class allowances are higher (often two cabin pieces). |
| 🧳 First checked bag | 20–30 kg total depending on fare family |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | 2 pieces, up to 23 kg (50 lb) each |
Philippine Airlines checked bag fees
| Economy — weight routes (intra-Asia, Japan, Korea, etc.) | 20–30 kg total depending on fare family |
| Economy — piece routes (US, Canada, Middle East, Australia, Guam, London) | 2 pieces, up to 23 kg (50 lb) each |
| Business Class | Higher weight or 2–3 pieces up to 32 kg each (route dependent) |
| Per-piece limit | Max 32 kg per piece, 158 cm total dimensions |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Philippine Airlines will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$0
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Philippine Airlines vs Malaysia Airlines vs Thai Airways: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Philippine Airlines | Malaysia Airlines | Thai Airways | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | Free | Free | Free |
| 2nd checked bag | Free | — | — |
| Overweight surcharge | — | — | — |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 20 kg | 23 kg |
🔁 Change & cancellation
Change and refund terms follow your fare family. Supersaver and Saver fares are the most restrictive (fees plus fare difference; may be non-refundable), while Value and Flex fares allow lower-cost or free changes. Mabuhay Miles members may receive added flexibility. Confirm the exact rules for your fare at booking.
Other common fees
| Excess / additional baggage | Per-kg or per-piece fee by route — cheaper if prepaid online |
| Domestic excess weight (Philippines) | About PHP 400 per kg over your weight allowance |
| Oversized / sports equipment | Special handling fee; pre-declare at booking |
How to avoid extra fees
- Check whether your route is weight-based (intra-Asia) or piece-based (US/Canada/Middle East/Australia) — the rules differ significantly.
- Pre-purchase extra baggage on philippineairlines.com before the airport; airport rates are higher.
- Keep your cabin bag under 7 kg — PAL weighs carry-ons, especially on full intra-Asia flights.
- Add your Mabuhay Miles number at booking; elite status can increase your free allowance.
- No single checked piece may exceed 32 kg; split heavy bags to avoid refusal at check-in.
Philippine Airlines baggage — FAQ
＋ − How much checked baggage is free in Economy on Philippine Airlines?
It depends on the route. Most intra-Asia Economy fares use a weight allowance (commonly 20–30 kg), while long-haul routes to the US, Canada, Middle East, Australia, Guam and London use a piece concept of 2 bags up to 23 kg each.
＋ − What is the carry-on limit on Philippine Airlines?
Economy allows one cabin bag up to 7 kg (max 56 x 36 x 23 cm) plus one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
＋ − What is the maximum weight per checked bag?
No single checked piece may exceed 32 kg (70 lb) or 158 cm in total dimensions, regardless of your total allowance.
＋ − On piece-concept routes, can I combine the weight of my two bags?
No. On US, Canada and other piece-concept routes each of the two bags is capped at 23 kg individually — you cannot bring one 30 kg bag and one 16 kg bag. The heavier bag is charged an overweight fee. On domestic Philippine routes, weight over your allowance is billed at about PHP 400 per kg.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Philippine Airlines. Figures here reflect Philippine Airlines's published Asia fares as of 2026-07-12.