[Click above for the video review.]
Airline: Philippine Airlines
Flight Number: PR104
Route: MNL-SFO
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER
Registration: RP-C7779
Delivered: October 2016
Flight Duration: 12 hours
Distance: 6,987 Miles
Overall Impression:
It’s been a while—two years, in fact—since our last long-haul with Philippine Airlines, and flying with them again felt a bit like catching up with an old friend who’s had a subtle glow-up. Since the pandemic, PAL has shifted all international flights from NAIA Terminal 2 to Terminal 1, where a brand-new Mabuhay Lounge now greets travelers (and from what I’ve heard, it’s a serious upgrade from the old digs).
On board, the Boeing 777-300ER business class seats are exactly as I remembered—comfortable enough, but definitely due for a refresh. Still, what PAL may lack in seat innovation, they more than make up for in service. The signature Filipino warmth and attentiveness are still very much in the air, and the catering and amenities remain as solid as ever.
From check-in to touchdown, this trip gave me a fresh look at what PAL does best—and where there’s still room to grow. Here’s how the experience unfolded, from the lounge to the landing.
What I Liked:
The Warm Service – The in-flight service provided by the crew left a lasting impression. Wrizza, who took care of us during the flight, was both charming and attentive, addressing us by name throughout the journey. Pre-departure beverages and hot towels were offered as soon as we settled into our seats. Our drinks were proactively refilled, and plates were cleared promptly after each course. Throughout the flight, the cabin crew checked in regularly to see if we wanted anything to drink or snack on. When it was time for bed, the crew also offered to place the mattress pad on our seats so we could be more comfortable. The warmth and commitment to passenger satisfaction were truly commendable. Notably, the meal service was thoughtfully paced, which enhanced the overall in-flight experience.
The Catering – As Filipinos, one of the things we look forward to when flying with PAL is the food—and this flight did not disappoint. After takeoff, service began with beverages accompanied by crudités of ube hummus with pita bread and vegetables.
Our tables were then set, followed by a selection of warm breads. For the starter course, I chose the Caesar salad, while my companion ordered the chicken tinola soup. Both were fresh and flavorful—a delightful start to the meal.
For the mains, I had the chicken adobo roulade, which was tender and bursting with flavor. My companion opted for the seared Chilean sea bass, which he described as flaky and moist.
After our plates were cleared, Wrizza approached us with a dessert tray. Although I’d already enjoyed halo-halo in the lounge earlier, I couldn’t resist trying it in the air—and I’m glad I did. It was the perfect sweet ending to my meal. My companion chose the dessert trio platter, which was beautifully presented and decadently satisfying.
Mid-flight refreshments were available from the menu, but we skipped them to maximize sleep. A self-serve snack basket was also set up in the galley.
Two hours before arrival, breakfast service began with a mango smoothie, followed by warm breakfast breads, pastries, and freshly brewed coffee. The starter was a platter of fresh fruit, light and refreshing.
For the mains, we both opted for a traditional Filipino breakfast—mine was a beef tapsilog bowl served with rice and a fried egg, while my companion had stuffed bangus (milkfish) with rice. Both were delicious, though we wished the portions were a bit larger.
Overall, PAL’s catering out of Manila was excellent. The meals were fresh, flavorful, and left us feeling very well-fed by the end of the flight.
What I Didn’t Like:
The Seats – We were fortunate to have the refreshed version of PAL’s older Recaro angled-flat business class seats, arranged in a 2-3-2 configuration on the Boeing 777-300ER—the same layout you’ll find on Turkish Airlines’ 777-300ERs. This aircraft features 42 business class seats split between two cabins; we were seated in 1A and 1C at the bulkhead. Each seat measures 20 inches wide and converts into a 76-inch fully flat bed. Unfortunately, the layout does not provide direct aisle access for every passenger, which can be inconvenient on long-haul flights. Personal air nozzles are also missing, though PAL maintained a pleasantly cool cabin temperature, allowing us to sleep comfortably. While the seats served us well for the 12-hour journey to San Francisco, the overall design feels dated. PAL would benefit from a full cabin upgrade, especially with United offering its far more modern Polaris seats on the same route twice daily.
It was OK, I guess…
The Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 – The Mabuhay (International) Lounge has relocated to NAIA Terminal 1. While the food selection remains largely the same, the new space offers expanded seating, a staffed bar, shower suites, and an overall improved ambiance.
It’s a clear step up from the old Terminal 2 lounge; however, the upkeep and maintenance leave room for improvement. For a relatively new facility, parts of it already felt dated and, at times, a bit dingy. The lounge also became uncomfortably crowded during peak hours, with passengers wandering around in search of a seat. Overall, it’s a welcome upgrade, but PAL still needs to refine its execution and upkeep to bring the experience in line with its competitors.
The In-flight Amenities – PAL’s business class amenities strike a balance between comfort and practicality. Pajamas are not provided, but passengers receive a full-size pillow, a high-quality duvet, and—newly added—a mattress pad.
The soft pouch amenity kit which includes L’Occitane products were also offered along with slippers, and noise-canceling headphones.
The lavatories, though compact, were kept spotless throughout the flight and stocked with toiletries.
The IFE system was bright, responsive, and offers a few dozen new and classic Hollywood, Asian, and Filipino movies, TV, and Audio Programs. This plane also features my favorite Panasonic 3D moving map. Complimentary 100MB Wi-Fi is also offered to business class passengers.
Bottom Line:
Philippine Airlines continues to shine where it matters most—warm, genuine Filipino hospitality and consistently flavorful catering. The crew’s attentiveness, thoughtful pacing of service, and well-executed in-flight meals made the journey memorable.
The new Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA Terminal 1 is a step in the right direction, offering more space and amenities, though its upkeep and crowd management still need work considering this is PAL’s home base.
On board, while the PAL’s Boeing 777-300ER’s refreshed seats were comfortable enough for a long-haul flight, their dated 2-3-2 layout really lags behind competitors, especially since Manila–San Francisco-Manila is now served twice daily by United’s excellent Polaris product on their 777-300ER.
The In-flight amenities were adequate, but not exceptional. Though I did like the addition of the new mattress pad.
Overall, PAL delivers a comfortable and warmly hosted experience, but modernizing its hard product and would elevate it from good to truly world-class.
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