$1210 J class round trip on PR MEL/SYD to S.E Asia

[Melburnian1]

I organised an STPC however was provided with Crown Regency in Manilla! The Lobby Lounge is impressive!!

What did everyone else get? If this can't be changed I will not be using the STPC.

A friend received Century Park Hotel, Malate (Metro Manila.) 'Manila' with one 'l.'

 

[Melburnian1]

While not the bargain A$1200 return to 'beyond MNL' shown above, at present PR has some SYD or (less frequently MEL) - MNL J return fares of about $2700 - $2800, not every day though as this is below the standard J fare.

PR only runs to MEL three nights a week, but to SYD daily (albeit with two different schedules for the latter.)

Unlike say Oz, where one gets angled lie flat seats in J for SYD - ICN, on PR ex MEL or SYD it has lie flat suites in J with three refurbished three year old A333s out of the hangar thus far, and a fourth one soon to be available for passengers.

While BI typically has fares at A$2300 or even slightly below, its flights are not nonstop and on some days do not connect straight on to MEL. BI does not operate to SYD.

Compared to QF (often $4100 and up), these PR return J fares are pretty good value: best if you can get a refurbished A333 with 1-2-1 suites in J. These are typically on PR209/PR210/PR211/PR212 (except when maintenance is required) but rarely on PR213/PR214, the latter being the MNL - SYD and v.v. flight that only operates on three days a week (PR211/PR212 are the traditional overnight southbound - midmorning northbound return flights operating MNL - SYD return on the other four days.)

The PR return J SYD - BKK via MNL fare on 5 September, returning ex BKK on 19 September at $3112 online through PR was cheaper than almost all other airlines including the unimpressive 'J class' offered by JQ. Connections in MNL are quite good: two and a half hours on teh forward journey, four and a quarter on the return.

 

[drivatruk]

Was lucky enough to get this deal and flew to Beijing via Manila. Overnight wait in Manila and had a great night at the Conrad, upgraded to a suite looking over Manila Bay for about $145au.

Business Class was great and the only thing i didn't really like was the lack of recline options on the seat. Im am ageing and might have missed the correct control for seperate movement of the rear of the seat but couldn't find it. The service was great and also the food was quite good too. Entertainment good but the screen is very reflective. Avoid 1k and middle of row 1 as the crew have cupboard just inside the business class cabin and continually use it. Bang Bang.

On checking in for the flight home tomorrow i see the plane's been subbed for an older style business. 6 across config. World won't end though cause for $1200 i really can't complain about the plane.......

 

[Melburnian1]

...I'm ageing and might have missed the correct control for seperate movement of the rear of the seat but couldn't find it. The service was great and also the food was quite good too. Entertainment good but the screen is very reflective....

On checking in for the flight home tomorrow i see the plane's been subbed for an older style business. 6 across config. World won't end though cause for $1200 i really can't complain about the plane.......

drivatruck, one of the great features of this site is how passengers like you give us on-the-spot or later reports of experiences.

In these circumstances, if you can't find something such as a recline control, I'd generally risk embarrassment and ask a cabin crew member. They've usually had the same question before so they won't laugh at you. They understand that many of us travel on different airlines, and sometimes with significant gaps in between international flights on any carrier, so we either don't know or forget the nuances. I assume you are referring to the refurbished A333s on the MNL to MEL and SYD routes that have lie flat beds in a 1-2-1 new configuration. There are three of these aircraft in service with a fourth soon to emerge from the workshops, a bit like the QF A330 refurbishment program that AFF member moa999 so skilfully documented.

If you have the 2-2-2 older configuration on the PR A333 in J, it will still have lie flat beds although oddly arranged as noted a few posts back. The sole time I've experienced them (MNL - MEL) I slept like a baby (but I am a good sleeper on transport, admittedly easier on trains than on aircraft.) Safe travels. I agree for A$1200 return it was a fantastic deal and even for A$2600 return it is still quite good value given what some other carriers charge.

The Conrad Manila is built in the shape of a ship. Quite intriguing.

 

[Scarlett]

A friend received Century Park Hotel, Malate (Metro Manila.) 'Manila' with one 'l.'

We've been allocated the Century Park also. (for SYD-MNL-TPE rtn at the end of next month)
Also have Nissan drive transfers allocated, to/from hotel. Thanks PR.

Mel1, you're heading to TPE with this deal very shortly aren't you?

 

[Melburnian1]

We've been allocated the Century Park also. (for SYD-MNL-TPE rtn at the end of next month)
Also have Nissan drive transfers allocated, to/from hotel. Thanks PR.

Mel1, you're heading to TPE with this deal very shortly aren't you?

Yes: arrangements are identical to yours (and probably a few others.) I only get the 'freebie' STPC on the way back as the morning flight from MEL connects to TPE but the SYD one gets in too late for a workable (permitted MCT) connection.

Don't expect 5* at Century Park Hotel (plus it has one of Metro Manila's oldest malls next to it: far better at Mall of Asia by Manila Bay in one direction, or Robinsons (Place) Mall in the other.) Try to have an evening meal at The Manila Hotel down past Robinsons Mall, but using a major road called Roxas (pronounced 'Row-has') Blvd. Manila Hotel is colonial style and lovely. Lobby is huge and grand.

I haven't ever dined at Century Park's restaurant but it has an inhouse Chinese offering so that may be OK, and expect some sort of a buffet brekky.

 

[drivatruk]

drivatruck, one of the great features of this site is how passengers like you give us on-the-spot or later reports of experiences.


The Conrad Manila is built in the shape of a ship. Quite intriguing.

I did get lost in the stern a couple of times.. Iim going back to Manila again purely to stay here and burn my Last United miles before the increase in November. Fly F out of SYD on Thai via BKK and a Stop off in BKK on the way home. 80 k points.

 

[dandandan]

I did get lost in the stern a couple of times.. Iim going back to Manila again purely to stay here and burn my Last United miles before the increase in November. Fly F out of SYD on Thai via BKK and a Stop off in BKK on the way home. 80 k points.

I'll upload some photos, flew on the new config yesterday. Service was fantastic, product very good and good food and drinks. Food not as good as say Sing or MAS, along with drink however Champagne served is good. Cheese comes in a bowl with 2 crackers so they need some refinement otherwise I would definitely fly with PR again. Very friendly and polished service. Also stayed at Conrad, upgraded to Diplomatic Suite, the China Blue restaurant was good. Out of all Asian destinations I have been Manila had the best priced wine by a mile.

 

[Melburnian1]

...Service was fantastic, product very good and good food and drinks. Food not as good as say Sing or MAS, along with drink however Champagne served is good. Cheese comes in a bowl with 2 crackers so they need some refinement otherwise I would definitely fly with PR again. Very friendly and polished service....

If you get the right cabin crew, a reason 'service (can be) polished' is that unlike a few other Asian nationalities, the English of many Filipino(a)s is excellent, and comprehension of the Australian accent (among these flight attendants) is always good, far better than say on a mainland Chinese carrier, Thai, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Asiana or Royal Brunei.

If PR keeps updating its aircraft interiors (which will not be an overnight process) eventually it could easily become a so-called 4-star airline.

 

[dandandan]

I'll upload some photos, flew on the new config yesterday. Service was fantastic, product very good and good food and drinks. Food not as good as say Sing or MAS, along with drink however Champagne served is good. Cheese comes in a bowl with 2 crackers so they need some refinement otherwise I would definitely fly with PR again. Very friendly and polished service. Also stayed at Conrad, upgraded to Diplomatic Suite, the China Blue restaurant was good. Out of all Asian destinations I have been Manila had the best priced wine by a mile.

 

[dandandan]

 

[dandandan]

 

[Melburnian1]

Excellent photos that clearly show (and this is not limited to PR) how in a 1-2-1 configuation seats such as 2K and 4K are preferable to say 1K and 3K as the former have a much greater buffer between the traveller and the source of bumps otherwise known as the aisle. The only thing missing is a photo of you (with head covered to preserve anonymity) fully stretched out sleeping, and the other courses.

 

[dandandan]

Some of the photos wouldn't upload for some reason and I didn't get a sleeping shot however I am 6ft tall and there was plenty of leg room and a lot more leg room than what you get in the a330 MAS J, which is a bit tight on the leg room in certain seats. I didn't get any selfie shots either, too busy relaxing without kids on this trip and enjoying the Charles Heidsieck brut reserve.

https://www.danmurphys.com.au/product/DM_489077/charles-heidsieck-brut-reserve-champagne-non-vintage

The TV screen was excellent, very very responsive. Once again the only criticism is they need to improve certain food dishes such as the cheese and maybe improve the wine offering, the Champagne served up is very good for business. I would not have any hesitation recommending the a330 especially and no criticism is warranted of PR.

Excellent photos that clearly show (and this is not limited to PR) how in a 1-2-1 configuation seats such as 2K and 4K are preferable to say 1K and 3K as the former have a much greater buffer between the traveller and the source of bumps otherwise known as the aisle. The only thing missing is a photo of you (with head covered to preserve anonymity) fully stretched out sleeping, and the other courses.

 

[dandandan]

Sorry other menu photos wouldn't upload.

 

[N860CR]

Rawson's retreat?!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Rawson's retreat?!

Yes that is about indicative of PR's level of ops. A few years back I flew PR J PEK-MNL - pre take off and first serving of drinks they openly flaunted the Charles Heidsieck champs. A little later in flight after my glass was taken to galley to top up champs again I noticed a different taste. I took glass down to galley and witnessed FA pouring Piper Heidsieck in glasses. UFB! Told them there will be no more of that and I will have CH as listed on inflight menu.

Another trip I had MNL-PEK in J there was absolutely ZERO F & B on board - ZERO - due to some catering dispute within PR operations.

Don't anybody be fooled into thinking PR is a quality service provider - they are second rate and have a long way to go. And don't think you will board and get a dose of Crew eye candy - far from it. PR's hard product as pictured does look good and they may be improving service wise but they are coming from a long way back - IME & IMHO of course.

 

[dandandan]

Times have changed buddy however never been on a flight where they take your glass and top up.

I think they are quality service provider, service is outstanding, food and beverage needs some refining though. I have flown recent and not a few years back, so I don't think anybody should be fooled by your comments, they have new management in place and the a330 product is an example of obviously the new direction.

Yes that is about indicative of PR's level of ops. A few years back I flew PR J PEK-MNL - pre take off and first serving of drinks they openly flaunted the Charles Heidsieck champs. A little later in flight after my glass was taken to galley to top up champs again I noticed a different taste. I took glass down to galley and witnessed FA pouring Piper Heidsieck in glasses. UFB! Told them there will be no more of that and I will have CH as listed on inflight menu.

Another trip I had MNL-PEK in J there was absolutely ZERO F & B on board - ZERO - due to some catering dispute within PR operations.

Don't anybody be fooled into thinking PR is a quality service provider - they are second rate and have a long way to go. And don't think you will board and get a dose of Crew eye candy - far from it. PR's hard product as pictured does look good and they may be improving service wise but they are coming from a long way back - IME & IMHO of course.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Times have changed buddy however never been on a flight where they take your glass and top up.

I think they are quality service provider, service is outstanding, food and beverage needs some refining though. I have flown recent and not a few years back, so I don't think anybody should be fooled by your comments, they have new management in place and the a330 product is an example of obviously the new direction.

And for the price paid for this and some of their other fares it looks like they are delivering a reasonably solid product. Flat bed. Chilled champagne. Edible food.

Crew as eye candy? Irrelevant. They are employees and deserve a workplace free from harassment or unwanted sexual connotations.

 

[Limewood]

Any idea what aircraft they are flying from CNS to MNL?.