PR MEL/SYD - LHR in J return $4999; one way $2999, plus Asia from $549 in Y return

[Melburnian1]

PR's new fares are available until March 2020 but exclude 1 December to 15 January ex MEL or SYD (although one may be able to travel on the return during this busy northbound time.)

The MEl or SYD - LHR fares from A$1099 return in Y, $2559 in W or $4719 in J are attractive. There are also one way fares: A$2999 in J is one example.

The fares to Asia are in some cases not as cheap as the previous sale but from A$579 return still represent a good deal.

From August, the SYD - MNL - SYD frequencies are dropping from nine flights a week to six but the widebody A333s (1-2-1 in J, 2-3-2 in W and 2-4-2 in Y) are returning to that route.

MEL will have five flight a week to mid November and then either six or daily.

There are two distinct schedules on each route so one needs to check connections. The early morning flights ex Oz (PR208 from MEL, PR214 ex SYD) connect to LHR but not every day. The night flights MNL - MEL/SYD (PR207/PR211) connect ex LHR.

MNL - LHR is on new A359s, again with 1-2-1 in J.

Some Asian connecting flights (such as to Korea) may be on unrefurbished A333s (nine across in Y, no IFE) or A321s. However there are some A321neos and refurbished A333s on various Asian flights: check ExpertFlyer, FR24 or other sources so you know what you're likely to get.

The best MNL - BKK - MNL flights are PR730/731 that can be a refurbished A333, an A359 or a B773ER. The latter is seven across in J and not completely lie flat (although not much off that) but all these aircraft have IFE.

Philippine Airlines often escapes the radar but it has more modern aircraft than say QF1/2, usually good service on board, flight attendants who speak English perfectly (unlike some Asian competitors) and often good punctuaqlity (though MNL is congested.)

The lounge in MNL is not up to scratch but that's the only downside.

Specalist Filipino travel agents in MEL and SYD normally sell these fares even cheaper than on the airline's site, so give one of them a call.

Why pay high QF fares for subpar service when one can travel on airlines like PR that also have an excellent safety record but beat QF in the air?

404

www.philippineairlines.com

Redone A333s:

A359s:

 

[burmans]

Why indeed! Thats a very good price.

 

[Ade]

Is PR part of any alliance ? OW or *A ? Fares are attractive and if they're part of any alliance, defo worth a try

 

[Melburnian1]

Is PR part of any alliance ? OW or *A ? Fares are attractive and if they're part of any alliance, defo worth a try

No. And from some time in June or July (I forget when) the famous Mattg suggested option of transferring Mabuhay Miles points to EY will end.

However PR is 8.5 per cent owned by NH of Japan, a recent development, so it may have some FF tieup with that large airline. I've not researched that.

There have been rumours that PR would join SkyTeam but this has come to nought (like many rumours.)

The AirlineRatings site based in WA (Geoffrey Thomas - hmmm - and Steve Creedy among others) awarded PAL most improved airline.

If you can put up with the deficient lounge in MNL and sometimes air traffic or ground delays there (very congested due to huge growth of local economy), PR's a very good alternative to better promoted airlines.

Provided one makes the connections (travelling on carefully researched days), PR is also one of the faster options to and from LHR, many hours faster each way than VN for instance.

 

[Ade]

No. And from some time in June or July (I forget when) the famous Mattg suggested option of transferring Mabuhay Miles points to EY will end.

However PR is 8.5 per cent owned by NH of Japan, a recent development, so it may have some FF tieup with that large airline. I've not researched that.

There have been rumours that PR would join SkyTeam but this has come to nought (like many rumours.)

The AirlineRatings site based in WA (Geoffrey Thomas - hmmm - and Steve Creedy among others) awarded PAL most improved airline.

If you can put up with the deficient lounge in MNL and sometimes air traffic or ground delays there (very congested due to huge growth of local economy), PR's a very good alternative to better promoted airlines.

Thanks for the information. Definitely something to think about Have got some trips to India in Sept, might consider PR via MNL enroute MAA in J

 

[Melburnian1]

Thanks for the information. Definitely something to think about Have got some trips to India in Sept, might consider PR via MNL enroute MAA in J

PR had announced the commencement of MNL - DEL flights in April 2019 but this was shelved. I don't know why, as the number of Indians visiting Philippines for tourism (and to a less noticeable extent for business) has sharply risen.

However it commenced flights to PNH in Cambodia as it had said it would, so it can be a good alternative to TG.

 

[Melburnian1]

A$2389/2399 return MEL or SYD to TPE in J is an excellent fare, though not as good as the A$1210 I scored through a travel agent within the last two years. The latter was probably a one off.

 

[trooper]

Just booked my first PR flights SYD-MNL-SYD. (In Y to stay with travel companions...sigh Would like to have tried their Y+) Was SOOO glad that it has changed to a widebody. Total cost WITH exit rows paid for was slightly more than base QF fare.... Interesting baggage allowance...25 kilos.

 

[Melburnian1]

Just booked my first PR flights SYD-MNL-SYD. (In Y to stay with travel companions...sigh Would like to have tried their Y+) Was SOOO glad that it has changed to a widebody. Total cost WITH exit rows paid for was slightly more than base QF fare.... Interesting baggage allowance...25 kilos.

While the A321neo has lie flat seating in J (2-2, three rows) and PR is the first operator into Oz with this, no question that the A333 layout (direct aisle access) is superior, particularly window seats in rows 2 and 4 that unlike some airlines are right next to the windows and have the console next to the aisle.

PR cut the economy class checked in baggage allowance from 30 to 25 kilos a few months ago. To me this is penny pinching but Filipinos are among those travellers who seem to bring the kitchen sink, so probably before this many were got away with 31 without extra charge. For most on holidays, 32kg (i.e. seven carry on, 25 in hold) is sufficient per person.

You've saved yourself money compared to QF, and PR's A333 aircraft are newer than QF's.

For the best deals I recommend calling a travel agent such as My Travel Solution (03 9314 6957) or Philippine Tours (03 9384 1844.) There are similar experienced agents in Sydney who should also undercut the PR Internet fares.

 

[Melburnian1]

As a comparison, CX is emailing an Asia sale with its one stop Oz to Cebu 'from A$835 return' via HKG, whereas PR is significantly cheaper (via MNL.) Unfortunately no airline flies nonstop from anywhere in Australia to Cebu's increasingly popular Mactan Island airport that more and more is a good alternative t congested Manila NAIA.

 

[Melburnian1]

That the PR deals (provided one can find them for a date close to what one wants) are a good deal is underscored by how QF's new sale from Australia to Manila is a return fare 'from A$750', and Oz to HND/NRT 'from A$943 or A$954.'

Given that QF only operates from SYD to MNL, it's arguably a much better deal with PR.

While like many I don't like these revenue-gouging 'seat selection fees', on PR for an aisle seat each way it's A$15 per flight (window and other seats remain free) whereas IIRC QF has a minimum charge of A$30. So even with that small 'revenue accretion', PR is cheaper for the same service.

 

[trooper]

And to complete the circle. The check in and flight experience at BOTH ends was very good. We were travelling to the "2019 Australasian IPSC Match" ( a very large pistol shooting comp - over 900 competitors from around the world) . Staff at Sydney were friendly, helpful..AND (shock!) KNEW their own procedures for checking in firearms. We had paid for exit rows so the seating was good.....especially as no one else on the flight over had... so we both had empty seats next to us... Food was edible. IFE was fine for a flight that length.
I suspect our good experience leaving MNL was actually due to travelling with the guns...we were met and escorted on arrival at Departures. LOTS of paperwork done... but then photos with all the security folks... (we were wearing our national Team shirts so I suppose that explains it) ..No lounge access...but the departure area of T2 was WAY better than my memory of a previous trip many years ago...

Looking seriously at PRs excellent J fares to LAX now...

 

[Melburnian1]

It has a vety good website sale on that finishes today, 29 December.

J return from Oz to communist China for under A$1400, a real bargain.