I bet Gloria was really hot when she first applied to work at PAL when she was 17 years old.
I just flew the previous version of PAL a330 and it was good value for money as well. Less than $800 DXB-MNL return for a full flat bed is just a bit more expensive than economy on some of the big airlines. Curious to try the latest version to see the improvements 🙂
You can see my video review of the previous version of Philippine Airlines Business Class a330 here:
https://youtu.be/bRsur-q_uC8
I recently flown with Tri-Class A330 on business class from Manila-Tokyo Narita (see my review: https://youtu.be/hiWos04L5-U). Mabuhay Lounge at NAIA T2 is pretty ordinary lounge, not as great as other lounges like in SG, HK etc. Flights to Tokyo is a short 4hrs but on business class it was good enough. There's alot to be improved interms of service and inflight experience, if they really serious to achieve atleast 4stars status. No business class amenity kit given during my flight, while other Asian carriers provide even for a short 1.5hrs flight. Simple things like salt/pepper and olive oil, were not provided. champagne options are very limited. There's only 1 toilet on business class, no mode lighting. IFE, map is not 3D interactive like what they have in their latest B777. Business class seats are comfortable with massage function and adjustable firmness. Premium Economy has 2-3-2 seating, Economy has 2-4-2, Business has 1-2-. Flights to Japan normally half full while Middle East flights are generally full. They could have used this Tri-class version to high density flights to ME, even if majority of passengers are OFW and even if they increase airfare, they could fill all seats on this route. I just dont know how PAL plan and designate specific type of aircraft to certain routes.
It is nice to hear that PAL is going to introduce the best Business Class Seats yet, BUT MY QUESTION, IS PAL GOING TO IMPROVE THEIR ADEQUATE IN-FLIGHT SERVICE, OR THE SERVICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE LAST IN THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY?
Korean has surpassed PAL. Why?
The first airline in Asia, Philippine Airlines, has had a wonderful reputation of in-flight service, for many years, until new management took over and started tinkering with the bottom line, instead of PAL'S reputation, that has always been: "from the warmth of the Philippines..."
Let me address one more issue about PAL'S new management, about 6-7-8 years ago,
under the new leadership of the new CEO, PAL wanted to retire or FIRE all female in-flight attendance after the age of 40. Well, from what I heard, there was a huge outcry of this discrimination. The irresponsible CEO back down. Can you imagine what he wanted to DO?
Unbelievable. I now understand the decline in PAL'S in-flight services. That hard nosed CEO should have been fired by the Board of Directors. Not sure what happened to him, maybe he is now, cleaning the streets of Manila...
I have flown PAL for 15 years. The last five years in business class. If you have any problem with the airline outside of the plane. You are screwed. They will not help or bend the rules. They are the worse. If that airline was based in the United States. They would be bankrupt.
I would rate the service in the plane for economy and business as average.
The new 777 delivered in December are not lay flat. I just flew in January. Had to use a pillow in the middle in the dip. Plus they still have the middle seat in business class in the new plane.
I am up to around 850,000. I would not fly them but they are the only airline that fly's non-stop from LAX.