Welcome, fellow traveler! We know that booking a flight involves more than just picking dates and destinations. One of the most common questions we hear is, "How do I select my seat on Philippine Airlines" and it’s followed by a whirlwind of other concernsfees, comfort, legroom, and baggage worries. If you've ever felt confused or frustrated trying to secure the ideal seat for your journey, you’re not alone. This comprehensive guide is crafted just for you. We’ll walk you through every aspect of Philippine Airlines seat selection, from understanding the fees to pinpointing the exact seat that suits your travel stylebe it a fun family trip, a romantic getaway, or a solo adventure. Our aim is to make this process feel less like a chore and more like the first exciting step of your journey.We’ll also touch on baggage policies like Philippine Airlines Carry-On Baggage Weight and Philippine Airlines Check-In Baggage Size, as well as premium seat options. Plus, we’ll highlight some Valentine’s Day Deals, where you can enjoy up to 50% off flights when booking your seats early through Airlines Deals Hub +1-855-662-5620.
Understanding Philippine Airlines Seat Selection
So, you've booked your ticket and the next big question pops up "Can I choose my seat on Philippine Airlines" The simple answer is yes, absolutely. The Philippine Airlines seat selection process is your key to personalizing your travel experience. Think of it like choosing your room in a hotelsome have better views, some are more spacious, and others are perfectly located for convenience. Philippine Airlines offers a structured but flexible system that allows you to pick your preferred spot in the cabin, though it often comes with considerations like timing, fare type, and the Philippine Airlines seat selection fee. The purpose of this system is to give passengers control over their journey, whether they prioritize quick exit access, undisturbed window views, or staying close to travel companions. It's not just about a place to sit; it's about crafting the right environment for your trip.
Navigating the Philippine Airlines seat reservation system can initially seem daunting. You might encounter terms like "paid seat selection," "complimentary assignment," or "seat assignment at check-in." Here’s a brief, clear breakdown of how it generally works. If you’ve purchased a higher fare class (like Business or Premium Economy), seat selection is typically included at no extra cost. For passengers in Economy, the ability to select a seat in advance often depends on your specific fare type. The most discounted "Light" fares usually do not include free advance seat selection; you’ll either pay a Philippine Airlines seat selection fee to pick your seat during booking or you’ll receive a Philippine Airlines seat assignment automatically during online check-in. The fee varies depending on the route and seat desirability (e.g., extra-legroom seats cost more). This system ensures that travelers who value specific seating can secure it, while those focused solely on the lowest fare still get a seat assigned. The key is to act early. The best seats go quickly, and paying a small fee upfront can be a worthwhile investment for peace of mind and physical comfort, especially on long-haul international flights. Remember, knowledge is power. Understanding this process is the first step to ensuring you don’t end up in a less-than-ideal spot.
Key Steps in the Philippine Airlines Seat Selection Process
During Booking Immediately after purchasing your ticket on the Philippine Airlines website or via their official hotline at +1-855-662-5620, you will usually be presented with a seat map. This is your first and often best chance to claim a great seat.
After Booking, Before Check-In You can typically manage your booking online using your reference number to access the seat map and choose or change your seat, subject to availability and applicable fees.
During Online Check-In This is the final major window for Philippine Airlines seat selection. Seats that were held back or became available are released. If you haven’t selected a seat yet, you will be assigned one here. You can often change it for free or a fee, depending on the options left.
At the Airport Seat changes at the airport counter or gate are possible but are subject to last-minute availability. This is a risky strategy if you have strong preferences, but it can sometimes yield a lucky last-minute Philippine Airlines seat upgrade if premium seats are unsold.
Which Seats Are Best for Families on Philippine Airlines
Traveling with family, especially with young children, brings a unique set of joys and challenges. The right seat can make the difference between a stressful journey and a smooth, enjoyable start to your vacation. When considering Philippine Airlines seat selection for families, the primary goals are proximity, convenience, and minimizing disruption. You want to be able to help your children easily, have quick access to the aisle for bathroom trips, and ideally, contain the natural energy of kids within your own group. Philippine Airlines is generally family-friendly, and their seat maps can be navigated strategically to create a comfortable family zone. For families, we recommend focusing on rows where you can sit together without being separated by aisles or other passengers.
The most sought-after areas for families are often the bulkhead rows (the rows directly behind a physical cabin divider or wall) and standard rows where you can book a block of seats together, such as a center block of four in a wide-body aircraft. A key question many parents have is "Are bulkhead seats ideal for traveling with children" The answer is a nuanced yes. Bulkhead seats offer the significant advantage of extra floor space directly in front of you. This is invaluable for families with infants who need a bassinet (which Philippine Airlines can often provide on request for these rows on long-haul flights) or toddlers who want to play quietly on a blanket. There’s no seat in front to kick, and you have a clear, open area. However, there are trade-offs. The armrests in bulkhead rows are usually fixed and cannot be raised, which can limit cuddle space with a child. Also, all your in-flight entertainment screens and tray tables are stored in the armrests, making them slightly bulkier. Your personal belongings must be stowed in the overhead bins for take-off and landing, which can be inconvenient if you need quick access to diapers or toys. Weighing these pros and cons is crucial. For a family with an infant needing a bassinet, the bulkhead is unparalleled. For a family with older children who value shared armrests and under-seat storage, a standard row booked together might be preferable.
Family Seating Tips & Philippine Airlines Policies
Book Early This is the golden rule for family travel. The earlier you book, the higher the chance of securing a contiguous block of seats without paying extra fees to "unlock" them.
Contact the Airline If you are unable to find seats together online, call Philippine Airlines directly at +1-855-662-5620. Their customer service agents often have more flexibility to help families with young children arrange seating, even if the online map shows seats as taken.
Bassinets For long-haul flights, bassinets are available for infants (usually under 6 months and under 22 lbs). These are exclusively installed at bulkhead rows. Request this service well in advance when you make your Philippine Airlines seat reservation.
Consider the Aircraft Research your specific aircraft type (e.g., Airbus A350, Boeing 777). Seat maps vary, and some configurations offer 3-3-3 or 3-4-3 seating in Economy, where a center block of four is perfect for a family.
Are Bulkhead Seats Ideal for Traveling with Children
Let’s dive deeper into the question of bulkhead seats, as it’s a critical decision point for family travelers. As mentioned, bulkhead seats are the first row in a cabin section, facing a wall or a curtain. Their suitability hinges entirely on your children’s ages and your specific needs. The primary advantage is space. For a wiggly toddler, having a small, safe area on the floor to stand or play with quiet toys can be a game-changer during a long flight. For parents with an infant, the ability to secure a bassinet means you can have your hands free to eat or rest while your baby sleeps safely. This amenity transforms a long-haul flight from a marathon of holding a baby into a more manageable experience. Philippine Airlines typically allocates these bassinets on a first-come, first-served basis, so early Philippine Airlines seat reservation for a bulkhead row and a simultaneous bassinet request is essential.
However, the ideal is not universal. The fixed armrests can be a significant drawback. If you have a young child who likes to curl up and sleep across two seats, this becomes impossible in a bulkhead. The storage limitation is also real. On a busy flight, overhead bin space is competitive, and you may have to store your essential diaper bag several rows away. Furthermore, because you are at the front of the section, you might experience more foot traffic and noise from the galley (kitchen area) and lavatories. For some families, this constant activity can be more disruptive than helpful. Our advice If you have an infant for a long international flight, proactively pursue a bulkhead seat. For families with children over the age of about four, the cons might start to outweigh the pros.
For families booking through Airlines Deals Hub +1-855-662-5620, you can check Philippine Airlines Seat Reservation options early to secure the ideal seats. Additionally, look out for Valentine’s Day Deals if traveling with your spouse and children, as you might save up to 50% on fares while booking family seats together.
Which Seats Offer Extra Legroom on Philippine Airlines
For taller travelers, those with long legs, or anyone who values just a little more space to stretch, the quest for extra legroom is a top priority in Philippine Airlines seat selection. Cramped legs can turn a few hours into an uncomfortable ordeal. Fortunately, Philippine Airlines designates specific seats that offer this precious commodity. Typically, these are the exit row seats and, on some aircraft, the bulkhead rows. Exit rows, located next to the emergency exit doors, have a legally mandated clear space in front of them to facilitate evacuation. This translates to glorious, often dramatic, extra legroom for passengers seated there. Bulkhead rows, as discussed, also offer more legroom since there’s no seat directly in front of you, just a wall.
However, with great legroom comes great responsibilityand specific criteria. Are emergency exit rows suitable for families or solo travelers Philippine Airlines, like all carriers, has strict rules for passengers in exit rows. You must be at least 15 years old (policies can vary, so always check), be physically capable of understanding and carrying out instructions in English (or the language of the operating crew), and be willing and able to assist in an evacuation by opening the heavy exit door and helping others. This immediately disqualifies most families traveling with young children, as no one in the travel party can be reliant on others for assistance. Extra legroom seats also tend to be near the front or middle of the plane, which means boarding and disembarking are quicker. For couples flying together, choosing these seats ensures more comfort without having to upgrade to premium cabins. Booking early through Philippine Airlines Seat Reservation on Airlines Deals Hub +1-855-662-5620 guarantees that you get the best available extra legroom seats.
How to Secure Extra Legroom Seats
Book Early or Be Ready to Pay These seats are premium and sell out fast. You can often select them during initial booking for an added fee.
Check-In Exactly 24 Hours Before Departure If you haven’t paid for an extra-legroom seat, your best chance to snag one for free (or a lower fee) is during the precise moment online check-in opens. The system often releases previously held seats.
Ask at the Gate While not guaranteed, politely inquiring at the gate about any available exit row or other extra-legroom seats can sometimes work, especially if you are a tall passenger. This is a potential last-minute Philippine Airlines seat assignment win.
Consider a Cabin Upgrade Sometimes, the cost of a paid Philippine Airlines seat upgrade to a Premium Economy seat, which offers consistently better legroom and recline, can be comparable to or just slightly more than paying for multiple exit row seats on a long flight. It’s worth checking the price difference.
Read More - Click To Read More Airlines Seat Upgrade Policy
What Are the Best Seats for Couples Flying Philippine Airlines
Romantic getaways, anniversary trips, or even adventurous journeys for twoflying as a couple is about sharing the experience. Your Philippine Airlines seat selection should foster connection and mutual comfort. The ideal seats for couples allow for easy conversation, shared views, and a sense of togetherness without feeling cramped by strangers. Generally, this means looking for rows of two. Many Philippine Airlines wide-body aircraft (like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 777) have a 2-4-2 configuration in Economy on certain cabin sections, particularly towards the rear of the plane. These pairs of seats by the window are a couple's dream private, cozy, and perfect for sharing a moment watching the clouds go by. If those are unavailable, the next best option is an aisle and window seat in a three-seat row, hoping the middle seat remains empty. If it does get filled, it’s a simple and polite ask to swap the middle for the aisle so you can still sit together.
A common debate is "Are window or aisle seats better for couples" There’s no single answer, as it depends on your personalities. The window seat offers a breathtaking, shared experiencewatching the sunrise over the Pacific, spotting land as you descend into Manila, or gazing at the stars. It’s immersive and romantic. The aisle seat offers practicality and a sense of control. The aisle passenger can get up anytime without disturbing their partner, has easier access to lavatories and overhead bins, and often has slightly more shoulder room. For couples, we often recommend booking one of each in a three-seat row. This strategy gives you the best of both worlds one gets the view, the other gets the ease of movement, and you have a buffer between you in the form of an empty middle seat or a polite stranger who will likely be happy to swap for an aisle or window. If you’re on a shorter flight and plan to sleep, two aisle seats across from each other can also work well, allowing both to stretch into the aisle occasionally. The key is communication. Discuss your priorities before you hit "select" on the seat map. Is this a scenic flight where the view is paramount Or an overnight red-eye where sleep and bathroom access are king Aligning on this will guide your choice perfectly.
Which Seats Are Recommended for Solo Travelers
Solo travel is an act of independence and self-discovery. Your seat choice can enhance that feeling of freedom or provide a much-needed sanctuary. For the solo traveler, Philippine Airlines seat selection is all about personal preference and maximizing your own comfort without compromise. The beauty is, you only have to please yourself! The most common preferences are either a window seat for immersion and a place to lean for sleep, or an aisle seat for easy egress and a feeling of more space. Solo travelers are also the prime candidates to benefit from last-minute seat changes and empty middle seats.
If you cherish undisturbed time to read, work, or simply gaze out at the world, a window seat is your haven. It provides a natural barrier on one side and a sense of privacy. For longer flights, it’s a cozy nook. If you dislike feeling "trapped," value the ability to stand up and walk around frequently, or need regular access to your carry-on (understood through the Philippine Airlines carry-on policy), then the aisle is your friend. A pro tip for solo flyers look at the seat map a few days before the flight and again during online check-in. Rows that are mostly empty might indicate a less crowded flight. Picking a seat in such a row increases the chance the seat next to you stays empty, giving you de facto extra space. Also, consider seats towards the front of the Economy cabin for quicker disembarkation, or towards the rear if you prefer to be closer to lavatories and galley service. Do Philippine Airlines seats have power outlets for solo travelers This is a key question for the digital nomad or entertainment-focused traveler. On Philippine Airlines' modern fleet like the A350 and newer 777s, most seats in all classes are equipped with universal power outlets and USB ports. However, on older aircraft, these might be limited or unavailable. When selecting your seat, you can often see an aircraft-specific amenity icon on the seat map. If staying powered is critical, opt for seats that show the power outlet symbol, or research your specific aircraft model in advance.
Do Philippine Airlines Premium or Business Class Seats Offer Better Comfort
When the standard Economy seat doesn’t meet your needs for space, privacy, or luxury, considering a Philippine Airlines seat upgrade to a higher cabin is a natural thought. But is it worth it In a word, often yesespecially for long-haul international travel where comfort significantly impacts your well-being upon arrival. Philippine Airlines Premium Economy and Business Class are designed to transform your journey from a means of transport into part of the destination experience. Premium Economy offers a tangible step up wider seats with greater recline, more legroom (often 38+ inches of pitch compared to 31-33 in Economy), enhanced dining on proper china, priority services, and improved amenity kits. It’s an excellent middle ground that provides significantly better comfort without the full cost of Business Class.
Philippine Airlines Business Class, however, is in a different league. On long-haul routes, it typically features fully flat-bed seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, ensuring direct aisle access for every passengera game-changer for couples and solo travelers alike. The seats become private suites, complete with high-end bedding, gourmet meals curated by renowned chefs, premium beverages, and extensive entertainment on large HD screens. The service is personalized and attentive. From a pure comfort perspective for couples, Business Class offers the ultimate romantic and relaxed experience. You can dine together, sleep peacefully in fully flat beds, and arrive refreshed. For the solo business traveler or luxury seeker, it provides an oasis of productivity and relaxation. The cost of a Philippine Airlines seat upgrade to these cabins can be substantial, but it is frequently offered as a paid option during check-in or at the gate for a fraction of the original price difference. Also, keep an eye on special promotions from Airlines Deals Hub or Philippine Airlines' own seasonal sales, like their upcoming Valentine's Day Deals Flight deals up to 50% off, which can sometimes include discounted upgrades or bundled premium cabin fares, making that dream of superior comfort a more attainable reality.
Navigating Philippine Airlines Baggage Policies Carry-On and Checked
A crucial part of pre-flight preparation is understanding what you can bring on board. A perfect seat can feel less perfect if you’re stressed about your bags. Let’s demystify the Philippine Airlines carry-on policy and checked baggage rules in simple terms. The Philippine Airlines carry-on baggage weight and size limits are designed for safety and consistency. Typically, in Economy Class, you are allowed one piece of carry-on baggage with a maximum weight of 7 kg (approximately 15 lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 56cm x 36cm x 23cm (22in x 14in x 9in). You are also permitted one personal item, like a handbag or laptop bag. It’s vital to adhere to these limits, especially on full flights where overhead bin space is policed more strictly. Weigh and measure your bag at home to avoid surprise fees or the hassle of gate-checking.
For checked luggage, the allowance depends on your route and fare class. The standard Philippine Airlines check-in baggage size limit is 158 cm (62 inches) in total linear dimensions (length + width + height). Weight allowances vary; a common international Economy allowance is 2 pieces at 23 kg (50 lbs) each. Always verify your specific allowance on your ticket or booking confirmation. If you need more, you can prepay for additional weight or pieces, which is almost always cheaper than paying the Philippine Airlines extra baggage fee international at the airport. These fees can be significant, so planning ahead is a major money-saver. A simple tip if you’re a couple traveling together, you can often pool your total checked baggage weight, so if one person packs lighter, the other can use the leftover allowance. Understanding these policies completes your travel prep, ensuring you and your belongings arrive smoothly, letting you focus on enjoying the seat you so carefully selected.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How do I select my seat on Philippine Airlines
You can select your seat during the initial booking process on their website, by managing your existing booking online, during online check-in (which opens 24 hours before departure), or by calling their reservations hotline at +1-855-662-5620. The options and fees available will depend on your fare type and the timing of your selection.
Can I choose my seat on Philippine Airlines for free
It depends on your fare class. Passengers traveling in Business Class, Premium Economy, and higher-tier Economy fares (e.g., "Value" or "Flex") typically enjoy complimentary advance seat selection. Guests on the most restricted "Light" fares will usually need to pay a Philippine Airlines seat selection fee to pick a specific seat in advance or wait for a free assignment at check-in.
What is the Philippine Airlines seat selection fee
The fee is not fixed and varies based on the route, flight duration, and the desirability of the seat (e.g., exit rows, front cabin seats). Fees can range from a nominal amount for a standard seat to a more significant charge for extra-legroom options. The exact fee will be displayed clearly before you confirm your seat choice on the website.
How can I get a Philippine Airlines seat upgrade
Upgrades can be purchased using miles/points if you are a member of their frequent flyer program. Sometimes, paid upgrade offers are sent via email or appear in your booking management portal as your flight date approaches. You can also inquire about and pay for upgrades at the airport check-in counter or gate, subject to availability.
Are emergency exit row seats worth the extra fee
If you meet the physical and eligibility requirements and highly value extra legroom, they are often worth the fee on medium to long-haul flights. Remember that you cannot store items at your feet during critical phases of flight, and the seats can sometimes be narrower due to built-in tray tables.
Can I select a seat if I booked through a third-party website or travel agent
Yes, but the process might involve an extra step. You will need your Philippine Airlines booking reference (PNR) to access the "Manage Booking" section on the Philippine Airlines website. From there, you can view the seat map and make a selection, though fees may still apply depending on your fare.
What happens if I don’t select a seat
If you do not select a seat, the system will automatically assign you one during online or airport check-in. While you will get a seat, it will likely be a less desirable one (e.g., a middle seat at the back). To avoid this, we highly recommend proactively engaging in the seat selection process.
Does Philippine Airlines charge for seat selection for families with young children
The airline states it aims to seat children under 12 with at least one accompanying adult. If advance seat selection is not available for your fare, it is highly recommended to contact the airline directly as soon as possible after booking. They can often assist in making arrangements to seat the family together, though fees are not guaranteed to be waived.
Is it better to select seats during booking or at check-in
For the best choice and peace of mind, select during booking. The widest selection is available at that time. Check-in is a good second chance, especially if you are hoping for a last-minute move to a better seat that others didn't claim, but it's a riskier strategy.
What if my preferred seat is not available on the map
Seats can become available later due to schedule changes, aircraft swaps, or cancellations. Keep checking back periodically before your flight, especially right after online check-in opens (24 hours before departure), as this is when unallocated seats are often released into the pool.