Philippine Airlines
A PAL in the Sky by Kris Jetzer

• Flight Information

13 April, 2006
PR107             LAS-YVR
A340-313X     F-OPHL
Departure (Scheduled): 1925                Departure (Actual): 2937
Arrival (Scheduled):  2147                    Arrival (Actual): result unknown
Route of flight:  SHEAD4 OAL J92 FMG J5 SEA PAE V23 ACORD GRIZZ8

15 April, 2006
PR106             YVR-LAS
A340-313X     F-OPHK
Departure (Scheduled): 1530                Departure (Actual): 1533
Arrival (Scheduled):  1753                    Arrival (Actual): 1754
Route of flight:  YVR J5 FMG J92 BTY FUZZY6

• At A Glance

            Philippine Airlines (PR/PAL) is the national carrier for the Asian island nation of The Philippines.  Since its inception in 1941, PR has built up a route structure focused primarily upon domestic operations from its main hub at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport with 18 destinations served within the Philippines.  In addition, PR serves 24 international destinations throughout Southeast Asia and North America.  Currently, the carrier operates a fleet of aircraft consisting of both Airbus and Boeing models including A320s, A330-300s, A340-300s, 737-300s, 737-400s, and 747-400s.  Lastly, PR passengers may earn flight credit through the Mabuhay Miles frequent flyer program.

• Reservations

            Booking on Philippine Airlines website is a swift and painless experience.  It should be noted that many international destinations are not served on a daily basis, so one should check with the online timetable on the frequency of flights between destinations before attempting to search fares.  Once the proper travel dates are established and the specific flights are chosen, it is very similar to most other airline websites with the exception of a seat selection feature.  Within minutes of booking, a confirmation email is sent.  An interesting practice Philippine Airlines has is the traveling customer is required to sign for ticket authorization at a PR ticket office prior to flying.  In the United States, Philippine Airlines operates its ticket offices within the airport making access convenient and easy.

• Airport Experience

            Philippine Airlines customer service staff are contracted workers at both Las Vegas McCarran and Vancouver International through a company called Globeserv.  The check in staff is very professional and friendly.  An issue regarding seat assignments was quickly solved in addition to a genuine apology for the inconvenience.  Gate agents are also exceptionally friendly and present themselves professionally.  Some criticism on the Las Vegas staff needs to be addressed towards their chaotic and inefficient boarding procedures.  Although boarding was attempted using the traditional aft-to-forward by row model, little was done to enforce the proper procedure.  This chaotic experience did not prove to be an issue in Vancouver.

• Inflight Experience

            Upon initial entry into the Airbus A340’s cabin, passengers are presented with clean, bright, and spacious surroundings.  Seating in economy, or “Fiesta Class” as PR calls it, is comfortable with a supportive seat, foot rests, and ample seat pitch.  The interior of the A340 is fitted with the old styled side walls and overhead bins which effortlessly fit a rollaway suitcase wheels first.
            Inflight entertainment offered aboard PR is primitive by today’s long haul standards.  Video entertainment is presented through a projector screen on the forward bulkhead and drop down CRT monitors under the centerline overhead bins.  A variety of audio entertainment is provided as well.  Passengers in First and Mabuhay (business) have personal entertainment units with a choice of video programming.
            Food and beverage service far exceeds the US carriers on flights of comparable length.  Both flights offered a choice of a hot snack, which includes a dessert and fruit cocktail.  Tuna melt sandwiches or veggie burgers were offered as an entrée on the outbound flight and a chicken burrito or grilled vegetable sandwich on the return.  In addition, the typical selection of soft drinks and juice are offered.  Alcohol is not offered on flights between Las Vegas and Vancouver.

• The Heavy Word

            In America’s turbulent airline industry, many perks and amenities passengers once associated with air travel have been cut as a cost saving measure; meals in economy class are now quite rare as result.  The experience of flying a full-service airline like Philippines can bring back memories of the yesteryear of air travel.  Thanks to the 5th freedom rights with some airlines, the traveling public can take advantage of the high level of service many foreign carriers offer when traveling between Canada and the United States.  Philippine Airlines is highly recommended when traveling between Las Vegas and Vancouver or any other destinations they serve.  The seating is very comfortable for a long haul flight across the Pacific, cabin staff are welcoming and friendly, and combined with the high level of product one receives makes Philippine Airlines a world class airlines that should not be overlooked when booking air travel to Canada or the Orient.