The Philippine Airlines baggage allowance on flights between the U.S. or Canada and the Philippines is two checked bags of up to 50 lb (23 kg) each in Economy, plus one carry-on up to 15 lb (7 kg) and a personal item. Business class gets two bags of up to 70 lb (32 kg) each.
That’s the short answer. If you’re bringing pasalubong, a balikbayan box, or a few extra bags home for Christmas, the details below can save you a lot of stress at the airport.
Philippine Airlines Baggage Allowance for U.S. and Canada Flights
PAL uses a “piece” system on these routes, which means the number of bags matters, not just the total weight. Here’s what’s included on flights between the Philippines and the U.S. or Canada:
| Cabin | Free checked bags | Carry-on |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (all fares, including Economy Supersaver) | 2 bags, up to 50 lb (23 kg) each | 1 bag up to 15 lb (7 kg), plus a personal item |
| Premium Economy (where offered) | 2 bags, up to 55 lb (25 kg) each | Same |
| Business | 2 bags, up to 70 lb (32 kg) each | Same |
A few rules apply to every cabin:
- Size: each checked bag can measure up to 62 inches (158 cm) when you add length, width, and height.
- Carry-on size: up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm).
- Hard weight limit: PAL won’t accept a single bag over 70 lb (32 kg). It has to be repacked.
Allowances can vary by route and fare, so always check the allowance printed on your e-ticket.
Can You Bring a Balikbayan Box on Philippine Airlines?
Yes, but PAL treats your box like any other checked bag. There’s no special allowance for balikbayan boxes, so it counts as one of your two free pieces and has to meet the same limits:
- Weight: 50 lb (23 kg) in Economy. Boxes shipped by sea are often packed much heavier, so this is where most people get caught.
- Size: 62 inches total. Measure length + width + height. A box that looks about right can easily go over.
- Strength: use strong tape or strapping so the box survives airport handling.
Here are a few tips before you head to the airport:
- Weigh it at home. A bathroom scale works. Hold the box and subtract your own weight.
- Spread the weight. Two boxes or bags at 45 lb each are easier than one at 70 lb.
- Keep valuables, medications, and documents in your carry-on.
- Pack power banks and spare lithium batteries in your carry-on, never in checked bags or boxes.
Too late to ship a box by sea for Christmas? Many forwarders suggest sending early in the season, so bringing it with you now may be the better option. See our guide to balikbayan box shipping deadlines.
How Much Are Extra or Overweight Bags?
If a bag goes over the limit, Philippine Airlines charges per piece. On flights between the Philippines and the U.S. cities PAL serves (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Honolulu, and New York), the airline’s chart lists:
- An extra (third) bag: USD 200
- An overweight bag (51–70 lb / 23.1–32 kg): USD 200
- An oversized bag (63–80 inches): USD 200
- Over 81 inches, or both overweight and oversized: USD 600
Charges for Canada are similar but vary by city. These fees can change without notice, so check Philippine Airlines’ current excess baggage chart before you fly. Sometimes it’s cheaper to shift a few pounds into another bag than to pay for the extra weight.
Connecting to Your Hometown? Watch the Domestic Leg
Many trips home involve a domestic flight after landing in Manila. Here’s what to know:
- On one ticket, your allowance covers the whole journey as shown on your ticket.
- On separate tickets, each ticket has its own allowance. Domestic fares are based on weight, and the cheapest option, Economy Supersaver, includes no free checked bag. Economy Saver includes 22 lb (10 kg), Economy Value and Flex include 44 lb (20 kg), and Comfort includes 55 lb (25 kg).
- If you connect to another airline, such as a budget carrier, that airline’s baggage rules apply.
Domestic baggage allowance on Philippine Airlines
This applies to domestic tickets booked separately from your international flight:
| Fare | Free checked baggage |
|---|---|
| Economy Supersaver | None |
| Economy Saver | 22 lb (10 kg) |
| Economy Value | 44 lb (20 kg) |
| Economy Flex | 44 lb (20 kg) |
| Comfort Class | 55 lb (25 kg) |
| Business Value | 66 lb (30 kg) |
| Business Flex | 77 lb (35 kg) |
Domestic allowances are by total weight, so you can split it across several bags. Each bag can weigh up to 70 lb (32 kg). Flights to Basco are limited to 22 lb (10 kg) in Economy.
A domestic bag that’s fine on your international ticket could mean extra fees on a separate booking. It’s one reason it can pay to book the whole trip together. Our agents can look at your route, and if you’re not sure which airport is closest to your family, see our guide to airports in the Philippines.
Holiday Travel Tips for Flights to the Philippines
Christmas is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Philippine Airlines has no special holiday baggage rules, but it does remind passengers to expect heavy traffic. A few tips:
- Check in online. Philippine Airlines’ online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes one hour before.
- Arrive early. Airport officials in the Philippines urged passengers to arrive at least three hours before international flights during the 2025 holiday rush, and it’s smart to plan the same this year.
- Stay within your allowance. Peak days mean long lines, and an overweight bag at the counter slows you down.
- Book early if you can. Flights fill up fast between mid-December and early January.
For more ideas, see our tips for a smooth balikbayan trip.
Need Help Planning Your Trip Home?
Baggage rules, fare types, and connections can get complicated, especially when you’re coming home with gifts for the whole family. At ASAP Tickets, our travel agents are available 24/7 to help you compare itineraries and understand what’s included. Call +1 844-300-7983 and let us help you get home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippine Airlines Baggage
How many bags can I check on Philippine Airlines from the U.S. to the Philippines?
Economy passengers can check two bags of up to 50 lb (23 kg) each. Business class passengers can check two bags of up to 70 lb (32 kg) each.
Does Economy Supersaver include a checked bag?
On flights between the U.S. and the Philippines, yes. It includes two checked bags. On domestic flights within the Philippines, Economy Supersaver includes no free checked bag.
Can I check a balikbayan box?
Yes, as long as it meets the same weight and size limits as any checked bag: 50 lb (23 kg) and 62 inches in Economy. A box counts as one of your free pieces.
What is the maximum size for a checked bag on PAL?
62 inches (158 cm) total, including length, width, and height.
How much is PAL’s overweight baggage fee?
On U.S. routes, PAL’s chart lists USD 200 for a bag weighing 51–70 lb. Bags over 70 lb must be repacked. Fees can change, so check PAL’s website before you travel.
Does my allowance apply to my domestic connection?
If it’s on the same ticket, the allowance on your ticket covers the whole journey. If you book the domestic flight separately, that fare’s baggage rules apply.
How much baggage is allowed on PAL domestic flights?
It depends on your fare. Economy Supersaver includes no free checked bag, Economy Saver includes 22 lb (10 kg), and Economy Value and Flex include 44 lb (20 kg). Higher fares include more. If your domestic flight is on the same ticket as your international one, your ticket’s allowance covers the whole journey.
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