Philippine Airlines Premium Economy: A New Way to Fly SFO to Manila

If you fly between San Francisco and Manila, you already know it is a long flight. Business Class is wonderful, but it isn't always within everyone's travel budget.

Now, Philippine Airlines is giving Bay Area travelers another option.

With PAL's new Airbus A350-1000 joining the San Francisco to Manila route, passengers can now choose Premium Economy, a nice middle ground between Economy and Business Class.

Why choose Premium Economy?

Here are some of the benefits you'll notice:

• More room: Wider seats, more legroom and deeper recline

• Smaller cabin: Only 24 Premium Economy seats in a 2-4-2 configuration

• More baggage: 2 checked bags up to 55 lbs each, compared with 50 lbs each in Economy*

• Dedicated check-in

• Priority boarding

• Priority baggage handling

• Upgraded dining and onboard amenities

For a flight as long as SFO to Manila, those little extras can make a big difference.

Let's start with the seat

PAL's A350-1000 Premium Economy cabin has just 24 seats in a 2-4-2 configuration, compared with 3-4-3 in Economy.

The seats are 19 inches wide with a 38-inch seat pitch, along with a deeper recline, footrest and legrest.

The 2-4-2 layout is especially nice if you're traveling as a couple. You can choose two seats together by the window without having another passenger seated next to you.

And yes, you can bring a little more

This may be one of our favorite Premium Economy benefits, especially when traveling to the Philippines.

Premium Economy includes 2 checked bags up to 55 lbs each, compared with 2 bags up to 50 lbs each in Economy.*

That's an extra 10 lbs of checked baggage per passenger.

And let's face it, when you're traveling to the Philippines, those extra pounds always seem to come in handy.

Priority from check-in to baggage claim

Premium Economy isn't only about what happens on the airplane.

Passengers receive dedicated check-in, priority boarding and priority baggage handling.

You'll board after Business Class passengers, giving you time to get settled and better access to the overhead bins. At your destination, priority baggage also means your bags receive priority handling.

A few more comforts onboard

Premium Economy also includes upgraded dining with complimentary meals and beverages featuring Filipino and international flavors. PAL's Book-a-Dish service allows eligible passengers to pre-order a preferred meal before departure.

The new A350-1000 Premium Economy seats also include larger entertainment screens, AC power, USB-A and USB-C charging, along with Wi-Fi options.

Is Premium Economy worth it?

It really comes down to the fare difference and what's important to you.

If getting to Manila for the lowest possible price is your priority, Economy still makes sense.

But if you want more room, extra baggage and priority airport services without paying for Business Class, Premium Economy gives you another option to consider, especially on a long nonstop flight like SFO to Manila.

And that's really what we like about it. Travelers now have another choice between Economy and Business Class.

Flying from San Francisco to Manila?

Ask us about Philippine Airlines Premium Economy. We can compare Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class fares for your travel dates and help you decide which option makes the most sense.