This report is third out of four with the last, the most comprehensive, coming soon so keep tuned! ;-) Because I have already mentioned everything I wanted to say in previous reports, please head to them if comments needed. Otherwise great amount of comments of what can PAL do for their journey to get 5star airline expect next time.
Previous reports:
Dubai (DXB) - Manila (MNL)
Manila (MNL) - Sydney (SYD)
Airport
Ground handling is done by dnata in Sydney. The process was really efficient and quick. If you are a business class passenger, you are always priority for airlines so there was no line to queue, on the other hand economy line was so long. Although it is a huge airport I really liked SYD. It feels fresh, modern, with many luxury boutiques and a lot of day light. Nice.
In Sydney Philippine Airlines uses Singapore Airlines Kris Lounge which offers good service with showers, high quality food and drinks. I really liked those seats facing runways view. This breakfast was with a taste of airplanes…
Boarding was a bit confusing as there were many families with small children that boaarded first instead of us. Don't understand this policy. Upon boarding again all the crew knew my name, introduced themselves and were really nice. All amenities distributed. Load in J was this time only 50%.
There are also some pictures of their new cabins which make PAL proud:
Today's Menu:
Welcome drink (again they do not serve champagne as the welcome drinks) and meal orders taken. I was also surprised that during those two weeks I flew them last time they rollec out Dine on Demand service. In silence, not like all other carriers who always make great noise about starting a service like this.
Leaving Sydney with a nice view.
The meal service started with pretty good canapes. This time the did them really good way. I chose Dry Martini as an aperitif.
As the main course, there was a fish. I regret there were no prawns on the menu and I also do not understand why every meal on PAL is so spicy.
Then the lights were dimmed and we have time to rest. Ass I previously mentioned I really like that design feeling of those seats storage spaces lighting into the darkness of flying airplane.
In the mean time I decided to go for hot chocolate. Served with cold milk.
Prearrival meal was a cold one but I asked crew if they could heat me up one of the main courses from first service as I felt hungry. Unfortunately beef was not availible anymore so I went to pork which was really spicy (again).
Arriving in Manila, disembarking J and Y+ passengers first.
See you next time for all Pros and Cons of PAL!
Great review, I don't see many PAL J for this route reviewed so it is interesting to read your experience.
I have flown this route with Qantas, but I never tried PAL.
I have a very long experience of flying (5 times a year in the last 10 years) across the world with many different airlines and Philippines Airlines have surprised me in a good way. I was flying with the kid and everyone was very polite. My kid received an extra care being fed first, multiple free items for play, fresh blanket and priority passing through all the gates. The staff around the airport in Manila was very understanding and when we were late on our 4th flight due to our personal situation, the staff did absolutely everything to put us on the plane. We did it and I'm very grateful for their help and understanding. I will definitely buy the tickets with them again.
All flights were on time and very gentle journey in general.