Airline: Philippine Airlines
Flight Number: PR105
Route: SFOMNL
Class: Business Class
Aircraft: Boeing 777300ER
Registration: RPC7778
Delivered: October 2016
Flight Duration: 14 hours
Distance: 6,987 Miles
Blogpost: https://travelingfoody.com/2023/11/17...
Mabuhay!
It has been a while since our last experience with Philippine Airlines longhaul Business Class. Our last journey with them on this route took place at the beginning of the pandemic, and we couldn't help but wonder if there have been any noteworthy changes since then. I'm delighted to share that the hallmark warm and attentive Filipino service inflight remains as inviting as ever. The inflight amenities and catering continue to be up to par with our previous flights. However, it's worth noting that PAL's lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) continues to be disappointing.
What I liked:
The Warm Service:
The inflight service provided by the crew left a lasting impression. Their professionalism was evident in their proactive and attentive approach, addressing us by name throughout the journey. The crew's warmth and commitment to passenger satisfaction were commendable. Notably, the meal service was thoughtfully paced, enhancing the overall inflight experience.
The Catering:
The catering on this flight surpassed expectations. The crew demonstrated excellence in both presentation and substance. The diverse array of wellprepared meals reflected a commitment to accommodating varied tastes. Beyond the aesthetic appeal, the flavors were exceptional, elevating the dining experience and contributing significantly to the overall satisfaction of our journey.
What I didn’t like:
The Golden Gate Lounge at SFO:
The Mabuhay Lounge, now rebranded as the Golden Gate Lounge, retains its familiar ambiance, which unfortunately includes its somewhat dated and confined layout. Seating remains limited, and our good fortune allowed us to secure a spot before the lounge reached its capacity. The food offerings, though acceptable, are not particularly expansive, featuring standard options like fruits, vegetables, charcuterie, cold sandwiches, pasta bowls, noodle soup, and assorted snacks. A modest selfserve bar complements a decent selection of beverages. Urgent renovations are advisable, especially in light of United's Polaris Lounge at SFO, which raises the competitive bar.
The Seats:
Turning to the inflight experience, the seats on this plane were the refreshed version of PAL's older Recaro angled flat business class seats on the Boeing 777300ER, arranged in a 232 configuration. While the seats do recline to a fully flat position, the layout does not allow direct aisle access for all passengers. Despite this limitation, the seats provided a pretty comfortable 14hour flight to Manila. PAL should definitely consider upgrading their longhaul business class seats, especially since to United offers the more modern and superior Polaris seats on the same route.
It’s OK, I guess…
The Inflight Amenities:
In terms of amenities, PAL's business class offerings strike a balance of comfort and function. Notably absent are pajamas and mattress pad, but they do provide a fullsize pillow and a highquality duvet in business class. Premium passengers are also treated to a Bric's soft pouch amenity kit, equipped with Payot toiletries, noisecanceling headphones, slippers, and a complimentary WIFI card. Despite the lavatories being on the smaller side, the crew kept them very clean throughout the flight.
Bottom Line:
In summary, our experience with Philippine Airlines' longhaul Business Class showcased the airline's enduring strengths, including warm and attentive inflight service and excellent catering. The Golden Gate Lounge at SFO, however, remains in need of a revamp to match the competition. The business class seats, while comfortable, lack direct aisle access for all passengers, which PAL needs to improve. The amenities are decent, with a notable absence of pajamas, but thoughtful touches like a wellequipped amenity kit and clean lavatories enhance the overall journey. While there are areas that could benefit from enhancements, PAL's positive aspects continue to make it a competitive choice for travelers.
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