Flying long-haul can be exhausting, especially on routes between Asia, North America, and the Middle East. That’s where Philippine Airlines Business Class — also known as “Mabuhay Class” — aims to transform the travel experience. From lie-flat seats and premium dining to priority airport services, Philippine Airlines has invested heavily in upgrading its premium cabins over the last few years.
Whether you are flying from Manila to New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Dubai, or Sydney, Philippine Airlines Business Class offers a comfortable and stylish way to travel. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the experience, including seats, food, lounges, entertainment, baggage allowance, and whether it’s truly worth the price.
What Is Philippine Airlines Business Class?
Philippine Airlines (PAL), the flag carrier of the Philippines, offers Business Class on both regional and long-haul flights. The airline brands its premium cabin as “Mabuhay Class,” inspired by the Filipino word “Mabuhay,” meaning “welcome” or “long life.”
Business Class passengers receive premium services from the moment they arrive at the airport until landing at their destination. These include:
- Priority check-in
- Lounge access
- Extra baggage allowance
- Flat-bed seats on long-haul aircraft
- Premium meals and beverages
- Priority boarding
- Faster baggage handling
PAL primarily operates Business Class on aircraft such as the Airbus A350, Boeing 777, Airbus A330, and Airbus A321neo.
Cabin and Seating Experience
One of the biggest highlights of Philippine Airlines Business Class is the seating, especially on the Airbus A350-900 fleet used on long-haul routes like Manila to New York and Toronto.
The A350 Business Class cabin features a modern 1-2-1 layout, meaning every passenger gets direct aisle access. Seats convert into fully flat beds measuring around 77 to 78 inches long, making overnight flights far more comfortable.
Solo travelers often prefer the window seats in odd-numbered rows because they provide additional privacy. Couples usually choose the middle seats where dividers can be lowered. According to travel reviewers, the cabin feels spacious and quiet due to the absence of overhead bins in the center section.
Features commonly included in the seat are:
- Adjustable seat controls
- Large entertainment screen
- USB and charging ports
- Reading lights
- Storage compartments
- Tray table for work or dining
- Pillow and blanket
While the newer A350 and retrofitted A330 cabins receive positive feedback, some older aircraft still feature outdated Business Class seats.
Airport Experience and Lounge Access
Business Class passengers enjoy priority airport services, including dedicated check-in counters and priority boarding lanes.
At Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, PAL offers access to the Mabuhay Lounge. The lounge includes:
- Filipino and international cuisine
- Snacks and beverages
- Comfortable seating
- Wi-Fi
- Shower facilities in selected lounges
Reviews of the lounge are mixed. Some travelers appreciate the relaxing atmosphere and local food offerings, while others feel the lounge quality does not fully match leading Asian carriers like Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways.
Still, the priority services can significantly reduce stress during busy travel periods.
In-Flight Dining
Food is an important part of the Business Class experience, and Philippine Airlines attempts to showcase Filipino hospitality through its menus.
Passengers are usually welcomed with champagne or juice before takeoff. Meals include a combination of Filipino, Asian, and Western dishes. On long-haul flights, multiple meal services are offered.
Popular menu items may include:
- Garlic rice with Filipino breakfast options
- Beef steak
- Seafood dishes
- Pasta
- Desserts inspired by Filipino cuisine
Travelers generally praise the friendly cabin crew and warm service style. However, food quality can vary depending on the route and aircraft. Some Reddit users described the meals as excellent, while others mentioned inconsistent quality on certain flights.
Unlimited beverages, including wine, cocktails, and soft drinks, are also included during the flight.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Philippine Airlines Business Class provides individual entertainment systems with movies, TV shows, music, and games.
The entertainment screens on newer aircraft are large and responsive, making long journeys more enjoyable. Noise-canceling headphones are not always available, though some travelers recommend bringing personal headphones for a better experience.
Wi-Fi availability depends on the aircraft and route. Some passengers reported surprisingly fast internet speeds onboard the A350, although occasional connection issues were noted.
Baggage Allowance
Business Class passengers receive a generous baggage allowance compared to Economy Class.
Typical allowances include:
- Two checked bags
- Up to 32kg or 40kg total allowance depending on route
- Priority baggage handling
- Additional cabin baggage allowance
This makes Mabuhay Class especially attractive for travelers carrying heavy luggage or shopping during international trips.
Best Routes for Philippine Airlines Business Class
The best Business Class experience is usually found on PAL’s long-haul routes using the Airbus A350 or upgraded A330 aircraft.
Popular premium routes include:
- Manila to New York (JFK)
- Manila to Los Angeles
- Manila to San Francisco
- Manila to Toronto
- Manila to London
- Manila to Dubai
Regional flights within Asia may use smaller aircraft like the A321neo. These flights still offer premium recliner seats and enhanced service, though not always fully flat beds.
Is Philippine Airlines Business Class Worth It?
For travelers seeking comfort without paying ultra-premium prices charged by Gulf or luxury Asian airlines, Philippine Airlines Business Class can offer excellent value.
The biggest strengths include:
- Comfortable lie-flat seats
- Friendly Filipino hospitality
- Competitive pricing
- Direct flights from Manila to major cities
- Spacious cabins on newer aircraft
However, there are also some drawbacks:
- Lounge quality can be inconsistent
- Some older aircraft still have outdated cabins
- Entertainment and Wi-Fi vary by route
- Food quality is not always consistent
Overall, PAL Business Class is especially worthwhile on ultra-long-haul flights where sleep and comfort matter most.
Final Verdict
Philippine Airlines Business Class has improved significantly in recent years. The newer Airbus A350 cabins compete well with many international airlines, particularly in terms of seating comfort and privacy.
While it may not fully match the luxury standards of airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates, or Qatar Airways, PAL delivers a solid premium experience with warm Filipino hospitality and competitive pricing.
If you value direct routes from the Philippines, spacious flat-bed seats, and attentive service, Mabuhay Class is definitely worth considering for your next international journey.
FAQs
Yes, long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A350 and selected Airbus A330s feature fully lie-flat beds.
Yes, Business Class passengers receive lounge access at eligible airports, including PAL’s Mabuhay Lounge in Manila.
Solo travelers usually prefer odd-numbered window seats on the A350 for extra privacy.
