To ensure a smooth and hassle-free transit experience, transit passengers must be aware of the important reminders and guidelines below:

• Passengers with connecting flights must disembark from one aircraft and board a different plane to reach their destination.

   

• If the itinerary is under one ticket, passengers can check their baggage through—additional reminders for passengers with domestic connecting flights in Thailand.

   

  Note: It may not be possible to check bags through at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for domestic connections to Koh Samui, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchatthani, Udon Thani, and Krabi via Thai Airways, Lampang and Sukhothai via Bangkok Airways, and all domestic connections via Thai Smile. For further instructions, please inquire with the check-in agent.

   

• When connecting from an international to a domestic flight, it is important to note that even if your bags are checked through, you may still need to collect your luggage at the country's point of entry, have them cleared by customs, and then return them to the baggage assistance desk. The bags will then be transported and loaded onto your connecting domestic flight, depending on the airport. Certain flights have a transshipment agreement where bags can be collected at the onward domestic connection. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, the check-in counter agent should be able to assist you.

   

• If your itinerary is with different airlines, each flight ticket has its Free Baggage Allowance policy, which may not necessarily apply to connecting flights. Passengers should review the PAL Baggage Allowance and Fees and the other airline's website if the connection is with them.

   

• Passengers must ensure they have complete health and documentary requirements for their onward domestic and international destinations. Visit Travel Rules and Requirements for details. Passengers are responsible for reviewing additional travel requirements in the airport or country they are connecting to. Please check the airport or government website for details.

   

• Flights must meet the Minimum Connecting Time (MCT), which varies based on the carrier/terminal of arrival and departure. Please refer to the MCT timetable in Philippine airports for details.

   

• Passengers can easily navigate between terminals in Manila by downloading the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Transfer Guide. This guide provides step-by-step instructions to assist with the transfer process. For other international airports, passengers can refer to the airport’s website for transfer information.

The following are important reminders for passengers connecting from an international flight to another international flight at a Philippine Airport:

• The connection shall be the same day or within 24 hours from arrival.

   

• Passengers not leaving the airport will not need to present additional travel requirements.

   

• International transit passengers may be allowed to leave the terminal and enter the Philippines, provided all applicable Philippine travel requirements, safety protocols, and minimum public health standards are complied with.

   

• Passengers must ensure complete health and documentary requirements for their onward international destinations. You can go to Travel Rules and Requirements to learn more about this.

   

• Flights must meet the Minimum Connecting Time (MCT), which varies based on the carrier/terminal of arrival and departure. Please refer to the MCT timetable below in Philippine airports for details.

   

• If both of your flights are with PAL or the itinerary with another airline is under one ticket, we provide a shuttle transfer between the terminals in NAIA. However, if your flights are with a different airline under a separate ticket, you may need to take a shuttle service or other transportation option to travel between the terminals.

The following are important reminders for passengers connecting from an international flight to a domestic flight:

• The connection must be made within 24 hours of arrival.

   

• When connecting from an international to a domestic flight, it is important to note that even if your bags are checked through, you may still need to collect your luggage at the country's point of entry, have them cleared by customs, and then return them to the baggage assistance desk. The bags will then be transported and loaded onto your connecting domestic flight, depending on the airport. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, the check-in counter agent should be able to assist you.

• Passengers must ensure complete health and documentary requirements for their onward domestic destination. You can go to Travel Rules and Requirements to learn more about this.

   

• Flights must meet the Minimum Connecting Time (MCT), which varies based on the carrier/terminal of arrival and departure. Please refer to the MCT timetable in Philippine airports for details.

   

• If both of your flights are with PAL or the itinerary with another airline is under one ticket, we provide a shuttle transfer between the terminals in NAIA. However, if your flights are with a different airline under a separate ticket, you may need to take a shuttle service or other transportation option to travel between the terminals.

NAIA Terminal 1 International Flight to NAIA Terminal 2 Domestic Flight

Transfer Assistance: Should you have missed your connecting flight or require a boarding pass for your subsequent flight, kindly proceed to the Transfer Desk for assistance.

Customs Process: Collect your checked luggage at the NAIA T1 baggage area for customs clearance. Passengers on flights with transshipment agreements are permitted to claim their bags for Customs Clearance at their onward domestic destination. Eligible flights include PAL Japan and Canada flights to Davao, most PAL US flights to Davao (excluding PR101 and PR113), PAL HNL PR101 flights connecting to Laoag flight PR2198, and PAL flights connecting in Manila to Cebu flights PR1849, 2P2849, PR1853, and 2P2853.

Note: Customs clearance is a standard procedure in many countries to ensure the safety and security of passengers and citizens. This process is not unique to the Philippines or Philippine Airlines. During customs clearance, passengers are required to declare items such as currency or goods exceeding the duty-free limit to avoid delays or penalties.

Baggage Transfer: For flights without transshipment agreements, passengers must leave their bags at the baggage assistance desk after completing Customs Clearance prior to exiting the NAIA T1 Arrival area.

Transportation: Once you have left your checked baggage with the Baggage Assistance Desk, exit the NAIA Terminal 1 arrival area and proceed to the curbside to board the PAL shuttle service to NAIA Terminal 2.

The following are important reminders for passengers connecting from a domestic flight to an international flight:

• The connection shall be the same day or within 24 hours from arrival.

   

• Passengers must ensure complete health and documentary requirements for their onward international destinations. You can go to Travel Rules and Requirements to learn more about this.

   

• Flights must meet the Minimum Connecting Time (MCT), which varies based on the carrier/terminal of arrival and departure. Please refer to the MCT timetable in Philippine airports for details.

   

• If both of your flights are with PAL or the itinerary with another airline is under one ticket, we provide a shuttle transfer between the terminals in NAIA. However, if your flights are with a different airline under a separate ticket, you may need to take a shuttle service or other transportation option to travel between the terminals.

   

• Passengers with connecting flights to the United States and Australia, even if bags are checked through, must claim their baggage and undergo additional security checks upon arrival in Manila at the Baggage Screening Area. These are additional government requirements; you may visit the Airport Security Page for more details. Bags will then be transported and loaded onto your connecting international flight.

NAIA Terminal 2 Domestic Flight to NAIA Terminal 1 International Flight

Transfer Assistance: Should you have missed your connecting flight or require a boarding pass for your subsequent flight, kindly proceed to the Transfer Desk for assistance.

US-bound Passengers: Passengers traveling to the United States are required to claim their checked bags at the NAIA T2 baggage area and proceed to the Baggage Screening for the mandatory TSA additional inspection. After the inspection, passengers must leave their bags with the Baggage Attendants for transfer to NAIA T1.

Baggage Transfer: If your checked bags are checked-through and you are not traveling to the United States, your bags will be automatically transferred to your departing flight at NAIA T1.

Transportation: You may proceed to the Terminal Transfer Waiting Area entrance (TTWA) and board the PAL Shuttle service that will transport you to Terminal 1. Upon arrival at NAIA T1, kindly proceed to the Immigration Desk for clearance.

The following are important reminders for passengers connecting from a domestic flight to another domestic flight:

• The connection shall be the same day or within 24 hours from arrival.

   

• Passengers must ensure complete health and documentary requirements for their onward international destinations. You can go to Travel Rules and Requirements to learn more about this.

   

• Flights must meet the Minimum Connecting Time (MCT), which varies based on the carrier/terminal of arrival and departure. Please refer to the MCT timetable in Philippine airports for details.

   

• If both of your flights are with PAL or the itinerary with another airline is under one ticket, we provide a shuttle transfer between the terminals in NAIA. However, if your flights are with a different airline under a separate ticket, you may need to take a shuttle service or other transportation option to travel between the terminals.

Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) is the time a passenger needs to allow between connecting flights to ensure they can make the transfer without any inconvenience or delay. The MCT varies depending on the airport, terminal, and airline, and failure to meet the MCT may result in missed flights, disrupted travel plans, and additional expenses. To help passengers plan their connecting flights accordingly, Philippine Airlines has established the MCT timetable, which provides the necessary information to ensure a smooth and hassle-free transit experience.

*Minimum Connecting Time effective June 16, 2023.

Legend:

T1 = NAIA Terminal 1

T2 = NAIA Terminal 2

PR = Philippine Airlines

OAL = Other Airlines

DOM – Domestic

INT - International

Note: Due to additional safety and security measures, please allow ample time to transfer between terminals. These measures are in compliance with border control laws for all departing, connecting, and arriving passengers.

1. Do I have to check in again for a connecting flight?

    

   Passengers with a connecting flight with PAL can take advantage of the convenient check-through amenity, allowing a one-stop check-in for those originating from any PAL station with connecting flights to any PAL destination. In the case of a connecting flight with a different airline, the baggage will be checked through only if the itinerary is under one ticket. Additional conditions apply for flights with a connection to any domestic destination in Thailand,

    

   Note: It may not be possible to check bags through at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) for domestic connections to Koh Samui, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchatthani, Udon Thani, and Krabi via Thai Airways, Lampang and Sukhothai via Bangkok Airways, and all domestic connections via Thai Smile. For further instructions, please inquire with the check-in agent.

    

    

2. Do I need to collect luggage on a connecting flight?

    

   Whether or not you need to collect your luggage on a connecting flight depends on your itinerary and whether your bags have been checked through to your final destination. If your bags have been checked through, you do not need to collect them during your layover. However, if your bags are not checked through, you must collect them at the layover airport and recheck them for your next flight.

    

   When connecting from an international to a domestic flight, it is important to note that even if your bags are checked through, you may still need to collect your luggage at the country's point of entry, have them cleared by customs, and then return them to the baggage assistance desk. The bags will then be transported and loaded onto your connecting domestic flight, depending on the airport. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, the check-in counter agent should be able to assist you.

    

3. What is the recommended time allowance between connecting flights?

    

   It depends on the airport and airline and whether your flights are domestic or international. PAL's Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) varies depending on your itinerary. Please refer to the MCT timetable in Philippine airports for details.

    

4. Do I need a separate boarding pass for a connecting flight?

    

   If you are flying with PAL and have a connecting flight, you may be able to obtain all of your boarding passes during your initial check-in. However, please note that PAL can only issue boarding passes for connections with other airlines if those airlines are partners of the IATA Thru Check-in (IATCI) program. If your connecting flight is with an airline not part of the IATA Thru Check-in program, you will need to obtain your boarding pass from them directly.

    

   Partners of the IATA Thru Check-in (IATCI) Program: Air Canada (AC), All Nippon Airways (ANA) (NH), American Airlines (AA), Bangkok Airways (PG), China Airlines (CI), El Al Israel Airlines (LY), Etihad Airways (EY), Flydubai (FZ), Hawaiian Airlines (HA), Jet Airways (9W), Philippine Airlines Express (2P), Qatar Airways (QR), Singapore Airlines (SQ), Sri Lankan Airlines (UL), Swiss International Air Lines (LX), Turkish Airlines (TK), Vietnam Airlines (VN), and WestJet (WS).

    

5. What is the Minimum Connecting Time?

    

   The Minimum Connecting Time (MCT) is the shortest time required to allow you to timely connect between two flights. You must allow at least the required MCT or longer in able to timely connect to your flight, provided you connect to your next flight  within the day or 24 hours from your arrival. It varies depending on the airport, the airline, and whether your flights are domestic or international. Please refer to the MCT timetable in Philippine airports for details.

    

    

6. How much baggage is allowed for connecting flights?

    

   The baggage allowance for connecting flights may vary depending on the airline and the class of service you are flying with. It is recommended that you check the PAL Baggage Allowance and Fees page for information. In the case of connecting flights with other airlines, please check their website or contact them for specific details regarding the baggage allowance policy.

    

7. Do you have to go through security again during a layover?

    

   It depends on the airport and the airline. Some airports require passengers to go through security again during a layover, while others allow passengers to proceed directly to their next flight.

    

8. If my connecting flight departs from a different terminal at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, what are my transportation options for traveling to that terminal?

    

   If both of your flights are with PAL, we provide a shuttle transfer between the terminals in NAIA. However, if your flights are with a different airline, you may need to take a shuttle service or other transportation option to travel between the terminals.

    

   It is recommended that you visit the website of the airport you are traveling through for information on how to transfer from one terminal to another. Most international airports have a transportation system that can transport passengers between terminals.

    

9. How do you board a connecting flight?

    

   To board a connecting flight, you should refer to the gate information printed on your boarding pass, which will direct you to the designated gate for your flight. Follow the instructions and proceed to the indicated gate for your connecting flight. Make sure you are also in the correct terminal for airports with different terminals.

    

10. Is it necessary to adhere to an airport’s travel rules and regulations when connecting to a certain destination?

     

    Passengers are generally not required to present additional requirements or documents if they remain inside the airport during a layover to connect to another international destination. However, it is important to note that some airports may have specific requirements for transiting passengers, such as complying with immigration, health, and security regulations that apply to the country or region you are traveling to. Some airports may require additional documentation, such as a transit visa, to be presented upon arrival. It is crucial to stay informed about any changes in travel policies or restrictions that may affect your travel plans. We strongly advise checking the government website of the country you will be connecting to or the website of the concerned airport to ensure compliance with all requirements.

     

11. What happens if I miss my connecting flight?

     

    If your itinerary is under one ticket, and if you miss your connecting flight due to reasons beyond your control, such as a delay on your first flight, the airline may rebook you on the next available flight to your destination. However, if you miss your connecting flight due to your own fault, such as arriving late at the gate, PAL may charge a fee to rebook you on a later flight.

     

12. How do I find my connecting gate at the airport?

     

    You can find your connecting gate by checking the airport’s flight information display screens, which typically display gate numbers and departure times for all flights. Alternatively, you can ask for assistance from airport staff or follow directional signs to the appropriate gate.

     

13. Can I leave the airport during a layover at a Philippine Airport?

     

    Yes, you may be able to leave the airport during a layover, depending on the length of your layover and the visa requirements of the country you are visiting. However, it is important to factor in the time it takes to clear immigration and security when planning to leave the airport.

     

14. Do I need to re-clear customs during a layover?

     

    This depends on the country and airport you are connecting to. In some cases, you may need to clear customs during a layover if you are entering a new country. However, if you are connecting within the same country, you may not need to go through customs again.

     

    When connecting from an international to a domestic flight, it is important to note that even if your bags are checked through, you may still need to collect your luggage at the country's point of entry, have them cleared by customs, and then return them to the baggage assistance desk. The bags will then be transported and loaded onto your connecting domestic flight, depending on the airport. Please inquire directly with the check-in counter agent for details.

     

15. Can I book a hotel for my layover?

     

    Whether or not you can book a hotel for your layover depends on the specific airport where you will have your layover. If the airport permits it, you may be able to book a hotel, especially if your layover is more than a few hours. Numerous airports have hotels or lounges situated within the airport or nearby. Another option is to book a hotel offsite and arrange transportation to and from the airport.

     

16. Is there food or shopping available during a layover?

     

    Yes, most airports have a variety of dining and shopping options available for passengers during a layover. The availability of food and shopping options may vary depending on the airport and the time of day.

     

17. What happens if my connecting flight is canceled?

     

    In the event that your connecting flight is cancelled and all of your flights are with PAL, you may be offered the option to rebook on the next available flight to your destination or receive a refund for the affected portion of your journey. If your connecting flight is with another airline, it is advised to approach their ground staff or contact them directly. You can also check the flight information display screens for updates on alternative flights or compensation options.

     

     

18. What happens if I do not show up for my connecting flight with PAL?

     

    Tickets should be used in sequence as stated in the Conditions of Carriage that governs the terms of your ticket. If you do not show up for a flight (your “Missed Flight”) with connecting and/or returning flights, these onward or return flights will be automatically canceled. 

     

    As such, the “No-Show Downline” Cancellation is an automatic cancellation of your return or onward booking once the Missed Flight is tagged as “Non-User” or “No-Show” at the airport. 

     

    You may go to No-Show Downline Cancellation to learn more about this.

     

19. Do Philippine airports have lounges available for use?

Passengers traveling in Business Class, Mabuhay Miles Million Milers (with two guests), Mabuhay Miles Premier Elite (with one guest), and Mabuhay Miles Elite are eligible to access PAL's Mabuhay Lounge.

Eligible passengers may access partner lounges and Mabuhay lounges. To view the updated list of eligible lounges for international and domestic travelers, please visit  International Lounge – PAL or Domestic Lounge – PAL. For passengers who are not eligible, paid lounges are available in select Philippine airports. For further details, please refer to the links below:

• Manila Airport Facilities
• Cebu Airport Facilities

Please note that except for the lounges listed as PAL's partners, the establishments listed on airport websites are not directly affiliated with Philippine Airlines.

• Baggage Allowance and Fees
• Cebu Airport Facilities
• Domestic Lounge – PAL
• PAL General Conditions of Carriage
• Global Customer Support
• International Lounge – PAL
• Manila Airport Facilities
• Ninoy Aquino International Airport Transfer Guide
• No-show Downline Cancellation
• PAL Domestic Flight Terminals
• PAL International Flight Terminals
• Passenger Options – Flight Disruptions
• Travel Rules and Requirements