SEPTEMBER 19, 2017
It was domestic flying time again. This time, i'm off to Cebu. Having flown many times with Philippine Airlines, I wanted to make a review of it. I usually fly early mornings to avoid those so called "air traffic congestions" which causes delay of flights. If you are able to wake up early then you can get those before 7am flights. I mostly go to 3 destinations in Philippines which is Cebu, Davao and Cagayan De Oro to visit our offices there.
My flight to Cebu was at 7am so I need to be in the airport 5:30am or 6am. i go to the airport early since I hate rushing. Philippine Airlines uses the NAIA Terminal 2 or which is called the Centennial Terminal. This terminal is dedicated to PAL Domestic and International flights. This Terminal is not as busy as the Terminal 3 so if you have an early flight then check-in and security checks will be a breeze.
The check-in counters of PAL are plenty. Not all are open but since there are only a few people there were no lines. I was flying Premium Economy to Cebu. Being in Premium economy, you are able to access the lounge and have your bags tagged "Priority". Also, you get to board with the Business Class Passengers. You get to have that "pretending to be business class" feeling (hahaha).
After the check-in process and the final security check it was off to the Mabuhay Lounge. The Terminal is quite old already. I think it will be almost 20 years old. What I like about it is that it has this natural light coming it which makes the area bright during the day. But with poor airconditioning it gets hot because it's all glass. I experienced that many times in this terminal. Also, there's not much to do in this terminal. Not enough food places to go to unlike Terminal 3.
The Mabuhay Lounge is located in a mezzanine like floor which is in between Arrival and Departure so you need to take the elevator or stairs. Upon entering you will be surprisingly greeted by the receptionists with a "Mabuhay". You'll definitely be awake after the greeting. The lounge is not really that big and it gets really crowded. You can have access if you are a Biz Class passenger, Premium Economy, High Level Mileage holders and some just come in being assisted by someone who works there just to have access. Also, there's not much selection in the lounge but decent if you are just there for snacks. There's no view of the outside as well. I usually stay for coffee and fruits then I go to the gate and wait.
Boarding was chaotic as always as most don't really understand what boarding by row means and being in the correct line as well. Nevertheless, I was able to board in no time.
Premium Economy was just behind the business Class section with 18 seats and it is being separated by curtains. With a pitch of 34" and width of 18", it's going to be a comfortable 1 hour flight. But being wide myself, there was still slight discomfort. Cabin was really cold and I like it. I'd rather be in a cold place than being inside an oven. I was even surprised there was a welcome drink for Premium Economy passengers.
Once boarding was done we were off. Cabin crew for domestic flights are really young and I think some of them are still being trained. I have nothing against that as long as they are doing a good job.
During the flight, sandwich was served with choice of drink and a yoghurt. For an hour flight that was good. It was filling I have to say. We were taken care of during the flight and the crew were nice. Everyone was working really fast because of the short flight. After the meal you only have a few minutes to rest then it's time to get ready for arrival.
Overall, the flight was good. Well, not much to expect for a short flight. Plane was clean, service was good, flight was smooth. I guess that's what matters most.
It was domestic flying time again. This time, i'm off to Cebu. Having flown many times with Philippine Airlines, I wanted to make a review of it. I usually fly early mornings to avoid those so called "air traffic congestions" which causes delay of flights. If you are able to wake up early then you can get those before 7am flights. I mostly go to 3 destinations in Philippines which is Cebu, Davao and Cagayan De Oro to visit our offices there.
Still quiet at the terminal.
PAL uses Terminal 2 for both Domestic and International flights.
My flight to Cebu was at 7am so I need to be in the airport 5:30am or 6am. i go to the airport early since I hate rushing. Philippine Airlines uses the NAIA Terminal 2 or which is called the Centennial Terminal. This terminal is dedicated to PAL Domestic and International flights. This Terminal is not as busy as the Terminal 3 so if you have an early flight then check-in and security checks will be a breeze.
Check-in counters at Terminal 2 are not yet busy at this time.
Small Terminal which uses natural light during the day. Still not crowded.
Took advantage to take pics while there's still a few people.
The check-in counters of PAL are plenty. Not all are open but since there are only a few people there were no lines. I was flying Premium Economy to Cebu. Being in Premium economy, you are able to access the lounge and have your bags tagged "Priority". Also, you get to board with the Business Class Passengers. You get to have that "pretending to be business class" feeling (hahaha).
Entrance to Mabuhay Lounge which is quite hidden.
After the check-in process and the final security check it was off to the Mabuhay Lounge. The Terminal is quite old already. I think it will be almost 20 years old. What I like about it is that it has this natural light coming it which makes the area bright during the day. But with poor airconditioning it gets hot because it's all glass. I experienced that many times in this terminal. Also, there's not much to do in this terminal. Not enough food places to go to unlike Terminal 3.
Buffet area of the lounge. Selection is just fine for a Domestic Lounge.
Zen like interior of the lounge. Not much people before 6:30am.
Got Ham and Cheese Sandwich, Banana and Coffee.
The Mabuhay Lounge is located in a mezzanine like floor which is in between Arrival and Departure so you need to take the elevator or stairs. Upon entering you will be surprisingly greeted by the receptionists with a "Mabuhay". You'll definitely be awake after the greeting. The lounge is not really that big and it gets really crowded. You can have access if you are a Biz Class passenger, Premium Economy, High Level Mileage holders and some just come in being assisted by someone who works there just to have access. Also, there's not much selection in the lounge but decent if you are just there for snacks. There's no view of the outside as well. I usually stay for coffee and fruits then I go to the gate and wait.
The plane that will take me to Cebu.
Boarding was chaotic as always as most don't really understand what boarding by row means and being in the correct line as well. Nevertheless, I was able to board in no time.
Premium Economy Seats
The seat had a good legroom.
Mandatory legroom shot.
Premium Economy was just behind the business Class section with 18 seats and it is being separated by curtains. With a pitch of 34" and width of 18", it's going to be a comfortable 1 hour flight. But being wide myself, there was still slight discomfort. Cabin was really cold and I like it. I'd rather be in a cold place than being inside an oven. I was even surprised there was a welcome drink for Premium Economy passengers.
Premium Economy behind Business Class
Once boarding was done we were off. Cabin crew for domestic flights are really young and I think some of them are still being trained. I have nothing against that as long as they are doing a good job.
Premium Economy passengers are served with a sandwich, yoghurt and drinks like juice or soda.
The Angus Sausage sandwich was really good.
During the flight, sandwich was served with choice of drink and a yoghurt. For an hour flight that was good. It was filling I have to say. We were taken care of during the flight and the crew were nice. Everyone was working really fast because of the short flight. After the meal you only have a few minutes to rest then it's time to get ready for arrival.
Baggage claim area of Cebu International Airport.
Overall, the flight was good. Well, not much to expect for a short flight. Plane was clean, service was good, flight was smooth. I guess that's what matters most.
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