Will share my 5 reasons why you should still fly PAL in spite of being late!
February 25th, our supposed to be the flight back to Japan so we went to the airport a bit early for us not to be late. However, the effort was found futile.
My husband has a thing about PAL (Philippine Airlines) He would not fly any other airline other than this. The high prices are not an issue for him as long as he’s comfortable. Ever since he visits the Philippines, he won’t go unless he flies with the airline. I, on the other hand, wanted to avail the cheaper ones, my reason, it is just a four-five hours flight from where we are. But no, he doesn’t want us. Until we encounter this. His fetish for the airline declined or so I thought…
THE WAITING
Upon seeing the information about our flight being delayed for an hour, I went to the PAL staff who were at the gate, informing them we have a flight to catch at 2:05 in the afternoon. It read 11:30 something as far as I remember (an hour late) We are supposed to arrive in Manila at 11:50 am. We waited for the boarding announcements but there was none, so I went up and asked.
“Maam, it is just an hour late so aabot po kayo sa flight nyo ng 2 pm” (Maam, it is just an hour late so you will still catch the 2 pm flight) was the answer. I wasn’t convinced, so I approached again after 15 minutes still no announcements for boarding. Told them, an hour after that if ever we cannot catch the flight at 2 pm, will they refund or rebook us for free?
Then, one attendant told me (and another passenger, a Japanese lady, who doesn’t know any English skills – had to explain to her what was happening that time) that our flight is delayed for an hour. Then came the announcement along with the ticker, because the airplane is still not ready. We departed almost 1 pm! Okay, so we are about to run in this case! Alright! Goodluck to us!
“Manila office will rebook you to the next flight and will arrange for your accommodation, worst case if you can’t catch the flight! So please do not worry, you will be taken care of..” the staff told us. We shrugged off in surrender because we cannot do anything but wait.
THE MARATHON
Arrived in Manila 1:30 pm and we have to go get our baggage then run for our international flight! It was so impossible, upon checking the time, we won’t make it, so while my two boys get the baggage, I ran to the Baggage Transfer/Customer Service Area to inform them (if not check us in while we get the baggage, we were facing the impossible, yes!) The staff was very helpful though but to no avail. Our plane won’t let us in anymore. So, the inevitable happened!
We are to ride the next flight, the next day! And yes, they will provide for our accommodation.
And as much as we would like to go home, upon reaching the hotel location where we are to stay, we retire and took a rest. After an hour or so, we decided to take a look and what the place can offer to us, tired travelers.
Hoola! We were amazed! We never thought! Haha! Yes!
Also Read: Strolling at Osaka
CENTURY PLAZA HOTEL
We didn’t expect the free accommodation could be a surprise! As the PAL staff assists us and called that our driver was on his way to fetch us, the agitating feeling of being “left by the airplane” slowly went away. And we took a series of photos. The place has the grandeur of a 4-star hotel or so I thought and googled for it, and was right!
We love the interiors and the details, looking at it is decorated in a Chinese setting and you can feel the warmth of the staff and the place itself!
me at the hotel lobby
It was also very accessible and just beside Harrison Plaza Shopping Complex. The buffet was awesome and the food was great! We did enjoy, the irony of it, right! Yes, I know 😀
preferred to enjoy and be optimistic 🙂
THE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD FLY PAL EVEN WHEN IT IS SOMETIMES LATE
- They will assume responsibility when the time calls for it.
- They will make sure you are perfectly taken cared of.
- They are the largest airline company in the Philippines.
- They have delicious meals onboard.
- They strive to serve you even how difficult the cases will be.
My family wants to extend our heartfelt thanks and for letting us experience Century Park Hotel. It added to our list of choices to stay when in Manila.
Glad it worked out for you in the end. Flying can be so unpredictable with overbooked flights and flight delays. It sounds like you made the most of it and enjoyed your experience in the end.
Yes, inspite of it all, we looked at the brighter sides.
I’m with you on this one. While my family normally flies Cebu Pac due to budget constraints, I would definitely choose PAL had I been given the financial liberty to do so. Their food is truly divine. And the service is much much better than the other Airlines. They are accountable for any mishap, and I think that’s the reason why they’re awarded a 4-star rating by SkyTraxx.
I can imagine the stress of being left behind but I’m glad that you guys were able to look at the positive of things. I love PAL, they have the most polite and attentive airline staff. They also run things smoothly, like in Siargao, if it’s a connecting flight, they would give you your complete flight itineraries and not make you check-in again when you reach the next airport. Sure it is a bit expensive than the low-cost carriers but the extra cost is worth it in my opinion.
My favorite Plane of all time. I love that they always take the responsibility whenever they fail to meet the time for departure time. I’ll be flying to Bangkok this coming Wednesday and I’ll be flying with PAL again. Anyway, I can really imagine how stressful it is to catch your connecting flight, but in all in fairness to PAL, they truly provide a great accommodation, which is the right thing to do. They really care about their passengers.
At least they put you up for the night – it could have been so much worse if you’d had to pay for your own accommodation or wait in the airport until your next flight! I’ll definitely check them out if I ever go to the Philippines.
I’ve actually never heard of PAL before but this is definitely intriguing. I travel a lot so it’s really good to know! Thank you 🙂
I honestly had never heard of this airline until I ran across your article. Sounds like a nice airline to fly with, especially if your flexible with your arrival time.
oh my gosh flying can be so stressful but at least it all worked out for you in the end & it looks like you had a wonderful time when it was all said & done – sometimes it just takes me a while to calm down after the stress!
Flying can be so unpredictable at times, but it’s great that this worked out for you! I’ve actually never heard of PAL Airlines before, but I’ll look into them when planning my next trip. Thanks so much for bringing this information to my attention! 🙂
I will definitely go for an airline that is more comfortable and has better food. It is a long time to be trapped and uncomfortable.
It is a rare thing to hear that a company does so much for their customer. I believe all companies should do that. If I ever fly to a the Philippines I will fly with PAL.
It sounds like it worked out well in the end. Flying is so unpredictable sometimes I find waiting is inevitable so if a company can take responsibility for that and put customers needs first its a win for me.
I used to fly PAL, that is until I had a harrowing experience two years ago when I flew to Korea for the first time. Flight to Incheon was delayed, I got very sick and nauseous during the flight because of bad turbulence, cabin crew were rude and snobbish. I kept on asking for a sickness bag but they did not attend to my request. They only came to my aid when the Korean lady sitting beside me practically shouted at the cabin crew in my behalf.
PAL is really a great airline. I’ve been with PAL whenever I visit my Family in the Philippines and their crew is really accommodating.
At least they’re assuming standard protocol for most contingencies. Though I don’t think there are airlines out there who would intentionally fail at service. It’s just a matter of angry emotions and a lot of people that cause delays after the first wave of issues.
These are all things that are so important when I look into traveling by air. I’m so glad that this company took such good care of you! That hotel was amazing!!
It sounds like you found a great way to travel! I always appreciate getting the inside scoop on companies before I make my arrangements.
Flying can be stressful! This looks like a great service and I hope to use it too!
I would love to fly PAL. To the Philippines especially. I’ve never been, but I will definitely look into the airline if I head anywhere in that direction! 🙂
I flew via PAL before. But considering the budget, we mostly fly through lower cost airlines. Although I really can’t deny how great their services are. Hoping that we can book through PAL in case we plan a trip to Auckland anytime this year or next year…
The hotel looks really beautiful and amazing.I am also a person who goes for low priced airlines.I usually dont experiment with anything pricey unless I get feedback from the people that they are worth price.They take very good care of you for the price you pay
Always good to find an airline which does some decent food! Sounds like a pretty efficient service. Will definitely consider using them if and when I head to the Philippines.