Philippine Airlines MEL to LHR via MNL: $1424

[Melburnian1]

By using the rather tedious multi-city option at Philippine Airlines :: Home, I was able to observe a Y return fare of A$1424.52 (at a poor conversion rate from US$1250 which the site charges in this instance) for a booking from MEL to MNL on 5 February 2014 (overnight at own expense - suggest Makati); MNL - LHR on 6 February, returning LHR to MNL on 25 February and MNL to MEL after a five hour 35 minute layover in MNL on 26 February 2014.

This is quite a good Y fare considering that between MNL - LHR - MNL PR uses a modern Boeing 777-300ER.

The recent typhoon got a lot of publicity but much of the Philippines was unaffected. Boracay (the party isle) is open and trading although some resorts are using gensets as there is no mains power back yet.

One benefit of travelling this may be that the flights between MNL and LHR may be relatively empty. Unlike QF with its super early morning arrivals at LHR (0510 for QF9 ex MEL and DXB - horrid in winter) and also back in MEL, the PR mid afternoon arrivals and departures are 'friendly' to leisure travellers. Unlike another cheapie, Royal Brunei, PR serves alcohol including the famous and longstanding beer 'San Mig'.

It is annoying having to book each sector separately.

A good travel agent may be able to shave a bit off.

PR flies from SYD, MEL, BNE and DRW to MNL but not every day, while the LHR flights are five days a week, so you have to plan your days carefully as not every flight connects through to LHR or Australia as the case may be.

 

[ComeGroundWithMe]

Biggest issue is their FFP. I mean, how many times does one expect to use PR (unless if you actually need a direct flight to MNL)? Also, MNL is not a great airport, and lounge access is only for J pax flying on PR (Star Alliance Gold, Oneworld Emerald will be worthless on PR metal).

But fares are comparable to the mainland China carriers or Royal Brunei.

 

[Melburnian1]

I find its Mabuhay Miles FF program pretty good. It's easy to redeem flights.

You'd be surprised: many Australians have rellies in the UK or other parts of Europe. If they're affluent, they might do two trips a year to Europe.

What about small businessmen? They might sell widgets to Europeans and have to travel four or five times a year, but still be budget conscious. PR delivers a better level of service than Royal Brunei (I've flown both). I haven't flown the mainland Chinese carriers but CZ doesn't get an overly great wrap from some travellers.

MNL offers lots of connections to southeast and north Asia, along with the Middle East. PR also flies to the USA better than daily.

 

[ComeGroundWithMe]

I find its Mabuhay Miles FF program pretty good. It's easy to redeem flights.

But what about their (lack of) partners? Their FFP becomes useless the moment you don't fly on PR. With VA, for example, you still get miles and status recognition with EY, SQ etc. The mainland Chinese carriers have Skyteam and *Alliance. Royal Brunei, at least, has Asia Miles.

You'd be surprised: many Australians have rellies in the UK or other parts of Europe. If they're affluent, they might do two trips a year to Europe.

You misread my comment. I said, how many people actually need a direct flight to MNL - I didn't mention Europe or the need to get there. So unless you actually have business or relatives ONLY in the Philippines, the status is quite useless.

What about small businessmen? They might sell widgets to Europeans and have to travel four or five times a year, but still be budget conscious. PR delivers a better level of service than Royal Brunei (I've flown both). I haven't flown the mainland Chinese carriers but CZ doesn't get an overly great wrap from some travellers.

Again, it would be relevant if business is in the Philippines. Furthermore, PR has no partners to redeem with. So if I need to get to CDG, I'd have to fly on PR to CDG, and then buy another flight from LHR to CDG, to which, you would get no lounge access, or credit if you only have Mabuhay Miles.

What's the point when, for example, if I fly with *Alliance, Oneworld or Skyteam, I can book the whole thing on another partner's redemption? (eg. CZ to AMS, then Air France to CDG). I mean, even Etihad and Emirates, who are non-aligned airlines have many, many partners to achieve the same effect. PR doesn't.

MNL offers lots of connections to southeast and north Asia, along with the Middle East. PR also flies to the USA better than daily.

Again, would only be useful if you intend to fly only on PR.

 

[markis10]

Think I would take Royal Brunei for $100 less if I was in the market or QF for $200 given the points value.