Airlines, Airplanes and Airports - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 54

mwg12a

April 24th, 2009, 05:54 AM

Finally, we are also forgetting another key thing that possibly slows down flights returning from North America to MNL - load. There are simply more balikbayan boxes sent to the Philippines (I mean what balikbayan boxes are there to send to the US!?!) that add more weight to the vehicle. This puts more pressure on the engines to work harder to maintain the same amount of speed and altitude as a relatively lighter flight. But sometimes, the pilot may choose not to speed-up significantly and settle for a slightly slower airspeed.

Actually, not necessarily. I am not a pilot or what, but I know for a fact that the pilot gets "weight and balance" of their aircraft's load. Meaning, there is already a preset and standard amount of weight that the pilots and airline companies maximize before their aircrafts take off. So, there maybe less balikbayan boxes in their aircrafts bound for North America but these airline companies would still use that maximum allowable load on other cargoes.

Besides, most airlines flying to and from North America always make a stop over in their hubs in other asian countries with the exception of PAL, which means, those who left Manila would be dispersed to their other final destinations in North America, for instance, NWA would fly out of MNL to let's say Tokyo, then half of their passengers would take a connecting flight to all points of the US continents where they use as a point of entry in the US. In that case, those who would leave from Manila would either be taking LAX, SFO and Minneapolis. I think Detroit is taken out of those point of entries after NWA - Delta merger because of low profitability(not 100% sure of the real reason why).

Those who knows how to explain all these much better than I am can probably pitch in and even correct me if I am wrong.

Noize_320

April 24th, 2009, 05:56 AM

*quoting at @hybridace* : i think its the 747-400M you're taking about...dunno, maybe wla pa na refubished~

mwg12a

April 24th, 2009, 06:00 AM

kiretoce

April 24th, 2009, 06:03 AM

Someone has to use the labatory right?

Wow! I didn't know you can do your laundry while in flight? :nuts: ( :lol: )

:jk: :nocrook:

Corny pills! :bash:

mwg12a

April 24th, 2009, 06:07 AM

lavatory labotory, toilet and such who cares? So bite me LMAOOOOOOOOOO

kiretoce

April 24th, 2009, 06:16 AM

New flight rules eyed in Baguio (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090423-201080/New-flight-rules-eyed-in-Baguio)

Civil Defense experts are exploring an afternoon no-fly rule for Baguio’s Loakan Airport, in the aftermath of the April 7 helicopter crash that killed eight aides of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

In Ifugao, where the Bell 412 had crashed, the weather bureau has been constructing a weather observation outpost to help make sense of the region’s intemperate weather patterns, according to Salvador Olinares, Baguio weather observer.

Olive Luces, Cordillera director of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), said these were developments that surfaced from an April 15 emergency meeting of the regional disaster coordinating committee here.

Aftermath

The meeting was called following the Holy Tuesday crash that claimed the lives of Brigadier General Carlos Clet, Malacañang senior military assistant; Press undersecretary Jose Capadocia Jr.; undersecretary for Presidential Engagements and Appointments Malou Frostrom; three aides and the chopper’s two pilots.

Luces said the RDCC did not discuss the details of the crash because the meeting was to evaluate the rescue efforts.

But she said the Philippine Air Force Tactical Operations Group (TOG) offered the RDCC a few operational reforms for the airport.

Lieutenant Colonel Domingo Palisoc, TOG 1 group commander, had suggested that the airport tower be manned beyond office hours, Luces said.

No commercial flights

Operations at the Loakan Airport have slowed down because no commercial airlines used this route due to concerns about the restricted flight hours because of the afternoon fog.

“Here [in Baguio], even at 10 a.m., there is fog [and mist],” Luces said.

Asian Spirit was the last airline to operate here. The opening of an international airport at Poro Point in San Fernando City in La Union, a two-hour drive from Baguio, has also imperiled the continuous operations of the Baguio airport.

Luces said the TOG also wanted to deregulate the protocols for clearing pre-departure flights. Last-minute flight instructions, including the latest weather forecasts, are still radioed from Manila, she said.

Airport authorities said there were no specific prohibitions for afternoon flights in Baguio, but the OCD was exploring such a rule because of the city’s extraordinary climate patterns, she said.

Olinares said the weather bureau has state-of-the-art weather technology but needed to secure better data from “blind spots” like mountain regions.

mwg12a

April 24th, 2009, 06:24 AM

jogavilz

April 24th, 2009, 07:07 AM

i've noticed something unusual in the PAL A340 cabin that we used to go to manila from davao... the life vests were not securely placed beneath the seats. akala ko nahulog lang from my seat pero when we deplaned i saw other life vests na nahulog from other seats. sasna they will do something about this kasi when emergency strikes, many lives might be at risk... :)

bcanieso

April 24th, 2009, 08:47 AM

Oh man, that is not good. There should be an independent weather caster in Baguio area considering it has an unpredictable weather and dense fog setting in the area. It is very sad to know that Baguio has to rely on Manila's forecast instead of independent weather report in that area alone.

There's a remote weather equipment placed by PAGASA beside the Baguio control tower, it provides weather info to the controllers. The weather really gets obscured when it goes to the afternoon, from good to bad in just a matter of minutes. I remember one time we were in Bagabag airport enroute to Loakan airport when nearing the airport, we can still see the airport, when we made a pattern to make a landing it was suddenly covered with thick clouds, we decided to abort the landing and go back to Bagabag airport.:ohno:

Weather is unpredictable when in the mountains!

hybridace101

April 24th, 2009, 08:48 AM

*quoting at @hybridace* : i think its the 747-400M you're taking about...dunno, maybe wla pa na refubished~

Yup, that's the one. I believe its registration number is N754. Who thinks this has the worst cabin of all of PR's aircrafts?

Noize_320

April 24th, 2009, 09:37 AM

Yup, that's the one. I believe its registration number is N754. Who thinks this has the worst cabin of all of PR's aircrafts?

may new reg. na sya : RP-C7475..oh, may pic pala ako nya~ hehehe...

pi_malejana

April 24th, 2009, 10:39 AM

Cebu Pacific offers seat sale (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/158423/Cebu-Pacific-offers-seat-sale)
04/24/2009 | 03:22 PM

MANILA, Philippines- Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific Air, Inc.is offering a seat sale from all of its hubs in Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao until Thursday for June, July, & August travel, vice-president for marketing and distribution Candice Iyog said.

“We are positive that this seat sale will stimulate domestic and international travel during these traditionally lean months. This should support the growth of the tourism industry and help the country keep up with these challenging economic times," she said.

Cebu Pacific is offering a P599 one-way "Go Lite" fare for its Manila-Kota Kinabalu and Manila-Taipei services. This is also extended to services from Clark to Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore.

It is also offering a one-way P1,099 "Go Lite" fare for its Manila-Hong Kong, and Manila-Macau services. One-way "Go Lite" fares for flights from Manila to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh, and Singapore are sold at P1,599.

One-way "Go Lite" fares for CEB services from Manila to Shanghai, Jakarta, Guangzhou; Cebu-Hong Kong, and Cebu-Singapore are sold at P2,299. The P2,799 one-way "Go Lite" fare is available for flights to Kuala Lumpur, Incheon and Busan (Korea).

Cebu Pacific's one-way promo fare to Osaka, Japan is sold at P2,999.

For domestic flights, Cebu Pacific offers a P249 one-way ‘Go Lite’ fare for flights from Manila to Busuanga, Cebu, Iloilo, Laoag, Legaspi, Naga, and San Jose. One-way "Go Lite" fares for Manila-Bacolod, Manila-Dumaguete, and other Visayas destinations at P449.

One-way "Go Lite" fares from Manila to Mindanao destinations are sold at P1,349 except for Manila to Davao priced at P1,149.

Domestic fares are all-inclusive; international fares are exclusive of government taxes. Promo fares are non-refundable.

"Go Lite" fares are for passengers traveling with no check-in baggage. Passengers with check-in bags just have to add P200 to the fare. -GMANews.TV

romantic_guy08

April 24th, 2009, 12:06 PM

From pinoyexchange.com and now available sa PAL Website:

THE REAL DEAL 2-DAY INTERNET SALE EFFECTIVE 27APR09-28APR09
* Fares below inclusive of YQ surcharge. Other taxes (such as Philippine Travel Tax at Php1,620) are not yet included.
* To book, go to www.philippineairlines.com

Roundtrip Fares
MNL-BKK-MNL USD78
MNL-SIN-MNL USD78
MNL-JKT-MNL USD108
MNL-HKG-MNL USD58
MNL-MFM-MNL USD58
MNL-TPE-MNL USD38
MNL-SHA-MNL USD108
MNL-BJS-MNL USD108
MNL-SGN-MNL USD78
CEB-TYO-CEB USD162
MNL-OSA-MNL USD128
MNL-FUK-MNL USD162
MNL-NGO-MNL USD162
MNL-GUM-MNL USD148
MNL-SYD-MNL USD318
MNL-MEL-MNL USD318
MNL-HNL-MNL USD318
MNL-LAX-MNL USD418
MNL-SFO-MNL USD418
MNL-LAS-MNL USD418
MNL-YVR-MNL USD418

Oneway Fares
MNL-OSA USD108
MNL-SYD USD203
MNL-MEL USD203
MNL-HNL USD213
MNL-LAX USD303
MNL-SFO USD303
MNL-LAS USD303
MNL-YVR USD303

Conditions:
1. Sales/Ticketing: 27-28APR09 (valid only for internet sales)
2. Travel Period: (Regional) Jun 1 - Oct 15, 2009
(Transpacific One-way) Jun 1 - Dec 25, 2009 (Transpacific Roundtrip) Sept 1 - Dec 25, 2009
3. Validity: (Regional Except Australia) 8 Days
(Transpacific & Australia) 21 Days
4. Rebooking/rerouting/reissuance/upgrading/endorsement not permitted
5. Fare and surcharges are non-refundable
6. No child/infant discount
7. No Mileage Accrual/Service Class Upgrade

romantic_guy08

April 24th, 2009, 12:14 PM

http://www.philippineairlines.com/fares_and_promos/special_promos/other_promos/domestic_promo/domestic_promo_fares.jsp

PAL Seat-All-You Promo...

Regular Economy daw ito and not Econolight

SECTOR FARE BASIS BCC ALL-IN ONE WAY FARE (PHP)
MANILA - CEBU or VV WXX W 488
MANILA - ILOILO or VV WXX W 488
MANILA - LAOAG or VV WXX W 488
MANILA - LEGASPI or VV WXX W 488
MANILA - BACOLOD or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - DUMAGUETE or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - KALIBO or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - PUERTO PRINCESA or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - ROXAS or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - TACLOBAN or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - TAGBILARAN or VV WXX W 788
MANILA - BUTUAN or VV WXX W 1888
MANILA - CAGAYAN DE ORO or VV WXX W 1888
MANILA - COTABATO or VV WXX W 1888
MANILA - DAVAO or VV WXX W 1888
MANILA - DIPLOG or VV WXX W 1888
MANILA - GENERAL SANTOS or VV WXX W 1888
MANILA - ZAMBOANGA or VV WXX W 1888

habagatcentral1

April 24th, 2009, 12:15 PM

^^ Yeah right...di nanaman ako makakabili...:cry: Laging ganyan ang promo...kung kelan merong pera, walang promo; walang pera, may promo.

romantic_guy08

April 24th, 2009, 12:24 PM

^^ Yeah right...di nanaman ako makakabili...:cry: Laging ganyan ang promo...kung kelan merong pera, walang promo; walang pera, may promo.

Kaya nga, kasi if may pera ka daw, you can buy regular fares...pero if alang pera, kunin mo nalang yung promo...ahahahha....:nocrook: :jk: :nuts:

Gusto ko pumunta ng Iloilo... 488 lang oh...kaya lang time problema ko...argh...

jogavilz

April 24th, 2009, 12:35 PM

may new reg. na sya : RP-C7475..oh, may pic pala ako nya~ hehehe...

i think all 747s meron na.... nakakita ako ng rp-c7473

michael_ray

April 24th, 2009, 04:52 PM

hybridace101

April 24th, 2009, 05:10 PM

That is great! It is P2,000+ cheaper than econolight. The only problem is that my hopeful travel dates fall outside the promo period.

hikouki

April 24th, 2009, 06:48 PM

Question about PR's service:

1. For those who travelled on Econolight, can you move around the economy class cabins after the meals have been served?

...

Why would their movement around be restricted? EconoLight are seated at the back, but I think some Fiesta passengers prefer sitting there, too. I have heard of some EconoLight passengers being assigned seats further up, and even being sandwiched by some Fiesta passengers.

They don't get served meals. That doesn't mean they'll relieve themselves in an arinola, too. LOL!

Question about PR's service:

...

2. Is the 747 with arabic writing and old PTVs in economy class in use going to LAX? Do you think this is the worst of PR's aircrafts? I read in reviews that one of the passengers' flights seats are worn-out and I'm thinking its this 747 they're talking about.

All of PAL's non-refurbished 744s have very worn-out seats. N751PR and N754PR have both been refurbished and re-registered as RP-C7471 and RP-C7475, respectively.

RP-C7475 is seldom used to LAX. It is usually used to Japan and sometimes to SFO. I read somewhere that it does not have a proper crew rest for long-hauls and has a different number of premium and economy seats than the rest of the fleet.

in_a_rush

April 24th, 2009, 06:58 PM

wow! im going to singapore in june and guam in august! saktong-sakto ang promo ng PAL!!!! wohooo!!:banana::banana:

hybridace101

April 24th, 2009, 07:06 PM

hikouki,

Did they ever tell you that those that flew the N754PR (apologies if I'm not used to the new reg #) was nicknamed the "sorry flight?" It's perhaps most painful to fly there from SFO to MNL as there is a stopover involved in GUM. You also appear to be right when it says it is in use to NRT. It is also usually used for PR306/307 (between MNL and HKG) and in the recent times I visited HKG, it is usually delayed. In fact, the last time I was in HKG, it PR307 using the N754PR hasn't departed and there were less than 2 hours remaining before my flight, PR311. Moreover, when we returned to MNL, the N754 under flight PR104 to SFO was still boarding and it was between 23.30 and midnight.

So it's N752 and 3 that's pending for refurbishment? If that's the case, N754 has the exact same configuration as the new N751?

Until I get word that all 747s of PR have been refurbished, I would avoid them and just settle for the A343. The good thing about the A343s, especially if it you're travelling on coach is its age is younger than the 747s, a guaranteed airshow to be shown at various times and the 2-4-2 abreast rather than the 3-4-3 abreast of the 747.

marlowe_cano

April 24th, 2009, 08:16 PM

Top 10 Airports in the Philippines in terms of Number of PAL Flights

1. Ninoy Aquino International Airport - 871 flights/week

2. Mactan-Cebu International Airport - 153 flights/week

3. Godofredo Ramos Airport (Caticlan) - 84 flights/week

4. Francisco Bangoy International Airport - 61 flights/week

5. Lumbia Airport (CD O) - 58 flights/week

6. Iloilo International Airport - 56 flights/week

7. Bacolod-Silay International Airport - 49 flights/week

8. Daniel Romualdes Airport (Tacloban) - 35 flights/week

9. Zamboanga International Airport - 31 flights/week

10.Puerto Princesa Airport - 25 flights/week

source: http://alvinrexlucero.wordpress.com/

hybridace101

April 24th, 2009, 08:22 PM

Sorry, I just don't know where else to place this. My top 10 airports globally (that I've been to) are as follows:

1. DXB
2. AMS
3. SIN
4. HKG
5. YVR
6. IST
7. KUL
8. LAS (domestic terminal)
9. MCO
10. SFO (international terminal)

Which of these would make your top 10 lists?

marlowe_cano

April 24th, 2009, 08:42 PM

michael_ray

April 24th, 2009, 09:07 PM

Lucentino

April 24th, 2009, 09:13 PM

^I think its better to take PR than NWA for MNL-LAX...:cheers1:

I hope PR would fly straight to MKE (in my dreams!)... :)

michael_ray

April 24th, 2009, 09:27 PM

PR is much better than NWA. The latter's food sucks.

Lucentino

April 24th, 2009, 09:38 PM

^And some economy class FA's as well... its like they're always tired or just got out of bed (may sumpong)... Delta should look into this and retire those old ones...

Kaso lang sayang ang WorldPerks™ Miles... :lol:

kiretoce

April 24th, 2009, 10:32 PM

I hope PR would fly straight to MKE (in my dreams!)... :)

You're from Milwaukee, WI?

bariQ

April 24th, 2009, 11:02 PM

PR is much better than NWA. The latter's food sucks.

i beg to disagree! lol i dont know. theyre the only carrier ive rode with :nuts:

kiretoce

April 24th, 2009, 11:14 PM

^^ Because they're the only US mainline carrier to fly between the Philippines and the United States. There are others out there better than NW; DL, UA, and AA come to mind first. :okay:

Jarvijarv

April 24th, 2009, 11:30 PM

PR MNL-LAX

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3201341442_15ef955ee5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3201348922_1c80bcf290.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3201345344_34b6647705.jpg?v=0

^^
I've been on many PAL flights and loved every minute of it. This reconfiguration and enticing meal will solidify my patronage to this airline on my return trips to Manila!! :banana2:
What a way to treat Economy (Fiesta) Class!!...can't wait to book my next flight....oh, can you imagine what the new B777 planes will look like!!

hybridace101

April 24th, 2009, 11:32 PM

dubai po ba ang DXB?

That's right!

And to the one who gave pics of the refurbished 744, it pretty much reminds me that PR beats other carriers as a few of the other western carriers I know choose not to refurbish the coach class section of their 744s. For instance, NW, KL and UA are keeping their 744 coach class untouched even as their respective business class in the same aircraft (as well as their coach class of other long-haul aircraft) change. Why do so?

What could be even best, after all aircrafts due for refurbishment are done so, airfare between MNL and the west coast will more or less stay the same.

diz

April 25th, 2009, 02:08 AM

whoa nice cabin! the screens are huge!!
i wanna ride PAL next year.

hikouki

April 25th, 2009, 02:59 AM

Did they ever tell you that those that flew the N754PR (apologies if I'm not used to the new reg #) was nicknamed the "sorry flight?" It's perhaps most painful to fly there from SFO to MNL as there is a stopover involved in GUM. ...

No I never asked anyone who flew N754PR, because I flew it several times. SFO-MNL, MNL-HKG and HKG-MNL, etc. The only sorry thing that time is that the PTVs weren't working.

hikouki,

... You also appear to be right when it says it is in use to NRT. It is also usually used for PR306/307 (between MNL and HKG) and in the recent times I visited HKG, it is usually delayed. In fact, the last time I was in HKG, it PR307 using the N754PR hasn't departed and there were less than 2 hours remaining before my flight, PR311. Moreover, when we returned to MNL, the N754 under flight PR104 to SFO was still boarding and it was between 23.30 and midnight.

...

NRT is where it is used often so that LAX and SFO will have the same config. All the other four 744s have similar configs. But N754PR substitutes occasionally, but usually to SFO so as not to mess up the bookings for LAX.

In-between longhauls, the 744s fly to HKG, CEB, sometimes BKK, and of course the spare one does NRT.

hikouki,

... In fact, the last time I was in HKG, it PR307 using the N754PR hasn't departed and there were less than 2 hours remaining before my flight, PR311. Moreover, when we returned to MNL, the N754 under flight PR104 to SFO was still boarding and it was between 23.30 and midnight.

...

My flights on N754PR have never been delayed. There are many reasons for delay, apart from "equipment malfunction."

...

Until I get word that all 747s of PR have been refurbished, I would avoid them and just settle for the A343. The good thing about the A343s, especially if it you're travelling on coach is its age is younger than the 747s, a guaranteed airshow to be shown at various times and the 2-4-2 abreast rather than the 3-4-3 abreast of the 747.

The new config for RP-C7475 still has less seats than the config for RP-C7471 (refurbished). Look it up on their web site, it's already been there for a week or two!

bariQ

April 25th, 2009, 04:53 AM

^^ Because they're the only US mainline carrier to fly between the Philippines and the United States. There are others out there better than NW; DL, UA, and AA come to mind first. :okay:

speaking of american carriers? im going from SFO to ORD. its gonna be my first time. which carrier is good? cheap? i tried booking delta its like 364 round trip... but i wanna know if there are better deals.. also (safer) coz im a flyingaplaneophobic

kiretoce

April 25th, 2009, 05:02 AM

^^ UA and AA maintain hubs in ORD, and they have nonstop flights from SFO. On Travelocity, they have roundtrip prices at $256 (plus tax).

Ph Man

April 25th, 2009, 05:15 AM

Question about PR's service:

1. For those who travelled on Econolight, can you move around the economy class cabins after the meals have been served?

2. Is the 747 with arabic writing and old PTVs in economy class in use going to LAX? Do you think this is the worst of PR's aircrafts? I read in reviews that one of the passengers' flights seats are worn-out and I'm thinking its this 747 they're talking about.

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES
SEAT-ALL-YOU-CAN PROMO

http://www.philippineairlines.com/fares_and_promos/special_promos/other_promos/domestic_promo/domestic_promo_fares.jsp

That's cheap! Thanks for the info. Now where's the best place to go this time of the year?

The good thing about this promo over Econolight is...It's got less restrictions.
Edit: Checked out the site. I was wrong. Restrictions are the same as Econolight. So it's like an Econolight fare overall.
Why would their movement around be restricted? EconoLight are seated at the back, but I think some Fiesta passengers prefer sitting there, too. I have heard of some EconoLight passengers being assigned seats further up, and even being sandwiched by some Fiesta passengers.

They don't get served meals. That doesn't mean they'll relieve themselves in an arinola, too. LOL!

:lol:

You can move around, but not change seat without the FA's knowledge. They put a yellow "no frills" sticker on your seat. This sort of warns the FA's that "hey, this poor guy should not be served with crackers and juice...he gets unlimited nuts instead....":nuts: Hehehe...At least, that's how I felt when I flew on Econolight from MNL to CEB. Who cares?, I'll bring along lots of food next time. At least I paid very little for that flght. :banana: But it's only Php400 cheaper than the cheapest Economy fare.

PR MNL-LAX

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3201346500_602d7e874e.jpg?v=0

I love your photos esp the last one. :okay: What's your seat #? I think it has the nicest view in a B744.

hybridace101

April 25th, 2009, 06:32 AM

No I never asked anyone who flew N754PR, because I flew it several times. SFO-MNL, MNL-HKG and HKG-MNL, etc. The only sorry thing that time is that the PTVs weren't working.

NRT is where it is used often so that LAX and SFO will have the same config. All the other four 744s have similar configs. But N754PR substitutes occasionally, but usually to SFO so as not to mess up the bookings for LAX.

In-between longhauls, the 744s fly to HKG, CEB, sometimes BKK, and of course the spare one does NRT.

My flights on N754PR have never been delayed. There are many reasons for delay, apart from "equipment malfunction."

The new config for RP-C7475 still has less seats than the config for RP-C7471 (refurbished). Look it up on their web site, it's already been there for a week or two!

1. You mentioned something about avoiding messed-up bookings for LAX. But won't SFO bookings be messed-up if RP-C475 will be deployed?

2. I checked the website of PR and I didn't see anything about RP-C7475 being refurbished, just the seat map. If anyone has a pic on the refurbished RP-C7475, kindly upload it.

3. On another topic, what days during off-peak season are transpacific flights not full (i.e. 75% load or less)? I understand we have 2 peak seasons in addition to Christmas to consider: first is the "Philippine summer" (March-May) and the other is the traditional summer in the northern hemisphere (June-September).

4. As I said, I am quite pleased PR is taking the initiative to entirely upgrade its 747 fleet. Other airlines like UA, NW and KL, while they have new aircraft with PTVs on all seats, don't upgrade the economy class section of their 747s while introducing lie flat business class seats with AVOD. Why do they choose to only partially refurbish their existing 747 fleet (i.e. not include economy)? Are there constraints in the electricity (or any other) requirements besides funding/costs that airlines need to consider when upgrading the cabin in their aircraft? The funny part is KLM introduced AVOD to all seats in some of their MD-11s.

5. Jarvijarv: As for your wish for the new 77Ws, I look forward to them. I just hope they won't be like EK where it is 3-4-3 abreast. That is just too cramped!

Dreamtofly

April 25th, 2009, 08:34 AM

Ganda naman ng PAL 747. Yan ba yung bago na set-up ng PAL 747. Naka sakay ako dati sa PAL 747 papuntang UK. na upgrade kami boung family sa business Class. Sana balik ng PAL ang Knailang europe route.

mwg12a

April 25th, 2009, 08:43 AM

There's a remote weather equipment placed by PAGASA beside the Baguio control tower, it provides weather info to the controllers. The weather really gets obscured when it goes to the afternoon, from good to bad in just a matter of minutes. I remember one time we were in Bagabag airport enroute to Loakan airport when nearing the airport, we can still see the airport, when we made a pattern to make a landing it was suddenly covered with thick clouds, we decided to abort the landing and go back to Bagabag airport.:ohno:

Weather is unpredictable when in the mountains!

Oh really? I didn't know that. Now, I know.. thanks though!

mwg12a

April 25th, 2009, 08:49 AM

PR MNL-LAX

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3201325382_4a3a1faca0.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3201331820_c5b9dc979c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3201355586_f77551336e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3201341442_15ef955ee5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3201348922_1c80bcf290.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3201345344_34b6647705.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3201346500_602d7e874e.jpg?v=0

Whoaaaaa!! This are nice. I have never seen the refurbished PAL B744 before. This is more than just okay. It's nice... So, PAL's 747 service MNL -LAX only? or SFO and Vegas also? Where do they usually deploy the 747s? And when are they going to refurbished their Airbuses, that A340/330?

I think it's time for me to try PAL to MNL.

hybridace101

April 25th, 2009, 10:08 AM

Whoaaaaa!! This are nice. I have never seen the refurbished PAL B744 before. This is more than just okay. It's nice... So, PAL's 747 service MNL -LAX only? or SFO and Vegas also? Where do they usually deploy the 747s? And when are they going to refurbished their Airbuses, that A340/330?

I think it's time for me to try PAL to MNL.

Hmmm... at this time, at best your chances of riding on a refurbished 747 is 50/50 (if RP-C7475 is refurbished to be similar to RP-C7471). The 747s are deployed to SFO, LAX, HKG, NRT and CEB.

I would count the A330s out from refurbishment so if you're going to Australia, you will have to settle for more primitive seats for that long flight. However, last year, they said that the A340s will also be subject to refurbishment but in more recent press releases, they haven't mentioned anything about it.

mwg12a

April 25th, 2009, 10:26 AM

^^^^ Maybe arianspace and tonyboy would know somehow. I hope they don't mind spilling the beans jusssssssst a little bit as long as it is legally safe for them to do so.

From what I have read in the past, if my memory serves me right, PAL do have plans of refurbishing the airbuses, perhaps you maybe right, it's the A340. Hopefully, they would include the A330 as well. I can't wait until PAL would really procure the new B777ER.

BTW, i have been in PAL's A330 on one of my Philippine domestic travel and i wouldn't consider it as really as too primitive. I actually find those a bit more comfy than NWA's economy seats. They just lack inflight TV/Monitors overhead which are mostly smaller. I might not take PAL to go to Australia since I am not based in the Philippines. I might end up with Qantas , european or any US carriers.

hybridace101

April 25th, 2009, 10:32 AM

^^

Actually, what I meant by primitive is that no AVOD or lie-flat seats. I have nothing against the A330 or A340 and in fact they're my preferred aircraft on PR's fleet considering the airshow, which I find very important, works there.

Would you also know why PR can afford to refurbish the entire cabin of its 747s, acquire new aircraft with a great cabin while other airlines like KL, NW, TG and UA decide to refurbish business class of their 747s while leaving the economy class section practically unchanged even if they acquire new aircraft which has new cabins across both classes?

One more thing: my parents just arrived from CEB and told me that PR coming from there can be unreliable and can be subject to many delays and cancellations. Their original flight was cancelled and had to rebook on another flight which was delayed. Considering weather is relatively reasonable for flying, what are the other factors that dictate if a flight gets cancelled?

For Econolight passengers, what will happen to them if the flight they get booked in gets cancelled? Are they entitled to be rebooked automatically on another flight?

Maxxclip

April 25th, 2009, 10:44 AM

Considering weather is relatively reasonable for flying, what are the other factors that dictate if a flight gets cancelled?

air traffic?
on strike(rally)
coup
accident

romantic_guy08

April 25th, 2009, 10:49 AM

mwg12a

April 25th, 2009, 10:57 AM

The entire B744 and A343 will be refurbished daw, although this has been delayed...

THe first B77W will be delivered to PR by November this year, cabin crew are now training for the new aircraft daw...

So, you are not sure yet? I know even a343 would also be refurbished, i just hope that they would do that in their a330 as well.

Ph Man

April 25th, 2009, 12:04 PM

ianers_ianized

April 25th, 2009, 12:09 PM

There is AirCalin already in NAIA... but I think that is a charter flight only for shipcrews. Any more info about this....

arianespace

April 25th, 2009, 12:49 PM

^^
The planned program 5 years ago was that all widebodies should be refurbished to better compete and they are supposed to be all done now after going out from D-check. The A330 was supposed to be the next in line with announcement last year that by 2010 all widebodies should have AVOD. The 330 was condition on the 2008 earnings which was bad at the start of the year. If things were right, it was also the date to announce the decision on the A380.

But finances was not rosy that year. What the CFO decides the CEO follows. The CFO decided to shelved the idea of the 380 and the refurbishment in favor of the long hauler. In the middle of the year, the condition becomes bad to worst prompting them to suspend the A340 and go ahead with just 2 744's only. So bad that they contemplate to suspend it indefinitely until things went better in December that they agreed to finance the 3rd one.The 4th one will still be subject to March earnings which is better than first half. But that is as far as they could go as they will still have to recoup losses and prepare more cash to pay the lease delivery of the triple seven in November.

The original schedule in the contract was September 2 and the second one in December. So based on the 2005 contract, they should have 2 brand new planes at the end of the year. And it was not Boeing which deferred its delivery due to strike at their plant but PAL because they were already negotiating deferral before the strike, meaning, they were having a hard time already raising money to pay the lease deposits when they arrive.

The FAA category 2 may end up a blessing in disguise for them because it gave them excuse to defer further the 4 remaining planes on order, until things get better this year and next year to which the old CFO thought is bleak. The airlines objective now is to save more money and maximized resources.

The decision is understandable. Why would you pay for planes that is not earning for you. Remember, new one were procured for the north american market because its where they have the most healthy load, to the extent that if you take away other international routes they will register a positive income even if you tied hedges on it. You must also know that PAL is operating a loss on its domestic routes. They are actually subsidized by the Asia Pacific income if not for costly hedge.

As to US Airlines, Their finances are not good either to call for upgrades. In fact most of their refurbishment plans were killed at the consolidation stage. Orders were even deferred and cancelled. Northwest are not taking anymore the 787. It probably becomes a 777 Delta deferral. Its good for PAL that they managed to do this things while others simply can't.

Well, that is the price you pay for simply being too big!

hikouki

April 25th, 2009, 12:53 PM

FYI, four of PAL's 744s have the same number of seats. Only RP-C7475 has a different layout with LESS seats.

1. You mentioned something about avoiding messed-up bookings for LAX. But won't SFO bookings be messed-up if RP-C475 will be deployed?

...

As per some other poster's info (in a different message board), LAX has to have more seats. Try to figure out what will happen if say RP-C7471 is supposed to operate LAX and for some reason, RP-C7475 is swapped.

...

2. I checked the website of PR and I didn't see anything about RP-C7475 being refurbished, just the seat map. If anyone has a pic on the refurbished RP-C7475, kindly upload it.

...

Check again:
http://www.philippineairlines.com/flights/seat_map/seat_map.jsp

The 391-seater is RP-C7475. It used to have 398.

Noize_320

April 25th, 2009, 01:00 PM

^^ 747-400Ms have larger cargo space daw...am i right?

hikouki

April 25th, 2009, 03:14 PM

^^ 747-400Ms have larger cargo space daw...am i right?

The rear 1/3 of the main deck is a cargo hold, in addition to the traditional cargo hold below. However, the main deck cargo area can be converted to become a passenger area as well.

PAL's lone 747-469M and all of Lufthansa's 744Ms are flying as full-passenger 747s.

michael_ray

April 25th, 2009, 06:48 PM

michael_ray

April 25th, 2009, 06:54 PM

i beg to disagree! lol i dont know. theyre the only carrier ive rode with :nuts:

Try flying with PAL. I bet, you'll change your mind. Hehe

michael_ray

April 25th, 2009, 06:56 PM

speaking of american carriers? im going from SFO to ORD. its gonna be my first time. which carrier is good? cheap? i tried booking delta its like 364 round trip... but i wanna know if there are better deals.. also (safer) coz im a flyingaplaneophobic

What about jet blue? I am not sure though...

michael_ray

April 25th, 2009, 07:14 PM

That's cheap! Thanks for the info. Now where's the best place to go this time of the year?

The good thing about this promo over Econolight is...It's got less restrictions.
Edit: Checked out the site. I was wrong. Restrictions are the same as Econolight. So it's like an Econolight fare overall.

:lol:

You can move around, but not change seat without the FA's knowledge. They put a yellow "no frills" sticker on your seat. This sort of warns the FA's that "hey, this poor guy should not be served with crackers and juice...he gets unlimited nuts instead....":nuts: Hehehe...At least, that's how I felt when I flew on Econolight from MNL to CEB. Who cares?, I'll bring along lots of food next time. At least I paid very little for that flght. :banana: But it's only Php400 cheaper than the cheapest Economy fare.

I love your photos esp the last one. :okay: What's your seat #? I think it has the nicest view in a B744.

Try seat 41A or 41k.

Kintoy

April 25th, 2009, 09:35 PM

took this pic last year: a USAF C-17 transport plane in Edwin Andrews Air Base/Zamboanga International Airport (the airport and airbase share a common runway)

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu182/wetboxers/P4211110a.jpg

mwg12a

April 25th, 2009, 10:08 PM

Thanks for your update on PAL arianspace. I somehow knew that even A330 were also included in the refurbishment plans in the past. It was discussed here before. Too bad the plan is being delayed by this global recession. Hopefully ,this world crisis would show a quick turn for the better sooner.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 03:59 AM

FYI, four of PAL's 744s have the same number of seats. Only RP-C7475 has a different layout with LESS seats.

As per some other poster's info (in a different message board), LAX has to have more seats. Try to figure out what will happen if say RP-C7471 is supposed to operate LAX and for some reason, RP-C7475 is swapped.

Check again:
http://www.philippineairlines.com/flights/seat_map/seat_map.jsp

The 391-seater is RP-C7475. It used to have 398.

I noticed the business centre is gone. What does the interior look like because if it was refurbished to look exactly like C7471, shouldn't they have exactly the same number of seats? Have the arabic signs been replaced?

Ph Man

April 26th, 2009, 07:36 AM

Try seat 41A or 41k.

thanks michael. i'll try this on my next B744 flight. :)

mwg12a

April 26th, 2009, 07:44 AM

I hope u guys won't mind me posting this here. It's not related to Philippine thread but I just want to share the pictures I took from todays "open-house" at our local regional airport. I wish T1 in Manila would copy the interior of this. I mean just having a decent carpeting, clean facilities and such together with a decent furniture and probably duty free stores inside the terminal building would really make a big difference for a first time impression on both local and foreign tourists in the Philippines. Some of the pics might not be as clear.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000070.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000073.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000092.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000074.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000079.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000078.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000080.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000081.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000079-1.jpg
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z170/midwestguy1/P1000091.jpg

kiretoce

April 26th, 2009, 08:12 AM

^^ The facade somewhat resembles ILO or BCD.

pi_malejana

April 26th, 2009, 08:16 AM

^^ i found the link to the article with the video..:colgate:

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/43705202.html

bakit di ka nagpa-interview dun LMAO??:D

mwg12a

April 26th, 2009, 08:20 AM

^^ The facade somewhat resembles ILO or BCD.

A little bit. Just ours is all glass infront and really boxy comparing to ILO and BCD. It is set to open this May the 6th, there is no xxrays and security booths yet, i believe they would be using the ones from the old terminal,

kiretoce

April 26th, 2009, 08:21 AM

^^ What's the airport code for your regional airport?

mwg12a

April 26th, 2009, 08:26 AM

^^ i found the link to the article with the video..:colgate:

http://www.ky3.com/news/local/43705202.html

bakit di ka nagpa-interview dun LMAO??:D

Are you stalking me??? :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

I was surprised with the turn out earlier today, I didn't think it would be a big deal but apparently it proved me wrong. I did get interviewed but I am not going to say which TV station got it nanner nanner pants of fire!!! LMAO

^^ What's the airport code for your regional airport?

SGF my friend.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 08:32 AM

^^

If T3 becomes fully operational, T1 should be renovated to look like that and be the new full-service domestic terminal of non PR or 5J-based flights. I'm against T1s demolition.

mwg12a

April 26th, 2009, 08:37 AM

kiretoce

April 26th, 2009, 08:37 AM

SGF my friend.

Ahh....Springfield! Thanks! :okay:

pi_malejana

April 26th, 2009, 08:37 AM

Are you stalking me??? :hahaha: :hahaha: :hahaha:

I was surprised with the turn out earlier today, I didn't think it would be a big deal but apparently it proved me wrong. I did got interviewed but I am not going to say which TV station got it nanner nanner pants of fire!!! LMAO..

haha, hindi ah...:lol:

such a nice community you have there--they're making sure their taxes are used wisely..:D

share mo naman interview mo...:lol: (oops ot):)

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 08:41 AM

I wouldn't mind if NAIA T1 is still dedicated for international use provided that they give that terminal a much needed facelift. It's not all bad looking terminal building IMO. just changing the flooring/carpeting with new furnitures, maybe cover some walls or post with metal cladding and give the interior a modern look, it would really stand out. The facede can also be given a facelift by using some metal cladding on it's concrete wall, Install a nice looking canopy infront of it where the vehicles usually park to drop their passengers. I bet you a hundred back nobody would really think it's an old building.

It's about grabbing the right opportunity. T3 will be so crowded if you let all airlines use it. I can't picture the domestic terminal subject to a facelift.

If you have a mock-up of what T1 should look like should a renovation be in order, kindly share it with us (at least any part of the terminal).

mwg12a

April 26th, 2009, 08:50 AM

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 11:30 AM

I'm not really a computer savvy my friend.

I mean, I don't mind t1 to still be used to serve other or some international carriers together with T1 and T2 in the current set up. I think with all terminals still in use, it would help or answer the current congestions. however, T2 needs to be expanded if PAL still feel they wanted to keep T2 for their own use.

I'll figure out a way to show you how T1 would look like if it is renovated, maybe one of the forummers can help me with the "how to's".

That's ok! It doesn't have to be computer generated. hehe

Also, isn't PR misleading because they say book and buy the deeply discounted tickets now but they also say that the sales and ticketing won't open until tomorrow.

"ZukiChirO"

April 26th, 2009, 12:44 PM

Additional 2 new airport in the Philippines by 2010.
Under The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) project.

*Proposed Libmanan Airport Development Project - Php 7,2Billion (New Airport Budget)

*Proposed Quirino Airport Development Project - Php 7,1Billion (New Airport Budget)

Source:Additional 2 new airport in the Philippines. (http://www.dotc.gov.ph/BID13.pdf)

jefflacs

April 26th, 2009, 05:16 PM

Nakita ko ads ng zest air kanina, hinde na pala sila 6k, Z2 na xD

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 06:39 PM

That PR promotion, when they said ticketing is from 27-28 April, does that mean that they will open the fare on Monday, at midnight MNL time?

michael_ray

April 26th, 2009, 06:44 PM

That PR promotion, when they said ticketing is from 27-28 April, does that mean that they will open the fare on Monday, at midnight MNL time?

Yep, coz I was trying to book kanina for LA... the best deal promo isn't available yet. So just prepare your credit card on 27-28.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 06:50 PM

Yep, coz I was trying to book kanina for LA... the best deal promo isn't available yet. So just prepare your credit card on 27-28.

If that's the case, 10 mins to go... although the website is a quite slow now.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:02 PM

Still slow... lucky for those who purchased their tickets already.

Sky Harbor

April 26th, 2009, 07:13 PM

Yep, coz I was trying to book kanina for LA... the best deal promo isn't available yet. So just prepare your credit card on 27-28.

Still slow... lucky for those who purchased their tickets already.

I'm trying to book MNL-CEB-NRT-CEB-MNL, but the site is sooooooooooooooooo slow. :ohno:

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:16 PM

I'm trying to book MNL-CEB-NRT-CEB-MNL, but the site is sooooooooooooooooo slow. :ohno:

I'm trying to book MNL-SIN-MNL on the 2nd week of October. Any chances that will be filled-up quickly?

Ph Man

April 26th, 2009, 07:16 PM

Be careful. Don't try to book twice if you get an error message after entering your credit card details. There's a big chance that it went through. Just check with the customer service.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:18 PM

I get an error saying it timed-out.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:29 PM

Was I reading it correctly: the MNL-SIN-MNL leg gave me a fare of US$8?

Ph Man

April 26th, 2009, 07:34 PM

hehe...that's a different one. but have you already entered your credit card details?

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:36 PM

I haven't even gotten to the stage that shows me the total price NETT. After inputting philippineairlines.com, I get a broken webpage where the booking facility isn't shown. PR should have anticipated this.

Now I know how slow it can get during a major fare promotion of PR. It is irritating! Unless most of the buyers of the seats are from the US, is it possible that a lot are staying up at midnight just for this???? PR should have anticipated this high demand.

Browsing was quite normal when 5J had its promos.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:52 PM

someone please tell me that most of those clogging-up the website are US-bound passengers (if it's true).

Ph Man

April 26th, 2009, 07:53 PM

i can't even access PAL's homepage at first. After selecting your preferred flights, the site will be very very slow, then a "cannot display" page. there must be high traffic at the moment. locals could have stayed up late to avail the promo - and man...that's less than $500 for a RT ticket! they're not gonna pass up on this.

i hope we don't run out of promo tickets.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 07:54 PM

Practically, that must be the catch. I hope MNL-SIN-MNL is still available later today and that those that get sold out first are those involving flights to the US.

I just don't know how those who booked their tickets beat the system.

PR's website is broken with the online booking facility gone.

Ph Man

April 26th, 2009, 08:09 PM

noticed just now, that the quoted price are all-in prices. i was booking the other day for a MNL-HKG-MNL flight. fare totalled to around PHP6,000. that's 50% less than the usual economy rate. but now i also can't find that online booking facility! a lot of people must have been anticipating this.

edit: it's back! check it out...

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 08:11 PM

Another error: Unknown Lowfare Error Occured. [ULF001]

Ph Man

April 26th, 2009, 08:16 PM

:ohno: and it's taking forever for the flight details to show up.

Sky Harbor

April 26th, 2009, 08:26 PM

Another error: Unknown Lowfare Error Occured. [ULF001]

I got that error too. CEB-NRT-CEB is only $88 for June 2-10.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 08:30 PM

^^

I have a strong feeling that most of those clogging the system are US-bound passengers. It is only reasonable to think that since P20-25K is a very low price for going to the US.

Who thinks that way as well?

in_a_rush

April 26th, 2009, 08:46 PM

man, im also trying to book a flight MLA-SINg-Mla. TWO HOURS NA KO. wala pa ding progress:ohno:

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 08:48 PM

Well, it appears I'm out of luck. For my preferred dates: 10-14 October 2009, I already saw USD128.

Sky Harbor

April 26th, 2009, 08:51 PM

man, im also trying to book a flight MLA-SINg-Mla. TWO HOURS NA KO. wala pa ding progress:ohno:

I got an "unknown pricing error" when I proceeded to the next step. Now the servers are down.

hybridace101

April 26th, 2009, 08:59 PM

That's it! I'm going to bed. I'll probably have better luck with Cebu Pacific. Even if they have deeply discounted promos, the website appears to run normally.

in_a_rush

April 26th, 2009, 09:08 PM

konting tiis pa. i started booking at 12am. siguro mga 3am, kapag wala pa, stop na ko

Sky Harbor

April 26th, 2009, 09:18 PM

^^ Their servers are currently down (EDIT: or not, but we can only hope). :ohno:

in_a_rush

April 26th, 2009, 09:28 PM

^^ Their servers are currently down (EDIT: or not, but we can only hope). :ohno:

you mean, try again next time na?

Sky Harbor

April 26th, 2009, 09:52 PM

^^ Nope. Almost done. I'm not happy though about it being unable to add our names to the tickets before paying.

in_a_rush

April 26th, 2009, 10:30 PM

^^ Nope. Almost done. I'm not happy though about it being unable to add our names to the tickets before paying.

what are you going to do?

Sky Harbor

April 26th, 2009, 10:40 PM

what are you going to do?

Well, I got an error while paying for the ticket. I'm now on the phone, on hold waiting for a PAL agent, to see if the transaction went through.

I hope it got booked.

mwg12a

April 26th, 2009, 11:45 PM

I don't know I still like the idea of getting my ticket through a reputable travel agent. I guess the only time I would get it directly was with NWA via phone. Although there is a filipina based in Atlanta I would always get my airfare, it's a travel agent also. I am always leary in doing transaction online even if I have tried it twice via priceline.com.

hybridace101

April 27th, 2009, 12:53 AM

It's working now... However instead of USD78, it's worth USD96.50. But still a good deal.

To confirm, if it is non-rebookable, you can't reschedule the to get on exact flight for another date right?

swahi

April 27th, 2009, 02:18 AM

tried booking since 12 midnight, quit at 1am. started doing it again 6am, philippine time, still no go. The way the website is crawling, there is no way ANYONE will be able to book anything.

Ph Man

April 27th, 2009, 03:05 AM

It's working now... However instead of USD78, it's worth USD96.50. But still a good deal.

To confirm, if it is non-rebookable, you can't reschedule the to get on exact flight for another date right?

That's right.

I lift the page open and searching, and when i woke up at 8am, it's still telling me to wait. :nuts:

edit: it's working on my side too...and $96.5 for MNL-SIN-MNL. faster than past midnight, but still very very slow.

swahi

April 27th, 2009, 03:23 AM

Done! Was able to confirm tickets (I am part of what you mentioned who was booking for the U.S.!). The ticket wasnt $418. It was 188 base, 286.70 taxes, total of 474.70. This was what I saw at midnight last night, the rare time I was able to see the fare rate page.

My cousin couldn't get in. So I also booked it for her.

pepeng_agimat

April 27th, 2009, 03:27 AM

seems like everyone is having the same problem... akala ko connection ko lang and pc ang may problem :(

swahi

April 27th, 2009, 04:42 AM

does anyone know what is the applicable free baggage allowance for the latest pal promo? On my promo ticket for LA, my ticket says free baggage allowance for adult is PC. What is PC? 2nd, my cousin's ticket on the same promo fare, its NA. Not applicable?

diz

April 27th, 2009, 06:53 AM

PR MNL-LAX

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3201348922_1c80bcf290.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3201345344_34b6647705.jpg?v=0

Amazing pics. I'm always scared to take pictures inside the plane.

Care to donate these to wikipedia?

Sky Harbor

April 27th, 2009, 07:21 AM

^^ Either the person who took the pictures has to upload them, or I (or any of the other Wikipedians here) have to file an OTRS request after uploading them (meaning, an e-mail address is needed from the person who took the pictures). A word of advice, though: please upload the high-res versions of those pics.

Sky Harbor

April 27th, 2009, 07:23 AM

seems like everyone is having the same problem... akala ko connection ko lang and pc ang may problem :(

The problem is server-side: apparently, PAL's servers have been overwhelmed by the promo. Hindi pa nga ako nakakapag-book ng CEB-NRT-CEB. :ohno:

(N.B.: I'm still attempting to book before midnight)

hybridace101

April 27th, 2009, 07:54 AM

kiretoce

April 27th, 2009, 08:06 AM

^^ I prefer taking the train between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. We did that lots of times, and it was a relaxing trip. Took about six hours if you're taking the day train, or eight hours on the night train (they have sleeper cars). You can extend your trip to Bangkok too, total length of time of the journey is about 48 hours. With sidetrips in Kuala Lumpur and Penang (Butterworth) while the train is on a layover.

Sky Harbor

April 27th, 2009, 08:26 AM

I was Jetstar's website and they have a promo for flights between SIN and KUL, more specifically, the base fare is "free" (less than SGD90 all-in or ~P3000). Promo expires on 29 April but guess what - the website appears to be running normally.

Having said that, who here has travelled between SG and KL? What would you prefer I take, the bus or train?

They say the bus is faster than the train. If you take the bus, make sure it goes through the Tuas Link (the Second Malaysia-Singapore Causeway). The train though is much more scenic, from what I've heard.

kiretoce

April 27th, 2009, 08:29 AM

^^ The train is scenic if you take the day trip. ;)

urban Iegend

April 27th, 2009, 11:38 AM

PGMA arriving tomorrow for formal opening of Palaro

http://leytesamardaily.com/images/newspics/pixbanner.jpgGO FOR GOLD. A young athlete runs fast as he practices at the Leyte Sports Development Center
in preparation for the Palarong Pambansa that will formally open tomorrow.. Photo by ATTY. CARLO LORETO

TACLOBAN CITY -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would personally welcome the more than 10,000 young athletes from the country’s 17 administrative regions on the opening of the Palarong Pambansa on Tuesday.

Aside from attending this year’s Palarong Pambansa, the President would hold a Cabinet meeting and lead in the ground-breaking ceremony of the rehabilitation of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, said Philippine Information Agency Regional Director Olive Tiu.

The President is expected to arrive here in the city around 9 a.m. Tuesday and she would immediately proceed to the Leyte Sports Development Center (Grandstand), the site of the annual sports event involving elementary and high school students.

“We are now ready for the opening of the Palarong Pambansa,” Tiu said.

A grand cultural presentation involving hundreds of students would be among the highlights of the opening ceremonies of this year’s Palarong Pambansa, the first to be staged in the region in 26 years.

The provincial government of Leyte is this year’s host of the Palarong Pambansa, where the powerhouse National Capital Region is expected to dominate again as it tries to defend its crown both in the elementary and secondary divisions.

Elimination rounds of some games, however, are to begin today, Monday, to be held outside the newly-refurbished LSDC, said Editha Jacer of the regional office of the Department of Education’s consultant to the Palarong Pambansa.

She said that games at the LSDC would start right after the formal opening. “Some of the games will be played outside the Grandstand,” she said.

Among the venues for the Palarong Pambansa outside of the Grandstand are the gymnasium of the DepEd regional office; convention center of the Leyte Park Hotel; in Palo and at the Government Center.

“We are now ready for the Palaro. Security measures are also in place now,” Jacer said.

Tiu said that after the President’s speech on Tuesday, all the athletes from the competing 17 regions would join a parade which is to start at the Grandstand sneaking their way to Veteranos, Rizal, Justice Romualdez and to Balyu-an Amphitheater where they would be picked up by their respective service vehicles to their billeting quarters.

Competitions using the Grandstand as the venue would commence in the afternoon, Tiu said.

Meantime, the PIA-8 chief said that after her speech at the Palarong Pambansa opening, the President would motor her way to DZR Airport where she would preside a Cabinet meeting.

President Arroyo would also lead in the ground-breaking of the long-delayed rehabilitation of DZR Airport which is estimated to cost P4.1 billion, Tiu said.

By joey a. gabieta
Staff Writer
LSDE (http://leytesamardaily.com)

http://gerryruiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/dzr-airport-w-01.jpg

http://gerryruiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/tacairport-aerial-w-1b.jpg

http://gerryruiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/dzr-aerialeast-w-v2.jpg

romantic_guy08

April 27th, 2009, 01:06 PM

Eto pala computationg ng Real Deal Promo ng PAL

Computation:

Fares + Surcharge = ALL-IN Promo Price
+ Other Fees/Govt Taxes = TOTAL

Fares: For Regional, fares offered starts at 8 USD.. (or the lowest fare level available)

Surcharge: Depends on your destination, e.g. 50 USD for Hong Kong

Therefore, 58 USD ALL IN* (Including Surcharge)

now, add other fees e.g. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Airport fee (15.50 USD) + Philippine Travel tax (1,620 PHP)

hybridace101

April 27th, 2009, 01:09 PM

They say the bus is faster than the train. If you take the bus, make sure it goes through the Tuas Link (the Second Malaysia-Singapore Causeway). The train though is much more scenic, from what I've heard.

However I only have 6-8 hours on the ground at KL. Are you sure I don't need to take the aeroplane if I am staying just that long? I will be returning to SG.

ianers_ianized

April 27th, 2009, 04:11 PM

PGMA arriving tomorrow for formal opening of Palaro

http://gerryruiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/dzr-airport-w-01.jpg

http://gerryruiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/tacairport-aerial-w-1b.jpg

http://gerryruiz.files.wordpress.com/2008/03/dzr-aerialeast-w-v2.jpg

So they will have a new airport I like the design... but if there is the next apt to upgrade it should be CEBU... flts were increasing in the last couple of years in Cebu plus the terminal is longing for a modern look and expansion so it can handle more flights...

hybridace101

April 27th, 2009, 04:39 PM

ngprofflorida

April 27th, 2009, 05:03 PM

Amazing pics. I'm always scared to take pictures inside the plane.

Care to donate these to wikipedia?

Is PAL still offering red wine, whisky or any liquor for free? AA you have to buy a $6.00

Sky Harbor

April 27th, 2009, 05:06 PM

Just curious, where is the P1,620 travel tax collected, airport or point-of-sale? Frankly they already collect a P750 terminal and security fee at the airport and still, look at the quality of our airports.

Depends. If your ticket was purchased in the Philippines, the travel tax is added on automatically. But if your ticket was purchased abroad, you have to pay the travel tax at the airport. Travel taxes do not go to the CAAP or the airport authority; rather, they go to the Philippine Tourism Authority, and by extension, to the DOT.

Blackraven

April 27th, 2009, 06:22 PM

PR MNL-LAX

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3457/3201325382_4a3a1faca0.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/3201331820_c5b9dc979c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3201355586_f77551336e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3468/3201341442_15ef955ee5.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3348/3201348922_1c80bcf290.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3398/3201345344_34b6647705.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/3201346500_602d7e874e.jpg?v=0

Holy shit. Philippine Airlines may TV screens na rin on each seat? Wow, that's awesome.

Which aircraft and which flights available ang TV screen???

Noize_320

April 27th, 2009, 06:34 PM

PAL A330

PM me if you wanna use the pic...i wont refuse anyway as long as nka-credit sa akin...username lang..hehehe :D

http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/9933/rpc3336.jpg

:D :D :D

Mithril Cloud

April 27th, 2009, 07:06 PM

PAL A340 repost

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_3068s2.jpg

Noize_320

April 27th, 2009, 07:22 PM

5J A319 repost (sounds like a photo war... :lol:)

http://img2.cdn.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/c57358a1883be2de5c6c59b4967105f71240237346_full.jpg

but i love @mithril_cloud's shot so i surrender...hehe~

Lucentino

April 27th, 2009, 07:27 PM

^So we have an A319, A330, A340... any more bets? :lol:

Noize_320

April 27th, 2009, 07:33 PM

^^ i ran out of planes...puro Airbus na lang ang ma-picture ko~ :nuts:

Mithril Cloud

April 27th, 2009, 07:41 PM

^So we have an A319, A330, A340... any more bets? :lol:

How about an A380? :lol:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_2886s.jpg

Sky Harbor

April 27th, 2009, 07:49 PM

I want Boeing planes! :D

(Status report on Real Deal: Their phone lines are so jammed, whenever it rings, it becomes a busy signal. :ohno:)

Lucentino

April 27th, 2009, 08:02 PM

How about an A380? :lol:

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_2886s.jpg

Drool! :shocked: When will our flag carrier acquire one? :?

Can NAIA runway accommodate this bird?

Lucentino

April 27th, 2009, 08:05 PM

^^ i ran out of planes...puro Airbus na lang ang ma-picture ko~ :nuts:

Airbus are planes too, right?... keep posting... let's see! :lol:

Mithril Cloud

April 27th, 2009, 08:11 PM

Can NAIA runway accommodate this bird?

Yes, and it can even dock.

http://www.philskies.net/library/peter/380-30.jpg

bongskie09

April 27th, 2009, 08:14 PM

PAL A340 repost

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_3068s2.jpg

Is that a crack on the plane's belly? :eek:

Mithril Cloud

April 27th, 2009, 08:18 PM

Is that a crack on the plane's belly? :eek:

No. This was taken after take-off, so it's just the landing gear doors closing.

Lucentino

April 27th, 2009, 08:18 PM

^The landing gear just retracted after take-off... and that was the cover... forward fuselage (below the pilot) also show an opening like a caesarian section belly... :)

Yes, and it can even dock.

So that bird has been there... done that... nice to know!

Lucentino

April 27th, 2009, 08:25 PM

You're from Milwaukee, WI?

Business & Pleasure... :)

Loved the place... except during winters... :cheers1:

Lucentino

April 27th, 2009, 08:29 PM

Haha! I also have my worldperks. Hehe

Tara na! Byahe tayo! :lol:

pthfndr19

April 27th, 2009, 10:28 PM

PAL Web site overloaded due to online fare promo
RUBY ANNE M. RUBIO, GMANews.TV
04/27/2009 | 07:31 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Airlines’ (PAL) Web site was unable to handle the huge volume of transactions from travelers wishing to avail of an online promotion that halved ticket prices.

As a result, complaints regarding the Web site have already reached the company, sources familiar with the matter told GMANews.TV on Monday morning, hours after the two-day promotion was launched.

The complaints involved Internet users’ failure to access the Philippine Airlines’ home page, make and hold an online flight reservation, and pay for these through a credit card, a source said.

The system “reached the maximum and was unable to handle the volume," a separate source told GMANews.TV through email on Monday, adding that the Web site has been “experiencing an unusual number of visitors who want to avail of its online promotion."

This was disclosed by the source on the first day of the two-day online promotion called “The Real Deal," which began twelve midnight of Monday, April 27.

The promotion covered local and international routes, encouraging travelers to flock to its Web site, PAL said, failing to disclose the number of average visitors its Web site receives in a day.

The company “is implementing measures to get in touch with these customers to assist them in completing their transactions," the source said.

Customers who may want to verify results of their transaction may get in touch with the PAL Reservations Center through telephone number 855-8888.

They may also send an email to onlinebooking@pal.com.ph for assistance.

Despite this assurance, an official said that the company has “no way of determining who were affected," the executive told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview.

Since the promotion became “too attractive" to prospective passengers, “the system did not expect the deluge of customers," the official said. “They all visited the Web site at the same time.

Until 12:00 PM of Tuesday, April 28, PAL will be offering roundtrip flights to Taipei from Manila for $38 and $418 roundtrip flights to its US and Canada destinations.

These rates are about half off current non-promo rates.

In its Web site, PAL said the prices are exclusive of government taxes and other fees collected at the airport.

Travel to US and Canada are valid for outbound travel from June 1 to December 25, 2009.

Travel to Asia and Guam are valid from June 1 to October 15, 2009.

Given the response, the source nevertheless admitted it was a successful promo for PAL.

PAL is not a stranger to this kind of marketing strategy as it usually offers attractive promos.

"There are different ways of booking a flight and getting a ticket. You can call a landline for reservation or go to the ticket office," he added. - With Robert JA Basilio Jr., GMANews.TV

Chrisvenz

April 27th, 2009, 11:51 PM

PAL A340 repost

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/ryucloud/IMG_3068s2.jpg

Nice. Impressive shot sir!

mwg12a

April 28th, 2009, 01:50 AM

No. This was taken after take-off, so it's just the landing gear doors closing.

Yeah, besides, the pilots themselves do their own occular inspections befoer they take off aside from the aircraft mechanics.

kiretoce

April 28th, 2009, 03:28 AM

Business & Pleasure... :)

Loved the place... except during winters... :cheers1:

I agree with you on that. I used to live in Chicago (in the suburbs) myself. :colgate:

arianespace

April 28th, 2009, 03:35 AM

^^
Whats good on Chicago is spring. Both summer and winter is bad. Summer is very hot and Winter is very cold. Just my opinion though because i happen to be there during those times. Sorry OT.:lol:

sloanesquare

April 28th, 2009, 04:00 AM

Obama plane's photo-op triggers New York panic
April 28, 2009 - 6:37AM
Panic ... an F-16 follows one of Barack Obama's jets. Photo: Objectgraph, Twitter

New Yorkers evacuated offices in panic on Monday when an unexpected overflight by one of President Barack Obama's Boeing 747s triggered fears of a new 9/11.

The jumbo, escorted by low-flying fighter jets, roared over southern Manhattan and the Hudson River for about 30 minutes on what officials later described as a photo-op.

A livid New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he had not been warned and called the lack of notice "ridiculous and poor judgment."

Stunned office workers who failed to spot the presidential markings feared facing a repeat of the September 11, 2001, attacks in which two hijacked airliners smashed into the World Trade Center, killing almost 3,000 people.

"I saw everybody running and I ran out too. My heart is still pounding," said commodities trader Jurgens Bauer.

Bauer said that his room had no window so he had not seen the plane -- which is painted white with a blue nose and blue stripe - but that the terror was real.

"I was there on 9/11, I saw thousands of people die. I don't like when I am not aware of a military photo op," he said.

Police confirmed that some offices were evacuated, but did not specify how many. "I guess people panicked," a spokesman said.

Officials explained the confusion after saying that the commander in chief's aircraft had merely been conducting an exercise. Obama himself was not aboard.

"The presidential airlift group conducted an aerial photo in the New York city area today," said US Air Force spokesman Major Richard Johnson.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) called the manoeuvre a "photo op."

"The Defence Department is conducting a photo op that involves deploying two F-16s and escorting a military version of the Boeing 747" close to lower Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, FAA spokesman Jim Peters told AFP.

"The manoeuver was not an emergency and was coordinated in advance with the FAA and state and local officials," he added.

But Bloomberg said no one had told him of the visitors to New York's skies.

The mayor, who is running for a third term later this year, said in televised comments that he was "annoyed - furious is a better word - that I wasn't told."

"Why the Defence Department wanted to do a photo op right around the site of the World Trade Center catastrophe defies imagination," he said. "It didn't have the normal language of saying that this is sensitive information."

Hijackers slammed two planes into the twin towers of New York's World Trade Center in 2001, destroying the complex on the southern tip of Manhattan in what was the worst terrorist attack on American soil.

A reconstruction project has been hampered by financial and planning delays, but the foundations of new towers are now rising at Ground Zero

Noize_320

April 28th, 2009, 04:58 AM

I want Boeing planes! :D

(Status report on Real Deal: Their phone lines are so jammed, whenever it rings, it becomes a busy signal. :ohno:)

heres a 732... :lol:

http://img3.cdn.crunchyroll.com/i/spire2/171f0fdf25b74c7b5eb097778489d51c1240844447_full.jpg

Sky Harbor

April 28th, 2009, 06:35 AM

swahi

April 28th, 2009, 06:40 AM

PAL ticketing is now entertaining those with website promo problems. The problem now, ticketing office is STANDING ROOM ONLY, swamped with all those whose reservation got stuck in the internet processing.

Sky Harbor

April 28th, 2009, 06:59 AM

^^ I'm going to their Makati ticketing office later. I hope it's not that bad. :(

buknit

April 28th, 2009, 07:49 AM

guys what happened to grandair? bakit biglang nawala?

swahi

April 28th, 2009, 09:01 AM

^^ I'm going to their Makati ticketing office later. I hope it's not that bad. :(

My cousin, who I was able to book tickets for, says her parents (my uncle and aunt) wanted also to take the same flight as hers. She has been at it on the internet the whole morning, from 7am to 1030am with no success. When I checked it out, I showed her how to do it, as long as you can reach the part where you type and send your credit card details, your sked is booked/reserved. Though after the credit card details didn't confirm and came back with an error message, i told her, considering the circumstances, thats ok. Your booking is now in the system. Just call up PAL to verify, and true enough, it was there. The problem is PAL ticketing didnt see payment confirmation. So PAL instructed her to call up the credit card company. It was a good thing her friend was already waiting in line in the ticketing office the whole morning. So she asked her friend to pay for the tickets, and gave her friend the booking reference.

The point here, as long as you get to the credit card details page, your reservation will already be in the system. That's what's important now, as the promo is only up to today. PAL was accomodating, with the PAL telephone hotline confirming it as mentioned above, and even gave her up to 12 noon tomorrow to confirm and pay. So for those who are still trying, worry if you havent reached the credit card details page as your reservation is not yet in the system.

mwg12a

April 28th, 2009, 09:06 AM

Can't y'all get these promos just by going to travel agent itself or it is really A MUST to do it online?

swahi

April 28th, 2009, 09:38 AM

pi_malejana

April 28th, 2009, 10:42 AM

Obama plane's photo-op triggers New York panic
April 28, 2009 - 6:37AM
Panic ...

yup... this is unacceptable...:ohno:
______________

anyway, we discussed today in class the evolution of commercial flight... ngayon ko lang nalaman ung pan am service na "philippine clipper"... meron palang ganun--cool!!:okay: Martin M-something ung plane na ginagamit nila...:)

:cheers:

habagatcentral1

April 28th, 2009, 10:52 AM

Looks like everyone likes to travel nowadays...if I have a credit card then I would be one of those prospective passengers...but unlucky for me, I always have my payday during the times where promo fares are unavailable! Damn luck!

Sky Harbor

April 28th, 2009, 03:48 PM

My cousin, who I was able to book tickets for, says her parents (my uncle and aunt) wanted also to take the same flight as hers. She has been at it on the internet the whole morning, from 7am to 1030am with no success. When I checked it out, I showed her how to do it, as long as you can reach the part where you type and send your credit card details, your sked is booked/reserved. Though after the credit card details didn't confirm and came back with an error message, i told her, considering the circumstances, thats ok. Your booking is now in the system. Just call up PAL to verify, and true enough, it was there. The problem is PAL ticketing didnt see payment confirmation. So PAL instructed her to call up the credit card company. It was a good thing her friend was already waiting in line in the ticketing office the whole morning. So she asked her friend to pay for the tickets, and gave her friend the booking reference.

The point here, as long as you get to the credit card details page, your reservation will already be in the system. That's what's important now, as the promo is only up to today. PAL was accomodating, with the PAL telephone hotline confirming it as mentioned above, and even gave her up to 12 noon tomorrow to confirm and pay. So for those who are still trying, worry if you havent reached the credit card details page as your reservation is not yet in the system.

Not quite. We reached that page and entered our credit card details over ten times over the last two days. When I arrived at the PAL office earlier, they told me that no itinerary exists for the names we entered. We were forced to rebook at PAL for an itinerary we didn't really want: a split June 3-June 9/11 itinerary with me going ahead of my sister and parents so that I don't miss OrSem in Ateneo. They were telling me June 2 was sold out, but mysteriously, it's still bookable online (until now).

This is the first time I'm flying PAL in eight years, and this is how they treat their customers who cannot even book their desired flights? As much as I love this promo, it was a victim of horrible preparation, and in turn, some can't travel on their desired dates because the airline was caught off-guard. :ohno:

mwg12a

April 28th, 2009, 04:12 PM

^^ Last sunday, I was at the PAL ticketing office to book several domestic tickets. I asked them about the upcoming international flights promo, which was 2 days worth starting yesterday and ends today (april 27 and 28). Ticketing said at that time, no, its exclusively online. Though with the problem they experienced on their internet booking, I don't know if the ticketing now accepts reservations/booking using the special promo rates which are exclusively website based. I do know that if and when internet booking bogs down, you can complete the transactions like I mentioned through the ticketing office. This is the practice even before, and is not unique for the present 2 day promo problems.

http://www.philippineairlines.com/fares_and_promos/special_promos/other_promos/real_deal_promo/real_deal_promo_fares.jsp

Its the Real Deal!!!

Hurry!! Limited seats only!!!

Available only at www.philippineairlines.com.

For sales and ticketing from 27 April to 28 April 2009 only.

Thanks for passing the words. Others might benefit from it. I have no immediate plan to travel down the Philippines. Besides, with these swine flu pandemic, I don't want to get held up at NAIA isolation room just because each time I fly out there, once I arrived down in Manila, for some reason I always get sick or fever. Probably because of the climate change and my immune system was down due to fatigue or lack of sleek half of the time.

Lucentino

April 28th, 2009, 08:31 PM

I agree with you on that. I used to live in Chicago (in the suburbs) myself. :colgate:

So nagpala ka rin ng snow sa windy city?... :lol:

I guess you're now in Smallville? :)

^^
Whats good on Chicago is spring. Both summer and winter is bad. Summer is very hot and Winter is very cold. Just my opinion though because i happen to be there during those times. Sorry OT.:lol:

I remember, during winter, they "defrost" the aircraft before departure... :)

Lucentino

April 28th, 2009, 08:41 PM

Before
http://www.bakasyon.ph/images/NAIA.jpg
Bakasyon.ph

http://www.pladesco.com/manila-a.jpg
Pladesco

After :|
http://cdn.wn.com/o25/ph//2009/03/19/ef739ca92fdca1e2d231ec1122d7ae9f-grande.jpg
WN / Sweet Radoc

kiretoce

April 29th, 2009, 03:45 AM

So nagpala ka rin ng snow sa windy city?... :lol:

OT:

Don't remind me. I'm just glad that those days are over and done with. :colgate:

Chrisvenz

April 29th, 2009, 07:19 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3323891672_42c78a3f1d_o.jpg

kiretoce

April 29th, 2009, 12:10 PM

http://cdn.wn.com/o25/ph//2009/03/19/ef739ca92fdca1e2d231ec1122d7ae9f-grande.jpg
WN / Sweet Radoc

They shouldn't have turned T1's departure deck road into a parking zone (second level). Traffic should be flowing and not standing idle, vehicles should just be allowed to drop-off passengers and then drive off. Sigh....onli in da Pilipins! :ohno:

Rall

April 29th, 2009, 12:26 PM

^^
yap... only in the Philippines.
a lot of drivers always feel they are one of the VIPs
always finding ways to park infront or park nearest the exit of establishments...

sa airports... when a relative arrives and comments... "ha! you can park here!" the proud answer is usually "malakas tayo eh":ohno:

frequentflier

April 29th, 2009, 01:00 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3323891672_42c78a3f1d_o.jpg

^^Very nice shot!:applause::cheers1:

richard24

April 29th, 2009, 01:28 PM

They shouldn't have turned T1's departure deck road into a parking zone (second level). Traffic should be flowing and not standing idle, vehicles should just be allowed to drop-off passengers and then drive off. Sigh....onli in da Pilipins! :ohno:

that area is just a drop off point right? last time i was there, they were a bit strict with vehicles staying longer than a minute or so.

weewit

April 29th, 2009, 01:39 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3323891672_42c78a3f1d_o.jpg

^^ AMAZING...

csc36869

April 29th, 2009, 03:31 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3323891672_42c78a3f1d_o.jpg

^^ GREAT SHOT! Where did you took this picture?

csc36869

April 29th, 2009, 03:43 PM

A sweet deal turns sour By Jojo Robles (Manila Standard 29/04/2009)

Who says people are cutting back on unnecessary expenses these days, particularly on foreign travel? Not the people at Philippine Airlines, who were so swamped with passengers who wanted to buy tickets to their two-day, online-only seat sale that their Web site all but shut down.

If you’re one of the few who actually purchased a PAL “Real Deal” half-price promo ticket, consider yourself lucky. Those who didn’t get in on the sale, which started last Monday and ended yesterday, are still railing at the airline for limiting the promo to those who booked flights to PAL destinations using their credit cards through the company’s Web site—which by yesterday was virtually, pun intended, inaccessible due to the number of people who still wanted to buy tickets through the Internet.

It was an offer many thought they could not refuse. Round-trip tickets from Manila on PAL were sold at $38 to Taipei, $58 to Hong Kong and Macau, $78 to Bangkok, Saigon and Singapore, $108 to Beijing, Jakarta and Shanghai, $148 to Guam, $162 to Tokyo, Fukuoka and Nagoya, $318 to Sydney, Melbourne and Honolulu, and $418 to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver.

There were the usual restrictions, of course. Taxes and airport fees still had to be paid and confirmed seats could only be used from June to December this year —effectively ensuring that those who wanted to make a last-minute hop to Las Vegas for this Sunday’s Pacquiao-Hatton fight, for instance, would have to stay at home and watch TV instead.

But it was still a tempting offer, especially for Filipinos (and there are still many) for whom Lucio Tan’s airline is top-of-mind whenever they make travel arrangements. These Filipinos, who make up PAL’s bread and butter, were obviously the target of the sale, since the “Real Deal” tickets were available only to passengers originating from Manila.

The sale began after midnight on Monday and ended last night, leaving hundreds and possibly thousands asking why, if the flag carrier really wanted to sell more seats, it made it so hard to buy them. PAL may have considered its “Real Deal” offer a success, given the response it elicited, but since the airline hasn’t said yet how many seats were sold (or how many were turned away, or even why its Web site wasn’t able to handle the traffic), that’s not really for the company to say right now.

What PAL must do right now is assure its loyal passengers that glitches like the overloading of its Web site don’t happen again. And that it is not unfairly shutting out passengers who still go to the brick-and-mortar offices of the airline or of their travel agents to buy tickets whenever it has a hot deal like its “Real Deal” promo.

* * *

To be sure, PAL did try to help the passengers who were able to get bookings but who weren’t certain that they had confirmed reservations or if their credit card payments had been accepted after the company’s Web site got inundated by “hits” from prospective buyers. A poster on the Skyscrapercity.com online chat room who goes by the name “Swahi” recounted how PAL personnel tried to make it easier for these lucky few who got in.
Swahi told the story of a cousin who was online the whole morning just to book a flight, but only got as far as sending her credit card details. Then the PAL site would send her an “error” message, leaving her unsure if she already had a confirmed booking or not since it was unclear if payment had actually been made.

“I told her, considering the circumstances, that’s OK,” Swahi said. “Your booking is now in the system. [She called] PAL to verify, and true enough, it was there. The problem is, PAL ticketing didn’t see payment confirmation. So PAL instructed her to call up the credit card company. It was a good thing [a] friend was already waiting in line in the ticketing office the whole morning. So she asked her friend to pay for the tickets, and gave her friend the booking reference.”

“PAL was accommodating, with the PAL telephone hotline confirming [the booking] and even giving her up to 12 noon [today] to confirm and pay,” Swahi wrote.

On the GMA News Web site, an unidentified PAL official confirmed that the airline was “implementing measures to get in touch with these customers to assist them in completing their transactions.” At the same time, the PAL official admitted that the promo had apparently become “too attractive” to prospective passengers, and that “the system did not expect the deluge of customers.”

However, PAL’s assurances did nothing to assuage the anger of those who didn’t get in before the promo ended last night. And even those who weren’t able to complete their transactions over the Internet complained that it was “standing room only” yesterday at many PAL offices, where the people who had booking problems were advised to go.

It didn’t help when the PAL official quoted by the network, in response to the complaints it was getting, said: “There are different ways of booking a flight and getting a ticket. You can call a landline for reservation or go to the ticket office.”

“I hope he is aware that Real Deal fares can only be availed online. If we were given that option before, I would have [gone] to a PAL office instead,” retorted another poster on the Skyscrapercity site.

The Real Deal fiasco mars what is otherwise being predicted to be another banner year for the flag carrier, which only last month announced that it was increasing domestic and international flights in the teeth of the financial crisis that is also being felt on these shores. Here’s hoping that PAL does better by its customers, who have stood by it through good times and bad, next time around.

habagatcentral1

April 29th, 2009, 03:52 PM

^^ Wow...the power of SSC, hehe! :D

Sky Harbor

April 29th, 2009, 04:05 PM

pthfndr19

April 29th, 2009, 04:14 PM

TAKE OFF - PAL Express in Catarman Airport.

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c124/alfinsky/takeoff.jpg

Chrisvenz

April 29th, 2009, 04:18 PM

^^ GREAT SHOT! Where did you took this picture?

oh, I didn't took this picture. I just saw it at Aviation Thread. LAX.

Noize_320

April 29th, 2009, 04:36 PM

^^ Wow...the power of SSC, hehe! :D

if that was on tv..i would go like "look, we're on tv~! hi all~!" :lol:

SOAR~! RP-C3190 takes flight

http://img3.cdn.crunchyroll.com/i/spire2/219db7bf91aff4eea5ca8f2aadfa76451241005468_full.jpg

csc36869

April 29th, 2009, 05:21 PM

^^ Wow...the power of SSC, hehe! :D

oo nga...pwede na ba nating ilagay...SSS QUOTED EVERYWHERE..parang CNN ah...:lol::lol:

sairoangel

April 29th, 2009, 05:45 PM

sana mas kita ng kunti yung livery
nice shot, pwedeng pang ads ng pal

swahi

April 29th, 2009, 06:08 PM

I'm on the Manila Standard! :lol:

Wow, my handle was even quoted! Today, I helped my daughter just book 2 more round trip domestic tickets, and the pal website was very fast. Obviously, the site is now working "normally".

in_a_rush

April 29th, 2009, 06:31 PM

^^ pero hindi na sale diba?:ohno:

swahi

April 29th, 2009, 06:41 PM

Domestic promo is up to april 30. one way manila-cebu is 488 all in. If you book on econolight, its even cheaper, at 388 I think. But to be fair, zest air and cebu pacific has their own ongoing promo. I just prefer to take PAL whenever I can. Better on time record on domestic flights than the others.

Ph Man

April 29th, 2009, 08:53 PM

Wow, my handle was even quoted! Today, I helped my daughter just book 2 more round trip domestic tickets, and the pal website was very fast. Obviously, the site is now working "normally".

That's so cool. I remember when the discussions at Legazpi thread were discussed in a classroom in one school in Bicol!

Anyway, I was trying to book a Manila to Saigon RT ticket last night before midnight. It was running fine all right. But up to a certain point only. I haven't reached the credit card part. I dozed off in front of the pc. When I woke up, the promo is over. :cry:

PAL should not be considering this a success. In an industry where good customer service - before, during and after sales is crucial, customer satisfaction is a measure of one's success. It should be one of the company's foremost key result area. Clearly, there are too many unsatisfied customers. They may be the loyal ones for PAL. Fortunately for PAL, I believe they (or we) are still loyal to PAL despite all the hassle.

oh, I didn't took this picture. I just saw it at Aviation Thread. LAX.

You missed out to say it's somebody else's photo! Nice find. by the way. But let's give due credits to the source. ;)

mwg12a

April 30th, 2009, 04:17 AM

that area is just a drop off point right? last time i was there, they were a bit strict with vehicles staying longer than a minute or so.

They shouldn't have turned T1's departure deck road into a parking zone (second level). Traffic should be flowing and not standing idle, vehicles should just be allowed to drop-off passengers and then drive off. Sigh....onli in da Pilipins! :ohno:
Yeah, where do you suggest to have all the airline passengers dropped off after being taken there by their rides? Down at the first/ground level then walk all the way up with all their carry on and check-in luggages? :lol:

As far as I can remember, that drive through is wide enough and that area you/we can see in the picture is the designated space for drop off (it has lane infront of it where vehicles can pull up and out of the way. the back has lanes also some cars can back out of) where the drivers can park just for a few minutes and when the person/people they are dropping off is already walking into the building, they are all required to drive away and if they chose to stay, they can park their vehicles down at the parking area.

Sky Harbor

April 30th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Wow, my handle was even quoted! Today, I helped my daughter just book 2 more round trip domestic tickets, and the pal website was very fast. Obviously, the site is now working "normally".

Your cousin's account of booking on PAL though is a fairly uncommon, if not rare, occurrence. When I was at the Makati ticketing office, many people, myself included, had no itinerary even after we entered our credit card details into the system. I wish the article covered that side of the story.

Speaking of media, I saw a guy at the ticketing office the other day capturing video of the event using his mobile phone. I was thinking he would upload it to YouTube.

Sky Harbor

April 30th, 2009, 06:51 AM

Yeah, where do you suggest to have all the airline passengers dropped off after being taken there by their rides? Down at the first/ground level then walk all the way up with all their carry on and checking luggages? :lol:

As far as I can remember, that drive through is wide enough and that area you/we can see in the picture is the designated space for drop off (it has lane infront of it where vehicles can pull up and out of the way. the back has lanes also some cars can back out of) where the drivers can park just for a few minutes and when the person/people they are dropping off is already walking into the building, they are all required to drive away and if they chose to stay, they can part their vehicles down at the parking area.

If I'm right, the NAIA-1 ramp is four lanes wide, with the two inner lanes meant for parking. The outermost lane is used to access the parking lanes, while the innermost lane is meant for curbside drop-off and through traffic.

pi_malejana

April 30th, 2009, 09:53 AM

Yeah, where do you suggest to have all the airline passengers dropped off after being taken there by their rides? Down at the first/ground level then walk all the way up with all their carry on and check-in luggages? :lol:

As far as I can remember, that drive through is wide enough and that area you/we can see in the picture is the designated space for drop off (it has lane infront of it where vehicles can pull up and out of the way. the back has lanes also some cars can back out of) where the drivers can park just for a few minutes and when the person/people they are dropping off is already walking into the building, they are all required to drive away and if they chose to stay, they can park their vehicles down at the parking area.

yeah... and the guards are strict too... pagka naghahatid nga kami dati, di na namin pinapatay ang sasakyan kasi papa-alisin ka nila talaga...

bitoy

April 30th, 2009, 10:10 AM

^^ Sa NAIA I ? :lol: pag may siga at naka wangwang yung mga naghahatid, sumasaludo pa yung mga guwardiya, kaya nagkakatrapik-trapik sa iba-baba ng ramp. Minsan, pabalik kami dito, almost 30 minutes bago kami naka-akyat sa taas galing sa simula ng ramp, yung trapik umabot hanggang sa paliko papasok ng MIA. Kung kaya ko lang buhatin lahat ng kahon, naglakad na lang kami pataas, kaso, mabigat yung mga kahon. :D after that, at least 4 hours before our flight nandun na kami.

pi_malejana

April 30th, 2009, 10:12 AM

^^ yup..:yes::D minsan gustong-gusto ko na silang sigawan kasi isho-shove ka nila talaga paalis... buti na lang may mga "passes" kami kaya pina-park na namin ung car sa baba kami tapos gala sa departure area ng naia 1...:lol:

swahi

April 30th, 2009, 12:51 PM

sky harbor, as long as you have entered your credit card details, then press the purchase button, and it goes into the processing page, and an error message comes out, more or less your reservation is in the system. That's in my case even before this international promo fiasco, several times it has happened. That's why when I see that processing page, alam ko na napasok na sa system. Yun ang secret, how to reach that page. Unless of course, there was a total shutdown of their system... which might be the case. Yung cousin ko, ako ang nakapagbook para sa kanya at sa parents niya, coz when she was doing it, di siya makacomplete sa transaction, both for herself and for her parents. She didnt even reach the credit card detail page.

Sky Harbor

April 30th, 2009, 01:28 PM

^^ I will answer that with quoting my own post.

Not quite. We reached that page and entered our credit card details over ten times over the last two days. When I arrived at the PAL office earlier, they told me that no itinerary exists for the names we entered. We were forced to rebook at PAL for an itinerary we didn't really want: a split June 3-June 9/11 itinerary with me going ahead of my sister and parents so that I don't miss OrSem in Ateneo. They were telling me June 2 was sold out, but mysteriously, it's still bookable online (until now).

This is the first time I'm flying PAL in eight years, and this is how they treat their customers who cannot even book their desired flights? As much as I love this promo, it was a victim of horrible preparation, and in turn, some can't travel on their desired dates because the airline was caught off-guard. :ohno:

A bit of an addendum for that explanation: the agent told me I willingly canceled the booking attempt (that's what came up on her terminal), but I repetitively told her that I did not, especially because there was no cancel button present in the reservations system. I certainly did not close the reservations window on my computer either. During my stint at the PAL ticketing office, there were also similar stories coming from other people: them entering their credit card details and hoping their reservations show up only to discover that they have to rebook.

Anyway, what's done is done. I already have the tickets for MNL-CEB-NRT-CEB-MNL. All I need to know now is whether or not PAL offers through check-in when transiting though Cebu, since they do when transiting through Manila.

hybridace101

April 30th, 2009, 03:09 PM

^^ I will answer that with quoting my own post.

A bit of an addendum for that explanation: the agent told me I willingly canceled the booking attempt (that's what came up on her terminal), but I repetitively told her that I did not, especially because there was no cancel button present in the reservations system. I certainly did not close the reservations window on my computer either. During my stint at the PAL ticketing office, there were also similar stories coming from other people: them entering their credit card details and hoping their reservations show up only to discover that they have to rebook.

Anyway, what's done is done. I already have the tickets for MNL-CEB-NRT-CEB-MNL. All I need to know now is whether or not PAL offers through check-in when transiting though Cebu, since they do when transiting through Manila.

Unless this is econo-light, they probably do. I know I travelled to LAX via PR, they checked-us through for my connecting flight on AA but of course, US rules require us to claim our luggage regardless of final destination there.

One question: who has noticed that US airlines switch-off their seatbelt signs 15-20 minutes into the flight while most foreign carriers switch them off 5 minutes? Is there a rule exclusive to the US?

kiretoce

May 1st, 2009, 08:31 AM

PAL joins the budget airline bandwagon (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/05/01/09/pal-joins-budget-airline-bandwagon)

As low cost airlines buck the global aviation trend of declining revenues, more Philippine airline companies are embracing the budget business model.

This seems to be the case even with Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country's and Asia’s oldest commercial aviation company.

Long considered a legacy airline—as opposed to a budget airline—PAL, however, is learning that embracing the new business model could be thorny.

In recent days, travelers have been flocking the offices of PAL after ticket buyers could not complete their flight bookings via the Internet. PAL has launched its “Real Deal” promotional fares where travelers could avail of prices slashed by more than half if they purchase the tickets online.

Cecil David, one of the many who wanted to avail of the promo, told ABS-CBN News while waiting at PAL’s Cubao office that she has been trying to book online since 1 a.m. on Monday. By Tuesday, she still could not complete the transaction on PAL’s site. “I could have saved a lot. Can you imagine, I could go to Sidney with a ticket that's only $318?”

PAL's one-way fares on economy class to other international destinations have been cut as well. A roundtrip flight from Manila to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver could be had for only $488 for travels made between May 16 and August 31 this year. Travels to Jakarta and Hong Kong could go as low as $48, and to Bangkok, $58.

While the promo fare rates exclude surcharges and fees, the savings have been attracting a throng of PAL website visitors, causing the site to bog down.

In a statement, the airline company said, “PAL is experiencing an unusual number of website visitors who want to avail of its Internet Promo Real Deal. PAL is implementing measures to get in touch with these customers to assist them in completing their transactions.”

Been there done that

These birthing pains are not new to Cebu Pacific, PAL’s fierce competitor.

Cebu Pacific, the first budget airline in the Philippines and Southeast Asia, also tapped the Internet to sell low-priced ticket to travelers destined for local and international destinations. Cutting on all possible costs on top of the fares, the Internet transactions was the low cost airline’s way to reduce add-on expenses traditionally given to middlemen, such as travel agents.

When Cebu Pacific introduced fares way below PAL’s rates both for local and regional destinations, its servers also bogged down when excited passengers visited the site. The company had to build up strong consumer service and corporate image groups to address numerous complaints.

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific’s spokesperson, had to constantly remind the public that the promotional fares are only applicable to limited number seats. She and the rest of the airline’s top officers hammered the message that passengers who would like to avail of the promotional fares have to book their tickets way before the flight date itself, otherwise the travelers would likely lose the lower-priced tickets to someone else.

This reinvented the Filipino’s previous mindset, which was shaped by legacy airlines like PAL.

Before, to avail of promotional fares from, say PAL, one could take his chances that the airline would place the tickets on sale a few days before or on the flight date itself. The logic would be that the airline has already sold enough seats in a particular flight to cover its operating costs and meet required margins. The tickets sold and considered under promo are just financial gravy.

Aviation expert Benjamin Solis gave an illustration: “If the seats normally cost P3,000, and the number of minimum seats worth P3,000 have already been sold, they can now afford to sell the extra seats at promo prices, say P1,000. If 8 people decide to avail of the P1,000 tickets, then the company earns an extra P8,000.”

Solis added, “To an airline, P8,000 is better than nothing at all." After all, an airline seat is considered a “perishable product."

Cash management

Budget airlines, however, have an entirely different mindset. Solis explained that the number of seats that a budget airline throw away for a promo has been pre-computed. "They know the historical performance of a flight, which is dependent on seasons, fiestas, graduations, holidays, name it, they have added those variables in their computation."

"They already know that, at a certain period of the year, a certain number of Filipinos will travel by air. So they know that if they have one million seats for that period, they could sell, say 650,000 seats without batting an eyelash. They could then afford to sell the 350,000 seats for, say P1. That’s still P350,000 additional funds for the company," he explained.

Why then would budget airlines want travelers to book ahead?

Solis said that as soon as the budget airline has come up with a good estimate of how many seats could be included in the promo, it immediately launches campaigns to entice travelers to book their tickets online. Again, the budget airline’s carrot for booking ahead is that someone else could buy the lower-priced fares ahead.

In other words, budget airlines are highly dependent on revenue management models—they compute how many seats could be sold for less—and the cash management team. The latter plays on the time value of money concept as applied to the cash paid by early bookers.

This means that since early bookers buy their tickets way ahead of the flight date—sometimes up to 3 months ahead of the flight—the company could invest the fares collected to earn extra.

Solis explained that since the budget airline also earns from the payment of the early bookers, by the time the flight date nears, it is not as desperate anymore to sell extra seats. In fact, most of the time, fares sold on the day of or a few days before the flight itself are even priced higher than the normal rates.

“This shows that the DNA of a budget airline is very different from a legacy airline,” Solis stressed.

ianers_ianized

May 1st, 2009, 10:35 AM

jogavilz

May 1st, 2009, 10:59 AM

kiretoce

May 1st, 2009, 11:04 AM

^^ And the lesson there is, "You get what you pay for." ;)

pthfndr19

May 1st, 2009, 12:43 PM

Noize_320

May 1st, 2009, 03:12 PM

swahi

May 1st, 2009, 07:02 PM

I have to DVO recenlty for a trip via PAL... now they only serve a peanut pack and a cracker with an offer of water, tea and coffee... juice was cut down which I always choose and snack pack too. I think before in hour long domestic trips they serve Goldilocks treat now expect a skyflakes on a trip... talking about the effects of recession... I hope this will end soon.

You don't travel that often, do you? 1st half of last year, that was down to A (one) cracker, and a choice between water and coffee, juice and tea was eventually taken out, first the juice, then the tea. So getting two pieces of snack is now an upgrade, and the tea was reintroduced back. That goldilocks treat was around 2 years ago, and the juice was still around then. You didnt notice that they don't distribute newspapers already? They only give you newspapers upon request. And even that is very limited.

KulasKusgan

May 1st, 2009, 07:18 PM

^^ baka sa susunod, maxx candy na lang ang pamigay.

at least they gave you something to eat. kami nga walang binigay sa amin, water lang.... i think heto na yung disadvantage ng econolight....

ok lang kahit water, unlimited naman. you can always ask for refill.

hybridace101

May 2nd, 2009, 01:56 AM

How come during the refurbishment RP-C7475s seats aren't the same as 7471?

When did PR start flying to LAX and SFO without a stop? Did they ever fly to JFK?

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2009, 02:34 AM

^^ Not to JFK. Only to EWR.

terrapinoy

May 2nd, 2009, 03:48 AM

^^ Here's a photo from a.net with Manhattan in the background.

http://www.airliners.net/photo/Philippine-Airlines-(World/McDonnell-Douglas-MD-11-ER/0401570/L/ (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Philippine-Airlines-(World/McDonnell-Douglas-MD-11-ER/0401570/L/)

They used a wet leased World Airways MD11 for the Newark runs.

http://soradou.web.fc2.com/ac-d10/277wa.jpg

Rall

May 2nd, 2009, 03:52 AM

^^ baka sa susunod, maxx candy na lang ang pamigay.

ok lang kahit water, unlimited naman. you can always ask for refill.

they (PAL) used to give candies before... hehehe early 70's :)
before deplaning we used to ask for more... and they give!

mwg12a

May 2nd, 2009, 03:55 AM

^^^^ how'd you know? you're that old??LOL I think you just saw those in the old "John and Marsha" movie that's been rerun...LMAO jk!!

Rall

May 2nd, 2009, 04:02 AM

^^^^ how'd you know? you're that old??LOL I think you just saw those in the old "John and Marsha" movie that's been rerun...LMAO jk!!

yap... one of those old guys...
"John and Marsha" was a part of life before...
wala pang cable tv... :ohno:
b/w pa ang tv...

my teen kids would call me "pappy" for being 60's daw :lol:

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2009, 04:24 AM

Do they ever do this in the Philippines? The ground crew waving to departing aircrafts after they're towed from the gate to the taxiway? I've seen this practice (and they bow as well) on my layovers in Japan. Must be part of their corporate culture.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i59/wongjst/HKG-HND-Dec08/IMG_1901.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i59/wongjst/HKG-HND-Dec08/IMG_1944.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i59/wongjst/HKG-HND-Dec08/IMG_2108.jpg

Photos were taken at HND.

mwg12a

May 2nd, 2009, 04:34 AM

^^^^ Usually the marshallers does, but not the tug drivers and baggage handlers as I've noticed that in Manila before. Same thing here in the US.

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2009, 04:36 AM

^^ Bow and wave? Or, just wave. :colgate:

mwg12a

May 2nd, 2009, 04:37 AM

Just wave, no vow ofcourse. Vowing is a Japanese tradition. Maybe Korea too since theysometimes vow too.

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2009, 04:49 AM

Nice vidclip from JAL. :okay:

M8N2Jh6-pww

NightDog

May 2nd, 2009, 04:54 AM

Do they ever do this in the Philippines? The ground crew waving to departing aircrafts after they're towed from the gate to the taxiway? I've seen this practice (and they bow as well) on my layovers in Japan. Must be part of their corporate culture.

^^^^ Usually the marshallers does, but not the tug drivers and baggage handlers as I've noticed that in Manila before. Same thing here in the US.

waving is a part of safety standards. maintenance should do that to actually show to the pilots not to passengers that everything is ready to go. in PAL flights, the practice is to show to the pilots the landing gear pins while waving.

if the maintenance will not show the pins, that means the pins are still in the landing gears & the landing gears will not be able to retract after take-off forcing the aircraft to return back on ground & throwing lots of fuel.

this happened before in one of the PAL flights from hongkong. all the personnel involved in that mistake were sent back to manila.

mwg12a

May 2nd, 2009, 05:02 AM

Yes, I know Nightdog, I agree. Those waves were not intended for the passengers..LMAO

I can imagine PAL sending their people back to Manila. I'm sure they get fired as well because that is a safety hazzard if not it's negligence.

Rall

May 2nd, 2009, 05:05 AM

Cebu Pacific use to do that (waving the plane away)... handlers, tugs, and even the aviation guards.:lol::lol:

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2009, 05:07 AM

Behind-the-scenes on a PR flight from YVR to MNL.

AMnaJ06oXAk

:ohno: Too much socializing and not enough customer service, IMO.

richard24

May 2nd, 2009, 05:35 AM

the guy videotaping is a passenger right? i think he's drunk. wahahaha.

ot: yvette is pretty.

Noize_320

May 2nd, 2009, 05:36 AM

i think waving is both meant to say "you're ready to go" and "goodbye, thank you" ....just a thought~

hybridace101

May 2nd, 2009, 07:43 AM

What airport do you prefer, JFK or EWR? I want PR to participate at the US' busiest airport for international arrivals like SQ and CX.

Also, I still need to know why aren't airlines like KL, NW, UA aggressive in upgrading their respective 747s economy classes despite the fact that they are used for long-haul routes? I even noticed that KL's MD-11 gets an economy class upgrade. Their business class in that same aircraft has been refurbished but why not the economy class?

Ph Man

May 2nd, 2009, 07:45 AM

i've seen that lady on the left in one of the posters of PAL in some ticketing agencies.

by the way, just want to share (again) couple of nose to nose plane photos i got:

B744 in Mactan
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3156/2358037363_6ce1dee498.jpg

A340 in NAIA
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/2324965352_4d08ca2596.jpg

hybridace101

May 2nd, 2009, 09:30 AM

Take a look at this article: http://www.philippineairlines.com/news/pal_provides_new_edge.jsp

Just to ask, what ticket class does "Business Restricted" (as selected in PR's website) belong to? They might as well not have removed first class.

Sky Harbor

May 2nd, 2009, 09:46 AM

^^ Restricted fare tickets, like discounted Mabuhay Class tickets.

hybridace101

May 2nd, 2009, 09:49 AM

^^

Of course they are restricted. What I need to know is if they are C or J tickets.

Sky Harbor

May 2nd, 2009, 10:59 AM

^^ C and J are full-fare Mabuhay Class tickets. You're referring to D and I.

habagatcentral1

May 2nd, 2009, 11:00 AM

Do they ever do this in the Philippines? The ground crew waving to departing aircrafts after they're towed from the gate to the taxiway? I've seen this practice (and they bow as well) on my layovers in Japan. Must be part of their corporate culture.

I've seen a Youtube clip of Busuanga ground crew waving at the people while they are taxiing towards the runway.

Here it is...
Leaving Busuanga Airport via CebuPacific Air ATR
Sbp-IX7RyyM
Just see the ground crew waving at 0:12.

Now I dunno about other Philippine airports but one thing's for sure on regional airports here....its the wellwishers who wave...:D

hybridace101

May 2nd, 2009, 02:22 PM

If you are a coach class passenger and a base-level member, can you access the mabuhay lounge for a fee?

tigidig14

May 2nd, 2009, 04:38 PM

Behind-the-scenes on a PR flight from YVR to MNL.

AMnaJ06oXAk

:ohno: Too much socializing and not enough customer service, IMO.

the crew were just accommodating the passenger, which is a good customer service

mambo

May 2nd, 2009, 05:55 PM

i doubt if they are going to over do it if its a pinoy pax, they would tell you to go back to your sear

hybridace101

May 2nd, 2009, 05:58 PM

I occasionally chat with the flight attendants especially on long haul flights and they don't mind.

mambo

May 2nd, 2009, 06:02 PM

i guess flight attendants are more firendly in the north american routes

kiretoce

May 2nd, 2009, 09:17 PM

What airport do you prefer, JFK or EWR? I want PR to participate at the US' busiest airport for international arrivals like SQ and CX.

Doesn't really matter if it's JFK or EWR, both are servicing NYC and majority of the Tri-State area (NY, NJ, and CT) anyway. But my guess is that the landing fees, and probably slot allocations as well, are more convenient and cheaper in EWR than in JFK.

kiretoce

May 3rd, 2009, 01:57 AM

Wala lang....

Here's a Pinoy tourist saying some good things about my hometown airport. Orlando International Airport (MCO).

QDJdM-HUIvU

hybridace101

May 3rd, 2009, 01:02 PM

^^

MCO is pretty good as an airport. I used it several times before. I like their Automated People Mover.

Also, why doesn't PR or MNL have code share airports with most airlines/airports except CX, MH and several arab carriers? I've noticed its quite scarce in code-share flights. If you were to choose what alliance PR should join? I also noticed it doesn't belong to one. I would say it should belong to SkyTeam.

One more question: are there a few PR destinations where the purser makes announcements in a 3rd language? I understand PR did it when it flew to Europe but I noticed for flights to HKG and SIN, only Pilipino and English are mostly in use (which may be understandable because English is a major official language in both areas). Howabout flights to NRT/KIX/ICN/PUS?

Sky Harbor

May 3rd, 2009, 01:22 PM

^^ Agree there! But then again, PAL prefers to be invited to an alliance, rather than apply. But yes, SkyTeam is the best option for PAL, even if Vietnam Airlines joins the alliance (according to Vietnamese government sources), and even if PAL is somewhat beholden to Cathay Pacific because of what it had done for PAL during the Asian financial crisis.

If you think about it, the two airlines with the biggest chances to join SkyTeam other than VN (Malaysia Airlines and Garuda Indonesia) are very similar to PAL: they have large domestic route networks, for one, unlike VN, TG and especially SQ. In addition, GA and PR cater to roughly the same clientele: budget-conscious Indonesians and Filipinos hoping to go abroad on a dime, with more seats for economy than business class. However, PAL entering SkyTeam may be a bit difficult: Northwest has WorldPerks and cargo agreements with Cebu Pacific. Hopefully PAL will resume codesharing with KLM, and will continue to strengthen ties with MH, GA and VN, in a bid to up its chances.

hybridace101

May 3rd, 2009, 01:58 PM

Sky Harbor

May 3rd, 2009, 02:17 PM

hybridace101

May 3rd, 2009, 03:12 PM

^^ The best way PAL can increase its chances is to increase its coverage in Australia and Oceania, where SkyTeam has a major weakness. PAL currently serves Guam, Honolulu, Melbourne and Sydney while planning to return to Brisbane and Saipan and starting new service to Perth and Auckland. PAL should consider returning to Port Moresby and starting service to Koror, Nadi, Christchurch, Adelaide and any one of the islands in Micronesia (Yap most likely) to fill in the void that will be left by CO when it leaves SkyTeam for Star Alliance.

^^
Why is CO going to join Star? Is it because of its potential/prospective ties with UA/US? Howabout its existing partnership with NW?

I understand NZ and RP signed air agreements a few years ago. Once the 77Ws come, PR can hopefully use the A343s for its AU routes. Also, why is PR using A320s for regional routes unlike its regional rivals which use widebody aircrafts despite an abundance of A330s?

Also, I'm still interested in knowing if PR uses a 3rd language for announcements for some of its destinations as it did before?

One more thing. For stations such as LAX and LAS, I notice Filipinos are staffed at the gate and check-in counters. In other stations such as HKG, I don't notice a lot of Filipinos staffed at the gate (usually just 1) and mostly locals do the gate tasks. Are there times that there are American staff at either PR's gate or check-in counters at LAX or LAS (nevermind SFO because Pinoys staff the gates of other airlines anyway)? Howabout when they flew to Europe?

[dx]

May 4th, 2009, 07:01 AM

Busuanga (Coron) Airport
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_5103.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_5104.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_4249.jpg

Sky Harbor

May 4th, 2009, 07:19 AM

^^
Why is CO going to join Star? Is it because of its potential/prospective ties with UA/US? Howabout its existing partnership with NW?

CO is leaving SkyTeam because of the DL/NW merger, and because of its ever-stronger ties with UA which fall short of a full merger. Once CO leaves SkyTeam, all its partnerships with SkyTeam airlines will cease to exist, save for maybe some interline agreements which are outside the scope of alliance membership. CO's departure will mean a weaker Latin American route network and an even weaker Pacific network for SkyTeam. The former, serviced by CO affiliate Copa Airlines, is expected to be filled by Gol Airlines of Brazil, which is in talks to join, although Avianca, a codeshare partner of AF and DL, can fill this as well.

The latter, however, is more problematic. Both Qantas and Air New Zealand (the largest of the Pacific airlines) are already in oneworld and Star Alliance respectively, and the vast majority of Pacific carriers are too small to even be considered for membership in an alliance, save for a few like Air Pacific, Air Niugini or Hawaiian Airlines. Although it may be filled by Air Tahiti Nui, which may join the alliance because of its strong ties to AF, it does not have strong coverage for a Pacific airline (serving only LAX, AKL, CDG, NRT and PPT on a regular basis).

Also, I'm still interested in knowing if PR uses a 3rd language for announcements for some of its destinations as it did before?

PR uses English and "Filipino" (more appropriately called Taglish, even if they can make the announcement in straight Filipino) on all flights. They also use other Philippine languages (Cebuano, Ilokano, Hiligaynon, Chavacano, Waray-Waray) on some domestic flights, but judging from fairly recent YouTube videos, it seems that they don't do this anymore. I'm not sure about international flights, but I can give an answer come June, when I fly CEB-NRT. :D