Philippine Airlines Cancellation Policy: Fees & Rules Explained
Philippine Airlines offers a 24-hour refund without penalties on tickets with U.S. segments, provided the ticket was booked directly with PAL and not through an online travel agency.
Have a question about Philippine Airlines cancellation policy?
Talk to an ExpertPage updated: August 2026
24-Hour Rule
Yes — free cancellation within 24 hours of booking. Philippine Airlines offers a 24-hour refund without penalties on tickets with U.S. segments, provided the ticket was booked directly with PAL and not through an online travel agency.
Cancellation Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Non-refundable |
| Main Cabin | Varies by route and fare class, typically $50 - $150 or equivalent |
| Premium | Varies, often lower than economy |
| Business | Often fully refundable or subject to a small fee |
Change Fees
| Fare Class | Fee |
|---|---|
| Basic Economy | Not permitted or high fee (e.g., PHP 1,500+ / $30+) |
| Main Cabin | PHP 1,500 per sector plus fare difference |
| Premium | Varies by fare class, often lower or waived |
| Business | Usually waived or minimal fee, plus fare difference |
Refund Method
Original form of payment. Processing may take 2-3 billing cycles.
Same-Day Change
Subject to availability and fare rules, fees apply.
No-Show Policy
No-show fee applies (e.g., PHP 1,000 per sector). Missing a flight may result in the cancellation of onward or return flights (No-Show Downline Cancellation).
If Philippine Airlines Cancels Your Flight
When an airline cancels or significantly changes your flight, U.S. Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide a full refund to the original form of payment — including ticket price, taxes, fees, and any paid extras — regardless of fare type.
Under DOT rules, a "significant change" includes: arrival delayed 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), a change in departure or arrival airport, additional connections, or an involuntary downgrade to a lower class of service.
The refund must be issued automatically within 7 business days for credit card purchases or 20 calendar days for other payment methods. Airlines may offer travel credits or vouchers as an alternative, but must inform you of your right to a cash refund. You are not required to accept a voucher.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Aviation Consumer Protection — Refunds (transportation.gov/individuals/aviation-consumer-protection/refunds, last updated November 7, 2025).
How to Cancel
- Visit the Philippine Airlines website and go to 'Manage Booking'.
- Enter your booking reference and last name.
- Select the flight you wish to cancel.
- Follow the prompts to cancel and request a refund if eligible.
Tips
- Cancel at least 24 hours before departure to avoid no-show fees.
- Check fare rules carefully before booking, as basic fares are often non-refundable.
- If your flight is cancelled by PAL, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking without fees.
- For tickets with U.S. segments, take advantage of the 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Philippine Airlines cancellation policy?
- Philippine Airlines offers free cancellation within 24 hours of booking, plus fare-class-based fees after that window closes. Refund method: Original form of payment. Processing may take 2-3 billing cycles.
- Can I cancel a Philippine Airlines flight for free?
- Yes — Philippine Airlines offers a 24-hour refund without penalties on tickets with U.S. segments, provided the ticket was booked directly with PAL and not through an online travel agency.
- What is Philippine Airlines cancellation policy after 24 hours?
- Once the 24-hour window expires, fees apply by fare class. Main Cabin: Varies by route and fare class, typically $50 - $150 or equivalent. Basic Economy: Non-refundable. Premium: Varies, often lower than economy.
- Does Philippine Airlines 24-hour cancellation apply to agency bookings?
- Tickets booked through third-party travel agencies (including consolidators) may not qualify for Philippine Airlines's 24-hour free cancellation. The rule typically applies only to direct bookings on the airline's own website or app. Check your specific fare rules or contact Philippine Airlines directly to confirm.
- What is Philippine Airlines's change fee?
- Main Cabin: PHP 1,500 per sector plus fare difference. Basic Economy: Not permitted or high fee (e.g., PHP 1,500+ / $30+).
- How do I get a refund from Philippine Airlines?
- Original form of payment. Processing may take 2-3 billing cycles.
- What happens if I no-show on Philippine Airlines?
- No-show fee applies (e.g., PHP 1,000 per sector). Missing a flight may result in the cancellation of onward or return flights (No-Show Downline Cancellation).