Calling Philippine Airlines (PAL) requires knowing the correct international dialing format, especially if you are calling from outside the Philippines.
PAL's customer service hotlines are based in Manila, and international callers must use the country code and drop the leading zero from the local number.
This guide provides step-by-step instructions for calling PAL from any country, along with cost-saving alternatives and tips for faster connection.
Philippine Airlines phone numbers
PAL operates two primary Manila landline numbers: (+632) 8855-8888 and (+632) 8539-0000 [citation:1][citation:3][citation:8].
These numbers are available 24/7 for flight bookings, changes, cancellations, refunds, and general inquiries.
For callers within the Philippines using a mobile phone, you can also dial (+63) 919-056-2255 [citation:3][citation:8][citation:10].
For callers in the United States and Canada, PAL offers a toll-free number: 1-800-435-9725 [citation:3][citation:10].
How to call PAL from outside the Philippines
To call Philippine Airlines from any country outside the Philippines, follow this three-step process.
First, dial your country's exit code (international access code). The two most common exit codes are '00' and '011', but on most mobile phones, you can substitute the exit code by simply starting with the '+' symbol [citation:7].
Second, dial the Philippines country code, which is '63' [citation:7]. Third, dial the PAL Manila number without the leading zero.
For example, to call (+632) 8855-8888 from abroad, dial +63 2 8855 8888 – note that the '0' in '02' is dropped [citation:7].
The complete international format is: +63 2 8855 8888 or +63 2 8539 0000.
For the Philippines mobile number, dial +63 919 056 2255 (dropping the leading '0' from '0919').
Step-by-step calling example
Here are specific examples for callers from different countries. From the United States or Canada: dial 011-63-2-8855-8888 (using 011 as the exit code), or simply +63-2-8855-8888 from a mobile phone.
From the United Kingdom: dial 00-63-2-8855-8888. From Australia: dial 0011-63-2-8855-8888.
From UAE: dial 00-63-2-8855-8888. From Singapore: dial 00-63-2-8855-8888. From Japan: dial 010-63-2-8855-8888.
From mobile phones in any country, the '+' symbol works universally: +63 2 8855 8888.
Always double-check that you have dropped the leading zero from the local number [citation:7].
Common dialing mistakes and how to avoid them
The most common mistakes when calling PAL from abroad include: (1) Forgetting to drop the leading zero – dialing +63 02 8855 8888 instead of +63 2 8855 8888 will result in a failed call [citation:7], (2) Using the wrong exit code for your country – check your country's specific exit code before dialing, (3) Dialing the US toll-free number from outside the US/Canada – 1-800 numbers are not accessible internationally, (4) Using spaces or hyphens when dialing from a landline – enter only digits and the '+' symbol, (5) Calling during Manila's peak hours (9 AM-12 PM and 2 PM-5 PM) – wait times are longer, and international calling rates may apply throughout.
Cost-saving alternatives to international calls
International calls to PAL's Manila numbers can be expensive, especially from countries with high calling rates.
Consider these cost-saving alternatives. WhatsApp messaging and voice calls are free over Wi-Fi – add (+63) 998-951-4359 to WhatsApp and call or message PAL support [citation:1].
Viber offers free PAL messaging and calls – search for the official Philippine Airlines account [citation:1][citation:3].
PAL Web Chat is completely free – use the myPAL Web Chat on the PAL website [citation:1].
Use calling apps like Skype, Google Voice, or Viber Out to call the Manila numbers at significantly reduced rates (typically $0.05-0.15 per minute versus $1-3 per minute from standard carriers).
Calling PAL from within the Philippines
If you are already in the Philippines, dialing PAL is straightforward. From a landline, dial 8855-8888 or 8539-0000.
From a mobile phone (Globe, Smart, DITO, or other carriers), dial 8855-8888 or 8539-0000 directly.
Alternatively, dial 0919-056-2255 for the mobile hotline [citation:8]. All these numbers are local calls within the Philippines – only standard local rates apply.
If you have a postpaid mobile plan with unlimited calls to all networks, these calls are included.
For prepaid users, check your per-minute rates before calling.
Best times to call PAL
To minimize wait times when calling PAL, call during off-peak hours. Manila time is UTC+8.
The best times to call are between 9 PM and 6 AM Manila time – this corresponds to morning in North America (9 AM-6 PM EST) and late night in Europe.
Avoid calling on Monday mornings (Manila time), after weather-related disruptions (typhoons in the Philippines), during major Filipino holidays (Christmas, New Year, Holy Week), and during seat sales or promotional periods when call volumes spike.
The longest wait times typically occur between 10 AM and 2 PM Manila time.
What information to have before calling
To make your call as efficient as possible, have the following information ready before dialing: (1) Your booking reference (PNR) – a 6-character alphanumeric code found in your confirmation email, (2) Passenger full names as they appear on the booking, (3) Flight number and date of travel, (4) Credit card last 4 digits if payment was made by card, (5) Any previous case reference numbers if following up on an existing issue.
Having this information ready can reduce your call time by 3-5 minutes, potentially saving money on international calling rates.
What to do if you cannot get through
If you are unable to reach PAL by phone due to busy signals, long hold times, or connection issues, try these alternatives.
Use WhatsApp or Viber messaging – response times may be longer than phone but are more reliable internationally.
Use the myPAL Web Chat on the PAL website. Submit a request through the PAL Help Page at https://flypal.com/help [citation:3][citation:8].
Check the PAL website for any travel advisories – during weather disruptions, the hotline may be overwhelmed, and self-service options through the website or app may be faster.
Takeaway: To call Philippine Airlines from abroad, dial your country's exit code + 63 (Philippines country code) + the PAL number without the leading zero.
The Manila hotlines are +63 2 8855 8888 and +63 2 8539 0000.
The PAL mobile number is +63 919 056 2255. For US/Canada callers, toll-free 1-800-435-9725 is available.
To reduce international calling costs, use WhatsApp (+63 998-951-4359), Viber, or myPAL Web Chat for free support over Wi-Fi.
Have your booking reference ready before calling. For callers within the Philippines, dial 8855-8888 or 8539-0000 directly as local calls.