Philippine Airlines Promo: 12 Cities. 7 Weeks. Unlimited Travel. Only with FLY ASIA PASS!

N.B. Updated with FAQs from the PAL website.


      I am quite baffled by this one, but it is a good deal if you're planning to visit all these countries listed here.  You'll just have to pay USD 270 for your FLY ASIA PASS and exchange them for tickets within two weeks.  The catch?  It is not inclusive of taxes and surcharges and you must complete your travel within seven weeks from day of first departure.  Travelling period is from 15 August to 30 December 2011 (outbound) and up to 10 December 2011 for inbound flights.  So, if you're intending to fly to Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan, your itinerary and fares will look like this:

Manila to Shanghai to Manila     -     USD 164.00 (Surcharges and Taxes)

Manila to Beijing to Manila        -     USD 164.00 (S/T)

Manila to Hong Kong to Manila-     USD 109.40 (S/T)

Manila to Taipei to Manila        -     USD 100.40 (S/T)

                        TOTAL (S/T)  -     USD 537.80 (S/T)

                            FLY ASIA FARE -     USD 270.00


      S/T Plus Fly Asia Fare TOTAL-     USD 807.80 (Fare/S/T)                                                                    
                                                                Exclusive of Philippine Travel Tax 
                                                                Php 1620 and Airport Fee
                                                                of Php 200 per route/per departure 
                                                                from the Philippines


     So, let's compare it with an ordinary PAL transaction for the following routes:

         Manila to Shanghai to Manila     -     USD 314.00 (Fare/S/T)
        Travel Dates: 16 Sept to 20 Sept

Manila to Beijing to Manila        -     USD 324.00 (Fare/S/T)

Travel Dates: 23 Sept to 27 Sept

Manila to Hong Kong to Manila-     USD 191.40 (Fare/S/T)

         Travel Dates: 08 Oct to 11 Oct

Manila to Taipei to Manila        -     USD 198.40 (Fare/S/T) 

Travel Dates: 28 Oct to 31 Oct

                        TOTAL          -     USD 1,027.80 (Fare/S/T)

      S/T Plus Fly Asia Fare TOTAL-     USD 807.80 (Fare/S/T)                                                                      

                                                               

     You get to save at least USD 200.00 on fares; it'll be greater if you go to more cities in the program.  But I think this only works for those who can afford to travel around Asia within a seven-week period.  You really save some dollars for your fares, taxes and surcharges, but what about for your accommodations, Philippine and airport travel taxes?  Yup, you'll have to shell out a lot of money.  And, I've tried booking for the Fly Asia promo, and the dates are almost always sold out.  Oh well...

 04 August 2011 Update:


     Since PAL made some tweaks to their promo mechanics, I'll need to make updates, too.  Before, it was pretty hazy as to how you'd avail of the promo.  I mean, PAL didn't say that you can book one way tickets to a certain country and return to the Philippines from another country covered by their promo.  So, if you're going to Hong Kong, you can link your stay to Macau and depart from there going back to Manila.  The same goes true with Shanghai and Beijing. However, it would entail a rather long journey from Shanghai to Beijing.  It is about 12 to 14 hours by sleeper train, or less than 6 hours by bullet train.  The bullet train costs about RMB 555 one-way but the line has been besieged by glitches over the past few weeks.

     Still, for most of their flights, you have to return to the Philippines and depart from there to your next destination.

UPDATES: FAQs

What is the advantage in buying Fly Asia Pass?
“Fly Asia Pass” promo allows travel aficionados to fly as much as they can in the key cities in Asia. 
 
Where can I fly with Fly Asia Pass?
You may fly unlimited round-trip to Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Macau, Saigon, Shanghai, Singapore, and Taipei from Manila. In addition, Fly Asia Pass holders may also fly unlimited between Manila and Cebu or Davao. 
 
Can I fly to the same city multiple times?
Yes. 
 
Can I fly itineraries with open-jaw, circle trip, multi-trip or one-way?
Fly Asia Pass is designed for unlimited round-trip travel to cities in Asia originating Manila, plus unlimited one-way or round-trip between Manila and Cebu or Davao. Open-jaw is permitted provided the origin and arriving city is Manila, e.g. outbound flight is Manila-Hong Kong and return flight is Macau-Manila. 
 
Can I originate from a domestic point other than Manila, Cebu or Davao?
No. 
 
Can my itinerary originate from a city in Asia going to Manila, Cebu or Davao?
No. Regional flights must originate Manila. Domestic flights can be Manila-Cebu/Davao or vice versa. 
 
When can I travel using my Fly Asia Pass? 
Outbound travel is from August 15 to November 30. All travel must completed by December 10. The last ticket must be flown within 7 weeks from the first travel or December 10, 2011 whichever comes first. Example: If your first travel is on September 1, 2011 the last outbound travel that you can make is on or before October 17, 2011. 
 
Where and when is Fly Asia Pass available for sale?
Fly Asia Pass is available for sale through PAL accredited travel agencies, ticket offices and contact center in the Philippines until August 7, 2011. You may also buy the Pass through www.philippineairlines.com. 
 
Is Fly Asia Pass all I need to make my trips?
Fly Asia Pass is not valid for passage. After purchasing Fly Asia Pass, you must exchange it with flight tickets that you will use for your trip.  (See 'Exchanging Fly Asia Pass for Flight Tickets' below for more details.) 
 
How much is Fly Asia Pass?
Fiesta Class (Economy) is USD270 while Mabuhay Class (Business) is USD1,070. Each pass is good for one person.   Fares are exclusive of government taxes, fees and surcharges.   
Can I transfer my Fly Asia Pass to other person?
No. Fly Asia Pass is non-transferable. Name change is not permitted. 
 
PURCHASING FLY ASIA PASS 
 
How do I buy my Fly Asia Pass?
You may visit any of PAL ticket offices or accredited travel agencies in the Philippines. Fly Asia Pass is also available through PAL Contact Center (02)855-8888 or online at www.philippineairlines.com. 
 
How do I purchase Fly Asia Pass online?
Buying Fly Asia Pass online is similar to purchasing regular ticket. Book one-way Manila-Fly Asia Pass on PR360/01Sep. This special flight number holds the inventory for Fly Asia Pass and does not reflect actual travel date. 
 
What forms of payment are accepted?
PAL ticket offices accept cash, invoice and credit card payments.
Travel agencies accept cash; credit card facility may or may not be available.
Contact center and online can only process Visa and MasterCard cards. 
 
What is included in the Fly Asia Pass?
The $270 (Fiesta Class) and $1,070 only cover air travel. Customers will have to pay the applicable surcharges, government taxes and Philippine Travel Tax for every ticket redeemed. Visit www.philippineairlines.com/flyasiapass for the applicable surcharges and government taxes.
Note:  Airport terminal fees are PHP750 for international departures and PHP200 for local/domestic departures. These fees will be collected at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Centennial Terminal 2).

Can I buy Fly Asia Pass for someone else?
Yes. Please note that flight tickets can be exchanged only under his/her name.  
 
EXCHANGING FLY PASS PASS FOR FLIGHT TICKETS 
 
Where can I exchange my Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets?
You may exchange your Fly Asia Pass with flight tickets at any PAL ticket office in the Philippines or by calling (02)855-8888 in Manila. 
 
When should I exchange my Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets?
You must exchange it for flight tickets within two (2) weeks of Fly Asia Pass Purchase. 
 
Can I exchange the Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets on the same day of Fly Asia Pass purchase?
Yes. If you have the final itinerary, you may exchange it on the same day of Fly Asia Pass purchase. 
 
Can I exchange the Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets online?
Fly Pass Asia may be purchased online but Fly Asia Pass can only be exchanged for flight tickets through the PAL ticket offices or call center. 
  
 
CANCELLATION OF FLY ASIA PASS AND CHANGES IN FLIGHT TICKETS 
 
Can I refund my Fly Asia Pass?
Yes. Unused Fly Asia Pass is refundable subject to USD50 refund service fee. 'Unused' means it is not exchanged for flight tickets. 
 
Can refund my flight tickets?
All flight tickets must be unused to qualify for refund. Refund is subject to USD150 refund service fee. All flight tickets become non-refundable after use of the first coupon. 
 
Am I allowed to rebook my flights?
Yes, you are permitted to rebook your flights only within the same travel period subject to rebooking fees:
- International: USD50 per transaction
- Domestic: PHP600 per sector plus VAT 
 
Can I change/reroute my flight tickets?
Yes. You may only reroute existing flight tickets subject to applicable fees but the number of tickets issue shall remain the same. Example: Exchange Manila-Hong Kong-Manila with Manila-Singapore-Manila. 
 
Am I allowed to add or insert another destination after exchanging my Fly Asia Pass for flight tickets?
No destination can be added after the Fly Asia Pass has been exchanged. 
 
What should i do if I wish to cancel my flight?
You must cancel you booking by calling (02)855-8888 in Manila at least 24 hours before you departure to avoid no show fee. You may rebook your flight ticket at a later date subject to rebooking fees. 
 
What happens if PAL cancels the flight due to weather or operational reasons?
Fly Asia Pass passengers enjoy the same benefits as the regular passengers, i.e. they will be accommodated on the next available flight.

     For those interested, here are the details of the Fly Asia Pass program from the PAL website:


N.B.  PAL tweaked/updated their mechanics.  I've highlighted the new details:

Fly Asia Pass Enjoy seven weeks of unlimited travel to select cities in Asia from Cebu, Davao and Manila from August 15 to November 30, 2011 with Fly Asia Pass. Fly Asia Pass offers best value for multiple  business and leisure travel.

• 3 domestic origins; 9 regional destinations
• Unlimited travel for only $270 on Fiesta Class or $1,070 on Mabuhay Class
• Fly to and return from different cities, e.g. fly Manila-Hong Kong and return Macau-Manila
• Special add-on fares to other international points
• Travel in comfort and style with Philippine Airlines

Fly Asia Pass Selling Period: 29  July - 07 August 2011  

Fly Asia Pass must be redeemed and converted into flight tickets within two (2) weeks from its purchase for the same passenger only. All tickets must be redeemed in one transaction.
Travelling Period: 15 August - 30 November 2011 (outbound travel). All travel must be completed by 10 December 2011.

 Book FLY ASIA PASS now!
 Read Frequently Asked Questions

To book online, search for one-way Manila-Fly Asia Pass for 01September* travel and indicate the desired number of passenger using the SEARCH box located on the left of this page. (*This is not the actual travel date.  You shall exchange your Fly Asia Pass with flight tickets of the chosen Asian cities.)

Notes:
Fares are exclusive of government taxes, fees and surcharges. 
The All Asia pass is exclusive of hotel accommodations. 
Passenger shall be responsible for arranging his/her hotel, transfers, land & sea accommodations and securing valid travel documents. 

You may exchange your FLY ASIA PASS with any combination of routes specified below. Also, refer to the table for the applicable surcharges and estimated taxes EXCLUSIVE of Philippine Travel Tax and airport terminal fee for Mabuhay and Fiesta class to be paid upon the issuance of the tickets:

Regional Routes

Routes	Fare	Surcharges in USD	Est. Taxes in USD	Total in USD
Manila-Hong Kong-Manila	FREE	90.00	19.40	109.40
Manila-Macau-Manila		90.00	13.70	103.70
Manila-Taipei-Manila		90.00	10.40	100.40
Manila-Singapore-Manila		150.00	23.20	173.20
Manila-Bangkok-Manila		150.00	23.60	173.60
Manila- Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)-Manila		150.00	18.00	168.00
Manila-Jakarta-Manila		170.00	20.00	190.00
Manila-Beijing-Manila		150.00	14.00	164.00
Manila-Shanghai-Manila		150.00	14.00	164.00

Above amounts are subject to change due to conversion rates. 

Domestic Routes  

Routes	Fare	Surcharges	ASF1	TSC2	VAT	Total in PHP
Manila-Cebu-Manila or Cebu-Manila-Cebu	FREE	500.00	15.00	50.00	68.00	633.00
Manila-Davao-Manila or Davao-Manila-Davao		700.00	15.00	50.00	92.00	857.00

¹ Aviation Security Fee
2 Ticketing Service Charge


Book and buy through www.philippineairlines.com using MasterCard or VISA credit card. Or, purchase tickets at any PAL ticket office and travel agents or call our reservations office at tel. no. (632) 855-8888.


When redeeming your tickets for unlimited travel, enjoy Zero% installment by using your Allied Bank or PNB Credit Card to pay for the applicable surcahrges and taxes. 


Travel Conditions:
Application:

• Valid for sales in the Philippines and internet 
• Valid for travel seven weeks (7 weeks) from first travel date or until 10 December 2011 whichever comes first. Passenger can visit same city more than once
• Passengers who availed of the Fly Asia pass are entitled to purchase the Special Roundtrip Add-on fares to U.S.A. & Canada, Australia, Delhi, Japan and Korea after the 1st FAP sector/ticket is flown.  

ADD-ON FARES available on Fiesta and Mabuhay class:

Fiesta (Economy) Class

Routes	Add-on Fares in USD	Surcharges in USD	Est. Taxes in USD	Total Fare in USD
Manila-Las Vegas/ Los Angeles/ San Francisco -Manila	570.00*	400.00		970.00*
Manila-Vancouver-Manila		400.00	45.10	1,015.10
Manila-Honolulu-Manila	370.00*	310.00		680.00*
Manila-Sydney-Manila	370.00	300.00	105.80	775.80
Manila-Melbourne-Manila		300.00	86.10	756.10
Manila-Delhi-Manila		320.00	5.70	695.70
Manila-Tokyo-Manila	270.00	150.00	32.50	452.50
Manila-Nagoya-Manila		150.00	31.90	451.90
Manila-Fukuoka-Manila		150.00	12.10	432.10
Manila-Osaka-Manila		150.00	33.80	453.80
Manila-Seoul-Manila	300.00	150.00	26.60	476.60
Cebu-Seoul-Cebu		150.00	26.60	476.60
Manila-Pusan-Manila		150.00	21.90	471.90

Mabuhay(Business) Class

Routes	Add-on Fares in USD	Surcharges in USD	Est. Taxes in USD	Total Fare in USD
Manila-Los Angeles/ San Francisco -Manila	2,670.00*	400.00		3,070.00*
Manila-Las Vegas-Manila	2,370.00*	400.00		2,770.00*
Manila-Vancouver-Manila	2,370.00	400.00	45.10	2,815.10
Manila-Honolulu-Manila	1,270.00*	310.00		1,580.00*
Manila-Sydney-Manila	1,470.00	300.00	105.80	1,875.80
Manila-Melbourne-Manila		300.00	86.10	1,856.10
Manila-Delhi-Manila	1,270.00	320.00	5.70	1,595.70
Manila-Tokyo-Manila	770.00	150.00	32.50	952.50
Manila-Nagoya-Manila		150.00	31.90	951.90
Manila-Fukuoka-Manila		150.00	12.10	932.10
Manila-Osaka-Manila		150.00	33.80	953.80
Manila-Seoul-Manila	770.00	150.00	26.60	946.60
Cebu-Seoul-Cebu		150.00	26.60	946.60
Manila-Pusan-Manila		150.00	21.90	941.90

*For travel between Manila and USA, fare do not include USD 24.50 U.S. Government Taxes and Fees including the September 11th Security Fee
Notes:
-Above ADD-on fares are inclusive of government taxes and surcharges EXCEPT Philippine Travel Tax and airport terminal fee.
-Travel period for the special add-on rates shall be the same as the FAP.  Subject to seat availability.
-For passengers who purchased the fiesta Fly Asia Pass and would like to upgrade the converted tickets to Mabuhay class, an upgrade surcharge of USD300/RT for each selected sector/s shall be assessed.

Reservation, Payment and Ticketing:

• Fly Asia Pass (FAP) must be converted into tickets no later than two weeks (2 weeks) after payment.  This is valid for one-time ticket issuance only. 
• Unconverted FAP tickets are refundable subject to USD50 refund service fee.  
• All destination cities selected must be finalized and confirmed before ticket issuance. 
• Ticketing must be completed within 48 hours after confirmed reservations are made. 
• Individual tickets will be issued per itinerary for tickets issued in the PAL ticket offices.
• Extension of validity is not permitted.
• Unlimited transfers in Manila is permitted.  Stop-over is permitted in Manila.

Changes/Refunds

• Changes are permitted  (only within the travel period)
  • International - USD50 per transaction. 
  • Domestic – PHP600 per sector  plus VAT
• No-show surcharge shall be applied based on existing policy.
• Rerouting is permitted provided value is equal or higher than the original value paid.  Rerouting from international to domestic or vv is not permitted. 
• Refunds:
  Before Departure: permitted at USD150.  All tickets issued must be presented for refund on or before 30 November 2011 only.
  After Departure: fare and surcharges are non-refundable.  All unused tickets must be presented for refund for Government taxes.
  Note: Even only one sector has been utilized, fare and surcharges are non-refundable.     Government taxes are refundable subject to the current general service fee.

Other Discounts

• Child/Infant discounts
  Child’s fare: 100% of the adult’s fare
  Infant’s fare: 50% of the adult’s fare

Others

• Mileage accrual applies
• Passports must be presented when purchasing the FAP as well as when tickets are issued