Philippine Airlines is preparing to join oneworld by the end of 2027, a move that could widen flight and loyalty options for travellers connecting through Manila. The carrier accepted an invitation in June 2026 and would become the alliance’s 16th member once it completes operational, commercial and technical integration.
Japan is a market to watch. Japan Airlines already belongs to oneworld, while Philippine Airlines has an established codeshare and mileage relationship with All Nippon Airways. A new agreement with Japan Airlines remains unconfirmed. For now, travellers can book eligible services under the Philippine carrier’s existing partnerships, including expanded arrangements with Qatar Airways and Qantas.
Tokyo Offers Scope for New Connections
A future agreement with Japan Airlines could make it easier to combine a Philippine Airlines flight with an onward journey within Japan. Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports are potential gateways, depending on which routes the airlines might include and how their schedules line up.
For a traveller heading from Manila to Sapporo, the details would matter more than the size of the alliance network. The itinerary would need a workable transfer, with clear baggage arrangements and enough time between flights. The airport matters too. An onward departure from the same Tokyo airport presents a different journey from one that requires crossing the city.
ANA already gives Philippine Airlines passengers access to selected Japanese connections through a bilateral arrangement. It also holds a reported 4.11% stake in PAL Holdings, the airline’s parent company. ANA belongs to Star Alliance, and its existing commercial ties with Philippine Airlines have their own terms. The future scope of those ties will depend on what the carriers agree during and after the transition.
Qatar Airways and Qantas Already Offer Partner Benefits
Philippine Airlines’ expanded codeshare with Qatar Airways took effect on 1 June 2026. The Philippine carrier places its flight code on eligible Qatar Airways services from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao to Doha, with onward options to more than 20 European cities. Qatar Airways places its code on selected Philippine domestic flights, including services to Caticlan for Boracay and Puerto Princesa.
The two carriers also offer reciprocal earning and redemption on eligible flights. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can use Avios on qualifying Philippine Airlines services, while Mabuhay Miles members can earn and redeem miles on eligible Qatar Airways flights.
In Australia, Philippine Airlines and Qantas expanded their frequent-flyer partnership in May 2026. Eligible members can redeem rewards on participating services across both networks. For Mabuhay Miles members, that opens options beyond Australia’s main international gateways, including Adelaide, Hobart and Cairns, subject to award availability.
Mabuhay Miles Members Await Alliance Terms
Full membership could give Mabuhay Miles members a wider choice of airlines on which to earn or redeem miles. The integration will also determine how Philippine Airlines recognises oneworld status and which travellers qualify for priority services, additional baggage or lounge access.
The timing matters for bookings made during 2027. A traveller considering a partner-operated flight can check the mileage rules for that flight when choosing a fare. Someone planning around a lounge visit will need to confirm eligibility for the departure airport and itinerary. A codeshare can put two airlines on one booking, while each benefit depends on the applicable programme and ticket conditions.
Regional Destinations Could Gain From Better Connections
Philippine Airlines carried 16.3 million passengers in 2025 and served 39 domestic and 31 international destinations. That domestic reach gives overseas tour operators a base for itineraries that combine an international arrival with a stay elsewhere in the Philippines. A visitor could spend time in Manila before continuing to Cebu or Davao, or connect to Puerto Princesa for a Palawan holiday.
For hotels, resorts and transfer operators, the opportunity depends on whether airlines turn the wider network into connections visitors can book and use. An international arrival that lines up with a domestic departure may make a regional stay easier to fit into a short trip. A long layover or terminal transfer can change that calculation.
The next details for travellers to watch are the date full membership takes effect, the partner flights eligible for Mabuhay Miles benefits and any agreement covering Japan Airlines connections. Until then, the specific ticket remains the best guide to what a journey through Manila or Tokyo includes.
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