Philippine Airlines (PAL) is set to become the newest member of the oneworld alliance, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and travellers across Australia and Southeast Asia. It’s particularly great news for elite Qantas Frequent Flyer members, who will eventually be able to enjoy reciprocal priority processing and lounge access once the joining process is complete.
The announcement was made at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting in Rio de Janeiro, with Philippine Airlines receiving an invitation to join the alliance as its 16th member carrier. Once complete, PAL will become only the second Southeast Asian airline in oneworld, alongside Malaysia Airlines.
PAL joining oneworld: the worst-kept secret?
While the announcement is significant, it won’t come as a complete surprise to many frequent flyers.
Industry observers have been speculating about Philippine Airlines joining oneworld for some time, particularly as PAL has secured partnerships with alliance members. In recent months, the airline has unveiled closer relationships with oneworld members Qantas, Qatar Airways and Alaska Airlines.
The recent Qantas partnership, which allows members to redeem Qantas Points on Philippine Airlines flights, was perhaps the strongest clue yet that a deeper relationship was on the horizon.
A major boost for Australian travellers
As Philippine Airlines is already a ‘burn’ partner with Qantas, what exactly will change once PAL officially joins oneworld?
For starters, Qantas Frequent Flyer members will almost certainly be able to earn points and Status Credits on Philippine Airlines flights, even those booked under the native ‘PR’ code.
PAL flights will become eligible for inclusion in Qantas’ popular oneworld Classic Flight Reward. Often (incorrectly) referred to as the Qantas ’round-the-world’ reward, this reward allows members to combine flights across multiple oneworld airlines for a fixed points price – up to 365,800 Qantas Points (plus fees and taxes) for Business Class travel up to 15,000 miles.
For Australian members, Manila could become an increasingly useful transit point between Australia, North Asia and North America.
What benefits will passengers receive?
Once Philippine Airlines formally joins oneworld, travellers can expect reciprocal alliance benefits across the network beyond just Qantas. For frequent flyers of other member airlines, this will include:
- Earning and redeeming points/miles across all oneworld member airlines
- Access to more than 700 airport lounges worldwide
- Priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling
- Additional baggage allowances on eligible fares
- Access to oneworld Priority benefits for elite members
Top-tier Philippine Airlines Mabuhay Miles members will also gain access to oneworld’s global status framework, including premium lounges when travelling on eligible itineraries.
Philippine Airlines operates flights to 29 domestic destinations and more than 40 international destinations across Asia, North America, Australia and the Middle East. The airline’s domestic network is particularly valuable, giving oneworld members access to destinations throughout the Philippine archipelago that are currently difficult to reach using alliance carriers alone.
The carrier also offers another one-stop option between Australia and North America, complementing existing oneworld hubs in Hong Kong, Tokyo and Doha.
What happens next?
Neither Philippine Airlines nor oneworld has confirmed an exact joining date.
Before becoming a full member, Philippine Airlines will need to complete a range of alliance integration requirements. This includes aligning its loyalty benefits, technology systems, and customer service standards with those of existing oneworld carriers. It typically takes two years from joining to reach this state.
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Offer ends: 28 Jul 2026
- Bonus points
- 50,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Annual fee
- $450 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
Qantas American Express Ultimate
Offer ends: 28 Jul 2026
- Bonus Points
- 50,000 bonus Qantas Points¹
- Annual Fee
- $450 p.a.
- Earn
- 1.25 Qantas Points earned per $1 on eligible everyday purchases. 2.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on selected Qantas products and services in Australia. 0.5 Qantas Point per $1 at government bodies in Australia. After a total of 100,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday earn rate will change from 1.25 to 1 Qantas Point per $1 spent.
Earn 50,000 bonus Qantas Points¹ with the Qantas American Express Ultimate Card when you apply online by 28 July 2026, are approved, and spend $5,000 in the first 3 months.
For example, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay Miles program currently has three regular tier levels:
- Classic, which is the entry-level tier.
- Elite, which is equivalent to Silver or oneworld Ruby status
- Premier Elite, which is equivalent to Gold or oneworld Sapphire status
There’s also a Million Miler tier, which should map to Platinum/oneworld Emerald status. But it’s quite a hard goal to achieve, so there will likely be a new level above Premier Elite, set as an annual tier, that offers oneworld Emerald benefits.
When the process is complete, Philippine Airlines will join a roster that currently includes Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian and SriLankan Airlines.
The bottom line
Philippine Airlines joining oneworld is one of the most significant alliance developments in Southeast Asia in recent years. For Australian travellers, it strengthens connectivity to the Philippines, adds new opportunities to earn and redeem points and opens the door to future oneworld Classic Flight Reward redemptions through Manila.
Combined with the airline’s recently-announced partnership with Qantas, Philippine Airlines is quickly becoming a much more relevant option for Australian frequent flyers.
What’s next for oneworld? Taiwan’s Starlux is tipped to be a future contender as oneworld’s 17th member, but it seems likely that Cathay Pacific will oppose its entry. Time will tell.
