Use thick, high-grade carton, cardboard or styrofoam boxes to ensure durability of the box to handle ramp transfer conditions. Styrofoam boxes and coolers must be placed inside a sturdy carton or cardboard box for extra protection. There should be additional wrapping (bubble wrap, corrugated packaging, etc.)

Yes, Philippine Airlines (PAL) allows the use of carton boxes (commonly known as "Balikbayan boxes") as checked luggage, but they must adhere to specific size and weight restrictions. The box must be made of sturdy, corrugated cardboard and should be properly reinforced with heavy-duty packing tape or straps. In 2026, the standard limit for a checked box is typically a total linear dimension (Length + Width + Height) of 62 inches (158 cm). It is crucial to ensure the box does not exceed the weight limit allowed by your ticket—usually 23 kg (50 lbs) for economy class—otherwise, you will face significant overweight fees. PAL also requires that boxes be "square and stable" for stacking in the cargo hold. A common practice for Filipino travelers is to have the box "shrink-wrapped" at the airport for an extra layer of protection against moisture and tampering. Note that the box cannot contain prohibited items like liquids, batteries, or flammable materials, just like any other suitcase.