How to Find Cheap Flights to Philippines

The Short Answer

Fly from a West Coast city on Air Premia, Philippine Airlines, or a budget Asian carrier, book at least 7 weeks in advance, and target September or August for the cheapest fares. Round-trip flights to Manila start around $605, and the right strategy can get you there for even less.

Best Airlines for the Route

Budget Champions

• Philippines AirAsia -- Ultra-low fares starting at $13 for regional Asian legs. You won't fly them from the US directly, but they're gold for connections within Asia.
• Cebu Pacific -- The Philippines' largest budget carrier with fares from $18 for domestic and regional flights. They also fly internationally from Manila to several Asian cities.
• Cebgo -- Cebu Pacific's regional subsidiary with rock-bottom fares from $17 for inter-island flights.

Full-Service Options From the US

• Philippine Airlines (PAL) -- Nonstop flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Honolulu to Manila. Fares start from $368 one-way. Includes bags and meals, which matters on a 13-15 hour flight.
• Air Premia -- Korean budget carrier connecting through Seoul with impressive value. Good service at lower prices than legacy carriers.
• Korean Air -- Seoul connection to Manila with reliable service and competitive fares.
• Cathay Pacific -- Hong Kong connection. Often surfaces in cheap fare searches.
• EVA Air -- Taipei connection with strong value and excellent service.
• United Airlines -- Nonstop from Guam and connections through multiple hubs.

Manila's Airports

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)

Manila's main airport handles the vast majority of international arrivals. It has four terminals, so confirm which one your airline uses. Traffic between the airport and Manila's neighborhoods can be intense, so plan accordingly.

Clark International Airport (CRK)

Located in Mabalacat City, about 49 miles northwest of Manila. It's served by budget airlines and offers a less hectic experience than MNL. Some international flights arrive here, and domestic connections fan out across the Philippines. Worth checking if you're headed to northern Luzon.

When to Book and When to Fly

Cheapest Months

September is the cheapest month to fly to Manila, with prices averaging around $931 during the off-season. August is also cheap -- it coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. The weather during these months is rainy, but fares are at their lowest.

Peak Season to Avoid

December through February is peak season for Philippines travel (dry season, holidays, festivals). Fares surge during this period. If you must fly during peak season, book at least 3-4 months ahead.

Booking Advance

Travelers who book at least 7 weeks (49 days) in advance save around 48% compared to last-minute bookings. That's not a typo -- booking 7 weeks early can literally cut your fare in half. For domestic Philippine flights, 28 days ahead saves about 24%.

Best Days to Fly

Wednesday is the cheapest day to depart, with tickets found as low as $939. Morning flights are the cheapest time of day, with prices starting at $970. Avoid Friday departures when fares peak.

Best US Departure Cities

• Los Angeles (LAX) -- Most nonstop options to Manila on Philippine Airlines. West Coast proximity = shorter flights and lower fares.
• San Francisco (SFO) -- PAL nonstop service and multiple connecting options through Asian hubs.
• Honolulu (HNL) -- PAL nonstop to Manila, and Honolulu fares can be competitive from the mainland with a positioning flight.
• New York (JFK) -- PAL nonstop, though it's a longer (and often pricier) route.
• Seattle (SEA) -- Good Asian carrier connections at competitive prices.

Money-Saving Strategies

Use the Seoul Connection

Air Premia and Korean Air through Seoul Incheon often have the best overall value for US-Manila flights. Seoul is well-positioned geographically, and competition on this route keeps prices honest.

Book Domestic Philippine Flights Separately

Once in Manila, Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia offer inter-island flights for as little as $13-18. Manila to Cebu, Boracay (via Caticlan or Kalibo), Palawan (Puerto Princesa), Siargao -- all dirt cheap on budget carriers. Never book these on the same ticket as your international flight.

Consider Clark Airport

If your final destination isn't Manila proper, Clark International might save you money and hassle. Budget airlines use it, and it's less congested than MNL.

Book on a Sunday

Booking your ticket on a Sunday saves 6-13% compared to booking on a Friday. On a $900 ticket, that's $54-117 in savings just by choosing the right day to click "purchase."

Watch for Cebu Pacific Seat Sales

Cebu Pacific runs "seat sales" (flash sales) regularly, sometimes offering international fares at deep discounts. Follow them on social media or subscribe to their email list to catch these.

Getting Around the Philippines Cheaply

The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, so domestic flights are essential. Cebu Pacific and Philippines AirAsia dominate the budget market. Book on their websites directly for the best prices. Ferries are another cheap option for shorter island-hopping routes.

Common Mistakes

• Booking less than 7 weeks out -- You lose up to 48% in potential savings
• Only checking Manila (MNL) -- Clark Airport (CRK) can be cheaper for some routes
• Buying domestic flights on the same ticket -- Separate bookings on Cebu Pacific save a fortune
• Ignoring Asian budget carriers -- AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Scoot offer incredible regional connections
• Flying on Fridays -- Wednesday departures are significantly cheaper