

The Philippines is open to international travel
The Philippines are open to all foreign nationals. Fully vaccinated foreign visitors are allowed to enter the Philippines quarantine-free, while unvaccinated visitors have to quarantine for 14 days. A pre-departure PCR/RAT test is only required for unvaccinated arrivals.
Transit through Philippine airports is allowed, although some restrictions may still be in place.
Arriving in Manila
- If you are flying to Manila from abroad, you will most likely land at one of its biggest international airportsits main international airport — Manila International Airport
MNL
, also known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). It is the main airport serving the metropolitan area of Manila, located approximately 7 km south of the city center. It comprises four terminals: Terminal 1 serves international flights, Terminal 2 is reserved for the country's flag carrier, Philippine Airlines, Terminal 3 serves select international flights and domestic flights operated by budget airlines, and Terminal 4 has a handful of domestic and cargo flights. Free airport shuttle buses pick up and drop off passengers in all terminals. The NAIA airport offers a range of facilities for arriving travelers, including currency exchange services, ATMs, restaurants, cafes, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi (GlobeFreeWiFi@NAIA network, available in 30-minute sessions). There are numerous options for transport to the city center by public transportation (the Airport Loop Bus or the NAIA Express Shuttle) or via taxi.
Manila is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Therefore a good option for travelers who want to avoid traffic congestion is flying into the Clark International AirportCRK
located approximately 80 km (50 miles) north of Manila. The airport serves mostly budget airlines, and it generally imposes lower airport taxes, so flying to Clark is often cheaper than flying to Manila. CRK has quick and comfortable transport to Manila via P2P (Point-to-Point) Bus Service, operated by Genesis Transport (the bus stop is located right in front of the Arrival area). Ride-sharing service Grab is also available from Clark International Airport - the cost of a ride to Manila city is around PHP 1,000 - 1,500 (approximately USD 20 - 30).
These are also the best (and the cheapest) airports to fly into Manila. As they are used by many airlines serving the same routes, the competition for passengers is fierce – with decreased airfare as a result. - Once in Manila, take advantage of frequent intercity flights operated by domestic airlines such as Philippine Airlines,Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, Cebgo, PAL Express, Pan Pacific Airlines, and Sunlight Air. Those in-country carriers typically offer lower fares, operate from smaller airports located closer to city centers (you save on ground transportation), and provide flexible schedules – with a wide range of departure times.
- Planning to explore the region? Popular destinations near Manila can be easily reached with regional low-cost carriers (LCCs) by the likes of AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar Airways, Lion Air, Scoot, and Tigerair Taiwan. If you have a layover in Manila and plan to fly only a short distance to one of its neighboring countries, these budget airlines are an excellent way to save money. However, the “no-frills” carrier may not provide free checked baggage allowance, complimentary food, in-flight entertainment systems, and fast customer support. You may not even get to choose your seats, unless you pay extra.
Airports of Manila
Airlines flying to Manila | AirAsia, Air China, Air Hong Kong, Air New Zealand, AirSWIFT, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Bangkok Airways, CebGo, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Central Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, El Al Israel Airlines, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Gulf Air, Hong Kong Airlines, Japan Airlines, Jetstar Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Kuwait Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Oman Air, Pan Pacific Airlines, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air, Royal Brunei Airlines, Saudia, Scoot, SF Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, Thai Airways, Turkish Airlines, Aerolíneas Vietnamitas |
---|---|
Airlines of Philippines | Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, Cebgo, PAL Express, Pan Pacific Airlines, Sunlight Air, SkyJet Airlines, AirSWIFT, Sky Pasada, Royal Air Philippines |
Main airports in Manila | Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) — Manila Clark International Airport (CRK) — Mabalacat |
Regular price (roundtrip) | ✈ €800 – €1200 (from Europe) ✈ $700 – $1100 (from USA) |
Flight hacks | 40% — 80% off regular fare |
Airline promotions | See ticket sales & promos available for flights departing from March to May |
The cheapest time to fly to Manila
The Philippines’ weather makes it a year-round travel destination. However, the best time to find the cheapest airfares to Manila is during the low season – June through October. It is when the country experiences the wet season, so the weather can be less favorable, with a higher chance of typhoons. The country sees fewer tourists from June to October and lower demand results in cheaper airfares and accommodation prices.
Duty-free rules
The Philippines is serious about the duty-free concession. There is a limit for bringing in certain items. Alcoholic drinks such as wine, spirits or beer cannot exceed one liter per person, and you can carry 2 cartons of cigarettes (or 2 tins of pipe tobacco). In addition to personal items, you may also carry items in reasonable quantity up to a value of $1,000.
Anything above those limits must be declared – at the Manila Airport, head to Red Lane to declare your goods.
Use local airlines for domestic travel in the Philippines
The Philippines is an archipelago so you may spend long hours (or days) moving between provinces by land and sea. Also, the Philippine inter-island ferry and passenger boat network is infamous for its poor safety record. Therefore, it’s wise to consider domestic air travel to avoid overcrowded boats and long journeys.
Cebu Pacific and AirAsia often run sales and promotions and have frequent flights from Manila. Stalk these airlines on social media or use Promo Radar to find and secure some fantastic deals.
Philippine Airlines: bid for a cabin upgrade
When booking Economy Class tickets to or from Manila, Philippine Airlines allows you to upgrade to a higher class seat – Premium Economy or Business – through a bidding procedure on their website. If you’re not willing to pay the full fare for a premium/business ticket, it may be a good way to upgrade at a discount. You can only make an offer within a pre-determined price range, and the bidding ends 36 hours before flight departure.
Once you’re successful, you can enjoy the airline perks like more comfortable seats, better meal options, priority check-in and boarding, airport lounge use, etc. It’s worth trying!
Flights to Manila from United States and Canada
- There are no direct flights from the US or Canada to Manila. However, most major hubs in Asia have non-stop flights to Manila, as do some larger airports in the Middle East – your journey will have at least one stop. Currently, only Philippine Airlines offers year-round direct flights from the US/Canada to Manila. It flies out from the biggest cities in North America: Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, and Vancouver. All scheduled flights arrive in Manila at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Expect to spend between 11 and 17 hours on a plane.
- Manila is well-served via one-stop flights from North America. Flights to Manila with one layover depart from most major North American airports, including Atlanta
ATL
, DallasDFW
, DenverDEN
, ChicagoORD
, Los AngelesLAX
, Las VegasDFW
, MiamiMIA
, SeattleSEA
, HoustonIAH
, New YorkJFK
, and San FranciscoSFO
in the United States and TorontoYYZ
, VancouverYVR
, CalgaryLAS
, and MontrealYUL
in Canada. - The best airlines to fly to Manila from the US and Canada are: Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines. They are top full-service carriers, offering exceptional customer service, in-flight comfort, a generous checked baggage allowance, and reliable customer support channels – all included in the ticket price.
- For long-haul flights, the type of aircraft you choose can make a huge difference to your overall comfort on board – especially if you’re flying economy. The best aircraft have comfier seats with more legroom, WiFi, superior entertainment systems, and a better passenger experience in every cabin in general. When booking a flight to Manila, look for the airlines that use wide-body planes designed for long-haul flights, such as Airbus A350 (best choice), A380, A320neo, or Boeing 767, 777, and 787 Dreamliner.
Manila from US & Canada
plane ticket prices in 2023/24
Real-time economy class airfares to Manila from the US and Canada. Shown are the top three deals for flights departing in the coming months (March to November).
Flight hacking
Hacker faresto Manila
Superdeals airlines don't want you to see:
Long waiting times when calling the helpline?
Social media is usually a faster way to reach the airline when a problem arises. Use Twitter or Facebook Messenger to contact the airline customer service and get a response and solution within minutes (see detailed guides for Turkish Airlines, Etihad Airways, Singapore Airlines, and others).
When it comes to Twitter, there’s one more trick to get in touch with the airline faster: mention the airline in a tweet about your issue (add “@airline_handle”, for example: “@flyPAL” for Philippine Airlines). The social media team will often notice it immediately, ask you for a direct message, and respond privately.
Use Grab to get around Manila
Uber is no longer available in Manila – it ceased business in March 2018 and has been replaced by its Asia alternative – Grab. It’s a good way for a cross-city journey: the cars are safe, secure and usually air-conditioned. Similarly to Uber, it has fixed distance-based fees, so drivers can’t overcharge you for journeys. If you don’t have Grab Taxi yet, download it for your Philippines vacation and set up your account, payment options, etc, before arriving.
In case you’re having a hard time booking a ride with Grab, there are other ride-sharing apps that you can use in Manila; among the most popular are ePickMeUp, GoLag, Hirna, Hype, and MiCab.
Set the currency to the currency of the airline’s country
Prices quoted on airline websites often vary depending on where you book from. So here’s the simple trick: if you’re booking a flight with Philippine Airlines (for example), try setting the country to Philippines and the currency to Philippine peso (PHP).
If the airline website detects your actual location by checking the IP address (and automatically applies the adequate currency), you can overcome this by using a VPN to alter your location to appear as if you are in Manila.
Avoid currency exchange kiosks at airports
Airports are infamous for making an exuberant amount of money from their currency exchanges due to the extremely high margins, and Philippine airports are no exception. Airport kiosks usually charge higher fees which are sometimes hidden within the poorer exchange rates they offer – their business is based on charging extra for being a convenient, last-minute option.
Plan ahead and exchange some money for the Philippine peso at home.
Flights to Manila with stopover
Direct flights to Manila are, of course, much less hassle than flights that require one or more connections. However, they tend to be more expensive. In a trade-off between convenience and cost, the best option is often to opt for a flight with one layover.
So if you’re looking at a long-haul trip with at least one connection, rather than simply transiting an airport, why not take this opportunity to plan a longer stopover? A stopover is a prolonged layover — more than 24 hours — and it won’t only break up your long journey but will also become a legitimate part of your vacation. If you’re prone to severe jet lag, a one or two-day stopover would help minimize its adverse effects.
When booking flights, many airlines allow you to include a free stopover en route to your final destination in Manila. Those flights are usually cheaper than non-stop (direct) flights, and you can often choose your stopover at no additional cost — just by looking for multi-city flights with longer layovers.
Some airlines openly advertise stopovers and offer significant discounts and travel perks for passengers to break up their trips: free luxury hotel stays, complimentary domestic flights, or exclusive rates for activities. Start checking for stopover deals to Manila with government-owned airlines (as they are looking to attract tourists to give the country economic benefits) — such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines. Almost every airline’s website has multi-city search functionality, often hidden inside the one-way/return/multi-city switch.
A well-chosen stopover will not only turn one vacation into many but also save you several hundred dollars in airfare. The available stopovers to Manila will depend on your initial destination (Europe, North America, Asia, etc) and the airline you are flying with. For most airlines, the best free stopover offer will be at their main hub.
Flights to Manila from UK, Germany, France, Netherlands and other countries in Europe
- There are no direct flights from Europe to Manila — you’ll need to get a connecting flight from elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia. There's a limited choice when it comes to direct flights from Europe to Manila. Currently, only KLM offers a non-stop connection from Schiphol Airport
AMS
in Amsterdam to Ninoy Aquino AirportMNL
in Manila. The flight time is 15 hours and 35 minutes, and the ticket prices average around 700-900 euros (one way). - Airlines that frequently fly from the UK, Germany, France, and other European countries to Manila include Air France, Emirates, Etihad Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines, SWISS, and Thai Airways.
- Consider departure airports in neighboring countries to increase your chance of spotting the best deal. Especially look for large airports that serve as hubs for multiple airlines. For example, if you live in Western Europe, check air tickets to Manila from Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Madrid, Paris, and Rome. Use European low-cost airlines such as RyanAir, EasyJet, and Eurowings to fly to the hub, then save hundreds of euros by taking a cheaper long-haul flight to your final destination.
We recommend checking prices for flights to Manila from these European airport hubs: LondonLHR
and ManchesterMAN
in the United Kingdom, FrankfurtFRA
and MunichMUC
in Germany, ParisCDG
and NiceNCE
in France, AmsterdamAMS
in the Netherlands, MadridMAD
and BarcelonaBCN
in Spain, RomeFCO
and MilanoMXP
in Italy, BrusselsBRU
in Belgium, CopenhagenOSL
in Denmark, OsloOSL
in Norway, StockholmARN
in Sweden, ZurichZRH
in Switzerland, LisbonLIS
in Portugal, ViennaVIE
in Austria, WarsawWAW
in Poland, PraguePRG
in Czech Republic, and DublinDUB
in Ireland.
European airports with the cheapest flights to Manila
Find the lowest prices for flights to Manila Airport in Manila from the major airports in Europe — London, Dublin, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Lyon, Barcelona, Athens, Istanbul, Stockholm, Geneva, Helsinki, Zurich, and others.
Flight hacking
Can't finda good deal?
Get 40% – 80% off airfares from Europe to Manila:
How to book SuperDeals?
At the Air Traveler Club, our go-to solution for finding cheap airfares to Manila is Google Flights. Every time we send SuperDeals to our 110,000 members (see some examples), we include links to Google Flights so that each deal can be booked immediately.
Google Flights then showcases various options for booking the deal: you can almost always book directly with the airline (by cutting out the middleman) or – alternatively – with an OTA that offers the same flight at a similar price. Once you have chosen your booking option, you will be redirected to the external website where you can finalize your ticket purchase.
One of Google Flights’ standout features is a color-coded bar that appears underneath the booking options. It provides a visual representation of the price in comparison to the typical fare (for the same route, class, and airline) – indicating whether it is lower, average, or higher.

If the marker falls within the green zone (“price is low”) don’t hesitate to secure this deal as it is significantly – 40% to 80% – cheaper than average and unlikely to drop further.
For more details on how to book deals on Google Flights, check out this video:

If you are not Air Traveler Club subscriber yet, you’re missing out on SuperDeals (we often send deals to Manila). Signup now to start saving 40–80% on flights. It’s free!
Last-minute flights to Manila. The real cost of convenience.
Last-minute flights are often touted as a great way to save money, but the reality is far from it. Booking last-minute flights to Manila almost always never works out. The convenience of being able to book a flight on the fly is a dangerous game of chance, and you will most likely end up paying significantly higher than booking in advance.

The common perception may be that airlines decrease ticket prices to fill empty seats as the departure date approaches. However, the truth is that airfares depend on demand. Based on years of research and current customer data, the airlines know what people are willing to pay for specific flights and dates. They are also well aware that people are willing to pay a premium for flights they need to take immediately. To make the most money, the airline will sell its cheapest fares first and then increase the prices right before the flight to take advantage of business travelers and others who are willing to pay the premium price for late booking.
Occasionally, airlines can put some seats on sale to fill the remaining seats, but these are for unusual times and unpopular places. Popular destinations and dates around peak travel times tend to sell out quickly.
Planning ahead is key to securing a good deal on your flight. Last-minute flight deals are hard to come by, so as soon as you have a tentative travel timeline, book your flight. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to save money. If you are looking for a good deal, the best time to book your flight to Manila is around 60-90 days before the departure date.
Domestic air travel from Manila
Most domestic routes in Philippines are operated by local airlines. When traveling to popular tourist destinations such as Quezon City, Davao City, Angeles, Antipolo, Cebu City, Caloocan, and General Santos from Manila Airport , you’ll be flying with one of these domestic air transport companies: Philippine Airlines,Cebu Pacific, Philippines AirAsia, Cebgo, PAL Express, Pan Pacific Airlines, and Sunlight Air. In most cases, it is the best (the fastest, the most convenient, and the cheapest) way to travel around the country.
If you plan to fly domestically from Manila check the latest prices here, then book your flight ticket online.
Flights to Manila from Australia and New Zealand
- Australia and New Zealand are well-connected with popular Asian destinations, including Manila. In addition to domestic airlines – Qantas, Jetstar Airways, Virgin Australia, and Air New Zealand – routes from Australia/New Zealand to Asia are operated by large regional carriers such as ANA, Emirates, Etihad, Fiji Airways, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines.
Direct flights and flights with one layover to Manila are available from all major airports in Australia – SydneySYD
, BrisbaneBNE
, MelbourneMEL
, PerthPER
, AdelaideADL
, CairnsCNS
, Gold CoastOOL
, CanberraCBR
, and in New Zealand – AucklandAKL
, WellingtonWLG
, ChristchurchCHC
, QueenstownZQN
, DunedinDUD
. - In terms of cost-savings, we recommend flying from Australia and New Zealand to a major Asian hub and then booking a flight to your final destination in Manila with a regional budget airline. Among the low-cost airlines that fly into Manila are AirAsia, Bangkok Airways, Cebu Pacific, Jetstar Airways, Lion Air, Scoot, and Tigerair Taiwan.
Currently, there are no direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Manila. You’ll need a layover in one of the major hubs in Asia.
More expensive non-stop flights to Manila from Australia are around 8 hours long, and you have a choice of four departing airports: SydneySYD
, BrisbaneBNE
, MelbourneMEL
, and PerthPER
. There are no direct flights to Manila from New Zealand.
Prices of flights to Manila from Australia and New Zealand
Real-time economy class fares to Manila from major airports in Australasia — from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide in Australia, and from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch in New Zealand.
Prices in Australian Dollar.
Flight hacking
Curated dealsfrom flight experts
Fly half-price (or less!) from Australia and New Zealand to Manila:
Get cheaper business class by bidding on airline upgrades
A growing number of airlines are auctioning upgrades to their business class seats. Once you book your economy ticket to Manila, you can offer to pay a bit more in an attempt to get a premium seat. 2-3 days before your flight, visit the airline website and place a “blind” bid for an upgrade by providing your Booking Reference number.
There’s usually a minimum bid amount. If you win the auction, you’ll be informed by email, and your seat will be upgraded.
Among the airlines that allow bidding for seat upgrades are: Air Canada (AC Bid), Air New Zealand (OneUp), Cathay Pacific (Upgrade Bid), Etihad Airways (Bid To Upgrade), Fiji Airways (Bula Bid), Garuda Indonesia (BidUpgrade), Hawaiian Airlines (Bid Up), LATAM (Cabin Upgrade), Lufthansa (Bid Upgrade), Royal Jordanian (Go Crown), Qantas (Bid Now), SAS (SAS Upgrade), Singapore Airlines (mySQupgrade), SriLankan Airlines, and Virgin Australia (UpgradeMe).
Why should you book an early morning flight to Manila
It is a seemingly simple but often overlooked strategy: fly at dawn for smoother travel and cheaper tickets. Booking an early morning flight to Manila can pay off in numerous ways:
- Cheaper airfares. Early morning flights – between 4 am and 8 am – are usually cheaper than other day schedules. Airlines often offer discounts on their first flight of the morning (up to 15-20%) simply because of lower demand – most people are not willing to go to the airport so early.
- Lower chance of delay. The thin traffic in the morning leads to fewer delays – all the flights from the night before have already landed, and there is no other air traffic to contend with. Air traffic and delays get worse throughout the day – starting around 8-10 am and reaching a peak at 4-6 pm. If you are flying to Manila with a connecting flight, arriving on time at your layover airport may be critical to catching your next flight!
- Fewer crowds at the airport. By heading to the airport before rush hour, you can at least halve the time spent in city traffic. With fewer travelers at the airport, there will be no long lines at the check-in and security, and waiting areas will be less crowded.
Taking an early morning flight is the best way to avoid crowds at the airport - Less turbulence. Early morning flights offer a smoother ride, with less turbulence. Thunderstorms and unstable air, which can cause turbulence (including its worst kind – convective turbulence) are more likely to occur in the afternoon.
- Fresher crew. You’ll be flying with a crew that has had a good night’s sleep and is mentally ready to provide better service and ensure a safer flight experience.
- Cleaner plane. On its first flight of the day, your aircraft will be as sanitary as possible. Airlines generally take extra care to thoroughly clean planes between flights, but boarding that morning flight gives you the greatest chance of a spotless plane.
Looking for the best deals for Manila? Check different departure airports.
Airlines often have varying prices for flights to Manila from different airports – even if they are in close proximity to one another. So don’t limit yourself to just your nearest airport. The neighboring cities may have lower-priced flights that include a layover at Manila, or may even have direct flights that are more budget-friendly.
For example, if you’re looking to fly from Paris to Manila, it may be worth checking prices for flights departing from London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, or Rome. Yes, you may have to fly a few hundred kilometers to these hubs, but domestic low-cost airlines like EasyJet, RyanAir, or WizzAir will happily take you there for less than €100.
The same goes for long-haul flights to Manila from anywhere in the world. By broadening your search to include neighboring airports, you may discover lower-priced options that can save you hundreds of euros!

Flights to Manila from Bali, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Singapore, Seoul, Tokyo, and other major hubs in Asia
- Many popular tourist destinations in Asia have convenient direct flights to/from Manila: Bangkok
BKK
, BaliDPS
, BeijingPEK
, HanoiHAN
, Ho Chi MinhSGN
, Hong KongHKG
, JakartaCGK
, Kuala LumpurKUL
, SeoulICN
, SingaporeSIN
, TaipeiTPE
, and TokyoHND
. - Asia is probably the best continent for short-haul and mid-haul flying. The sheer scale of this most populous region on Earth is reflected in the type of aircraft operating many shorter routes: intra-Asia flyers benefit from comfortable, wide-bodied aircraft by the likes of Boeing 777, 787 or Airbus A350, A330, and A380. When booking your flight to Manila look for these bigger planes as they will almost always give you the best experience in every cabin, including better seat pitches, higher ceilings, and larger overhead bin space.
- Asia is also home to most of the world’s best airlines. There are only ten airlines that received the prestigious 5-star mark of quality from Skytrax, and all of them are from Asia: ANA, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines. Choosing one of these airlines for your trip to Manila will guarantee a pleasant journey – delicious meals served during the flight, great in-flight entertainment, and above-average airline customer service.
- Asia is extremely well served by low-cost regional airlines. If you are visiting Philippines and want to see several other countries on a tight budget, they often have great sales with rock-bottom prices, while still offering a relatively comfortable flight experience. Among the best Asian budget airlines you can book without hesitation are AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, Citilink, FlyDubai, Indigo, Jetstar Airways, Scoot, SpiceJet, and VietJet Air. The cons? Being no-frills airlines they may not provide free baggage allowance, inflight meals, or onboard entertainment. The departure times may also be quite inconvenient as they try to save money by flying at off-peak hours.
Flights from major Asian airports to Manila
Asia is home to some of the busiest and most connected airports in the world. All major Asian airports have convenient and frequent flights to Manila — including Changi (Singapore), Dubai (UAE), Hong Kong (China), Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Indira Gandhi (New Delhi, India), KLIA (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia), Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Denpasar (Bali, Indonesia), Soekarno–Hatta (Jakarta, Indonesia), Ninoy Aquino (Manila, Philippines), Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok, Thailand), Taoyuan (Taipei, Taiwan), and others.
Flight hacking
Fly half-price(or less!)
Get curated deals to Manila from our flight experts:
Fly now, pay later
Book Now Pay Later (BNPL) plans for flights have become a popular trend in the travel industry, allowing travelers to book flights and pay in installments. Among the airlines that offer this option are American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Turkish Airlines, and United Airlines. They partner with external financial companies to offer their loan services on the checkout page.
The BNPL plans come with varying terms and fees. Some may be interest-free but have fees for late-payments and require forced autoplay on your bank account, while others may have high annual percentage rates (up to 30-40% APR).
When considering BNPL financing for your flight to Manila, it’s crucial to carefully evaluate the pros and cons, and thoroughly review the terms and conditions.
Proof of onward travel – a simple hack
Travelers who go on long trips often don’t have a set itinerary and fly on one-way tickets. The problem? For many APAC countries, proof of onward travel is a legal requirement. If you arrive at the airport without an onward ticket (from Philippines to another country), you’ll either be forced to buy one online or forbidden from boarding the plane altogether.
The cheapest solution? Renting an onward ticket! Use the websites such as OneWayFly or OnwardTicket to get a flight reservation for a limited amount of time (usually 2 to 14 days). They work by actually booking you on a real flight out of Philippines and giving you a confirmable flight reservation with a PNR (Passenger Name Record) under your name. After the time limit, your spot on the flight is automatically canceled. Such “temporary tickets” tend to cost anywhere from $10 to $20.

Lost luggage prevention: Essential tips
Every year, airlines handle millions of bags, and a small percentage of these bags never make it to their final destinations. Globally, airlines mishandle around 0.7% of bags checked in, which translates to seven bags out of every 1,000. Losing the luggage on your trip to Manila can be a frustrating and stressful experience, but there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of this happening to you.
- Use GPS-Trackers. A luggage tracking device such as Apple AirTag or Samsung Galaxy SmartTag comes with a smartphone app and is an excellent way to locate your bag if it goes missing.
Apple AirTag and Samsung SmartTag are small, trackable devices that can be attached to the check-in luggage - Label your luggage with your name, address, phone number and the name of your destination airport in Manila. Put these details inside the case as well.
- Remove old tags. Tags are printed with a barcode for identification and tracking, so the old tags from previous flights can confuse baggage handlers and conveyor belt scanners.
- Avoid tight layovers. Give yourself and your luggage time to get aboard the next plane by picking a flight to Manila with a longer layover.
- Don’t overstuff your suitcase. Heavy bags are more likely to get damaged and stuck on the belts, causing the bag to be misdirected.
- Make your bag stand out. After arrival at Manila airport, most people just want to grab their luggage and get out of the airport as soon as possible. In their haste, a case of mistaken identity can sometimes occur.
- Take a picture of your bag and the contents, and keep it on your phone. This can be helpful if you need to make a claim for lost or damaged items.
- Use a TSA-approved luggage lock. This will secure your bags and will help deter theft.
- Keep your valuables in your hand luggage. The airline liability is notoriously low (around €1,000 in most cases) and it usually doesn’t reflect the actual value of the baggage content.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance. It can act as a safety net as it can often cover the full value of your luggage. Travel insurance may also reimburse you for any emergency purchases you need to make while you wait.
Hidden-city ticketing hack
Hidden-city ticketing is a less-known money-saving tactic where you buy a plane ticket with a layover, with the intention to get off at the layover rather than the final destination. For example, a flight from New York to Tokyo might be $600, but a similar flight from New York to Singapore with a layover in Tokyo might be only $350. Choosing the latter and ending the trip in Tokyo would save you $250.
It seems counterintuitive that a fare from A to C via B could possibly be cheaper than a simple fare on a shorter route from A to B. However, airlines use dynamic, computer-driven price models calculated with little human intervention, and such deals happen quite often.
Booking a hidden city ticket isn’t as easy as booking a standard itinerary. There are some things to be aware of: (1) don’t check baggage — bring only hand luggage that can fit under the seat or an overhead compartment; a large checked bag will end up in the final destination C; (2) don’t use it for return flights — airlines often void any subsequent tickets if any segment of the first ticket is missed; (3) Do not overuse this tactic with the same airline — hidden-city ticketing is legal but airlines don’t like it and may try to punish you; (4) Don’t associate your frequent flyer account — the airline might invalidate any miles you’ve accrued with them.
How to find hidden-city tickets? The easiest way is to use Skiplagged website, which was designed for unearthing hidden-city deals — give them a try for your flight to Manila.

FAQ: Flying to Manila
Q: What is the cheapest time of year to fly to Manila?
A: The Philippines’ weather makes it a year-round travel destination. However, the best time to find the cheapest airfares to Manila tends to be during the low season – June through October. It is when the country experiences the wet season, but the rain isn’t constant and rarely impacts travel plans. Still, the country sees fewer visitors then, and airfare and hotel prices are at the lowest levels.
Q: Which airport is best to fly into Manila?
A: Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the largest and cheapest airport to fly into Manila. It has the most airlines flying there out of all the airports in the country. Competition between airlines is fierce, therefore you have more chance of getting a cheap flight. Another good option is flying to Clark International Airport (CRK) — located near Angeles, around 80km or 50 miles from Manila center.
Q: Can you fly direct from Canada to Manila?
A: Yes, there are direct (nonstop) flights from Canada to the Manila operated by Philippine Airlines. All flights depart from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in Manila.
Q: Why are flights to Manila so expensive?
A: There are several reasons why flights to Manila can be expensive. The airfares to Manila depend primarily on: (1) which part of the world you are flying from and the airline you're flying with. The Philippines is one of the far-eastern countries of Asia, and flights from the US to Manila take at least 15 hours. Most of those flights are operated by full-service airlines that are more expensive than low-cost airlines.
(2) Destination popularity. Manila is a trademark of Philippine tourism, and because it is such a popular destination, there is high demand for flights. Airlines can charge higher prices because people are willing to pay for the experience of traveling to Manila.
(3) The time of booking. High demand + low supply = higher fares. Seasonality plays a big part here: if you travel during the peak season (high demand) and book a last-minute flight (low supply - not many tickets left), your flight to Manila will be costly. Air tickets for dates around popular holidays can be even 2-3 times more expensive (!) than in the off-season.
A big contributor to higher fares on planes are (4) oil prices and the fact that airfares are pegged to the US dollar. These factors are passed on to travelers, making your flight ticket even more expensive.
The various (5) taxes imposed on foreigners and tourists by the government have been a big part of the price increase in the last few years. You may never notice them directly, as they are often worked into airline tickets or the bill you pay at your hotel.
Last but to least, (6) business travelers can influence ticket prices for other passengers. The number of expensive Business Class tickets sold on a flight affects how much money the airline makes and, therefore, how much they charge for Economy Class seats.
Q: How much is the flight ticket from Europe to Manila?
A: The price of your ticket depends on your city of departure, the chosen airline, and the booking period, etc. If booked in advance with a low-cost airline, expect reasonable fares averaging €500 – €700 for one-way, and €800 – €1200 for a return ticket from most large European airports.
Q: How much does it usually cost to fly to Manila from the USA?
A: The prices of flights from the USA to Manila fluctuate and will likely increase closer to your departure date. Assuming you book well in advance, you can find return flights from the USA to Manila ranging from $700 to $900 (departing from the West Coast) and $800 to $1100 (departing from the East Coast).
Q: What is the best airline to fly from the US to Manila?
A: Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad Airways, EVA Air, Philippine Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines tend to be the best (most recommended by frequent flyers) among the airlines that operate routes between the US and Manila.
Q: Which airlines fly directly from the US to Manila?
A: Currently, there is only one airline that operates direct/nonstop flights from the US to Manila: Philippine Airlines. It flies out from the biggest cities in the US: Honolulu, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and arrives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila.
Q: When is the best time to book flights to Manila?
A: Plane tickets usually don’t get cheaper closer to the departure date. Even these reasonably priced flights in the low season sell out quite far ahead of the date of travel. It pays to book your ticket well in advance, as it will give you a good range of flight times and seat selection choices.
The best time to book flights to Manila can vary among airlines but the golden time usually falls between 2 months and 6 months before the departure. So, January is the best time to book flights if you want to visit Manila during the summer.
User Review
4.71 (1489 votes)Flights to Manila
Whether on a vacation of a lifetime or a business trip, flying to Manila is not as easy as booking local travel.
Most likely you are looking at a long-haul trip — and every layover will add a few more hours if you choose not to take a direct flight. Choose your airline wisely, by reading the online reviews left by passengers who have already taken a similar route. Always look for their in-flight experience: seats (are they comfy and spacious?), menu (was it delicious with plenty of choices for different tastes and diets?), and the entertainment options available onboard (the quality of screens and headphones, the range of movie/music/tv channels on offer, etc).
If you have specific travel dates, it's worth booking as soon as possible. Leave it too late and you might have to pay almost double the price, especially if you want to fly during school holidays and popular times like New Year's Eve. If you're not yet an Air Traveler Club subscriber, sign up now — we'll send you lots of discounted offers for free. Our members often save $500 or more on flights to Manila!
Pros
- Plenty of airlines flying to Manila
- Cheap tickets available
- Flight hacks available
Cons
- Long-haul flights can be expensive