For millions of overseas Filipinos, visiting home isn’t just a vacation — it’s family, tradition, and love packed into a balikbayan box. But with ticket prices often exceeding $1,000 during peak seasons, the dream of flying home can feel financially out of reach.
The good news? With the right strategies, you can fly to Manila in 2025 without overspending. In this guide, we’ll cover the best booking windows, cheapest days to fly, airport hacks, and insider tools that can save you hundreds of dollars.
Why Flights to Manila Are So Pricey
Flying to the Philippines is often more expensive than other Asian destinations. Here’s why:
- Limited direct routes – Nonstop flights to Manila (MNL) from the U.S. and Europe are scarce. Most flights involve stopovers, and direct seats sell fast.
- Seasonal demand – Christmas, Holy Week, and summer months (June–August) drive up prices.
- Airport fees – Manila’s NAIA charges some of Asia’s highest taxes and fees, adding to your ticket price.
The result? Higher-than-average fares compared to nearby destinations like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.
👉 Planning to fly during the holidays? Check out our guide: Best Time to Book Flights for Christmas 2025.
Best Time to Book Flights to Manila
Timing is everything when booking international flights.
- Start tracking fares 4–6 months before departure. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor changes.
- Book 2–4 months in advance. For 2025, this is the sweet spot when airlines release cheaper fare classes.
- Avoid booking too early. More than 6 months in advance, fares are often at their highest.
- Avoid booking too late. Within 30 days of departure, prices usually skyrocket.
📌 Example: A Los Angeles–Manila ticket in April 2024 cost around $780 when booked in January, but $1,150 when booked just 3 weeks before departure.
Cheapest Days to Fly
Not all days are created equal when it comes to airfare.
- Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are usually cheapest.
- Red-eye flights: Overnight departures tend to cost less.
- Avoid Fridays & Sundays: These are peak travel days, especially for overseas workers returning home.
👉 Pro tip: Use Oojyu Flight Search to compare day-by-day fares and spot the cheapest departure dates.
Try Alternate Airports
Where you fly into — and out of — can change your price significantly.
- Philippines: Manila (MNL) is the busiest, but Clark (CRK) and Cebu (CEB) are strong alternatives. You can save $100–200, plus enjoy less congestion.
- U.S.: LAX, SFO, and SEA usually offer the cheapest fares to the Philippines. East Coast travelers can save money by booking a separate positioning flight to the West Coast.
👉 Learn more hacks like this in our Travel Smart category.
The Stopover Strategy
Direct flights are convenient, but they come at a premium. Consider booking routes with a stopover in:
- Tokyo (NRT/HND)
- Seoul (ICN)
- Taipei (TPE)
- Singapore (SIN)
These connections often shave $150–400 off the ticket price.
Smart Tools That Help You Save
Here are the best tools to keep airfare costs down:
- Oojyu Flight Search – Real-time comparison of airlines and booking sites.
- Google Flights – Price tracking and alerts.
- Hopper – Predicts whether to book now or wait.
Use at least two of these together to make sure you never miss a deal.
Real Price Trends for Manila (Based on 2024 Data)
Here’s what travelers saw last year (LAX–MNL round trip):
- March: $750–850
- July: $1,100–1,400
- December: $1,300–1,600
Expect similar ranges in 2025, especially during peak seasons.
Insider Booking Hacks
Want to squeeze out even more savings? Try these lesser-known hacks:
- Mix & match airlines: Book one-way tickets with different carriers. Example: Fly Delta to Manila, return on Philippine Airlines.
- Use loyalty points: Redeem miles during peak seasons when cash fares are highest.
- Hidden city ticketing: Risky, but booking Manila as a “layover” can sometimes lower costs. (Check luggage rules first!)
- Book group tickets separately: Buying 2 seats at a time is often cheaper than booking 4+ seats in one go.
Final Thoughts
Flying to Manila doesn’t have to break the bank. By booking 2–4 months ahead, flying midweek, and considering alternate airports or stopovers, you can save hundreds on your ticket.
👉 Ready to start your search? Compare prices now with Oojyu Flight Search and lock in the best fare for your 2025 trip home.
❓ FAQs About Flights to Manila
Q: What is the cheapest month to fly to Manila in 2025?
February–May and September–November are usually cheapest. Check fares daily with Oojyu Flight Search.
Q: Should I wait for airline promos?
Not if you’re traveling during peak dates like Christmas or Holy Week. Promos rarely apply then. Better to book early.
Q: Are stopovers always cheaper than nonstop flights?
Not always, but in most cases, stopovers in hubs like Seoul or Tokyo save $150–300 compared to nonstop.
Q: Which airport is best for overseas Filipinos returning home?
Manila (MNL) is most common, but Clark (CRK) or Cebu (CEB) often offer cheaper flights and less congestion.
Q: How far in advance should I book?
The sweet spot is 2–4 months before your departure. Anything later risks paying 30–50% more.