Airfare to Manila, Philippines

Almost totally destroyed in WWII, Manila has rebuilt itself as a modern city, with cosmopolitan international influences. English is widely spoken here, and a majority of people practise Christianity. Top sites include visiting the banks of the Pasig River, touring the former Spanish settlement of Intramuros, and the UNESCO World Heritage church, San Agustin.

Airfare to Manila will be the cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday. Mondays are popular with business travellers and weekends are key dates for holidaymakers wanting the longest trips possible – avoid these dates.

Also consider flights into Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. To get between the cities, you can grab a spot on a regional no-frills airline. AirAsia, Air Philippines, Asian Spirit, Cebu Pacific Air, South East Asian Airlines and Jetstar Asia fly to Manila.

Another possible money-saving tip is to look for flights that go through Bangkok, Hong Kong, or another major gateway city instead of flying direct. Because there are more flights – and competition – from these cities on low budget airlines, you can save some cash over flying non-stop to your destination. It is very common to layover in one of these main cities.

Finally, consider traveling on a lesser-known carrier. Philippine Airlines is the national airline. However, Continental Airlines, Qantas and other airlines also stop in Manila.

The most expensive air tickets to Manila are found during peak holiday travel times, such as the New Year. Also be aware of national events or festivals, which can also cause ticket prices to rise.

Summary of Money Saving Tips:

• Fly mid-week
• Book your holiday during the off-peak season
• Consider flying into Bangkok, Hong Kong, or Singapore and traveling to Manila via cheap regional flights
• Look for flights that go through large cities, with many flights. Flights through hubs will often be cheaper and more frequent.
• Check out carriers besides the national airline – they may undercut the monopolistic competition

For more information on Manila, check out BootsnAll’s Philippines Travel Guide.