Finding a great flight deal to the Philippines doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning and the right tools, you can save big on airfare. Whether you’re looking for a direct flight or don’t mind a stopover, there are plenty of ways to get the best price. Here’s how to do it.
Book Your Tickets at the Right Time
Timing is everything when searching for cheap flights. Prices tend to go up as you get closer to the departure date. Most experts agree that booking flights 2-3 months in advance is the sweet spot for international trips. If you’re traveling during a peak season such as Christmas or Easter, book even earlier.
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It’s also a good idea to avoid booking flights too far in advance. Airlines sometimes offer deals closer to the flight date, but you only really see this happen during off-peak times. If you’re flexible with your dates, setting price alerts can help you catch a good deal when it pops up.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
Don’t just rely on one website to search for flights. Use a variety of flight comparison tools to compare prices and find the best deal. Some of the best platforms include:
- Google Flights
- Momondo
- Skyscanner
- Kayak
Each of these tools has its strengths. For example, Google Flights lets you see a calendar with the lowest prices for each day, while Skyscanner often shows budget airlines that other sites might overlook. Play around with different platforms to find the best deal.
Choose Your Airlines Carefully
Several airlines fly to the Philippines, ranging from premium carriers to low-cost options. Philippine Airlines is the country’s main flag carrier and offers direct flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Toronto.
However, other airlines can sometimes be cheaper. Check out flights with regional Asian airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. These carriers often offer competitive fares with short layovers in their respective hub cities.
If you’re traveling from a nearby country like Japan, Thailand, or Malaysia, low-cost carriers like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and Scoot provide budget options with frequent flights to major airports in the Philippines.
Look for Connecting Flights
Direct flights are convenient, but they often come at a premium. Consider booking a connecting flight to save some cash. Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is the busiest airport in the Philippines and receives most long-haul flights. However, other airports, like Cebu’s Mactan International Airport (CEB), could be cheaper, especially if you combine a layover through neighboring countries like Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore.
A flight with one or two layovers might be cheaper, but always consider how long you’ll be stuck in transit. Sometimes a short layover can save you hundreds of dollars, but be careful with tight connections that could cause you to miss your next flight.
Fly to Alternate Airports
While Manila handles most international flights, the Philippines has several other airports that might offer a better deal. Depending on where you’re headed, you could consider flying to Cebu (CEB), Clark (CRK), or even Davao (DVO).
For example, Cebu is a great option if you’re exploring the Visayas or planning to visit popular spots like Bohol, Moalboal, or Siquijor. Flights into secondary airports sometimes cost less and can give you a more convenient starting point, depending on your itinerary.
Be Flexible with Your Dates
Prices vary significantly depending on the day of the week, time of year, or even the time you book your flight. Flying mid-week, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, can often be cheaper than flying over the weekend. Avoid national holidays and long weekends as this is when prices hit their peak.
If you’re flexible, look at a range of dates when searching for flights. Most search engines have a “flexible dates” feature that shows you the best days to fly in any given week.
Sign Up for Airline Newsletters
Airlines regularly send out emails with special deals, including promo codes and flight sales. Signing up for newsletters from airlines you’re interested in can get you the best deals before they disappear. Airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia often run local and international flight promotions, sometimes offering significant discounts.
However, don’t forget to check your spam folder, as these emails sometimes end up there. It’s a small effort that can lead to big savings.
Sign Up for Price Alerts
Flight deals come and go quickly. Setting up price alerts can notify you the moment your price range becomes available. Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak allow you to set free price alerts. Once set up, you’ll be emailed whenever there’s a price drop. It’s a smart way to ensure you’re getting your ticket for the lowest price possible.
Consider Using a VPN
Flight prices sometimes vary depending on your geographical location. Some travelers have found success browsing flight deals using a VPN, which allows them to appear as though they’re booking from a different country. In some cases, this can lower the price significantly.
It’s worth noting that this doesn’t always work, but if you have access to a VPN, it’s a trick worth trying, especially with budget airlines.
Use Airline Points and Miles
If you have airline points, miles, or rewards, this is the perfect time to use them. Airlines often allow you to combine cash with points or use points for discounted fares. Frequent flyer programs and travel credit cards can help you save a lot of money, especially for long-haul flights to destinations like the Philippines.
Check out programs like Star Alliance or OneWorld for frequent flyer partnerships. Philippine Airlines also has its own loyalty program called Mabuhay Miles, which can offer discounts or even free flights for loyal passengers.
Look Out for Budget Airlines
The Philippines has a few great budget airlines, such as Cebu Pacific and AirAsia, which offer incredibly cheap domestic flights if you’re hopping between islands. These airlines often offer rock-bottom pricing during flash sales, especially for domestic routes.
While the fares can be tempting, make sure to check what’s included. Most budget airlines don’t include checked luggage, meals, or seat selection in the base price. You’ll need to add on those extras if you want them, though it’s still usually much cheaper than going with a full-service airline.
Be Cautious of Hidden Fees
Always be aware of potential hidden fees when booking budget flights. While the base fare might be low, things like seat selection, baggage fees, meals, and insurance can add up quickly. Compare the final price after all extras before committing to a ticket.
Try to travel light to avoid high baggage fees, bring your own snacks, and avoid last-minute changes to your itinerary. The fewer extras you add, the more you’ll save.
Final Thoughts
Finding the best flight deals to the Philippines takes a bit of effort, but it can pay off big when you save money. By booking at the right time, using comparison tools, and keeping flexible on your dates or routes, you can find budget-friendly flights. Use these tips to make sure you’re getting the best price possible on your trip to the Philippines.
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