USA to Manila — Complete Guide to Finding Cheap Flights
Manila (MNL), the capital of the Philippines, is one of the most popular long-haul destinations for travelers from the
United States. Whether you're visiting family, planning a tropical island vacation, traveling for business, or
connecting onward to Cebu, Palawan, Boracay, or other islands, Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the
main entry hub to the Philippines.
Because Manila is a high-demand international route with seasonal price spikes, knowing when to book and which airlines
offer the best fares can save you hundreds of dollars. FlyToDash AI compares fares from major U.S. airports to help you
quickly identify the cheapest travel dates, airlines, and routing options—making the flight booking process faster, easier,
and far more cost-effective.
✔ Why Manila Is a Top Destination for U.S. Travelers
Manila is more than just the gateway to the Philippines—it’s a vibrant cultural center with rich history,
great food, and easy access to beaches, nature, and island adventures. Travelers love Manila because it offers:
- Affordable hotels, food, and transportation compared to other Asian cities
- Nonstop flight options from the West Coast
- Warm tropical climate year-round
- Easy connections to top destinations like Palawan, Boracay, Cebu, and Bohol
- A mix of modern shopping malls, historic landmarks, and lively nightlife
- Strong family travel demand, making Manila a key destination for Filipino-Americans
Whether you're looking for culture, food, history, or access to Asia’s best beaches, Manila is the starting point
for almost every Philippine adventure.
✔ Best U.S. Airports for Cheap Flights to Manila (MNL)
Manila does not have as many nonstop routes as other Asian cities, but these U.S. airports consistently offer the lowest fares:
- LAX – Los Angeles: Usually the cheapest option because of nonstop flights and multiple Asian carriers.
- SFO – San Francisco: Strong competition among airlines keeps prices competitive.
- SEA – Seattle: Good connections via Tokyo, Taipei, or Seoul.
- JFK – New York: Excellent fares via Middle Eastern and Asian airlines.
- ORD – Chicago: Good one-stop options with ANA, JAL, Qatar, and EVA.
- IAH – Houston: Qatar Airways often has competitive pricing.
FlyToDash AI compares all departure airports simultaneously, so you instantly see where the cheapest route originates.
✔ Best Airlines for Flights to Manila (MNL)
Manila is served by a mix of Asian and Middle Eastern airlines known for good service, solid pricing, and smooth connections:
- Philippine Airlines (PAL): The only airline offering nonstop USA → Manila flights from LAX and SFO.
- EVA Air: Excellent service via Taipei.
- Korean Air: Smooth routing via Seoul (ICN).
- Japan Airlines (JAL): Premium comfort with Tokyo connections.
- ANA: Top-ranked airline with reliable schedules.
- Qatar Airways: Often one of the cheapest one-stop options via Doha.
- Emirates: Popular for comfortable aircraft and Dubai connections.
If you prefer the shortest total travel time, LAX and SFO nonstop flights via Philippine Airlines are the fastest.
If you prefer comfort or premium cabins, ANA, JAL, EVA Air, and Qatar Airways are top choices.
✔ Typical Prices for Flights from the USA to Manila
Prices fluctuate based on season, departure city, and how early you book. Typical round-trip fare ranges:
- LAX → MNL: $850 – $1,400
- SFO → MNL: $900 – $1,450
- SEA → MNL: $900 – $1,500
- JFK → MNL: $950 – $1,550
- ORD → MNL: $950 – $1,550
- IAH → MNL: $900 – $1,450
West Coast airports generally offer the lowest fares due to availability of nonstop routes.
East Coast fares are slightly higher because of longer routing and fewer direct options.
✔ Cheapest Months to Fly to Manila
Manila prices are strongly affected by Filipino holiday travel demand. The cheapest months are:
- February
- March
- Early May
- November
Prices increase significantly during:
- Christmas & New Year
- Holy Week (Easter period)
- June–August (peak U.S. summer travel)
✔ How Long Is the Flight from the USA to Manila?
Travel time varies by departure airport and connection city. Approximate duration:
- Nonstop (LAX/SFO → MNL): ~14–15 hours
- One-stop West Coast: ~17–20 hours
- One-stop East Coast: ~20–24 hours
- Two-stop flights: 24–30 hours (often cheaper)
The fastest possible option remains the LAX or SFO nonstop route via Philippine Airlines.
✔ Tips to Save Money on Flights to Manila
- Search fares 2–3 months ahead of travel for the best pricing window.
- Compare airports—especially LAX, SFO, SEA, and IAH.
- Check one-stop routes via Tokyo, Taipei, and Seoul for significant savings.
- Avoid peak holiday dates where fares can double.
- Travel mid-week instead of weekends to reduce prices.
- Use FlyToDash AI to scan multiple airports and dates instantly.
- Look for promo fares from EVA Air, PAL, and Qatar Airways.
- Book round-trip instead of one-way—savings can be substantial.
Many airlines release promotional fares during February, September, and October—FlyToDash AI helps you catch
these price dips as soon as they appear.
✔ Top Things to Do in Manila
Manila is a dynamic mix of old and new, where Spanish colonial streets sit beside modern shopping malls,
skyscrapers, and entertainment districts. Popular attractions include:
- Intramuros: The historic walled city featuring Fort Santiago, San Agustin Church, and cobblestone streets.
- Manila Bay: Famous for its golden sunset views and seaside promenades.
- Rizal Park: A major cultural landmark commemorating national hero José Rizal.
- Mall of Asia: One of Asia’s biggest malls with restaurants, skating rinks, cinemas, and bay views.
- Binondo: The world’s oldest Chinatown—known for incredible street food and heritage architecture.
- National Museum Complex: A modern space for art, history, anthropology, and natural sciences.
- Makati & BGC: Trendy business districts filled with rooftop bars, shopping malls, and dining spots.
Most travelers stay in Makati, BGC, or Manila Bay for convenience, safety, and access to attractions.
✔ Top Island Destinations Near Manila
The Philippines is famous for its beaches, lagoons, diving spots, and natural beauty. From Manila, you can fly to:
- Palawan: Explore El Nido and Coron, known worldwide for blue lagoons and limestone cliffs.
- Boracay: Home to one of the best white-sand beaches in the world.
- Cebu: Whale shark encounters, waterfalls, and coral reefs.
- Bohol: Chocolate Hills, tarsier sanctuaries, and pristine beaches.
- Siargao: Surfing capital of the Philippines with beautiful lagoons.
- Tagaytay: A quick getaway with cool weather and views of Taal Volcano.
Manila’s central location makes it easy to explore multiple islands during a single trip.
✔ Why Travelers Use FlyToDash AI for Philippines Flights
FlyToDash AI is designed to simplify international flight searching. Instead of checking multiple websites, airlines,
and calendars manually, FlyToDash AI instantly compares prices across:
- All major U.S. airports
- All major airlines flying to MNL
- Multiple travel dates and fare types
- Price calendars to highlight cheapest days
Travelers use FlyToDash AI because it saves time, reduces stress, and consistently finds cheaper flight combinations
that are easy to miss when searching manually.
Whether you're planning a family visit, honeymoon, solo adventure, or multi-island vacation, FlyToDash AI helps you
secure the best airfare to Manila with minimal effort.