The Philippines, with its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly locals, is a dream destination for many travelers. And the good news is, getting there doesn’t have to break the bank. With a little planning and some savvy booking strategies, you can find surprisingly cheap airline tickets to Philippines. This guide Onward Free will walk you through the best hacks to make your dream trip a reality.

Travel Philippines is more Affordable than you think

While long-haul flights can seem expensive, you might be surprised by the deals you can find. With numerous budget carriers and competitive routes, flights to the Philippines are more accessible than ever. It’s not uncommon to see round-trip fares from other parts of Asia for under $200 or from the US for under $700, especially if you know where and when to look. The key is to be strategic.

Best Time to Book Cheap Airline Tickets

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights. The best time to book cheap airline tickets to Philippines is generally 45 to 60 days before your departure date. Prices tend to be at their lowest during this window.

The cheapest months to fly are typically during the shoulder seasons or the off-peak rainy season, from June to October. If you don’t mind the occasional downpour, you can score some of the best deals. Avoid booking during the peak seasons if you’re on a tight budget. These include the Christmas and New Year period (December and January) and the dry, hot summer months from March to May, which also coincide with local holidays like Holy Week.

Where to Find the Best Deals

Finding the best deals on cheap airline tickets to Philippines involves checking a few key places.

Online travel agencies (OTAs)

Websites like Skyscanner, Momondo, and Google Flights are excellent starting points. They allow you to compare prices from hundreds of airlines and travel agents in one place. Use their calendar view to see the cheapest days to fly across a whole month.

Budget airline websites

For flights within Asia, be sure to check the official budget airline websites directly. Carriers like AirAsia, Cebu Pacific, and Scoot often have the lowest prices and run frequent sales. Cebu Pacific, in particular, is famous for its “Piso Fare” sales, where base fares are incredibly low.

Fare alert tools

If you’re not ready to book right away, set up a price alert. Most OTAs offer this service, sending you an email when the price for your chosen route drops. This is a fantastic way to monitor fares without having to check manually every day.

Money-Saving Tips for Booking

Beyond knowing where to look, a few extra money-saving tips for booking cheap airline tickets to Philippines can lead to significant savings.

Fly into secondary airports

While Manila (MNL) is the main international gateway, it’s not your only option. Consider flying into other international airports like Clark (CRK), which is also near Manila, Cebu (CEB) in the Visayas, or Kalibo (KLO) for access to Boracay. These airports are often served by budget carriers and can have lower fees, resulting in cheaper overall ticket prices.

Use multi-city tickets

If you plan to visit multiple islands, a multi-city ticket can sometimes be cheaper than a series of one-way flights. This allows you to fly into one city, like Manila, and out of another, like Cebu, saving you the time and money of backtracking.

Don’t forget proof of onward travel

This is a critical point for the Philippines. Most airlines will not let you board your flight to the Philippines without proof that you will be leaving the country. This is a strict immigration requirement. If you’re a traveler who likes to keep your plans flexible and doesn’t know your exact departure date, this can be a problem. 

A simple solution is to secure an onward ticket. Services like Onward Free are perfect for this, providing you with a legitimate flight reservation for only $9, satisfying the airline’s requirement without forcing you to buy an expensive, disposable ticket.

Book During Airline Sales Events

Keep an eye out for major airline sales. Follow airlines like Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia on social media to be the first to know about their promotions. Booking during these sales can cut your ticket cost dramatically.

Be Flexible With Travel Dates

If your schedule allows, be flexible. Flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday is almost always cheaper than flying on a Friday or Sunday. Even shifting your travel dates by a day or two can make a big difference in price.

Use Incognito Mode When Searching

Some believe that airlines and booking sites use your browser cookies to track your searches and increase prices. While the evidence is debated, it costs nothing to search in incognito or private browsing mode. It’s a simple step that might save you from an unexpected price hike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When searching for cheap airline tickets to Philippines, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can cause headaches later. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Forgetting Baggage Fees: Budget airlines often have very low base fares but charge extra for everything else, including checked baggage. Always factor in these costs when comparing prices.
• Ignoring Layovers: Non-stop flights are convenient, but flights with one or two layovers can be significantly cheaper.
• Not Checking Visa Requirements: While many nationalities can enter the Philippines visa-free for a limited period, always double-check the requirements for your passport before you book.

Conclusion

The Philippines is an incredible country to explore, and with these tips, you can find cheap airline tickets to Philippines without stretching your budget. By being flexible, booking at the right time, and using the right tools, you’ll be enjoying the beautiful beaches and warm hospitality of the Philippines in no time. Happy travels!