Los Angeles to Manila is one of the busiest US–Philippines routes, and you have a real choice: fly non-stop in about 14½ hours with Philippine Airlines, or save money on a one-stop itinerary through an Asian hub. This guide covers who flies the route, what a fair return fare looks like in dollars, and when to book for the best price.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Manila, Ninoy Aquino (MNL)
Distance: approximately 11,750 km (7,300 miles)
Non-stop flight time: about 14h 30m – 14h 45m westbound
Direct flights: Yes — Philippine Airlines is the only carrier we have seen flying non-stop from LAX to Manila, roughly twice a day. One-stop options through Asia are often cheaper.
Fares from Los Angeles to Manila (USD)
Manila is a year-round destination, but fares swing hard with the Filipino-American travel calendar. The Christmas/New Year period and the June–August summer break are the priciest and most crowded; the quieter fall and late-spring shoulder months are the cheapest. The table below shows when the route is busiest. We no longer print per-month fare estimates here, because they were never measured.
| Month | Typical return (economy) | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | — | high |
| February | — | medium-high |
| March | — | medium |
| April | — | medium |
| May | — | medium |
| June | — | high (summer) |
| July | — | very high |
| August | — | high |
| September | — | low |
| October | — | low-medium |
| November | — | medium |
| December | — | very high (holidays) |
We do not quote a target fare for this route. Our price tracking holds no recorded observations for it, so a “typical” or “good deal” figure here would be an estimate dressed up as a measurement — so this page leaves it out rather than guess. The seasonal pattern above is the part we can stand behind; check the live fare for the number.
Airlines on this route
Non-stop (about 14½ hours):
- Philippine Airlines — the only non-stop LAX → Manila service, with Economy, Premium Economy and Business, roughly two flights a day.
One-stop (usually the cheapest, about 18–24 hours total):
- Korean Air and Asiana via Seoul — frequent, comfortable, and often keenly priced.
- EVA Air and China Airlines via Taipei — short second hop to Manila and consistently good economy.
- Japan Airlines and ANA via Tokyo — smooth connections and strong service.
- Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and Singapore Airlines via Singapore — premium options, sometimes the lowest fares in a sale.
Because the Asian carriers compete hard for this traffic, they often undercut the non-stop by $80–$200. If time and jet lag matter most, book the non-stop; if price is the priority, a single stop in Seoul, Taipei or Tokyo is usually the sweet spot.
When to book & how to save
- Book 2–5 months ahead for the best balance of price and choice; long-haul fares to Manila rarely improve in the final few weeks.
- Avoid the peaks: Christmas/New Year and the June–August summer break are the most expensive and busiest — the Filipino diaspora travels heavily then.
- Target September–November for the lowest fares, when demand drops after summer.
- Weigh non-stop against one-stop: the non-stop saves hours and a connection, but a stop in Seoul or Taipei can cut the fare noticeably.
- Check checked-bag rules: full-service carriers to Manila generally include generous baggage, which matters if you’re bringing gifts (balikbayan) — compare the all-in allowance.
Arriving in Manila
Flights land at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), about 7 km south of Makati. Philippine Airlines’ non-stop uses Terminal 2; many one-stop carriers use Terminal 1 or 3, so check which terminal you land at, as they’re a short shuttle apart. There’s no direct train to the terminals, so most travelers use a ride-hail app (roughly $5–$15 to Makati or Bonifacio Global City) or an accredited airport taxi from the official rank. Manila traffic is heavy — allow 30–60 minutes into the city depending on the time of day.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Manila?
Non-stop flights take about 14 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours 45 minutes westbound (Los Angeles to Manila). The return, helped by tailwinds, can be a little shorter. One-stop itineraries through Seoul, Taipei or Tokyo typically take 18 to 24 hours in total, depending on the connection.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Manila?
Yes. Philippine Airlines flies non-stop from LAX to Manila, roughly twice a day, and is currently the only carrier we have seen doing so. If you’d rather save money, one-stop flights with Korean Air, Asiana, EVA Air, China Airlines, Japan Airlines or ANA are often cheaper than the non-stop.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to Manila?
A typical economy return runs about $800–$1,200 depending on the season. The best one-stop deals dip to around $700–$820 in the fall shoulder, while non-stop fares and the December peak sit toward the top of that range.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Manila?
September, October and November are usually the cheapest months to fly. Avoid December, the Christmas holidays, and the June–August summer break, which are the busiest and most expensive.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Manila?
Non-stop: Philippine Airlines only. One-stop: Korean Air and Asiana (via Seoul), EVA Air and China Airlines (via Taipei), Japan Airlines and ANA (via Tokyo), plus Cathay Pacific (Hong Kong) and Singapore Airlines — the connecting carriers are often competitive on price.
Which airport do I fly into in Manila?
You arrive at Ninoy Aquino International (MNL), Manila’s main airport. Philippine Airlines’ non-stop uses Terminal 2, while many one-stop carriers use Terminal 1 or 3. The terminals are a short shuttle ride apart, so check your ticket before arranging onward transport.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to Manila flights?
Aim to book 2 to 5 months ahead. Long-haul fares to Manila tend to rise as departure approaches, especially around the November–January holiday stretch and the summer break, so early booking almost always wins.
Is it cheaper to fly on weekdays?
Often, yes — midweek departures (Tuesday to Thursday) are usually a little cheaper than weekend flights, and flying out and back on weekdays save a little on a return. Being flexible by a day or two is one of the easiest ways to cut the fare on this route.
Is the non-stop worth it over a one-stop through Asia?
It depends on your priorities. The Philippine Airlines non-stop saves several hours and avoids a connection and its jet-lag toll, which many travelers value on a 14-hour-plus trip. A one-stop through Seoul, Taipei or Tokyo can be $80–$200 cheaper, so if budget matters more than time, the connection is usually worth it.
Route and schedule details from current airline schedules; last reviewed July 2026. Indicative economy returns — always check the live fare before booking.
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