Find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles to Manila in 2026. Compare airlines, prices by month, and booking tips to save on your trip.
Route: Los Angeles (LAX) → Manila (MNL)
Distance: Direct flights not available
Flight Duration: 17-24 h
Prices by Month
| Month | Avg Price | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| January | €620 | high |
| February | €480 | medium |
| March | €520 | medium |
| April | €490 | medium |
| May | €380 | low |
| June | €420 | medium |
| July | €550 | high |
| August | €580 | high |
| September | €340 | low |
| October | €360 | low |
| November | €420 | medium |
| December | €720 | high |
Airlines on This Route
- Philippine Airlines (direct): from €450 — Book direct on Philippine Airlines website for best prices. Their Manila hub offers excellent connections to other Philippine destinations.
- United Airlines (direct): from €520 — United offers seasonal direct flights. Check their schedule carefully as direct service may not be daily year-round.
- Korean Air (connecting): from €380 — Incheon Airport offers excellent layover experience. Consider long layover packages if you want to explore Seoul briefly.
- China Airlines (connecting): from €360 — Taipei layover can be 8-16 hours. Good option if you want to break up the journey and see Taiwan briefly.
- Cathay Pacific (connecting): from €300 — Hong Kong Airport is highly efficient for connections. Consider if you might want to visit Hong Kong on a separate trip.
- Singapore Airlines (connecting): from €480 — Premium economy offers excellent value on this route. Book early as capacity is limited.
Booking Strategy
The Los Angeles to Manila route sees its lowest prices in September and October when Philippine tourism is in shoulder season, with fares dropping to €340-380 for connecting flights. Direct flights from Philippine Airlines typically run €450-550 year-round. Book 5-7 weeks ahead for the best deals, as last-minute prices spike significantly during holiday periods (December-January) when fares can exceed €700. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €30-50 cheaper than weekend flights. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare all airlines, then book directly with the carrier to avoid third-party fees. Setting price alerts for LAX-MNL specifically is recommended, as flash sales from Philippine Airlines often appear midweek. Avoid booking during Philippine holiday periods in December, as both departure and return legs will be priced at premium levels.
Route Tips
- Download the Grab app before arrival in Manila—it’s the most reliable way to get metered taxi fares without negotiation.
- If holding a US passport, you get 21 days visa-free entry to the Philippines. No advance visa application needed.
- Consider arriving at Manila’s Terminal 3 if flying Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines—it’s the newest and most comfortable terminal with better dining options.
- Book a morning arrival flight into MNL if possible; Manila traffic is significantly lighter before 9 AM, saving you hours of travel time to your hotel.
- Exchange only a small amount of pesos at the airport (best rates are in the city). US dollars are widely accepted but at unfavorable rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Los Angeles to Manila?
The direct flight from LAX to MNL takes approximately 14 hours and 20 minutes, operated by Philippine Airlines and seasonally by United Airlines. If you take a connecting flight, expect a total travel time of 17-24 hours depending on the layover duration. Popular connecting routes include Korean Air via Seoul (17-19 hours), China Airlines via Taipei (18-20 hours), and Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong (19-22 hours). The longest layovers typically occur with European carriers or if overnight connections are required.
How much does it cost to fly from Los Angeles to Manila?
Round-trip flights from LAX to MNL range from €300-380 for budget connecting options in the low season (May, September-October) up to €700-850 during peak holiday periods (mid-December to early January). Direct flights with Philippine Airlines typically cost €450-600 in off-peak months. Business class fares range from €1,800-3,500 depending on the season and airline. The sweet spot for deals is typically 5-7 weeks before departure in shoulder season months.
Are there direct flights from Los Angeles to Manila?
Yes, Philippine Airlines operates daily direct flights from LAX to MNL, with flight PR113 departing late afternoon and arriving in Manila the following morning. United Airlines also offers seasonal direct service on this route, typically running from late October through March. Direct flights are the most convenient option, eliminating the fatigue of long layovers, though they are typically €100-200 more expensive than connecting alternatives.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Los Angeles to Manila?
September offers the lowest prices, with average fares around €340-380 for connecting flights. October is similarly affordable at €360-400. These shoulder-season months avoid both the Philippine holiday rush and US spring break crowds. May also offers decent deals at €380-420. The most expensive months are December (€700+) and January (€600+) due to holiday travel and Chinese New Year demand.
Which airlines fly from Los Angeles to Manila?
Major carriers include Philippine Airlines (direct), United Airlines (direct seasonal), Korean Air, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Delta (via partners). Philippine Airlines offers the most convenient direct service with daily departures. Korean Air and China Airlines typically offer the best value among connecting options. All major carriers include at least one checked bag in the fare, though US carriers may have more restrictive basic economy options.
What airport do I fly into in Manila?
You will arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), located approximately 7 kilometers southeast of Manila’s city center. Terminal 1 handles most international arrivals, while Terminal 2 is used by Philippine Airlines and Terminal 3 by other carriers. From the airport, you can take a metered taxi (€4-8 to Makati, the business district), Grab (similar pricing), or the cheaper yellow airport taxis. The P2P bus to Makati costs around €1.50 but requires advance booking. Expect 30-60 minutes to reach central Manila depending on traffic.
How far in advance should I book Los Angeles to Manila flights?
For this route, booking 5-7 weeks ahead typically yields the best prices. Last-minute bookings (within 2 weeks) can be €150-300 more expensive, especially during high season. Conversely, booking too far in advance (more than 4 months) sometimes shows higher prices as airlines haven’t released their optimal sale fares. Set price alerts for specific dates and monitor for 6-8 weeks before your intended travel. For December travel, book by early October to secure reasonable rates.
Is it cheaper to fly from Los Angeles to Manila on weekdays?
Yes, Tuesday and Wednesday departures are typically €30-60 cheaper than Friday through Sunday flights on this route. The biggest price difference is between weekend departures and midweek ones—savings of €50-100 are common. If your schedule is flexible, shifting your departure by just one or two days can result in meaningful savings. Return flights from Manila also follow similar patterns, with Monday through Wednesday returns being cheaper than weekend returns.
Data updated: 2026-03
