Flying from the United States to Manila is one of the busiest long-haul trips we book. Families go home for Christmas, executives travel for business in Makati and BGC, and many travelers head on to Cebu, Boracay and Palawan. This guide covers every nonstop flight from the US to Manila, the best one-stop options (including Cathay Pacific through Hong Kong from California), what each cabin is like, and what you should expect to pay.
Want a price today? Tell us your departure city, dates and cabin. One of our agents will send you real fares, often well below what you see online. On business class, savings of up to 45–60% are possible on selected dates.
Prefer to talk? Call +1-850-502-5028 or message us on WhatsApp.
Nonstop flights from the US to Manila (MNL)
Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the main gateway to the Philippines. These US airports have nonstop flights right now, or will soon:
| From | Airline | Approx. flight time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Philippine Airlines | 14 h 40 m | Up to 18 flights a week. Delta plans a nonstop from March 2027. |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Philippine Airlines, United | 13 h 45 m – 14 h 30 m | The busiest US route to Manila |
| Seattle (SEA) | Philippine Airlines | 13 h 50 m | 5 flights a week |
| New York (JFK) | Philippine Airlines | 16 h 40 m | 3 a week, rising to 4 in December 2026 |
| Chicago (ORD) | Philippine Airlines | 16 h 40 m | 3 a week from 9 November 2026 |
| Honolulu (HNL) | Philippine Airlines | 10 h 55 m | Shortest nonstop from the US |
Coming in 2027: Delta plans a new Los Angeles to Manila nonstop from 28 March 2027 (subject to government approval). It will use an Airbus A350 with Delta One business class suites, Premium Select and Main Cabin. Flights start three times a week and go daily from June 2027.
Cathay Pacific to Manila via Hong Kong: a smart one-stop option
Many of our clients from California and other major US cities choose Cathay Pacific. You fly nonstop to Hong Kong, then take a short connection of about 2 hours to Manila. Cathay flies Hong Kong to Manila several times a day, so connections are easy to time.
| From | Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong | Then Hong Kong to Manila |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Nonstop, about 15 h | About 2 h, several daily |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Nonstop, about 14 h | About 2 h, several daily |
| Seattle (SEA) | Nonstop, about 13 h | About 2 h, several daily |
| Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW) | Nonstop, about 16 h | About 2 h, several daily |
| Chicago (ORD) | Nonstop, about 15 h 30 m | About 2 h, several daily |
| New York (JFK) | Nonstop, about 16 h | About 2 h, several daily |
| Boston (BOS) | Nonstop, about 16 h | About 2 h, several daily |
Why travelers pick Cathay Pacific to Manila:
- Excellent business class: lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, and the new Aria Suite with a privacy door on selected Boeing 777s.
- Award-winning lounges in Hong Kong: The Pier and The Wing are a relaxing break halfway through the trip.
- Competitive fares: business class through Hong Kong is often priced well below nonstop fares on the same dates.
- Easy from California: with daily flights from Los Angeles and San Francisco, it’s one of the most convenient ways to fly from the West Coast to Manila.
Southern California travelers from San Diego, Orange County (SNA), Ontario (ONT), Burbank and Palm Springs usually connect through LAX or SFO. We can book the whole trip on one ticket, so your bags go straight through to Manila.
Other one-stop routes to Manila
- Via Tokyo: Japan Airlines and ANA connect through Tokyo from many US cities.
- Via Seoul: Korean Air and Asiana connect through Seoul Incheon.
- Via Taipei: EVA Air and China Airlines often have strong business class fares to Manila.
- Via Singapore: Singapore Airlines connects from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Houston and New York areas.
- Within the US: fly to LAX, SFO, Seattle, Chicago or JFK and join a Philippine Airlines or United nonstop.
Flights to Manila from major US cities
- Los Angeles to Manila: nonstop on Philippine Airlines, or one stop on Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong. Delta nonstop from 2027.
- San Francisco to Manila: nonstop on Philippine Airlines and United Polaris, or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong.
- Seattle to Manila: nonstop on Philippine Airlines, or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong.
- New York (JFK) and Newark to Manila: nonstop on Philippine Airlines from JFK, or one stop via Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul or Taipei.
- Chicago to Manila: new Philippine Airlines nonstop from November 2026, or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong.
- Dallas and Houston to Manila: Cathay Pacific from Dallas via Hong Kong, or connections through Tokyo, Seoul or the West Coast.
- Las Vegas, Phoenix and Denver to Manila: a short hop to LAX or SFO, then nonstop or via Hong Kong.
- Boston and Washington DC to Manila: Cathay Pacific from Boston via Hong Kong, or one stop through Tokyo, Seoul or JFK.
- Atlanta and Miami to Manila: usually one stop through the West Coast or two through Asia. We find the shortest total journey.
- Honolulu to Manila: the shortest nonstop from the US, at just under 11 hours.
How much are flights from the USA to Manila?
Here’s what round-trip fares usually start from, per person, on good dates. December, the Christmas season, and June cost more. Last-minute business class can cost much more unless you book through someone with access to unpublished fares.
| From | Economy | Premium Economy | Business Class |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (LAX) | from $749 | from $1,799 | from $3,490 |
| San Francisco (SFO) | from $799 | from $1,899 | from $3,590 |
| Seattle (SEA) | from $849 | from $1,899 | from $3,690 |
| Honolulu (HNL) | from $699 | from $1,599 | from $2,990 |
| Las Vegas (LAS) | from $899 | from $1,999 | from $3,890 |
| Dallas (DFW) | from $949 | from $2,099 | from $3,990 |
| Houston (IAH) | from $949 | from $2,099 | from $3,990 |
| Chicago (ORD) | from $949 | from $2,199 | from $4,190 |
| New York (JFK) | from $899 | from $2,199 | from $4,290 |
| Newark (EWR) | from $899 | from $2,199 | from $4,290 |
| Boston (BOS) | from $999 | from $2,299 | from $4,390 |
| Washington DC (IAD) | from $999 | from $2,299 | from $4,390 |
| Atlanta (ATL) | from $1,049 | from $2,399 | from $4,490 |
| Miami (MIA) | from $1,099 | from $2,399 | from $4,590 |
Don’t see your city? We quote from any US airport. Call +1-850-502-5028 or message us on WhatsApp.
Business class to Manila: which airline is best?
Philippine Airlines Business Class
The most nonstops from the US, on Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft with lie-flat beds. You get Filipino hospitality from the moment you board, and the airline’s Mabuhay Lounge in Manila.
United Polaris
Nonstop from San Francisco, with direct aisle access, Saks bedding and the Polaris lounge at SFO. A good pick for MileagePlus members.
Cathay Pacific Business Class
One stop via Hong Kong from seven US cities, with excellent seats, very good food and some of the best lounges in Asia. It’s often the best value in business class to Manila.
Delta One (from 2027)
Delta’s A350 suites with a closing door will fly from Los Angeles from March 2027. A strong choice for SkyMiles members.
Japan Airlines, ANA, EVA Air and Korean Air
Great one-stop options with comfortable lie-flat seats, and often lower fares when nonstops are full.
First class to Manila
No airline sells international first class on the US to Manila nonstops, so business class is the top cabin. If you want a true first class suite, ask us about routings through Asia on airlines that offer first class on selected long-haul flights.
How to get cheaper business class to Manila
- Avoid peak weeks. Mid-December to early January, and June, are the most expensive. Travel just before or after these weeks to save.
- Consider one stop. Business class via Hong Kong, Tokyo, Taipei or Seoul is often far cheaper than a nonstop on the same day.
- Book 3–6 months ahead for the holidays, when the cheaper business class seats sell first.
- Ask about private fares. Airlines release some business class fares only through travel agencies. They never appear on airline websites or booking sites.
Premium economy and economy to Manila
Premium economy is popular on this long route, especially for families and seniors. You get a wider seat, more legroom, better meals and extra baggage, usually for about twice the economy fare. Philippine Airlines, United, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, EVA Air and Delta (from 2027) all offer premium economy.
For economy, the cheapest fares usually start from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Check the baggage rules before you buy: many families flying to the Philippines carry extra bags or balikbayan boxes, and the cheapest basic fares may not include enough checked luggage.
Best time to fly to Manila
| Travel months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| December – early January | Peak season: Christmas, New Year and balikbayan travel. Highest fares; book 4–6 months ahead. |
| January – May | Dry season, great beach weather. February is often the cheapest month. |
| June – August | Rainy season begins. Fares rise in June with summer travel. |
| September – November | Typhoon risk is higher; flexible tickets are a good idea. Fares rise again from November. |
Before you go: entry rules and arriving in Manila
Visa and eTravel
US citizens can usually visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 30 days, with a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket. Every traveler must also complete the free eTravel registration online within 72 hours before arrival. Former Filipino citizens traveling with family may qualify for the balikbayan privilege of up to one year. Always check the latest rules before you fly.
Arriving at Manila airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport has several terminals, and different airlines use different ones. Check your terminal before you fly, especially if you have a domestic connection. Makati, BGC and Pasay hotels are usually 20–60 minutes away, depending on Manila traffic.
Popular onward trips from Manila
- Cebu: beaches, diving and island hopping (about 1 h 20 m flight).
- Boracay: fly to Caticlan or Kalibo for the famous White Beach.
- Palawan: El Nido and Coron, often voted among the world’s best islands.
- Davao and Bohol: nature, Chocolate Hills and quieter beaches.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from the USA to Manila?
About 11 hours from Honolulu, around 14 hours nonstop from Los Angeles, San Francisco or Seattle, and about 16 h 40 m from New York or Chicago. One-stop trips via Hong Kong usually take 17–22 hours in total.
Which US cities have direct flights to Manila?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, New York JFK, Honolulu and, from November 2026, Chicago. Delta plans a Los Angeles nonstop from March 2027.
Does Cathay Pacific fly from California to Manila?
Yes, with one stop. Cathay Pacific flies nonstop from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Hong Kong, then on to Manila in about 2 hours. It also flies from Seattle, Dallas, Chicago, New York and Boston.
How much is a business class ticket to Manila?
Round-trip business class from the West Coast usually starts from about $3,500 on good dates, and from about $4,200 from the East Coast. Holiday and last-minute fares are higher. We often find lower private fares, so ask us for a quote.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Manila from the US?
February is often the cheapest month. December and June are usually the most expensive.
Do US citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
Not for tourist visits of up to 30 days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months, a return or onward ticket, and the free eTravel registration completed before arrival.
Is there first class to Manila?
Not on the nonstop flights, where business class is the top cabin. First class is possible on some routings through Asia. Ask us for options.
Are your fares refundable?
Most discounted fares are non-refundable, and prices aren’t guaranteed until the ticket is paid and issued. Date changes are usually possible for a change fee plus any fare difference. We’ll explain the exact rules of your fare before you pay.
Get a free quote for flights to Manila
Tell us your departure city, dates and cabin, and a travel specialist will search nonstop and one-stop options, including Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and private fares you won’t find online. We usually send the best options within a few hours. There’s no fee for a quote and no obligation.
Prefer to talk? Call +1-850-502-5028 or message us on WhatsApp.