New Zealand tourists have always been slow to discover the Philippines but with its tropical islands and colourful capital now one of our fastest growing tourist markets, it is easy to see why. Getting cheap airfare to manila Philippines requires slightly more planning than a regional trip as currently there are no direct services from New Zealand but with the right timing they can be had for great value! In this guide we explain everything Kiwi travellers need to know before they fly.
Not Direct Flights – But Many Good Connections
Air New Zealand does not have nonstop services to the Philippines but most of its flow connects in Singapore with partner airlines. Others include Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines on this corridor — the list at least provides travellers a fair amount of choice when it comes to comparison.
Philippine Airlines connects though often via Australian gateway; Brisbane end-route to Manila. None of these options are non-stop as such, but the total journey times (including the layover) typically fall between sixteen and twenty hours — fairly reasonable for long-haul journeys in general.
When to Book for the Best Prices
Booking about 85 days before your required travel date is found to capture the quickest, best fares on this route. The usual supply-and-demand wisdom applies on long-haul corridors too, with prices usually rising the nearer to your travel date, so holding off booking until a couple of weeks beforehand is rarely the cheapest option.
Generally, you seem to have mid to late September as one of the cheapest departures into Manila (not so much winter break/New Year timeslot), but around Christmas and Easter (Holy Week) that is significant too comparing demand-price. If you’ve got flexibility in your travel dates; at the very least, veering further away from these peak periods varies significantly how much you’ll pay overall for airfare to manila Philippines.
A Comparison Between Airlines: Price vs. Comfort
Everyone should agree that China Eastern and China Southern both look competitive on this route, with them consistently showing as the cheapest one-way fare available. Malaysia Airlines is an alternative airline to consider and it may appeal to those who want a great onboard service during their flight with a ticket price which can be deemed as reasonable.
There’s the very best cheapest fare for those prepared to sacrifice comfort a bit, or right at the other end of the scale you can’t go wrong with either Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines who are well rated and provide a smoother connecting experience through their home airports. Considering all others – total journey time, duration of layover, experience on board – as well price will help you find the option that best matches your travel style.
Choosing the Right Departure City
Auckland has the biggest number of onward choices, while those travelling from Christchurch or Wellington can make it to Manila via similar hub routings and constantly with a household leg that is integrated on the itinerary. All the fares available from your home airport plus a transfer through Auckland should be compared, as it can sometimes end up better through Auckland or to exclude that option depending on season.
Practical Tips Before You Fly
Plan ahead for passport validity: New Zealanders need to check they have enough time left in their travel document before booking, as most of the region requires at least six months beyond a visitor’s planned return date.
Check duration of layovers: A connection lasting from one to three hours should feel comfortable as it gives the traveller enough time to pass security and board their next plane, but excessive waiting may be better for those making a longer stop anyway in order to explore their hub city along the way.
Using BookMyTrip to Compare Options
Comparing multiple airlines and routings one at a time can be tedious, especially on a corridor with no nonstops. BookMyTrip is one such platform which provides a facility to travellers by showing all the connecting options at once place so that it becomes easier for finding the best mix of price, duration and date from travelling to Manila.
Conclusion
Flying into the Philippines from New Zealand involves a transfer flight, but as long you do your homework ahead of time you can easily find reasonable airfare to Manila Philippines. Compare carriers and book with enough lead time, and be flexible on travel dates whenever possible, and you will be well set to enjoy all that this exciting destination has to offer without breaking the bank getting there.