Looking for flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Manila (MNL)? Find affordable air travel deals on CheapOair and save on air tickets online. The capital city of Philippines is beautiful, culturally diverse and enjoys a varied nightlife, offering something for everyone. If you are looking for something memorable, plan a vacation in Manila. Get back in time by visiting the walled city of Intramuros which is home to most of the ancient churches and historical buildings. If you want to explore rare wildlife and marine species then Manila Zoo and Manila Ocean Park are your best bet. To reach Manila, MNL from San Francisco, SFO you can choose amongst the top airlines, including China Airlines, Philippine Airlines and United Airlines. The average time for a flight to cover 6,987 miles between the two cities is about fourteen hours and twenty minutes.
Searching for budget-friendly flights from San Francisco to Manila? Look no further. We've done the research for you, and here are some ways to find affordable options:
- Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates - Flexibility is key when it comes to saving on flights. If your travel dates are adjustable, consider flying on weekdays, as weekends tend to be more expensive. Additionally, booking your flight well in advance can often help you find lower prices.
- Opt for Layovers - Direct flights may be convenient, but they are usually pricier. Choosing flights with layovers can significantly reduce your ticket cost. Just make sure you have ample layover time to catch your connecting flight.
- Sign Up for Fare Alerts - Opt for fare alert services on CheapOair. By signing up for these alerts, you'll be notified when prices drop for flights from San Francisco to Manila. This can be a game-changer when it comes to getting cheap deals.
- Consider Nearby Airports - San Francisco has multiple airports, including San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Oakland International Airport (OAK), and Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC). Check if flying from a nearby airport can get you a better deal.
San Francisco to Manila Flight Deals
Discover the latest flight deals for your San Francisco to Manila journey in 2023. We've gathered information about current promotions and offers to help you save even more.
- Airline Promotions - Airlines frequently run promotions and deals, especially during off-peak seasons. Keep an eye on major carriers like Philippine Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines for deals.
- Travel Packages - Consider bundling your flight with hotel accommodations or car rentals. Many travel agencies offer attractive package deals that can significantly reduce your overall travel expenses.
- Loyalty Programs - If you're a frequent traveler, check if your preferred airline has a loyalty program. Accumulating miles and points can lead to finding great deals on your flights.
Expert Tips for Booking Flights
Now that you know how to find cheap flights and where to discover the latest deals, let's delve into some expert tips for booking flights from San Francisco to Manila:
- Travel Light - Many airlines charge extra fees for checked baggage. To save money, pack light and efficiently. Make sure to check your airline's baggage policy to avoid any surprises at the airport.
- Check One-Way vs. Round-Trip - Sometimes, booking two one-way flights with different airlines can be cheaper than a round-trip ticket. Compare both options to see which one offers the best value.
Top 5 airlines serving from San Francisco to Manila
When planning a trip from the bustling city of San Francisco to the vibrant metropolis of Manila, it's essential to choose the right airline for a smooth and comfortable journey. Here are the top 5 airlines serving the San Francisco to Manila route:
| Airline |
About |
Layover Options |
Cabin Classes Offered |
About the Airline |
| Philippine Airlines |
Flag carrier of the Philippines |
Direct flights |
Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class |
Direct flights for convenience. Exceptional in-flight service. Known for Filipino hospitality. Competitive pricing options. |
| Cathay Pacific |
Flag carrier of Hong Kong |
Layover in Hong Kong |
Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class |
Convenient layover in Hong Kong. High-quality in-flight services. Excellent entertainment options. Multiple daily flights. |
| Singapore Airlines |
Flag carrier of Singapore |
Layover in Singapore |
Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class |
World-renowned in-flight service. Layover in the award-winning Changi Airport. Spacious and comfortable seats. Excellent food and entertainment options. |
| Japan Airlines |
Flag carrier of Japan |
Layover in Tokyo, Japan |
Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class |
Efficient layovers in Tokyo. Punctual flight schedules. Comfortable seating and in-flight amenities. Attentive cabin crew. |
| Korean Air |
Flag carrier of South Korea |
Layover in Seoul, South Korea |
Economy, Prestige Class (Business Class), First Class |
Layover in Incheon International Airport. Comfortable seating options. Excellent in-flight service. A chance to explore Seoul during your layover. |
These airlines offer a variety of choices for travelers going from San Francisco to Manila, each with its unique features and benefits. Select the one that aligns best with your travel preferences and requirements.
FAQs about Flights from San Francisco to Manila
Q. How much does a round-trip flight from SFO to Manila usually cost?
Ans. Round-trip economy tickets from San Francisco to Manila usually range between $600 and $1,100, depending on the season and demand. Booking early and avoiding high-traffic times like Christmas or summer break can reduce costs by 20–30%.
Q. What’s ab affordable time of year to fly from San Francisco to Manila?
Ans. Low-cost flights on the SFO–MNL route are typically September through early November and February to early April. These shoulder seasons avoid major Filipino holidays and U.S. travel peaks, with round-trip fares dropping to as low as $550–$750 during these periods.
Q. What’s the average flight time between San Francisco and Manila?
Ans. Most one-stop flights from SFO to MNL take between 17 and 22 hours, including layovers. Direct flight time is approximately 14 hours, but nonstop options are limited and often priced higher than connecting flights.
Q. Which airlines operate flights from San Francisco to Manila?
Ans. Carriers that commonly fly the SFO–MNL route include Philippine Airlines (the only direct option), EVA Air, ANA, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Airlines, and Cathay Pacific. Most of these flights include a stop in East Asia and are competitively priced.
Q. When should I book a flight from SFO to MNL to get great prices?
Ans. To find affordable tickets, plan to book your flight around 6 to 10 weeks in advance. According to CheapOair’s booking stats, travelers who book 45–60 days ahead can save an average of 15% compared to last-minute bookings.
Q. Are weekday flights from San Francisco to Manila cheaper than weekends?
Ans. Yes, fares for Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often $50–$100 less expensive than Friday or Saturday departures. Weekday flights also tend to have greater seat availability, especially in economy class.
Q. Is Philippine Airlines the only carrier offering nonstop flights from SFO to Manila?
Ans. Currently, Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the only airline operating nonstop service between San Francisco and Manila. While convenient, PAL’s direct flights can be $100–$200 more expensive than connecting routes—though they save several hours of travel time.
Q. What’s a common layover city for connecting flights to Manila from SFO?
Ans. Popular stopover points on this route include Taipei (TPE), Tokyo (NRT or HND), Seoul (ICN), and Hong Kong (HKG). Carriers like EVA Air, ANA, and Korean Air are known for smooth, short layovers and reliable service on transpacific routes.
Q. How can I find fares under $700 from SFO to MNL?
Ans. Set up price alerts through platforms like Google Flights, CheapOair, or Hopper to get notifications of deals. Flights priced under $700 are typically common during promo periods or off-peak travel times—especially if you book on a Tuesday or early Wednesday.
Q. Is it worth considering one-way flights separately rather than a round-trip ticket?
Ans. While round-trip fares are often cheaper, booking two one-way tickets can sometimes save money if you’re planning an extended or open-dated trip to the Philippines. Compare both to see which offers better flexibility and total fare value.
Q. How do Philippine holidays like Christmas, Holy Week, or summer vacation affect airfare?
Ans. Airfare to Manila rises significantly during peak travel periods, especially around Holy Week (March–April), Christmas and New Year, and June to August (Philippine school break). Prices can increase by 30–60%, and flights commonly sell out weeks—or even months—in advance.
Q. Can I find better value by including a stop in another Southeast Asian country?
Ans. It’s possible. Multi-city itineraries (e.g., SFO–Bangkok–MNL or SFO–Singapore–MNL) can offer better overall pricing and allow you to explore more of Asia. Using budget airlines like Cebu Pacific for regional segments can help bring down your total cost.
Q. What are some must-visit places in Manila?
Ans. Explore Intramuros, Rizal Park, and indulge in the local cuisine, including Adobo and Halo-Halo.
