Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from Australasia to Palau

Direct flight routes to Palau

Currently there are no direct flights operating between Australasia and Palau.

Layover/stopover options

Manila (MNL) serves as the primary gateway to Palau from Australasia. United Airlines and Philippine Airlines operate connections with average layover times of 5-8 hours. The airport offers good sleeping facilities and affordable airport hotels for longer layovers.

Guam (GUM) is serviced by United Airlines, offering regular connections to Palau. Typical connection times are 3-6 hours, with multiple weekly frequencies. The compact airport layout makes transfers straightforward, though food options are limited.

Tokyo Narita (NRT) connects with both JAL and United Airlines flights to Palau. Layovers average 4-7 hours, and the airport offers excellent shopping and dining options plus free shower facilities.

Time vs money

One-stop flights typically offer better value than multi-stop options, with Manila routes usually being the most economical. Adding stopovers generally increases the base fare by A$150-300 per stop, though seasonal promotions can reduce this premium.

Tips and recommendations

• Book Manila connections through Philippine Airlines rather than United for better baggage allowance and usually lower fares


• Overnight layovers in Guam often cost less than same-day connections


• Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer the lowest fares across all routing options


• Consider routing through Manila during shoulder season (April-May, October) for best fare deals


• When booking multi-stop itineraries, separate tickets can sometimes be cheaper than single-ticket bookings

• United Airlines offers the most reliable route to Palau via Guam from Brisbane, operating twice weekly. The 9-hour total journey includes a 2-hour layover in Guam, with typical fares around AUD 980 return in economy. Their 737-800 aircraft features a 31-inch pitch in economy, which is standard for the route.
• Travelers from Sydney can utilize Korean Air’s connection via Incheon, typically priced 15% lower than United’s offering. The service operates daily with a comfortable 6-hour layover in Seoul, ideal for a quick city tour. Korean’s A330 service offers superior comfort with a 33-inch pitch in economy.
• For New Zealand residents, the most cost-effective route combines Air New Zealand to Manila with United Airlines’ twice-weekly service to Palau. While the journey is longer, fares from Auckland via this routing average NZD 1,200 return, representing a 25% savings compared to other options.
• Flying via Japan Airlines through Tokyo offers exceptional value during shoulder season (April-May and September-October). Their partnership with United provides seamless connections and allows stopover options in Japan at no additional airfare cost.
• Budget-conscious travelers should monitor China Airlines’ special deals connecting through Taipei, often priced 30% below market average. The Taiwan flag carrier operates modern A321neo aircraft on the Taipei-Palau route, featuring upgraded slimline seats with 32-inch pitch.

1. Booking only through major airlines Many travelers overlook smaller carriers like Asian carriers and United Airlines that offer better connections to Palau via Guam or Manila, often at lower prices than traditional routes through Asia.
2. Not considering seasonal weather patterns Booking during Palau’s rainy season (July to October) can lead to flight delays or cancellations, especially on the final leg from Guam or Manila to Koror.
3. Tight connection times in hub airports Planning short layovers in Manila or Guam doesn’t account for frequent delays and the time needed to clear immigration and transfer between terminals, potentially causing missed connections to Palau.
4. Assuming direct routing is possible Many first-time travelers waste time searching for direct flights from Australia or New Zealand to Palau, when all routes require at least one connection through either Manila, Guam, or occasionally Tokyo.
5. Overlooking Roman Tmetuchl International Airport requirements Travelers often don’t realize that Palau’s main airport has limited operating hours and facilities, making early morning arrivals or late-night departures potentially problematic for onward travel arrangements.

United Airlines

Best for: Most extensive network of flights from Australasia to Palau with connections through Guam.

Operating from 5 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Auckland) to Palau via Guam. The largest routes are from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. While layovers in Guam can be lengthy (typically 5-7 hours), United offers reliable connectivity and comfortable Boeing 737-800s on the Guam-Palau leg. Economy class features standard 31-inch pitch seats, complimentary meals on international segments, and personal entertainment systems. Passengers rate the service 3.8/5.

Korean Air

Best for: Superior comfort and service quality among airlines serving Palau routes.

Operates from 3 Australasian cities (Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland) to Palau via Seoul. Main traffic flows through Sydney route. Known for generous 33-34 inch seat pitch in economy, high-quality Korean cuisine, and excellent inflight service. The Seoul layover is efficiently timed at around 3-4 hours. Passengers consistently rate the airline 4.2/5 for these routes.

Japan Airlines

Best for: Best inflight dining experience and punctuality on Palau routes.

Services 4 Australasian airports (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Auckland) to Palau through Tokyo. Major traffic from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Features well-regarded economy meals, 32-inch seat pitch, and reliable on-time performance. Tokyo layovers average 4 hours. Passengers rate the service 4.0/5, with particular praise for food quality.

China Airlines

Best for: Most competitive pricing for Australasia-Palau routes.

Flies from 3 Australasian cities (Sydney, Brisbane, and Auckland) to Palau via Taipei. Main traffic through Sydney route. While layovers in Taipei can be longer (6-8 hours), the airline offers significantly lower fares. Economy class provides 31-inch seat pitch, standard meals, and basic entertainment. Passenger rating averages 3.7/5, with price being the main advantage.

How to save on flights to Palau using regional carriers

Travelers from Australia and New Zealand can significantly reduce costs to Palau by leveraging regional Asian carriers instead of booking direct routes. The key is breaking up the journey strategically.

The most cost-effective approach typically involves:

1. Booking a flight to a major Asian hub like Manila or Taipei using budget carriers like Jetstar or Scoot
2. Then connecting to Palau via regional carriers like United Airlines Island Hopper or China Airlines

The Manila route often proves most economical, with carriers like Cebu Pacific offering competitive rates to Palau. This can save up to 40% compared to traditional routes through Guam or Japan.

Additional savings tips

Book the legs separately and consider these money-saving strategies:

1. Travel mid-week when regional carriers offer lower fares
2. Look for promotional fares from Manila to Palau during shoulder season (April-May)
3. Join frequent flyer programs of Asian carriers for better rates
4. Consider multi-city options through Taiwan, which sometimes offer better value