Australasia Philippines 40–80% OFF
Cheap flights discovered by AI✨
Fly round-trip to Manila for A$600, while others pay A$1200+.
Our AI finds Superdeals to Philippines from all major airports in Australia and New Zealand. You book directly with airlines for half the price—or less.
Why are flights to Philippines so expensive in 2026?
A perfect storm of grounded planes and a newly privatized airport has made flying from Australia to the Philippines much pricier than it used to be.
To put it in perspective: a return flight from Sydney to Manila in November 2025 now costs around AUD $1,450-$1,800 on full-service airlines. Back in 2019, that same trip was just $850-$1,000. Even budget carrier Cebu Pacific is charging $950-$1,150 — prices that used to be reserved for premium airlines.
So what’s going on? First, Philippine airlines like Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines have had to ground dozens of planes due to engine problems. To keep flights running, they’re renting replacement aircraft at sky-high costs — and passengers are footing the bill.
Second, Manila’s main airport was privatized in late 2024. The new operators have raised landing fees and passenger charges to pay for upgrades. Airlines pass these costs straight to you.
Third, with fewer planes available, there’s simply less competition. Qantas flies the route too, but with Philippine carriers struggling, there’s less pressure to lower fares across the board.
The outlook: Don’t expect bargain fares anytime soon. The engine issues affecting Philippine carriers will take time to resolve, and the new airport fees are here to stay. Your best bet is to book early and watch for occasional sales — but the days of $500 return flights are likely behind us for now.
Meet Superdeals
Never overpay for flights again
You can save between 40% and 80% on your flights to Philippines — and to other Asian countries — with Air Traveler Club Superdeals.
We monitor all major airports in Australia and New Zealand for cheap flights to Asia, including:
- Sydney (SYD) — AU
- Melbourne (MEL) — AU
- Auckland (AKL) — NZ
- Brisbane (BNE) — AU
- Perth (PER) — AU
- Christchurch (CHC) — NZ
- Adelaide (ADL) — AU
- Cairns (CNS) — AU
- Gold Coast (OOL) — AU
- Wellington (WLG) — NZ
Departure airports in Australia/New Zealand and destinations in APAC covered by Superdeals.
Superdeals to Philippines
Fly for half price (or less)
Airlines don't design their pricing systems to offer half-price tickets. However, when algorithms detect demand shortfalls for specific routes, automated systems apply steep discounts to fill planes. Airlines would rather accept losses than fly with empty seats.
ATC monitors thousands of routes from Australasia 24/7, detecting Superdeals with 40–80% discounts. While a typical return flight from Australia and New Zealand to Manila costs A$1200+, with Superdeals you can often grab it for around A$600:
Which airlines have promotions to Philippines right now?
We track and curate genuine offers from 150+ airlines, hand-picking only the most valuable for your wallet.
Which carriers have sales and special offers for flights in February, March, April and beyond? You can now browse the entire collection of active promotions:
Browse promos →Popular airlines with frequent offers from Australia and New Zealand:
Travel hacks and insights
for Australia and New Zealand — Philippines flights
Verified strategies to save money and avoid friction on routes to Philippines.
Smartraveller advisory for Mindanao
Australia’s Smartraveller maintains a “Do Not Travel” (Level 4) advisory for central/western Mindanao (including the Sulu Archipelago) due to kidnapping and terrorism risks. Travel insurance is void in Level 4 zones.
Eastern Mindanao (Davao) is often Level 2 or 3. Flights to Davao (DVO) are operational, but ensure you check the specific province advisory. Stick to major cities and avoid overland travel in these regions.
eTravel registration is mandatory and free
All passengers arriving in the Philippines must register on the government’s “eTravel” portal within 72 hours of departure. This generates a QR code required at immigration and health checks. Airlines check this before boarding in Australia.
Beware of scam sites charging $50-80 for this service. The official site (etravel.gov.ph) is 100% free. If a site asks for payment, it is a scam. Screenshot the QR code as airport Wi-Fi can be spotty.
Budget for 45-minute holding patterns
Flights arriving in Manila between 4 PM and 8 PM frequently face air traffic congestion, resulting in 30-60 minute holding patterns. Pilots often pad flight times, but arrival delays are structural.
Do not book tight onward connections (under 3 hours) even within the same terminal. If you have a ferry or bus to catch immediately upon landing, choose a morning arrival flight (landing before 12 PM) to avoid the worst congestion.
Red-eye flights maximize vacation days
Most Manila to Australia flights are overnight, departing MNL around 9-11 PM and arriving in SYD/MEL the next morning. This schedule saves a night of accommodation and maximizes time in the Philippines.
However, the flight time is only 7-8 hours, leaving about 5 hours for sleep after meal service. Bring an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones, as cabin lights are often kept on longer than necessary for meal services on these medium-haul routes.
Multi-city open jaw saves backtracking
Book an “open jaw” ticket: fly Australia into Manila, and fly out of Cebu or Davao back to Australia (via Manila or Singapore). This saves the cost and time of a domestic return flight to Manila.
Pricing is usually identical to a simple roundtrip. Use the “Multi-city” search function. This strategy is particularly effective for itineraries involving Palawan or Boracay, allowing you to move linearly through the archipelago.
Typhoon season travel insurance
While peak typhoon season is July-October, storms frequently hit the Philippines in December (e.g., Typhoon Odette in 2021). Flights are often cancelled 24-48 hours in advance. Standard credit card insurance may not cover “known events.”
Purchase standalone travel insurance that explicitly covers natural disasters and flight cancellations. If a typhoon is named before you buy the policy, coverage is void for that event. Buy insurance immediately upon booking flights.
What travelers ask most
Expert answers on routing, carriers, timing, and fees
What are the new eTravel requirements for entering the Philippines in late 2025?
Yes, you must complete the eTravel registration within 72 hours of your flight to Manila or Cebu. As of October 2025, the government updated the interface to integrate customs declarations digitally, meaning you no longer fill out paper forms on the plane. The QR code generated is mandatory for boarding your flight from Europe and for clearing immigration upon arrival.
The system is entirely free—avoid scam websites that try to charge you €20-50 for “processing.” You simply upload your passport details and flight itinerary to the official government portal. Take a screenshot of your QR code before you fly, as airport WiFi can be spotty upon landing.
Are there new environmental fees for visiting Boracay or Palawan?
Yes, local government units in both Boracay and El Nido increased their environmental user fees in November 2025. Tourists entering Boracay now pay 400 PHP (about €6), up from the previous 300 PHP, payable upon arrival at the Caticlan jetty port. In El Nido, the Eco-Tourism Development Fee (ETDF) has been standardized to 400 PHP and is valid for 10 days.
Keep your receipt safe—you will need to present it before boarding island-hopping boats or entering protected lagoon areas. Cash is the only reliable payment method for these fees, so ensure you have small denominations of Philippine Pesos ready when you land.
Do European citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
No, most European passport holders (EU/Schengen/UK) receive a 30-day visa waiver upon arrival for free. You must present a passport valid for at least 6 months and a return or onward ticket leaving the Philippines within that 30-day window. Airlines in Frankfurt, Paris, or London will deny boarding if you cannot show proof of your exit flight.
If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a 59-day tourist visa at a Philippine embassy in Europe before you fly (costing approx. €30-45), or simply extend your stay at an immigration office within the Philippines for a fee of around 3,030 PHP (€50).
Which transit hub is best for flights from Europe to Manila?
The Middle East hubs (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul) are generally superior to Asian hubs for European travelers. Connecting via Doha (Qatar Airways) or Dubai (Emirates) breaks the journey into two roughly equal 7-9 hour flights, which is less exhausting than a 12-hour flight to Singapore or Hong Kong followed by a short hop.
Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) is another excellent option, often offering competitive pricing from secondary European cities. If you prefer sleeping through the long leg, fly via Singapore or Hong Kong, but be prepared for a very long first sector (12-14 hours) from Europe.
Is tap water safe to drink in the Philippines?
No, never drink tap water anywhere in the Philippines, including in luxury hotels. Always stick to sealed bottled water or purified water from dispensers provided in hotel lobbies. Ice is generally safe in restaurants as it’s mass-produced in factories, but avoid shaved ice desserts from street stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.
Brush your teeth with bottled water to be safe, especially on smaller islands. A single mistake here can lead to “traveler’s tummy” that ruins 3-4 days of your trip.
What is the luggage weight limit for domestic island flights?
Strict limits apply: usually 10kg or 20kg for checked bags, and strictly 7kg for carry-on. Small propeller planes (ATR aircraft) flying to airports like El Nido (Lio), Siargao, or Caticlan often weigh both your bag and you before boarding. Excess baggage fees are steep at the counter, often costing €5-8 per kilo.
If you are flying AirSWIFT to El Nido, the “Value” fare only includes 10kg. Pre-purchase the 20kg allowance online if you are bringing a standard European check-in suitcase, or leave heavy winter clothes in storage at NAIA airport if returning to Manila.
Should I tip in the Philippines?
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, check your bill for a 10% “Service Charge” (SC)—if included, you don’t need to tip extra, though leaving the loose change is kind. If no service charge is added, a tip of 50-100 PHP (€0.80-1.60) is standard for good service.
For tour guides and boatmen on island hopping trips, a tip of 300-500 PHP (€5-8) per group is generous and helps support locals significantly. Taxi drivers generally round up to the nearest 10 or 20 pesos; you don’t need to tip a percentage of the fare.
How does Air Traveler Club find cheap flights to the Philippines?
We use AI tools to monitor fares from major European hubs (like Frankfurt, London, Paris) to Asia 24/7, detecting pricing anomalies that airlines don’t advertise. When a carrier like Qatar Airways or Etihad quietly drops prices to fill seats, our system flags it, and our human experts verify the route is practical before sending an alert.
Unlike standard search engines that just show current market rates, we specifically hunt for these temporary drops—often saving members €400-600 on round-trip tickets. You receive the alert via our free newsletter and book directly with the airline yourself.
Nonstop (direct) vs 1-stop
How much do flights from Australasia to Philippines cost?
Nonstop AU/NZ-Philippines flights take 7-9 hours and cost 20-40% more than connecting alternatives. Major hubs—including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane—offer the most frequent service, primarily to Manila (MNL) and Cebu (CEB).
Direct service justifies its premium for business travelers, families, or when price differences stay below A$150-200—otherwise, strategic one-stop routing typically delivers better value.
| Route | Airline | Aircraft | Avg Price | Avg ATC Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney (SYD) → Manila (MNL) | Qantas | A330-300 | A$1,100 | A$365 (67% off) |
| Sydney (SYD) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | A321neo, A330-300 | A$1,000 | A$325 (68% off) |
| Melbourne (MEL) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | A321neo, A330-300 | A$1,050 | A$345 (67% off) |
| Brisbane (BNE) → Manila (MNL) | Qantas | A330-200 | A$1,150 | A$395 (66% off) |
| Brisbane (BNE) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | A321neo | A$1,050 | A$345 (67% off) |
| Perth (PER) → Manila (MNL) | Philippine Airlines | A321neo | A$1,100 | A$365 (67% off) |
| Perth (PER) → Manila (MNL) | Jetstar | A321neo LR | A$950 | A$310 (67% off) |
| Brisbane (BNE) → Cebu (CEB) | Jetstar | A321neo LR | A$1,000 | A$335 (67% off) |
*Avg ATC Price: Superdeal fare published on our platform (40-80% savings compared to standard market rates). Learn more.
How the 5th-freedom loophole can cut your flight costs by thousands
Welcome to the overlooked world of fifth-freedom flights. These legal, rare, and often underpriced routes create some of the cheapest fares—yet most travelers have never heard of them…
Best stopovers
for Australasia to Philippines flights
Not all connections are created equal. When flying from the Australasia to Philippines, routing through major airport hubs can deliver lower total fares, better-equipped aircraft, and access to airline stopover programs.
Singapore SIN
with Singapore Airlines / Qantas
- Average savings: 25-35% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: ~8h Australia–Singapore + ~3.5h Singapore–Philippines
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free Singapore stopover package
- Visa requirements: Most Australasia passports get 30-day visa-free entry
- Airport rating: Consistently ranked Skytrax top-three worldwide
- Best for: Sydney, Melbourne, Auckland travelers seeking world-class airport shopping and dining
Kuala Lumpur KUL
with Malaysia Airlines / AirAsia
- Average savings: 30-40% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Australia–Kuala Lumpur (~8h), then Kuala Lumpur–Philippines (~3.5h)
- Typical connection: 2-5 hours (minimum 60 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free domestic side trips
- Visa requirements: Australasia passports generally enjoy 90-day visa-free entry
- Airport rating: Major Skytrax 4-star hub with modern facilities
- Best for: Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane travelers seeking consistently lower fares vs direct routes
Hong Kong HKG
with Cathay Pacific / Qantas
- Average savings: 20-30% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Split into ~10h Australia–Hong Kong and ~2h Hong Kong–Philippines legs
- Typical connection: 2-4 hours (minimum 50 minutes)
- Stopover perks: Free Hong Kong stopover
- Visa requirements: Australasia passports get 90-day visa-free access
- Airport rating: Skytrax 5-star airport with strong transit options
- Best for: Sydney, Melbourne, Christchurch travelers seeking award flight availability on premium routes
Denpasar (Bali) DPS
with Jetstar / Philippine Airlines
- Average savings: 35-45% vs non-stop flights
- Flight segments: Two-leg journey: ~6h Australasia–Bali, ~3.5h Bali–Philippines
- Typical connection: 3-6 hours (120 min minimum)
- Stopover perks: Modern terminal with premium lounge access
- Visa requirements: Most Australasia passports get visa on arrival
- Airport rating: Regional hub with upgraded international terminal
- Best for: Perth, Darwin, Auckland travelers seeking cultural exploration during transit
Get real-time deal alerts
Activate real-time alerts and get notified the instant a new Superdeal to Philippines has been discovered.
Book these incredible price drops before they’re gone.
Set alerts →
Best airlines and aircraft
for long-haul flights to Philippines
Most travelers book Australasia–Philippines flights by price and schedule—but aircraft choice determines whether you arrive refreshed or wrecked. Cabin pressurization, humidity, seat configuration, and service standards vary dramatically on this route.
Below are carriers we recommend—with superior configurations on flights from the US and Canada to Philippines.
Qantas
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
Five-time Skytrax winner for service excellence. The 787’s advanced cabin air quality and lower cabin altitude reduce fatigue on flights from Sydney to Manila, enhancing comfort for long-haul travelers.
- Route: Direct Sydney→Manila (8h 30m)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 17.8″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB-C charging, adjustable headrests
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, fully enclosed suites
- Standouts: 13.3″ HD touchscreen IFE, complimentary Wi-Fi (messaging), premium dining with wine pairings, amenity kits
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,200–A$1,800; Business A$3,500–A$5,000;
Singapore Airlines
Airbus A350-900
Skytrax Airline of the Year 2024. The A350’s quiet cabin and advanced humidity control elevate comfort on flights from Melbourne to Manila via Singapore, a world-leading hub.
- Route: 1-stop Melbourne→Manila via Singapore (12h 30m)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB-A charging, adjustable headrests
- Business: 1-2-1 reverse herringbone, 78″ lie-flat, privacy dividers
- Standouts: 18.5″ HD touchscreen IFE, complimentary Wi-Fi (messaging), curated dining with Singaporean cuisine, amenity kits
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$1,300–A$1,900; Business A$3,800–A$5,500;
Cebu Pacific
Airbus A330neo
Philippines’ largest low-cost carrier, recognized for reliability. The A330neo’s modern cabin and efficient design deliver value on flights from Auckland to Manila via Cebu.
- Route: 1-stop Auckland→Manila via Cebu (14h 15m)
- Economy: 31″ pitch, 17.5″ width, 2-4-2 configuration, USB charging, adjustable headrests
- Business: 2-2-2 configuration, 38″ pitch, priority boarding, extra baggage
- Standouts: 10.1″ touchscreen IFE, Wi-Fi available (paid), à la carte meals, free seat selection for business
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$600–A$1,000; Business A$1,200–A$1,800;
EVA Air
Boeing 777-300ER
Skytrax 5-Star Airline. The 777-300ER’s spacious cabin and award-winning service make it a standout for flights from Brisbane to Manila via Taipei.
- Route: 1-stop Brisbane→Manila via Taipei (13h 45m)
- Economy: 32″ pitch, 18″ width, 3-3-3 configuration, USB charging, adjustable headrests
- Business: 2-3-2 configuration, 69″ lie-flat, privacy curtains
- Standouts: 15.4″ HD touchscreen IFE, Wi-Fi available (paid), premium dining with Taiwanese cuisine, amenity kits
- Typical Pricing: Economy A$800–A$1,400; Business A$2,200–A$3,200;
Fly better for less
Travel insights, proven strategies, and insider tips.
Best aircraft for long-haul flights
Asia-bound from Downunder: which airlines offer superior service?
Best Aussie airport hubs for cheap flights to Asia (and beyond)
