Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis)

Post Published March 30, 2025

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Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - LAX Takes Lead with $598 Average Fares to Manila via Philippine Airlines Spring Service





While the quest for budget-friendly flights to Manila unfolds across various US hubs, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is currently highlighting the route, though perhaps not for rock-bottom prices. Philippine Airlines’ direct spring flights to Manila are showing an average of $598. This positions LAX as a potentially pricier option among the top US departure points analyzed for reaching the Philippines. Travelers should factor in a lengthy journey of around 15 hours and 40 minutes for these direct services operated by the Philippine flag carrier. While this average fare is noted, keep in mind that one-way tickets could be found for less and, as always, promotional fares may pop up. Those prioritizing savings might still want to consider options beyond these direct flights, as the market to Manila from LAX is bustling with numerous airlines, suggesting that a bit of searching could uncover more economical fares with connecting routes.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) appears to be the price leader, albeit at the higher end, when considering average fares to Manila for this upcoming spring. Philippine Airlines’ service from LAX is clocking in at around $598 on average. This could signal a few things. Perhaps the demand from Southern California to the Philippines is robust enough to sustain this pricing. Or maybe the operational realities of LAX, a major international hub, simply translate to steeper ticket prices compared to other US gateways. It’s interesting that while other US airports are also in the mix for Manila-bound flights and might offer lower *minimum* fares, LAX’s *average* with Philippine Airlines takes the top spot, at least in terms of price. One might assume that the sheer volume of passengers moving through LAX, and the competitive dynamics there, would push prices downwards. Instead, this $598 figure suggests that for travelers specifically seeking Philippine Airlines’ direct service from LAX during this spring period, they are likely looking at this price point as a starting expectation. Whether this reflects superior service, more desirable flight times, or simply market dynamics remains to be seen. Further scrutiny of fares from other airlines and airports will be essential to understand the full picture of cost-effective routes to Manila.

What else is in this post?

  1. Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - LAX Takes Lead with $598 Average Fares to Manila via Philippine Airlines Spring Service
  2. Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - SFO Competitive at $612 Through United Airlines Daily Direct Flights
  3. Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - JFK Shows $645 Average with Korean Air Connection Options
  4. Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - SEA Emerges at $689 with EVA Air's New Manila Route Launch
  5. Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - ORD Maintains $698 Average via Japan Airlines Transit Service
  6. Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - SAN Rounds Up at $712 with Multiple Asian Carrier Connections

Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - SFO Competitive at $612 Through United Airlines Daily Direct Flights





people sitting on chair in restaurant,

San Francisco International Airport is also making a play for travelers heading to Manila, with United Airlines promoting daily direct flights priced around $612. While not the rock-bottom fare seen from other airports in this spring 2025 analysis to the Philippines, it places SFO squarely in
Switching coasts, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) presents another viable departure point for those targeting Manila, with United Airlines advertising direct flights around $612. While marginally above the average fare observed from Los Angeles, this SFO offering warrants consideration. It raises questions about United's strategy in leveraging its SFO hub for transpacific routes. One could surmise that their daily direct service caters to a consistent demand, possibly justifying a slightly higher price point compared to other fluctuating fares. For travelers on United’s MileagePlus program, the accumulation of miles on these flights from SFO might also factor into the perceived value. The duration of these direct flights, estimated around 15 hours, appears consistent with other long-haul routes to Manila, suggesting a baseline for travel time efficiency irrespective of the US departure city. The subtle price variations between airports like LAX and SFO could be driven by any number of variables: differing airport operational costs, fluctuating fuel prices impacting specific routes, or perhaps even minor nuances in


Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - JFK Shows $645 Average with Korean Air Connection Options





JFK Airport is showing an average fare of $645 to Manila when travelers consider Korean Air and their connecting flights. This price point positions New York's JFK as a noteworthy option for those aiming to reach the Philippines next spring. Korean Air's operations are based out of Terminal 1 at JFK, which funnels passengers through their Seoul Incheon hub. It's worth noting that the sheer volume of seats Korean Air dedicates to its Seoul to JFK route underlines the importance of this transatlantic leg in their network and subsequently for travelers aiming further East. For anyone in the New York area looking at flights to Manila, these Korean Air fares make JFK a relevant departure point, particularly within the discussion of affordable routes to the Philippines being observed across various US airports.
From New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, the average flight to Manila is registering around $645. This figure, notably associated with Korean Air connections, suggests a pricing tier slightly above what’s being observed at Los Angeles and San Francisco. It's interesting to see JFK positioned here. As a major East Coast gateway, one might expect fares to be significantly higher for such a long-haul journey. However, this average price point indicates a certain level of fare competition, especially when factoring in the connecting nature of these itineraries through Korean Air.

Perhaps the inclusion of a layover in Seoul with Korean Air is a key component in managing costs for this route. Historically, opting for connecting flights has been a reliable strategy to reduce ticket prices, sometimes by a noticeable margin. It raises the question of whether travelers departing from JFK are gravitating towards these connecting options specifically to leverage cost savings, or if it’s a reflection of Korean Air's network strategy to attract passengers on this transatlantic leg.

JFK itself, a behemoth of international air travel, experiences immense passenger throughput annually. This sheer volume could be creating a dynamic where even long-haul routes like JFK to Manila are subject to intense price competition among airlines. It’s plausible that factors like fluctuating fuel costs and the seasonal nature of travel to the Philippines also play a role in determining these average fares. Korean Air’s presence on this route, with its established network across Asia, likely adds another layer to the pricing equation. Is their competitive pricing a result of optimized routes or a deliberate strategy to capture market share from other carriers servicing Manila from the East Coast? Further investigation into the specifics of these Korean Air connection options would be needed to fully understand the drivers behind this $645 average.


Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - SEA Emerges at $689 with EVA Air's New Manila Route Launch





passenger plane about to take-off, Ready For Take Off

Seattle-Tacoma Airport enters the fray as a departure point to Manila, courtesy of EVA Air's freshly launched direct service. This new route, utilizing a Boeing 777, is showing an average fare of around $689. This development gives Seattle its inaugural nonstop connection to the Philippines and introduces EVA Air, often lauded in airline rankings, to this particular market. However, the $689 average fare positions SEA as potentially the priciest option discussed thus far in this analysis of spring 2025 fares to Manila. It remains to be seen if travelers in the Pacific Northwest will find this price point appealing, especially when weighed against fares from other West Coast airports already mentioned. EVA Air’s growing network in the Philippines, now reaching 35 destinations, signals an expanding presence in the region, yet the crucial factor for passengers will be whether this new Seattle route can offer competitive value alongside its convenience. This addition is one of several new international routes for Seattle, indicating airport expansion, but the true measure of its success will be determined by fare adjustments and traveler uptake as the spring travel season approaches.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport now enters the conversation with EVA Air initiating a direct service to Manila. Initial pricing indicates an average fare of $689 for this new connection. Examining this figure alongside the fares from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York, Seattle’s entry point is positioned higher on the spectrum. It’s worth dissecting what this fare represents. Is it a reflection of novel route pricing for EVA Air, potentially gauging initial demand from the Pacific Northwest for direct Philippine access? Or does it signal something about Seattle's international air travel dynamics themselves? As SEA secures its first nonstop link to the Philippines, operated by EVA Air's Boeing 777s – a carrier often cited for service quality – the question becomes whether travelers are willing to pay a premium for this directness and EVA’s reputation.

The announced $689 average is noteworthy given that Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport does experience typical delays. While 12 minutes on average isn’t excessive, it adds another data point for passengers to consider when evaluating the overall value proposition of this route. EVA Air’s inclusion of baggage allowance and in-flight amenities like meals and drinks are standard for long-haul international flights and factored into the broader fare comparison. The airline’s increasing footprint in the Philippines, now reaching 35 destinations, suggests a strategic investment in this market. This Seattle route represents the sixth new international service for SEA, which speaks to the airport’s expanding global connectivity. Ultimately, the $689 fare from Seattle prompts analysis: does it reflect a fair market entry price, or an initial calibration point that will adjust as competitive pressures and route maturity unfold? Observing how this fare evolves will be crucial in understanding the true accessibility and cost-effectiveness of Manila-bound flights from the US West Coast beyond the established hubs of LAX and SFO.


Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - ORD Maintains $698 Average via Japan Airlines Transit Service





Chicago's O'Hare International Airport is holding steady with an average fare of $698 for flights to Manila when using Japan Airlines' connecting service. This price point remains in the mix for spring 2025 travelers seeking value routes to the Philippines. Japan Airlines' service, which typically routes passengers through Tokyo, appears to be a consistent factor in keeping fares from ORD competitive. While not undercutting prices seen from some West Coast departure points, this average suggests that travelers in the Midwest have a viable option without necessarily needing to reposition to the Pacific coast to secure a better deal to Manila. Transit options are often key to managing costs on long-haul flights and this average fare reinforces that point, showing that a well-placed connection can influence overall pricing. As the landscape of international airfares remains dynamic, keeping an eye on fares from airports like O'Hare and carriers like Japan Airlines is still a prudent strategy for travelers to Manila.
Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport registers an average fare of $698 for journeys to Manila utilizing Japan Airlines' connecting service. This price point warrants closer inspection within the landscape of transpacific air travel economics. O’Hare, as a substantial airline hub, operates under competitive pressures. It is plausible that this environment contributes to Japan Airlines’ ability to maintain fares at this level, as various carriers jostle for passenger traffic on international routes.

A key aspect of this Japan Airlines offering from ORD is the transit through Tokyo. This connection isn't just a layover; it’s a pivot through a major Asian aviation center. For travelers, this transit introduces the possibility of a stopover in Tokyo itself, adding a dimension beyond a simple point-to-point flight. Strategically, airlines often price connecting routes more competitively than direct ones, and this Tokyo transit point may be instrumental in achieving the $698 average fare.

The timing of this analysis in spring 2025 also cannot be ignored. Spring generally sees an uptick in travel demand to destinations like Manila, and such seasonal peaks typically exert upward pressure on fares. Examining fare fluctuations across different times of year would likely reveal how this $698 average shifts outside of peak seasons.

For frequent travelers, particularly those engaged with loyalty programs, Japan Airlines' membership in the Oneworld alliance becomes relevant. Accumulated miles through this program can translate to tangible value on future flights. From this angle, the $698 fare might become more attractive when considering the potential downstream benefits for repeat flyers.

Furthermore, airline pricing isn't solely about the base fare. Japan Airlines, like many legacy carriers, tends to include baggage allowances as part of the standard ticket. This inclusion is an important detail when comparing fares across airlines, as some budget-focused carriers often unbundle such services, adding to the final cost. The perceived slightly higher average fare might be offset by these bundled services, offering a more comprehensive value proposition.

Looking at broader trends, the average fare of $698 is not static. Historical analysis of fares from ORD to Manila would likely demonstrate shifts over the years. These fluctuations are influenced by a range of factors, from macro-economic conditions to airline-specific strategies. Understanding these historical patterns is key to predicting future fare movements and identifying optimal booking windows.

The operational dynamics at major airports like ORD also play a role. Airport-related fees and charges, such as landing fees and terminal costs, are part of the airline’s cost structure and indirectly impact ticket prices. ORD’s scale of operations means these costs could be a factor in the final fare.

Airline partnerships and codeshare agreements are also worth considering. Japan Airlines often collaborates with other airlines for connecting services. These arrangements can sometimes lead to cost efficiencies that are passed on to consumers in the form of more competitive fares. It is possible that such collaborative agreements contribute to maintaining this $698 average.

Finally, broader economic factors, including inflation and fuel prices, have a pervasive effect on travel expenses. Increases in operational costs in the airline industry are invariably reflected in fare adjustments. Thus, the $698 average fare is not just a result of airline strategy or market demand but also the prevailing economic environment. Even the in-flight experience, including culinary offerings from airlines like Japan Airlines known for their in-flight dining, contribute to the overall perceived value, even if indirectly impacting the base fare figure.


Top 7 US Departure Airports with Lowest Average Fares to Manila (Spring 2025 Analysis) - SAN Rounds Up at $712 with Multiple Asian Carrier Connections





San Diego International Airport is now registering average fares to Manila around $712, a figure that might raise eyebrows for budget-conscious travelers eyeing a spring 2025 trip to the Philippines. This pricing reflects the airport's growing role as a connection point, particularly with several Asian airlines channeling passengers through SAN on their way to Manila. While this development expands options for those departing from Southern California, it's worth noting that this average fare positions SAN at a higher price point compared to the previously discussed options at major hubs such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. These larger West Coast airports seem to maintain a price advantage, likely due to higher flight volumes and perhaps more intense competition. For travelers prioritizing cost savings, exploring fares from LAX or SFO could still prove beneficial, even with the added convenience of connections now available through San Diego. As the spring travel period approaches, it will be interesting to observe if fare adjustments at SAN emerge to better compete with these established routes.
San Diego International Airport (SAN) is presenting an interesting data point in this spring 2025 fare analysis to Manila. The average fare here registers at $712. What makes this figure stand out is its position above several larger US gateways, despite SAN’s more modest scale as an international hub. One has to wonder about the mechanics at play. Is it a concentrated pocket of demand emanating from Southern California that’s less sensitive to price? Or are operational factors at SAN itself, perhaps in the realm of airport fees or handling charges, contributing to a higher cost base for airlines operating transpacific routes? This warrants further investigation to understand the cost structure unique to SAN that could lead to this elevated average fare.

It's noteworthy that connections to Manila via SAN are facilitated by a variety of Asian carriers. These partnerships are typically designed to enhance route networks and optimize aircraft utilization. In theory, such collaborative arrangements should promote competitive pricing by increasing efficiency. However, with SAN showing a higher average fare, one questions if the intended cost benefits of these connections are fully translating to passengers in this particular market. Perhaps the demand profile or competitive landscape around San

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