Ever had that urge to book a quick getaway but your wallet said, “Nope, not today”? Yep, been there. Domestic travel in the Philippines is coming back, now that the pandemic is long gone, with more people flying to Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao than ever before. But let’s be real—cheap flight tickets in the Philippines are getting harder to find.
Table Of Content
- Use flight comparison apps
- Keep your eyes on seat sales (and stalk budget airlines)
- Airline loyalty and credit card rewards = hidden gold
- Flex those dates (and airports!)
- Indirect flights might save you thousands
- Know when (and when NOT) to book
- Bonus Hacks: Because why not?
- Real Talk: Planning Pays Off
Whether you’re a weekend warrior, a spontaneous staycationer, or a digital nomad plotting your next escape, don’t let expensive flights clip your wings. I’ve learned a few sneaky tricks over the years (and yes, made a few costly mistakes too), so I’m sharing my go-to strategies to help you score those sweet cheap flight tickets Philippines-style. Let’s get into it!
Use flight comparison apps
Alright, first things first—ditch the habit of checking airline websites one by one. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Use flight comparison tools like Google Flights, Traveloka, or Skyscanner. They round up prices from different airlines and show you when it’s cheapest to fly. Bonus tip: toggle that fare alert ON. It’s like having a little spy that tells you when prices drop.
One time, I snagged a Manila to Dumaguete flight 40% cheaper just because I got an alert. No magic—just smart tech.
Keep your eyes on seat sales (and stalk budget airlines)
Ever heard of the legendary Piso Fare? Of course, you have. But blink and you’ll miss it.
Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and PAL Express regularly launch crazy promos. Most of them are blink-and-you-miss-it deals, and the trick is to act fast. The secret? Subscribe to airline newsletters and follow them on socials. They post promo codes, early alerts, and other juicy deals there first.
I’ve legit booked flights to Siargao for less than the cost of a dinner date. True story.
Airline loyalty and credit card rewards = hidden gold
If you travel a lot (or even just once every few months), join airline loyalty programs. Mabuhay Miles, GetGo, and GetRewards can turn your flights into points—and points into free tickets. Add in a credit card with travel perks, and you’re flying for (almost) free.
A friend once flew to Cebu roundtrip using only his credit card points. I was jealous… and immediately signed up.
Flex those dates (and airports!)
You know those people who always get cheap tickets? They’re flexible. I’m talking about being cool with flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, or even from a different airport like Clark instead of Manila.
I once saved ₱1,800 just by flying a day earlier and using Clark International instead of NAIA. Sure, I had to wake up at 3 AM, but was it worth it? 100%.
Indirect flights might save you thousands
Yes, direct flights are convenient. But sometimes, connecting flights or alternative routes are way cheaper. Heading to Boracay? Try flying into Kalibo instead of Caticlan. From there, a short bus and boat ride can save you more cash than you’d think.
I once did Manila–Kalibo–Caticlan–Boracay instead of a direct flight. Saved over ₱2,000. That’s like… three extra halo-halos on the island.
Know when (and when NOT) to book
Timing is everything. Book your flight 2–3 months in advance, especially for popular destinations. But here’s a ninja move—check fares late at night or early morning. Airlines sometimes release discounted rates during low-traffic hours.
Also, avoid booking during peak seasons like Holy Week, Christmas, and local festivals like Sinulog or MassKara. Prices skyrocket faster than your mood when you miss breakfast.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Best booking days? Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Lean season? June to October (just pack an umbrella!)
- Avoid? December, January, March to May, and festival months.
Bonus Hacks: Because why not?
- Clear your cookies when checking flights. Some sites hike prices the more you search. Sneaky, right?
- Check smaller airports near your destination. Sometimes flying into Cebu, Davao, or Iloilo directly is cheaper than Manila.
- Last-minute deals do exist! If you’re flexible and spontaneous, you might get lucky.
Real Talk: Planning Pays Off
Look, finding cheap flight tickets in the Philippines isn’t rocket science—but it does take a bit of effort and a sprinkle of strategy. With these tips, you’ll stretch your travel budget further and book more adventures without breaking the bank. It’s important to travel at least once a year, in my opinion.
So the next time wanderlust kicks in, don’t stress about airfare. Just breathe, bookmark this blog, and start your hunt like a travel ninja.
And hey, if you find a piso fare to Palawan… bring me with you?
