How to get to | Philippines

This is part of a series of blog entries on how to get to countries and places. Here is a link to the index. I plan to eventually cover every country and some other places. If you have a request for a particular country or place please use the email me link at top right, or leave a comment.

Philippines

Source: Ramir Borja

While there are some ferries to Borneo (both Malaysia and Indonesia), almost all visitors arrive by air (and mostly at Manila). Airlines flying to Philippines (all to Manila except as noted) include:

• Star Alliance - Asiana (also to Cebu), Continental (from Guam), Singapore, Thai (from Bangkok and Osaka)
• Oneworld - Cathay Pacific (also to Cebu), Dragonair, Japan Airlines, Qantas
• Sky Team - China Southern, Delta (from US mainland and Hawaii as well as Japan), KLM, Korean (also to Cebu)
• Other selected - Philippine Airlines, most (Persian) Gulf based airlines, most main east Asian airlines

TIP There are limited options on low cost airlines to Philippines. The routes with most competition are Hong Kong, Tokyo and Honolulu to Manila.

TIP Longhaul fares (or frequent flyer awards) to Philippines are generally about the same or a little more than the fare (or award mileage level) to the main Asian hubs, thus provide good value compared with intra-Asia fares.

TIP Asia air passes on the alliances are good options for those who are eligible, with all alliances having a range of airline options between Manila and Asian hubs.

UPDATED November 2009 - Continental switch from Sky Team to Star Alliance. No change to advice.