Flights to the Philippines: Tips for a Smooth Balikbayan Trip

For many Filipinos, traveling back home isn’t just another trip—it’s a homecoming. Whether you’re visiting family, attending a special occasion, or simply reconnecting with your roots, planning your journey can feel overwhelming. From baggage rules to customs regulations and money-saving travel tips, here’s your ultimate balikbayan travel guide to ensure stress-free and memorable flights to the Philippines.

When Is the Best Time to Visit the Philippines?

The best time to fly home depends on your priorities, including weather, flight prices, and peak travel seasons.

Peak Season (December & Summer – High Prices, High Demand)

If you’re planning to fly home to the Philippines during the holidays or summer, it’s important to book early. These are the times when most Filipinos and tourists travel. As a result, flights get crowded, and prices go up quickly. To help you prepare, here’s a quick look at the busiest travel seasons in the Philippines:

• Christmas & New Year (December – early January): The busiest time of year for balikbayan travelers. Flights get booked months in advance, and prices soar.
• Holy Week (March – April): Another peak period with high demand for flights to the Philippines.
• Summer (May – early June): School breaks make this a popular time for family reunions.

Off-Peak Season (January – February, June – September – Lower Prices, Fewer Crowds)

If you’re looking to save money and avoid crowded airports, traveling during the off-peak season is a great option. These months generally come with lower fares and more flexible schedules, which can make your trip back home more relaxing. Here’s when to consider booking:

• January – February: Cooler weather and fewer tourists.
• June – September: The rainy season means lower airfare, but typhoons can disrupt travel plans.

But, no matter when you plan to travel to the Philippines, book your flights to the Philippines in advance. For peak seasons, the sweet spot is 4-6 months in advance. For off-peak, 2-3 months ahead will help you secure the best fares on flights to the Philippines.

Choosing the Best Airline for Your Balikbayan Flight

When flying back to the Philippines, comfort, price, and baggage allowance all matter—especially on long-haul trips. Here are some of the best airlines for balikbayan travelers, with routes, perks, and tips for choosing the right one:

Philippine Airlines (PAL)

Philippine Airlines is the country’s flag carrier and a top choice for direct flights. It offers nonstop service from major North American cities like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), New York (JFK), Honolulu (HNL), and Toronto (YYZ) to Manila (MNL).

Why choose PAL?

• Direct flights save you time and hassle.
• Extra baggage allowances are often available for balikbayan travelers.
• Warm Filipino hospitality from check-in to landing.

Singapore Airlines

Known for world-class service and comfort, Singapore Airlines offers smooth connections to Manila, Cebu, and Davao via Changi Airport (SIN).

Why choose Singapore Airlines?

• Excellent inflight meals and entertainment.
• Comfortable layovers at one of the best airports in the world.
• Great for travelers who want a premium experience.

EVA Air

EVA Air flies from multiple North American cities and connects to the Philippines through Taipei (TPE). It’s popular for its well-priced Premium Economy class.

Why choose EVA Air?

• High ratings for safety and service.
• Competitive fares, especially during off-peak seasons.
• Convenient layovers in Taipei.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay Pacific offers reliable service through Hong Kong (HKG), with connecting flights to various cities in the Philippines.

Why choose Cathay Pacific?

• Strong on-time performance and quality service.
• Smooth transit experience at Hong Kong International Airport.
• Great frequent flyer program if you travel often.

Japan Airlines (JAL)

Japan Airlines connects North America to the Philippines via Tokyo (NRT or HND). It’s known for exceptional customer care and comfortable flights.

Why choose Japan Airlines?

• Spacious seating and high-quality inflight meals.
• Efficient transit experience in Japan.
• Ideal for older travelers who value peace and comfort.

You can check out our blog about airlines flying to the Philippines for more flight options.

Must-Know Baggage & Customs Rules for Balikbayans

Packing for a home trip to the Philippines means bringing plenty of pasalubong (gifts), but it’s important to follow baggage rules to avoid delays or additional charges.

Flights to the Philippines: Baggage Allowance & Packing Tips

• Most airlines allow 2x 50lb (23kg) checked bags for economy class. Premium economy or business class may allow more.
• Use lightweight suitcases to maximize your baggage allowance. Heavier bags mean less room for your items and could push you over the limit.
• Pack snacks and food items properly. Sealed, store-bought goods like chocolates and dry snacks are usually fine. Avoid packing anything perishable or homemade without checking airline rules.
• Restricted items: Avoid packing liquids over 100ml, fresh fruits/meat, and prohibited electronics in your carry-on.

Philippine Customs & Duty-Free Allowances

• Cash: If you bring in more than PHP 50,000 or USD 10,000, you must declare it at customs to avoid fines or delays.
• Duty-free privileges: Under the Balikbayan Program, qualified travelers can bring in up to PHP 350,000 worth of personal goods tax-free once a year. However, remember that you can do so as long as the goods are for personal use and not commercial resale.
• Electronics & valuables: If you’re bringing high-value gifts like phones or laptops, then it’s best to keep receipts and declare them. This is especially true, if you have more than one item per category.
• Gifts & pasalubong: Common pasalubong items like chocolates and toiletries are generally fine, but large quantities of electronics may be taxed.

Customs Tip: Check the Bureau of Customs guidelines before traveling.

Duty-Free Shopping Tips

Many Filipino travelers purchase chocolates, perfumes, and alcohol at airport duty-free shops before flying. These items can be cheaper and are great for pasalubong. If you’re planning to buy duty-free:

• Liquids purchased at airport duty-free shops (like alcohol, perfumes, and lotions) can be taken aboard your flight even if they exceed the 100ml limit, but they must remain sealed in the official plastic bag provided at the store.
• Many international airports require you to go through security again during layovers. If your duty-free bag is opened, your liquid items may be confiscated.
• To be safe, buy duty-free liquids at your final layover stop or only if you’re on a direct flight to the Philippines.

Pro Travel Tip: Always keep your duty-free receipt inside the sealed bag, as security officers may request it during screening.

Airport & Immigration Tips: A Smooth Arrival

Whether you’re landing in Manila, Clark, or Cebu, arriving in the Philippines after a long-haul flight can feel overwhelming—especially with large crowds, immigration lines, and baggage claims. Here’s how to breeze through immigration and customs, no matter which international airport you arrive at:

1. Register for eTravel before your flight (https://etravel.gov.ph) to speed up arrival procedures.
2. Have your return ticket, address in the Philippines, and proof of financial means ready in case of questioning.
3. Use Grab or airport taxis instead of dealing with unauthorized drivers.

Domestic Travel: Visiting the Provinces Without Hassle

Once you arrive in the Philippines, you may need to take a domestic flight, ferry, or bus to reach your final destination.

Best Airlines for Domestic Flights:

• Philippine Airlines (PAL Express) – Most reliable for inter-island travel.
• Cebu Pacific & AirAsia – Budget-friendly but can be prone to delays.

Ferry Travel:

• 2GO Travel & OceanJet offer comfortable ferry rides to popular destinations like Cebu, Bohol, and Iloilo.

Bus & Van Travel:

• Victory Liner & Philtranco serve Northern and Southern Luzon provinces.
• P2P Buses are the best option for getting from NAIA to key cities.

Travel Hack: Just like with international flights, domestic flights in the Philippines can be cheap if booked early. Also, you can ask your travel agent at ASAP Tickets to book all your domestic flights. This way, you don’t need to stress about finding cheap flights upon arrival.

Did You Know: The Story Behind Balikbayan Boxes?

The balikbayan box is more than just a big cardboard container—it’s a symbol of love and connection for overseas Filipinos. The word balikbayan means “returning to the homeland,” and these boxes are often packed with care and filled with gifts, food, clothes, and essentials for family and friends back home.

This tradition began in the 1980s when the Philippine government introduced the Balikbayan Program to encourage overseas Filipinos to visit more often. As air travel became more accessible, overseas foreign workers and immigrants started bringing large boxes to save on excess baggage fees—and the custom stuck.

Today, balikbayan boxes are still widely used, especially for those sending items ahead of their trip. They’re often shipped by sea weeks in advance and welcomed with excitement when they arrive.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Balikbayan Trip Stress-Free!

Returning to the Philippines should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one. By planning ahead, you can make your balikbayan journey smooth and hassle-free.

If you’re ready to Book Your Flight to the Philippines, contact our travel experts for the best deals! Call ASAP Tickets at (844) 300-7983 to get exclusive discounts on flights to Manila, Cebu, Davao, and more.