How to Find Cheap Flights to Manila from the UK

Finding cheap flights to Manila from the UK doesn’t have to feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. With the right strategies, tools, and timing, you can save hundreds on airfare and still enjoy a comfortable, convenient trip to the heart of the Philippines. In this guide, we break down the best ways to book affordable airfare, from planning hacks to insider tools that help you track prices like a pro.

Why Manila?

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is more than just a transit point—it’s a cultural hub, culinary destination, and the perfect starting point for island-hopping adventures. From Intramuros' historic walls to Makati’s modern skyline and nearby destinations like Tagaytay and Batangas, it offers something for every traveller. But first—you need to get there without blowing your budget.

1. Book at the Right Time

Timing is everything when it comes to scoring cheap flight tickets.

Best Booking Window: 2–4 months in advance for the best price.
Cheapest Months to Fly: September, October, and early November often have the lowest prices due to fewer tourists.
Days to Avoid: Weekends tend to be more expensive. Opt for midweek departures—Tuesdays and Wednesdays—for cheaper fares.
Holiday Blackout Periods: Avoid peak dates like Christmas, New Year, and Easter when ticket prices skyrocket.

2. Use Fare Comparison Tools

Harness the power of online search engines that do the heavy lifting.

Skyscanner: Offers flexible search by entire month or cheapest month.
Google Flights: Visual calendar with flexible date and route options.
Momondo: Ideal for finding lesser-known airline deals and mixed itineraries.
Kayak: Offers price alerts and predictions on whether to wait or book now.

Set up email alerts to get notified when prices drop for your preferred route to Manila.

3. Consider Alternative UK Airports

Flying out of London may be convenient, but sometimes cheaper flights to Manila can be found from smaller or regional airports.

Major UK Departure Hubs: Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham
Hidden Gems: Check Glasgow, Edinburgh, or even Dublin (if you’re flexible on a short hop before your international flight)

Compare all options, especially if you live near multiple airports.

4. Mix and Match Airlines

Avoid restricting yourself to round-trip tickets from the same carrier.

Multi-Airline Routes: Booking outbound and return flights separately with different airlines can result in better deals.
Budget Airlines + Major Carriers: Fly to a hub like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, or Bangkok with a low-cost airline, then catch a regional flight to Manila.

Use websites like Kiwi.com or Expedia to explore mixed-ticket itineraries.

5. Consider Nearby International Hubs

Sometimes flying to a nearby Southeast Asian city first and then booking a separate ticket to Manila can be cheaper.

Fly to: Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, or Hong Kong
Then book: A low-cost regional carrier like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, or Scoot to Manila

This "hub hack" works well if you're open to long layovers or a stopover mini-trip.

6. Travel Light and Avoid Extra Fees

Budget airlines can lure you in with low base fares, but fees add up quickly.

Hand Luggage Only: Save by packing light and avoiding checked baggage fees.
Meals & Seat Selection: Avoid paying for extras you can live without.
Check Policies: Always read the fine print to know what’s included.

7. Redeem Points and Use Loyalty Programs

If you’re a frequent flyer or travel credit card holder, now’s the time to put those points to use.

Avios (British Airways) and Virgin Flying Club offer redemptions to Southeast Asia.
Star Alliance & Oneworld: Many UK credit cards are linked to airlines that fly to the Philippines.

8. Be Flexible with Dates and Routes

Flexibility is your biggest money-saver.

Adjust Departure Dates: Moving your flight by even a day or two can slash costs.
Open-Jaw Flights: Consider flying into Manila and out from another Philippine city, such as Cebu or Davao.

Always search using the “flexible dates” option to reveal cheaper combinations.

9. Check Airline Promotions and Flash Sales

Many airlines, especially Philippine carriers, run limited-time sales.

Philippine Airlines: Often runs seasonal promo fares from London to Manila.
Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Emirates: Premium airlines with occasional low-fare promos.
Subscribe to Newsletters: Be the first to hear about flash deals.

10. Monitor Currency Exchange Rates

Fares are sometimes cheaper when paid in different currencies. If you find a Manila fare in USD or PHP that’s lower than the GBP equivalent, consider using a no-foreign-exchange-fee card to book it.

Bonus Tip: Book During Airline Sales Events

Airlines offer major discounts during specific events:

Black Friday / Cyber Monday
Travel Expo Periods (especially in the Philippines)
Anniversary Sales by airlines like Cebu Pacific or AirAsia

Mark your calendar and prepare to act fast.

Final Thoughts

With the right mix of planning, tools, and travel flexibility, finding cheap flights to Manila from the UK is absolutely possible. Use search engines wisely, consider flexible travel dates, and don’t overlook alternative airports or multi-airline itineraries. Smart travellers know how to watch for deals, act quickly, and save big without sacrificing comfort.

From colonial heritage in Intramuros to stunning island getaways just hours away, Manila awaits—and now, getting there on a budget is no longer just a dream.