Choosing the Best Airline for Your Flight from LAX to Manila (NAIA)

Traveling from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila (MNL) is a significant journey across the Pacific. The best airline for this route depends on a variety of factors, including cost, comfort, service quality, and travel time. Several airlines offer flights on this route, both direct and with layovers, providing travelers with a range of options to consider.

Key Highlights for Your LAX to Manila Flight

Philippine Airlines is a popular choice, offering direct flights and often competitive pricing, despite mixed reviews on service.
Airlines like EVA Air, China Airlines, Asiana Airlines, and Cathay Pacific are frequently cited for their strong service ratings and provide connecting flights.
Comparing prices and considering factors like baggage allowance, in-flight amenities, and layover times across different carriers is crucial for finding the best fit for your travel needs.

Airlines Serving the LAX to Manila Route

Numerous airlines operate flights between Los Angeles and Manila. These include a mix of full-service carriers and potentially cheaper alternatives. The choice of airline can significantly impact the overall travel experience, from the check-in process at LAX to the arrival at NAIA.

Popular Airlines and Their Offerings

Several airlines are frequently mentioned when considering flights from LAX to MNL. Each offers different advantages and considerations for travelers.

Philippine Airlines (PAL)

As the flag carrier of the Philippines, Philippine Airlines is a prominent option for this route, often providing direct flights. This can be a major convenience for travelers looking to minimize travel time. PAL operates out of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and in Manila, they have exclusive use of Terminal 2, which some reviews suggest has improved facilities compared to other terminals. However, traveler experiences with PAL can be mixed, with some reporting delays and issues with customer service, while others have had positive experiences, particularly with direct flights and the punctuality of their pilots.

One of the advantages of flying with PAL is the potential for direct service, significantly reducing the overall travel time compared to flights with layovers. Their flights from Los Angeles to Manila can have ticket fares starting from around $813 USD ALL-IN, although prices can vary.

While some travelers have reported satisfactory experiences with PAL's service, including comfortable seats and friendly service, others have expressed dissatisfaction, citing issues like delayed flights, cancellations, and difficulties with changing bookings. Baggage handling and security have also been points of concern for some passengers.

Other Highly-Rated Asian Carriers

Several other Asian airlines are highly regarded for their service and offer flights from LAX to MNL, typically with a layover in their respective hub cities.

EVA Air: Often cited as a favorite among travelers on this route, EVA Air is known for its service quality. They offer flights from Los Angeles to Manila with a layover in Taipei. EVA Air provides amenities such as baggage allowance, free meals, and in-flight entertainment.
China Airlines: Another Taiwanese carrier, China Airlines also offers flights with a stop in Taipei and receives positive ratings from travelers.
Asiana Airlines: Based in South Korea, Asiana Airlines provides flights with a layover in Seoul and is generally well-regarded for its service.
Cathay Pacific: This Hong Kong-based airline is a popular choice, offering flights with a layover in Hong Kong. They are known for their comfort and service standards.

These airlines offer alternatives to direct flights and are often praised for their overall passenger experience, including service, comfort, and in-flight amenities. The layover can provide an opportunity to break up the long journey, although it also increases the total travel time.

Other Airlines

Other airlines that operate on the LAX to MNL route include United Airlines, Japan Airlines (JAL), Singapore Airlines, and potentially budget carriers like Air Asia (though direct routes may be less common). United Airlines offers flights with layovers, including a potential route through San Francisco. Japan Airlines emphasizes safety measures and offers flexible ticket policies. Singapore Airlines is often mentioned as a more luxurious option.

Flight Duration and Distance

The distance between Los Angeles (LAX) and Manila (MNL) is approximately 7338 to 7342 miles, depending on the specific terminals. The flight duration varies significantly based on whether the flight is direct or involves layovers.

A direct flight from LAX to MNL typically takes around 15 to 15.5 hours. Flights with one or more layovers will naturally take longer, with total travel times ranging from 18 hours to over 30 hours, depending on the layover city and duration.

For example, a flight with a layover in Taipei with EVA Air or China Airlines, or in Seoul with Asiana Airlines, or in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific will add several hours to the journey compared to a direct flight with Philippine Airlines.

Considering the Cost

The cost of flights from LAX to Manila can vary widely based on the airline, time of booking, time of year, and whether it's a one-way or round trip. Websites like Expedia, Kayak, Google Flights, and Skyscanner can help travelers compare prices across different airlines and find deals.

Based on recent data, one-way flights can start as low as $397, while round trips might begin around $584 to $676. However, these are starting prices and can increase significantly depending on various factors. Airlines like XiamenAir have been noted for potentially offering the cheapest fares, though these may involve longer travel times or multiple stops.

It's also worth noting that "Hacker Fares" on some platforms allow combining one-way tickets from different airlines, which can sometimes result in lower overall costs than a traditional round trip with a single carrier.

Direct vs. Connecting Flights

The choice between a direct flight and a connecting flight is a key decision for travelers on this route.

Advantages of Direct Flights

Significantly shorter travel time.
Less hassle with transfers and potential for missed connections.
Minimizes the chances of lost or delayed luggage during transfers.

Philippine Airlines is the primary airline offering direct flights from LAX to MNL.

Advantages of Connecting Flights

Often more flight options and flexibility in scheduling.
Can sometimes be cheaper than direct flights.
Provides an opportunity to experience another airport or city during a longer layover.
Allows access to airlines that may have higher service ratings than the direct option.

Airlines like EVA Air, China Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Cathay Pacific, United Airlines, Japan Airlines, and others offer connecting flights with layovers in their hub cities across Asia or the United States.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Airline

Beyond price and directness, several other factors should influence your decision:

Baggage Allowance

Transpacific flights often involve significant luggage. Check each airline's baggage policy regarding checked bags, weight limits, and carry-on allowances, as these can vary and incur additional fees if exceeded. EVA Air, for example, mentions up to 40kg baggage allowance on their flights.

In-Flight Experience

For a long flight of 15 hours or more, the in-flight experience is crucial. Consider factors like seat comfort, legroom, availability of in-flight entertainment (movies, TV shows, music), Wi-Fi access, and meal service. Reviews from other travelers can provide insights into the quality of these amenities on different airlines.

Business Class experience on Philippine Airlines

Customer Service and Reliability

Airline reliability regarding on-time performance and handling of disruptions (delays, cancellations) is important. While some sources indicate Philippine Airlines has a reasonable on-time performance for this route, traveler reviews can be mixed regarding their handling of irregular operations and customer service issues. Airlines like EVA Air and Cathay Pacific generally have strong reputations for service.

Loyalty Programs and Miles

If you are part of an airline loyalty program, consider the benefits of flying with a partner airline to earn or redeem miles for your trip. This can influence the overall value of your ticket.

Layover Experience

If you choose a connecting flight, the layover airport and duration are important. Some airports offer better amenities, lounges, and opportunities for rest or exploring during a long layover.

Summary of Airline Considerations

Here's a table summarizing some key aspects of popular airlines for the LAX to MNL route:

Airline	Typical Route	Direct Flights?	Key Considerations
Philippine Airlines	LAX to MNL	Yes	Direct option, exclusive terminal at NAIA, mixed service reviews, potential for delays.
EVA Air	LAX to Taipei (TPE) to MNL	No	Highly-rated service, good in-flight amenities, layover in Taipei.
China Airlines	LAX to Taipei (TPE) to MNL	No	Good service ratings, layover in Taipei.
Asiana Airlines	LAX to Seoul (ICN) to MNL	No	Good service ratings, layover in Seoul.
Cathay Pacific	LAX to Hong Kong (HKG) to MNL	No	Reputable service and comfort, layover in Hong Kong.
United Airlines	LAX to US hub (e.g., SFO) to MNL	No (often requires domestic connection)	Large network, layovers in US cities, can connect to their direct SFO-MNL flight.
Japan Airlines (JAL)	LAX to Tokyo (NRT/HND) to MNL	No	Emphasis on safety, layover in Tokyo.

Navigating LAX and NAIA

Understanding the airports at both ends of your journey can help ensure a smoother travel experience.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

LAX is a major international hub with multiple terminals. Be sure to know which terminal your airline operates from. Amenities at LAX include lounges, restaurants, and shopping. Transportation to and from LAX offers various options, including FlyAway buses, shuttles, and taxis.

Philippine Airlines Boeing 777 at LAX

Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

NAIA in Manila also has multiple terminals (Terminal 1, 2, and 3 primarily handle international flights). Philippine Airlines primarily uses Terminal 2. NAIA offers various facilities, including ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, lounges, and dining options. Getting to and from NAIA is possible via taxis, ride-sharing services, and potentially public transportation, though taxis and rental cars are often the quickest options.

Map showing flight path from LAX to MNL

Tips for Booking Your Flight

Book in Advance: Prices tend to increase closer to the departure date, especially for popular routes.
Be Flexible with Dates: If your travel dates are flexible, use flight comparison websites to see prices on different days. Sometimes shifting your departure or arrival by a day or two can result in significant savings.
Consider the Time of Year: Travel during the peak season (e.g., holidays) will likely be more expensive. The best time to fly to Manila from Los Angeles is typically between December and February when the weather in Manila is more pleasant.
Sign Up for Fare Alerts: Many flight search engines allow you to set up alerts for price changes on specific routes.
Read Recent Reviews: Airline service and policies can change. Look for recent reviews from travelers who have flown the LAX to MNL route to get the most up-to-date information.

FAQ

What is the cheapest airline from LAX to Manila?

Based on available data, airlines like XiamenAir and potentially others offering routes with multiple stops might offer the lowest fares. However, prices fluctuate, and it's best to compare current prices across various booking platforms.

Which airline offers direct flights from LAX to Manila?

Philippine Airlines (PAL) is the primary airline offering direct, non-stop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila (MNL).

How long is the flight from LAX to Manila?

A direct flight takes approximately 15 to 15.5 hours. Flights with layovers will have a longer total travel time, depending on the layover duration and location.