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Airfare

Round-trip flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Manila in December 2026

Quick answer

LAX to Manila round-trip fares in December 2026 typically run $1,000–$2,000. Philippine Airlines flies nonstop; one-stop options via Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei price $100–$250 lower. Christmas-week travel runs $400–$700 above shoulder pricing.

Last updated

Fare ranges by date window

Sample round-trip and one-way fare ranges by week, with common airlines and notes.
Date windowTrip typeSample fare rangeCommon airlinesNotes
Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2026Round-trip$1,000–$1,300Philippine Airlines, United, Korean AirLowest range of the month — early-December shoulder.
Dec 15 – Dec 22, 2026Round-trip$1,200–$1,500Philippine Airlines, JAL, ANAPre-Christmas demand window — book ≥4 weeks ahead.
Dec 23 – Dec 31, 2026Round-trip$1,400–$2,000Philippine Airlines, United, EVA AirChristmas/New Year peak — diaspora demand stacks; nonstop seats sell first.
Jan 1 – Jan 5, 2027 (return)Round-trip$1,200–$1,600Philippine Airlines, Korean Air, JALPost-New-Year return — outbound prices ease but return seats from MNL stay scarce.

When to search

One-way range
$540–$1,100
Round-trip range
$1,000–$2,000
Cheapest observed
$1,000 (round-trip, observed May 1, 2026)
Best window in the table
Dec 1 – Dec 14, 2026

Philippine Airlines runs the only LAX-MNL nonstop service in December 2026. Connecting round-trips via Tokyo (JAL/ANA), Seoul (Korean Air), Taipei (EVA Air), or Hong Kong (Cathay Pacific) typically save $100–$250 but add 4–7 hours. Tokyo connections are usually the fastest non-direct option.

When to call

Round-trip is the dominant trip shape for December LAX-MNL travel — diaspora visits and family events all have a planned return. Where calling 1-800-AIRFARE may help: when dates are fixed across Christmas/New Year, when a family of four or more needs seats together on the 14-hour Pacific-leg flight, or when baggage is heavy because of holiday gifts. Agents can compare alternate-airport pairings (SFO vs LAX) and connecting-hub combinations that single-airport searches may not surface. Calling cannot guarantee a lower fare; it is about checking options that may not appear in a standard search.

Nearby airports worth pricing

  • San Francisco (SFO)348 mi away

    Alternative West Coast gateway — UA/PAL nonstop options sometimes price below LAX during peak weeks.

  • Santa Ana (SNA)35 mi away

    Domestic-only — useful only as a positioning leg under a separate-tickets strategy.

Typical connecting hubs

HND, NRT, ICN, TPE, HKG

Frequently asked questions

When are round-trip LAX to Manila flights cheapest in December 2026?
Departing in the first two weeks of December — round-trip from $1,000 between Dec 1 and Dec 14. Returning before Dec 23 also helps; the diaspora-back-to-US flow stacks at month-end. Booking 10–14 weeks ahead typically lands the lower end.
How long does an LAX to Manila round-trip take?
Total travel time is approximately 14 hours each way nonstop on Philippine Airlines. Connecting itineraries via Tokyo or Seoul stretch to 18–22 hours each way. Same-airline returns are common; mixed-carrier returns usually add a separate connection.
Is it cheaper to fly into Manila or to a different Philippine airport?
MNL is the dominant gateway with the most December availability and the cheapest base fares. Cebu (CEB) is a possible alternative for trips ending in the Visayas region; Clark (CRK) has limited international service. MNL is the right answer for most December trips.
What baggage rules apply on round-trip LAX to Manila flights?
Philippine Airlines economy includes 2 checked bags up to 23 kg each on transpacific routes; connecting carriers JAL, ANA, Korean Air, and EVA generally include 2 checked bags as well. Basic-economy may include carry-on only. Confirm on the operating airline before paying for extras.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa for the Philippines?
No — U.S. citizens may enter the Philippines visa-free for stays up to 30 days. Six months of passport validity beyond entry is required, plus proof of onward travel. Confirm the current rules before booking.
What happens if my round-trip Manila flight is cancelled or rescheduled?
Refundability depends on fare rules. Most economy fares on Philippine Airlines, JAL, ANA, and Korean Air are non-refundable except for involuntary cancellations; basic-economy is non-refundable and non-changeable. If the airline cancels or significantly reschedules, you are typically entitled to a full refund or rebooking.