Airfare

[JJ27]

I am planning for a trip to the Phillipines. Could someone please give me a heads up on where to look for discount airfare to there?

Also, my trip will probably be for around 10 days.. so how much
money should I plan on taking with me for the trip there?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[shadow]

... in response to Airfare, posted by JJ27 on Sep 23, 2002

The last two trips I have used garden state travel. www.gardenstatetravel.com

I priced tickets yesterday, was quoted $750 R/T Seattle/ Manila.

One thing to be aware of, though, is they usually book NWA which gets you to manila only. The Cebu leg costs another $30 to $50, and can be purchased there. Not difficult, but probably more confusion than a first timer would want to tackle.

Larry.

[Ray]

... in response to Airfare, posted by JJ27 on Sep 23, 2002

Where do you live? The easiest way that I’ve found to purchase discount tickets is to deal with local Filipino travel agents that handle consolidator fares. They often advertise in local Asian newspapers or if you know any Filipinos in your area, ask them if they can recommend a local travel agent.

The recent ads I’ve seen are going for around $660-705 (+tax) RT from LAX to Manila. I just purchased a round trip from L.A. to Cebu this week for $886 total on PAL, but that was with one day notice. The fares will vary depending on the season. For example, December to mid-January and late March to April are usually higher. If you are planning to fly around the end of year, I would recommend buying your tickets now.

For a 10-day trip, you should need no more than $1000 cash to cover hotels, meals, local transportation, shopping, etc. Of course, you could do it on a whole lot less (or a lot more) if you want. Bring newer $100 bills if possible. Traveler’s checks are safer but they’re a big pain.

Ray

[Kreeger]

... in response to Airfare, posted by JJ27 on Sep 23, 2002

Hello,

I regularly use Travelocity.com and Orbitz.com and receive e-mailings from them weekly. Last mail I got, the fare from my home town to Manila (Atlanta - Manila) was $840. Also, try Yahoo travel.

Joe

[JJ27]

... in response to Re: Airfare, posted by Kreeger on Sep 23, 2002


Thanks for the help. I'd be flying out of Chicago
and I'd be visiting Cagayan De Oro on Mindanao.
I did some searching last night, and I've only
been able to find fares from $1,500 - $2,000.
I'm looking for the cheapest fare I can find.

I was planning to visit in December, but I may
hold off until January.. because of the holidays.
I'm unaware of any filipino travel agencies in
my area.. but thats one thing I'll look into.

[JJ27]

... in response to Re: Airfare, posted by JJ27 on Sep 24, 2002

Is their a commercial airline that flys into Cagayan De Oro?
I'm going there to check out the country, and to
meet a sweet girl that I've been corresponding with.
I'd like to spend around $1,000 or less for the airfare, as
I'm somewhat on a budget. She is willing to meet up with
me at the airport, once I arrive there.

[Kreeger]

... in response to Re: Re: Airfare, posted by JJ27 on Sep 24, 2002

The only airports in the Philippines receiving international flights are Manila and Cebu. You must take a domestic flight to Cagayan from there. The domestic flight will cost between $120-$150 round trip from Manila.

I forgot to tell you about a travel agency that I have used in the past as well: www.gardenstatetravel.com   They have good prices and are located in New Jersey. The travel agent is a Filipina.

Joe

[JJ27]

... in response to Unfortunately not..., posted by Kreeger on Sep 24, 2002

Thanks for the info! I sent that agency an e-mail to get a
price quote. Do I just purchase the domestic flight to
Cagayan De Oro.. when I arrive at the airport in Manila?

I've never flown on a plane before, so its all new to me.

[Dave H]

... in response to Re: Unfortunately not..., posted by JJ27 on Sep 24, 2002

Hey JJ,

I would book the tickets (round trip) from your home airport all the way through to your final destination. It would make it a whole lot easier, especially since this is your first trip there.

Dave H.

[shadow]

... in response to I wouldn't..., posted by Dave H on Sep 24, 2002

For some of us old timers, we can often save money buying tickets there. But for the first trip, you will have plenty to worry about without this extra hassle.

Larry.

[Kreeger]

... in response to Re: Unfortunately not..., posted by JJ27 on Sep 24, 2002

... you can either buy the domestic ticket there at the airport, or purchase it online at: www.philippineairlines.com. Either way, you will have to take a number and wait to be called. The ticketing office is on the 2nd floor in the domestic airport.