Top 7 Cheap Airlines in The Philippines (in 2025)

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Exploring the Philippines on a budget? Trust me, it’s totally doable. I spent a month island hopping to over 10 islands, all without breaking the bank, thanks to these budget-friendly airlines. From the bustling streets of Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan, the Philippines is packed with beauty, and affordable flights make it easier than ever to see it all.

For 2025, I’ve rounded up the top 7 cheap airlines in the Philippines, so you can travel around this stunning country without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re planning beach days, mountain hikes, or just craving that island-hopping adventure, these airlines are your ticket to budget-friendly exploring. Let’s dive into who to fly with to make the most of your time in the Philippines!

#1 tip to find cheap flights to the Philippines

Looking for cheap flights in the Philippines? Before diving into all the budget airlines that fly in the Philippines, I want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.

For the past 3 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I’ve saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $612 roundtrip fare from Boston to Manila.

There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. I recommend signing up for the free trial to try it for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Now without further ado, here are the cheapest airlines in the Philippines in 2025.

Low-Cost Airlines in the Philippines: The Cheapest and Best Airlines to Fly

Looking to travel around the Philippines anytime soon? Flying in the Philippines doesn’t have to break the bank. With that in mind, here are my picks for the 8 cheapest airlines in the Philippines right now:

1. Cebu Pacific

• 🏠 Base: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (MNL)
• 💼 Best For: Budget-conscious domestic and regional travelers seeking the widest route network
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Standard economy with “Premium” seats offering extra legroom for purchase
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags available for additional fees
• 💳 Loyalty Program: GetGo rewards program with points earned on flights and partner purchases
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during their frequent “Piso Fare” promotions for tickets starting as low as ₱1 (plus taxes and fees)

If you’ve spent any time in the Philippines, you’ve definitely seen Cebu Pacific‘s bright yellow planes zooming around. They’ve become the go-to budget airline for Filipinos and tourists alike, connecting pretty much every corner of this island nation plus international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.

What makes Cebu Pacific so popular? Those legendary “Piso Fare” sales are a big part of it. When these promotions hit, base fares literally start at about $0.02. Sure, taxes and fees still apply, but you can score round-trip domestic flights for under $18 if you’re quick with the booking button. 

Their planes are mainly Airbus A320s for shorter hops and A330s for longer routes. The experience is basic. Don’t expect fancy meals or entertainment, but the planes are clean and generally on time. The seats aren’t exactly plush, but for flights typically under two hours between islands, they do the job fine.

One thing to know about Cebu Pacific: they’re all about unbundled pricing. Your fare gets you from point A to B with a small personal item, but everything else costs extra. Want to choose your seat? That’ll be $3-10. Checking a bag? Better add that during booking because it’ll cost way more at the airport.

For exploring the Philippines’ amazing beaches, mountains, and cities, Cebu Pacific remains the people’s choice with their extensive route network and consistently affordable fares.

• Read next: Awesome Things to Do in Boracay
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2. 🇵🇭 AirAsia Philippines

• 🏠 Base: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (MNL)
• 💼 Best For: Budget travelers seeking low international fares across Southeast Asia
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Standard economy with “Hot Seats” offering extra legroom and priority boarding
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry-on and checked bags available for additional fees
• 💳 Loyalty Program: BIG Loyalty program with points that can be used across all AirAsia Group airlines
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Join AirAsia’s ASEAN Pass program for discounted multi-city trips across Southeast Asia

AirAsia Philippines brings that iconic red branding and “Now Everyone Can Fly” spirit to the Filipino market. As part of Asia’s largest budget airline group, they’ve become popular for travelers exploring both the Philippines and the broader region affordably.

What sets AirAsia Philippines apart is their impressive international network. Need to visit Bangkok, Singapore, or Seoul? They offer fares often starting around $40-70 during sales. Domestic flights can go for as little as $15-30, making island-hopping accessible to almost anyone.

Their all-Airbus A320 fleet provides a standard budget airline experience. Regular seats are basic but fine for shorter flights. For longer trips, their “Hot Seats” offer extra legroom, priority boarding, and quicker exit options.

Like most budget airlines, AirAsia Philippines keeps base fares low by charging for extras. Checking bags, selecting seats, and in-flight meals all cost additional fees. Adding these during initial booking saves money compared to airport prices.

For travelers planning multi-country tours of Southeast Asia, AirAsia Philippines connects seamlessly with the broader AirAsia network. Their ASEAN Pass program offers significant discounts for visiting multiple cities across the region.

• Read next: Hidden Gems to See in Luzon
• You may also like: Best Airlines to Fly to Bali

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3. 🇵🇭 Philippine Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (MNL)
• 💼 Best For: Travelers seeking a balance between affordability and comfort with free amenities
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, and Business Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Carry-on and at least one checked bag included with all fares
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Mabuhay Miles with multiple elite tiers and Star Alliance partnerships
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Look for their “seat sales” that offer full-service flights at prices competitive with budget carriers

Philippine Airlines (PAL) isn’t traditionally categorized as a budget carrier, but deserves a spot on this list because their frequent promotions and “seat sales” often bring their fares down to budget airline territory, while still offering significantly more inclusions.

As the country’s flag carrier and Asia’s first airline, PAL has evolved to meet the challenge from low-cost competitors by offering promotional economy fares that sometimes start around $50-80 for domestic and $150-250 for international flights. The key difference? These fares include amenities budget airlines charge extra for.

Flying PAL means enjoying a free checked bag allowance, complimentary meals and snacks, in-flight entertainment, and generally more comfortable seating with better legroom than the ultra-budget options. Their fleet is diverse, ranging from Airbus A320s for shorter routes to Boeing 777s and A350s for long-haul flights.

What makes PAL attractive for budget-conscious travelers is the overall value proposition. When budget airlines add fees for bags, seats, and food, the final price often approaches what PAL charges anyway. Their economy experience feels decidedly more premium, with hot meals served even on shorter domestic flights and a level of service that reflects traditional Filipino hospitality. For travelers who want to save money without sacrificing all comfort, PAL’s promotions offer a sweet spot in the market. 

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Philippines
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• For more reading: Best Airlines to Fly to Asia
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• Also worth reading: Cheapest Airlines in Europe

4. 🇵🇭 Cebgo

• 🏠 Base: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila (MNL)
• 💼 Best For: Budget travelers exploring smaller domestic destinations not served by larger carriers
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Single class economy seating
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Personal item included; carry on and checked bags available for additional fees
• 💳 Loyalty Program: GetGo rewards program shared with parent company Cebu Pacific
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book Cebgo flights through the Cebu Pacific website for seamless connections to destinations not served by larger jets

Cebgo is basically Cebu Pacific’s little brother, handling those smaller domestic routes that big jets can’t serve. If you’re trying to reach gorgeous but less visited islands and provincial cities, these guys are your best bet.

They fly ATR 72 turboprops to places like Basco in Batanes, Masbate, Tablas, and other spots with smaller airports. Fares typically range from $25-60 one way, making even remote destinations affordable for budget travelers.

The flying experience is pretty simple. Don’t expect anything fancy, but the flights are usually short anyway (under an hour). The planes fly lower than jets so you get great views, though you’ll feel the bumps a bit more when there’s weather.

What’s cool about Cebgo is how they’ve opened up parts of the Philippines that used to be a pain to reach. Places that previously required overnight ferry rides or complicated bus journeys are now just a quick flight away.

Since they’re fully integrated with Cebu Pacific, you can book everything in one go if you’re connecting from an international flight or major city. You can even score those crazy cheap promo fares during the famous “Piso Sales” that apply to the whole network.

• Read next: Magical Destinations in Southeast Asia
• You may also like: Most Beautiful Places to Visit in the Philippines

5. 🇵🇭 Air Swift

• 🏠 Base: Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL)
• 💼 Best For: Tourists seeking direct flights to premium island destinations
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: All economy with more generous seat pitch than budget rivals
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 10kg carry on included; checked bags available for a fee
• 💳 Loyalty Program: None
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during low season for flights under $100 to El Nido, normally $150+

Air Swift is that cool boutique airline everyone traveling to El Nido or Coron wants to know about. They’re not the cheapest on paper, but they’ll save you from those brutal van rides and ferry connections that eat up precious vacation days.

Their tiny planes fly you straight to paradise, landing at these gorgeous little airports literally minutes from your beachfront hotel. The vibe onboard is more relaxed than the major budget carriers. You get water without having to whip out your credit card, and the seats don’t feel like they were designed for hobbits.

The best part? Time saved. Anyone who’s endured that 5-hour van journey from Puerto Princesa to El Nido knows that direct Air Swift flight is worth every extra penny. During low season, fares drop to around $80-100 one way, making the convenience factor suddenly affordable.

The flights are quick but absolutely stunning. Those little ATR planes fly low enough that you get jaw-dropping views of the islands and reefs below. For travelers who value both their time and back muscles, Air Swift hits that perfect spot between budget practicality and actually enjoying your journey.

• Read next: Unique Things to Do in Palawan
• You may also like: Bucket-List Attractions in Coron, Palawan
• For more reading: Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Siquijor

6. 🇸🇬 Scoot

• 🏠 Base: Singapore Changi Airport (SIN); flies to Manila, Cebu, Clark, and Davao
• 💼 Best For: Budget travelers looking for cheap international flights between Philippines and Asia
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy and ScootPlus (premium economy)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: No free baggage allowance; all bags cost extra
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Part of Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer program
• 🧠 Pro Tip: Book during their frequent “Take Off Tuesday” sales for fares as low as $88 to Singapore

Scoot isn’t technically a Filipino airline, but they’ve become a total game changer for budget international travel from the Philippines. Those bright yellow planes connect Manila, Cebu, Clark and Davao to spots all over Asia without destroying your wallet.

What’s cool about Scoot is they’ve got Singapore Airlines DNA but budget prices. Many routes use Boeing 787 Dreamliners that actually feel decent to fly in — better air pressure so your ears don’t pop as much, windows you can see out of, and a ride that doesn’t make you reach for the barf bag during minor turbulence.

Their sales are where the magic happens. Flights from the Philippines to Singapore can drop to $88 one way, and from there you can connect all over Asia. Just pack light or be ready to pay for bags, food, and pretty much everything else.

For Filipinos dreaming of exploring Tokyo, Seoul, or Melbourne without spending three months’ salary, Scoot makes it possible. Their “Take Off Tuesday” sales have turned international travel from a luxury to something regular people can actually afford. Just download their app and set those fare alerts, because the best deals vanish fast.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Cheapest Airlines in The Philippines

Here are some common questions and answers about the best budget airlines in The Philippines.

Is Philippine Airlines cheaper than Cebu Pacific?

When it comes to finding cheap airlines in the Philippines, both Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific offer competitive rates. However, Cebu Pacific is known for its budget-friendly fares, frequent promotional deals, and “piso fare” sales. As such, it’s generally cheaper than Philippine Airlines. On the other hand, Philippine Airlines, as a full-service carrier, includes additional amenities in the ticket price. This might appeal to those looking for a more comprehensive flight experience.

Which month is cheapest to fly to the Philippines?

If you’re hunting for affordable flights to the Philippines, consider booking your trip between September and November. These months fall within the country’s shoulder season, meaning you’ll not only encounter fewer crowds but also find more competitive airfares and accommodation prices.

What is the best budget airline in the Philippines?

For travelers prioritizing savings, Cebu Pacific stands out as the best budget airline in the Philippines. People like it for its cheap prices, regular sales, and many local and nearby international flights. Its ‘piso fare’ deals are a big hit with folks looking for good bargains.

Where is the cheapest place to fly into the Philippines?

Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is often the cheapest airport to fly into in the Philippines, thanks to its status as the country’s main international gateway. The high volume of flights it handles typically results in more competitive fares, especially for travelers looking for cheap flight deals to the Philippines.

Can you fly direct to the Philippines from the US?

Yes, there are direct flights from the US to the Philippines. Philippine Airlines operates non-stop flights from cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York to Manila. This makes it easier for travelers to reach this beautiful archipelago without the hassle of layovers.

What are the top 3 Philippines airlines?

The Philippines boasts several quality airlines, but the top three standouts are:

1. Philippine Airlines: Known as the country’s flag carrier, it offers comprehensive global coverage, renowned in-flight service, and a modern fleet.
2. Cebu Pacific: Famed for its low fares and frequent promotions, it’s the choice for budget-conscious travelers.
3. AirAsia Philippines: Offers a solid balance between affordability and reliable service, with a strong network across Asia.

Each of these airlines has its unique strengths, catering to a range of traveler needs and preferences.

What are the safest airlines in the Philippines?

Safety is a top priority when flying. In the Philippines, Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and AirAsia Philippines are consistently rated highly for safety. They adhere to international standards, regularly undergo safety audits, and their aircraft are equipped with the latest safety technology.

Which Philippine airline is cheapest?

Here are some of the best budget airlines to fly with in the Philippines:

• Cebu Pacific and Cebgo: These are popular low-cost Philippine airlines that offer both domestic and international flights. They are known for their frequent “piso fares” and seasonal seat sales, which provide significant discounts on airfare. They have taken me to beautiful places in Luzon, including Zambales.
• AirAsia: AirAsia offers domestic flights within the Philippines and international flights to various destinations. They often have promotions and bundled packages for travelers.
• Jetstar: While it’s more associated with the Asia Pacific region, Jetstar provides affordable fares and has a reputation for its year-round low fares, especially for flights to and from certain destinations.

Recap: Cheapest Airlines in The Philippines in 2025

Navigating the skies of the Philippines need not be a costly affair, with a variety of cheap Filipino airlines striking the perfect balance between affordability and quality service. From the alluring “piso fare” promos of Cebu Pacific to the comprehensive routes offered by Philippine Airlines, there’s an option for every type of traveler. Whether you’re flying to mainstream destinations like El Nido or hidden gems like Quezon, these budget airlines will take you there!

Finding the best deals requires a mix of timing, research, and flexibility. Keep an eye out for promotional fares, especially during off-peak seasons, and don’t underestimate the value of loyalty programs that reward you with exclusive discounts and perks. Remember, booking directly through airline websites can sometimes offer lower fares and avoid hidden fees often tacked on by third-party sites.

In the Philippines, the journey is just as important as the destination. Every flight is a doorway to new adventures, giving you a glimpse of the culture, stunning scenery, and friendly faces waiting for you on the thousands of islands that make up the Philippines. With this guide to the cheapest airlines in the Philippines, your dream trip is just a booking away — affordable, comfortable, and unforgettable.