Around July of next year (2025), I expect to travel to the Philippines. Does anyone have any advice on the best way to get there? As far as my initial efforts go, the only direct flights are with Philippines Airlines and United. Both give me pause while I consider the quality of the airlines. Both in safety, reliability and comfort. Alternative routes are either through Japan or Dubai, they add 5-8 hours to the trip. I am not looking for the cheapest flight, but safety, reliability and comfort are my main concerns. Suggestions?
I have flown countless times overseas on United Airlines and never had an issue. If I could fly Singapore Airlines to Manila direct from the US, or even through Singapore, I would rather do that, but it would cost me a lot more.
Neither airline should give you any pause with respect to safety, they are both top tier airlines with excellent safety ratings.
Where are you flying from in the US?
All the airlines you mention have perfectly fine safety records. I wouldn’t make a decision based on that.
If you want the nicest flying experience, the general rule is to fly the top rated Asian airlines. Singapore Airlines is always near the top of the ratings, and I’ve always had an excellent experience with them. Also, the Japanese and Korean airlines are great.
But a lot depends on the schedules and fares you can actually find for your specific trip.
I’ve flown United often and they are perfectly acceptable. Just not as nice as those others I mentioned.
Thanks. I know nothing about Philippines Airlines, and rarely fly on United. My concerns stem from lack of experience (ie ignorance) more than anything.
I live outside New Orleans, so I will be flying out of the west coast or maybe Dallas. Philippines Airlines has the most flights, so there is that. One person who is traveling the Manila at about the same time has settled on United. I am collecting advice on what airline is best. I have never flown through Dubai or Japan, but modern airports all look pretty much the same-I think 
. Once I get to the west coast it is a 15 hour direct flight, so adding a few hours isn’t that big a deal. If I can see something new.
Who has flown on Emirates?
I’ve flown on Emirates. Very nice airline. But it’s out of the way to go via Dubai. I wouldn’t unless it was cheaper, which Emirates almost certainly isn’t.
United has gone from my go-to to my never-ever back to my go-to.
United once misplaced my luggage on a business trip to Hong Kong, and since I had a meeting the following morning ended up buying me a new suit, dress shirt, and miscellaneous accessories at a custom downtown tailor. My luggage somehow ended up in Dubai before it eventually showed up at my hotel three days later. I think I still have that HK suit.
Yeah, if you’re trying to compare airlines from developed countries based on safety, well, they’re all so safe that any comparison is just splitting hairs.
And I concur with what everyone else said, there’s nothing wrong with United. Are they as nice as the Asian airlines? Probably not. But I don’t think it’s a big enough difference to justify adding an extra 5-8 hours to your journey just to avoid them.
If you’re flying Economy, there’s not going to be a massive difference. Biz class on Singapore is very nice, but Polaris on United isn’t shabby, either. You can buy lounge access and I recommend it–having a shower before a 15 hour flight is a game changer, plus food and booze. Of course, if you fly Biz class you get that “free.”
I just took PAL fromLAX to Manila last week in econmy and had a very good experiance. The plane ride was fine and service was very good.
In fact, it was the filipino people that made the flights so good. The PAL ticket people in LAX helped me out when my boarding pass with my baggage ticket was lost. The stewards on the plane were friendly and attentive. Airline service met me as soon as I got through showing my passport for entry, took me to another attendant that had my suitcase and walked me around customs.
And the plane was full of filipino passengers, who were respectful and quite the entire 14 hour flight. I didnt even hear a baby until we landed. And my experience here in the Philippines matchs that assessment.
Thanks!
I am very glad to hear this.
Yes, but I’m not sure that they greet everyone after the passport check with a personal attendant to walk them through the process. Maybe they did this because I lost my boarding past at LAX, and I am older. Look to see if there is someone standing there with your name on a sign while you are going through the passport check as it would be easy to miss. I wasn’tt expecting that. In any case, I have found the experience to be above my expectations.
I like EVA Air out of Taiwan. Don’t like Alaska Airlines.
The Manila airport is notorious for theft and corruption. Don’t pack anything valuable in your checked luggage when going through any Philippines airport. When your passport is out of hiding never take your eyes off of it.
It’s probably been about 10 years since I’ve been to Manila, but I always rputed through Narita. Great airport and the United lounge has the automatic beer pouring machines.
Thanks.
I will do what I can to be careful. I have seen pictures of people shrink wrapping their luggage traveling through Manila. Seems extreme but…