Travel costs between Philippines and UK

Ok guys/gals,

Here's one for you...

What's the cheapest times of year (and best days of the week) to travel between the two countries?

Taking a recent quick look at the cost of flights for a one way ticket for my girlfriend to join me here in the UK, I'm thinking October/November midweek seems to be the cheapest. Anybody know of anything different?

Also, who do you guys book your flights with?

I've done Oct/Nov a few times due to price. Preferred carrier that is most convenient for me (MAN to CEB) is Cathay Pacific

Any time between early September and early December should be amongst the lowest prices.

I can't advise who would be cheapest to fly with FROM the Phils though... one way.

It's about 20 years since I had to do (or pay for) that.

Perhaps one of the Filipino members could make some suggestions.

Thanks for the input guys!

Why is it ALL these airlines charge almost just as much for a return as a single fare!!?

(I'm wondering if they are all secretly part owned by our beloved British railway companies who all do a similar thing!)

Important to bear in mind, that if you were thinking of paying for her ticket by credit card.... the check-in people may ask to see the ACTUAL card that was used to make the purchase. I know some have been caught out by this practice.

Check with the airline ?

Thanks for the heads up there Graham. I didn't have anyone ask me to show any cards I used to pay when I went out there earlier this year, but then again I was heading in the opposite direction so one never knows, but I'll bear it mind. Thanks.

Oh, and my situation is my girlfriend will hopefully be arriving on a fiance visa later this year, and once married we will apply for FLR hence the reason for just a one way ticket.

Better to book well in advance, last minute booking tends to be more expensive.

Midweek flights tend to cost less, but not always.

Watch out for sales and special deals.

Register with the relevant airline websites, they will e-mail you when they have promotions.

Study the flight cost every few days, then when you see a price you are happy with, book it.

NEVER check the price a few days after you book, you have nothing to gain. ​

Play around with the travel dates, if you have flexibility you can save a few hundred quid.

Use the Quidco referral link when booking, if there is one. Even 2% cashback is worth having.

Register with the airline frequent flyer schemes, you have nothing to loose.

Book through the airline website if you can.

Panic Panic.

Every time I see that name I think "Cebu Pacific".

Yes, I can totally understand that.

And thanks @Dave_E for that other advice, some excellent points there which I have made a mental note of.

I've always got the best prices from eBookers and KLM has consistently been cheaper. The big plus with that airline - apart from the quickest journey time - is that you can book to regional airports such as Liverpool, Bristol, Cardiff, Newquay and Leeds and not simply London or Manchester.

Book at least 90 days ahead for travel on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Avoid public holidays and European school holidays; avoid also 30th November to 31st January and the 14 day period surrounding Easter.

Hi Markham, I am looking at bringing my girlfriend over next March and was very surprised that Norwegian Air had a one way price of £180 But I have not gone through the booking process yet as need to be assured that she'll get a visa... Malaysia Airlines were £306.73 for the same journey ... when I flew out I used Kuwait airline but forgot that they are a no alcohol flight grrrrr

Norwegian Air? From the Philippines?

If she's flying from Manila next March, Turkish Airlines or Cathay Pacific would be very good choices at around £720 return. Both have short - sub-two hour - transfer times at their main hubs, fly more direct routes and are well rated. I would personally avoid Malaysian and flying via the Gulf.