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Tokyo from Melbourne ($719) or Sydney ($734) Return on Full Service Philippine Airlines via Momondo

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Tokyo from Melbourne ($719) or Sydney ($734) Return on Full Service Philippine Airlines via Momondo
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AssociatedCheapFlightHunter @ Cheap Flight Hunter on 18/12/2022 - 17:47 momondo.com.au (2070 clicks)

These were around a few months and since then have been over $1k, but just found some new dates to Tokyo on Philippine Airlines.

Melbourne to Tokyo for $719
Sydney to Tokyo $734

Look for these in Google Flights—you can filter by flight duration so it only shows you dates with short stops (all flights are via Manila).

Dates in June, August and October for Melbourne, June to November for Sydney.

Bags, food, etc all included.

Found by Cheap Flight Hunter. Sign up (free!) to get deals like this sent straight to your inbox.

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closed Comments

  • sponson on 18/12/2022 - 17:55
    +28

    Transiting via Manila, pass.

    • unitato on 18/12/2022 - 18:09
      +22

      Yeppp, have done this route before with Philippine Airlines and NEVER again. When you sit in Manila with a migraine and crap wifi waiting for your connecting flight, you will wish you paid the extra money lol.

      • nightelves on 18/12/2022 - 18:27
        +4

        What if you have lounge access is it any better?

        • cerealsmok3r on 18/12/2022 - 19:10

          yeah want to know about this

        • Kanjus on 18/12/2022 - 19:19

          No better. You won't get past passport checks

        • TThomas on 18/12/2022 - 19:34

          I fly in and out of the PAL international terminal (2) in Manila regularly. The lounge there is always packed as they are the only airline which fly out of that terminal. The food is pretty standard, nothing special and wifi is ok

          I always end up sitting in a bar style table as there are rarely seats free or individual tables free

          • pepsicles on 18/12/2022 - 19:38
            +3

            @TThomas: I've got a 15 hour layover because PAL changed my flights, any recommendations on what to do to stay comfortable? I land at 5pm and fly out 8am

            • nightelves on 18/12/2022 - 19:50
              +1

              @pepsicles: Download heaps of Netflix, pack heaps of food and drink and buy a sleeping bag.

            • w1nthrophy on 18/12/2022 - 21:12
              +1

              @pepsicles: Register using 28degrees card, delays of 4 hours entitles you access to lounge.

              I'd go out and see BGC or Makati or Alabang. Note that I haven't been to these places in the last few years but in previous trip, they were worth seeing/shopping…

              .

              • pepsicles on 18/12/2022 - 21:15

                @w1nthrophy: If only it was a delay…. It's a change in flights… less than a month till I fly out

            • TimSubaru on 19/12/2022 - 08:28

              @pepsicles: Get a good night sleep. Not want spend 15 hours at MNL airport or even 5 hours. My connecting flights every two months are 3-4 hours!!! Get a hotel room GO hotel, 150 taxi ride. Or stay near terminal 3 Newport and lots of restaurants close by

              • pepsicles on 19/12/2022 - 09:16

                @TimSubaru: So you can definitely leave terminal 2 to head to terminal 3 then come back again?

                I'm so confused with some comments saying you're forced to stay in terminal 2, others saying you can leave and come back….

                I have an Australian passport so I won't need a visa I believe

                PAL have confirmed my checked luggages are transferred automatically since tmy arrival flight from Sydney and flight to Tokyo are from terminal 2.

            • Chrysuss on 19/12/2022 - 11:21

              @pepsicles: I've had the same thing happen, I've booked a night at the Savoy hotel. Travelling with two others and it cost us $60 each and includes brekky. Figured it's worth staying somewhere in private considering it's a 16 hour layover….

            • kobeduck on 23/12/2022 - 06:51

              @pepsicles: go to the nearby hotels if you can. You can even walk there without bearing much of the heat and humidity (or rain)

        • unitato on 18/12/2022 - 20:13
          +5

          I didn't have lounge access, but from what I've read it isn't much better. Apparently Philippine Airlines also keeps the lowest legal level of air pressurisation as it costs them less and it uses less fuel. My partner and I noticed that our empty water bottles on the plane were completely crumpled from the air pressure difference when we landed and we both had really bad headaches which was then made worse by having to sit in Manila airport for 4 hours.

          • nightelves on 18/12/2022 - 20:14
            +2

            @unitato: Dang guess I won't be flying PA then.

          • sponson on 18/12/2022 - 20:51

            @unitato: Reduces fatigue on the aircraft if you don't pressurise it as much.

          • Bafranz on 18/12/2022 - 21:17
            +1

            @unitato: is this why if feels like the air lacks oxygen on some PAL flights?

          • Techie4066 on 19/12/2022 - 02:30
            -1

            @unitato: That is complete and utter bs. Modern aircraft manage this automatically and pilots don't touch it.

            • Meconium on 19/12/2022 - 14:14
              -1

              @Techie4066: They didn’t say the pilots touch it, they said the airline “keeps the lowest legal level of air pressurisation”.

              Calling something bs doesn’t make you right unless you can provide evidence that disproves their claim.

              • Techie4066 on 19/12/2022 - 14:42

                @Meconium: No evidence specific to PAL is needed to disprove that spurious claim.

                1. It doesn't save fuel, pressurised air is drawn from the turbine compressor and cabin altitude is controlled by an outflow valve
                2. Environmental systems keep to a pressurisation schedule autonomously
                3. Cabin altitude never exceeds 8000' (the FAA mandate this), below the altitude of Mexico City and well within human tolerances. The 787 and A350 can maintain 6000' - not a drastic difference.
          • TimSubaru on 19/12/2022 - 08:37
            +1

            @unitato: Funny last flight SIN-MNL experience crushed bottle and leaking sunscreen.

            Good insight and MNL lounge if open is below average. G

      • buckethat on 18/12/2022 - 19:05
        +6

        Did this route back in 2019, worse international flight experience I've ever had. Never again, and would happily pay more to go a different route.

        • CocaKoala on 18/12/2022 - 20:26
          +2

          Gee, saved my ass. Thank you.

    • Kanjus on 18/12/2022 - 19:18
      +10

      Did this 3 months ago. Hell no. Dont do this to yourself. Luggage opened and checked in front of everyone, we were dumped in a transit area for 3 hours with no water or food, then herded like livestock onto the plane.

    • Eeples on 18/12/2022 - 20:44

      1.5hr transit time on $720 flight doesn’t seem too bad

      • pepsicles on 18/12/2022 - 20:51
        +8

        Until PAL changes your flight and your layover time becomes ridiculous.

        I went from a 3 hour layover to a 15 hour layover after PAL changed my flights….

      • sponson on 18/12/2022 - 20:52
        +3

        With 5 security checks, your luggage being opened in front of everyone and rifled through, and the possibility of being hassled by corrupt officials and having to bribe your way out of the situation. You do the math.

        • nightelves on 18/12/2022 - 21:37
          +2

          Wait you have to bribe? What do they normally hassle you with?

          • Bafranz on 18/12/2022 - 21:38
            +4

            @nightelves: bullet scam was popular pre-covid.. screeners slip a bullet in your luggage.. pay money to make the subsequent investigation go away before you miss your flight

            • nightelves on 18/12/2022 - 22:33
              +2

              @Bafranz: Wait that is insane! I heard of bribe but did not think they'll actually slip something in your luggage.

            • Fredfloresjr on 19/12/2022 - 07:05
              +1

              @Bafranz: Don’t worry mate, the president during that time was already dead.

  • Frozensage on 18/12/2022 - 18:04

    The food on the flight looks pretty average too. I think Brunei royal has similar price.

    • dasher86 on 18/12/2022 - 18:07
      +6

      Manila stop over versus Brunei any time.

      • bnmop1 on 18/12/2022 - 23:11

        Why is Brunei so bad? Seems like everyone here has bad experiences with transiting through Manila.

        • belongsinforums on 19/12/2022 - 00:28

          Human rights abuse?

        • BillybobBarmcake on 20/12/2022 - 17:25

          As a cheap person that has transited through both Brunei and Manila, I would happily transit through Brunei again, and NEVER want to go to Manila, it's by far the worst airport I've been to and one of the few places I'd pay extra to avoid.

          Brunei is fine. It's no Singapore Changi, but it was quiet, plenty of space, and pretty much just blends in to all of the other airports I've ever been to.

      • Frozensage on 19/12/2022 - 09:38

        So PAL and Brunei are both terrible eh? Pay abit more and go with Singapore.

        • belongsinforums on 19/12/2022 - 14:20

          Jetstar direct is the best imo

        • Meconium on 19/12/2022 - 14:20

          Nah fly direct even though qantas sucks too. It’s less than a ten hour flight direct.

  • jaygee on 18/12/2022 - 18:05
    +4

    Full service, but a transit through Manila is an absolute mess. That are their timing reliability isn't amazing.

  • Al09 on 18/12/2022 - 18:20

    Are they a crap airline?

  • derrko on 18/12/2022 - 18:59
    +6

    The airline is fine!! PAL terminal is the pits!!

  • buckethat on 18/12/2022 - 19:02
    +3

    Did this route once. Never again.

  • master131 on 18/12/2022 - 19:07
    +3

    Agree with others; flew PAL in 2019 to Japan - flights were fine but the terminal lacked proper air conditioning and refused to accept any money apart from USD or PHP in cash.

  • kerodean on 18/12/2022 - 19:17
    +2

    Having twice transited through Manila airport, I would happily pay more to avoid it.

  • Ventak on 18/12/2022 - 19:46

    Would not ordinarily want to do a layover going to Japan let alone through Manila (if I had to, it'd most likely be through Singapore), but am equally surprised and not surprised to see the comments all warning against it.

  • Pizza Fiend on 18/12/2022 - 19:59
    +7

    Absolutely horrible experience with my layover at Manila going from Japan>Melbourne, I was there for 10 hours but it felt like 100. My memory is very fuzzy as it's not an experience I like to remember, but the terminal I waited at was woeful. As I said, I can't remember exact details, but I struggled to get something to eat, either because most of the food shops were closed, or they simply didn't accept card. I had an option of staying at a lounge (no idea what kind of lounge it was, transit lounge I assume?) and that wasn't much better, it was small, dark and depressing. There was literally nothing inside there except for some chairs as far as my memory recalls. Worst part is, I wasn't able to freely enter and leave that lounge, I think because of its location or something? Once you went in and left, that was it, back to the crappy terminal for the rest of your stay.

    • pepsicles on 18/12/2022 - 20:16

      Did you land in terminal 2? And they wouldn't let you go to terminal 3 or to a nearby airport hotel? I thought Aussie passport holders didn't need visas?

      • Pizza Fiend on 18/12/2022 - 21:04
        +1

        I genuinely do not know, but I do not want to experience it again.

    • compound on 18/12/2022 - 23:29
      +2

      Are you sure they didn't send you to prison? Cos it sounds like prison.

      • Meconium on 19/12/2022 - 14:22

        Maybe Philippine Airlines contracts as Con Air

        • U30004 on 01/01/2023 - 20:45

          lol

  • bargainjargon on 18/12/2022 - 20:18
    +2

    I did this route before covid. Going to Japan the stopover at NAIA terminal 2 was just an hour. No problem. Going back to Sydney the stopover was over 6 hours. They wouldn't let us go out of the airport and it was like being stuck in a detention centre. There is nothing of interest in that terminal (restaurants are either bad and/or not open) and it's so hard to find a seat or any space where you can rest and relax a bit. I took a peek at the lounge but it didn't look much better. Plus it was so crowded that there were people sleeping on the floor. It was such a depressing experience.

    I'm currently seeing ANA direct flights for around $1600. I'd much rather pay that than fly with PAL and have to transit through terminal 2. Airline is fine.

    • Ventak on 18/12/2022 - 20:28

      $1600, damn. I wanna go back, but at those kind of prices…might be awhile. Or go with a budget airline and pay extra for food, baggage etc.

    • SmileSydney on 18/12/2022 - 20:49

      I’m flying PAL Sydney to Haneda and also Osaka to Singapore both with a 2 hour layover. One is at 5pm and the other around midday.

      I’m travelling with wife and kids.

      Will we be okay?

      • buckethat on 18/12/2022 - 21:58
        +4

        The flights were fine but the airport was probably the worst I've ever been to. I remember getting off a plane onto the tarmac, waiting in a nearby holding area for them to grab our bags, then had to go upstairs through what looked like an emergency exit… and then got searched again before being let into the terminal to wait for the next flight.

        Unfortunately had to spend 6 hours at the airport. This tested my sanity. It was just one big hall, announcements non-stop, super loud and crowded. No entertainment whatsoever, the little food options available didn't accept card, nowhere to exchange money either. Airport staff were all quite rude but but honestly.. in that working environment, I don't blame them. I imagine every traveller they dealt with were annoyed/pissed.

        0/10

      • bargainjargon on 19/12/2022 - 11:17

        2 hour stopover might be doable if the Manila to Haneda flight doesn't get delayed. Make sure the kids have enough to keep them entertained. Eat lots before leaving Sydney and/or on the plane in case you get hungry during your stopover and there's nothing good to eat.

        Are you also doing a layover going back? If so, I hope you retain your sanity :(

    • AssociatedCheapFlightHunter @ Cheap Flight Hunter on 19/12/2022 - 08:33
      +2

      Actually, there are direct flights on JAL for around $1300

      • bargainjargon on 19/12/2022 - 10:45

        Ah yes, thanks for the info. Non stop flights gets cheaper closer to mid year. I was looking at flights in March.

        • AssociatedCheapFlightHunter @ Cheap Flight Hunter on 19/12/2022 - 17:11
          +1

          I am also on the lookout for March, will post if I see a good price drop :)

  • xiaozaocha on 18/12/2022 - 20:24
    +1

    PR airline is pretty solid, MNL airport is a mess..

  • donotuse on 18/12/2022 - 21:47
    +3

    I think I'd rather try my luck booking with Virgin via Cairns than Philippines via Manila.

    • stan86 on 18/12/2022 - 23:29

      So it’s either dealing with a transit in Manila or being on a narrowbody B737 for 8 hours…hmmmmm I think I will pass on both.

      • lainey13 on 18/12/2022 - 23:40

        As capacity increases, new routes and new airlines will come on board. There WILL be more direct flights in the future to Japan for sure. Just whether it will be while there's such a favorable exchange rate is the question…

      • belongsinforums on 19/12/2022 - 00:25

        787-8 has a seat 2nd last row. Couple seat. Gives you extra space window side. You can still recline. Highly recommend

      • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2022 - 11:29

        in comparison a virgin b737 feels less squishy than a jetstar 787 flight last time I flew with them. only thing I don't like about virgin is their luggage limit of 140cm (medium sized only).

  • D-grey on 18/12/2022 - 21:52
    +3

    I did this last month, wouldn't recommend it. When going back to Australia and transiting in Manila they require you to collect your bags so that they can check it again for some reason. This usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. Then there is also the crowded terminal that is too small to be an international airport with nothing to do, the shops don't accept credit cards and you can't get access to the free wifi because it needs a Philippine phone number.

    • sponson on 18/12/2022 - 23:20
      +1

      They check your bags again so they can see if there's anything they might be able to extort you over - electronics, jewellery, etc. Just make up some kind of law on the spot and demand payment and hope you'll fall for it.

  • hasher22 on 18/12/2022 - 21:59
    +3

    As someone that has been to Philippines 4 times over the last 2 decades, Manila international airport is a mess each and every time. Be prepared for long queue times, long wait times, unorganised staff, double checking of bags through security.

    With 1h 05m to catch your next flight, good luck! You have better odds winning the lotto.

    • Techie4066 on 19/12/2022 - 02:37

      It's an uncommon experience but I had no problem connecting to a London flight in 1h 10m in 2018. Bags transferred no problem.

  • Froot Loops on 18/12/2022 - 23:01
    +4

    Tanim bala / Laglag bala (bullet dropping scam) is enough of a reason to avoid PAL and the Philippines in general. Corruption is so messed up. I see people still saying this among other scams are still happening to westerners at airports. No one wants to end up being unable to pay or say the wrong thing and become the next Schapelle Corby (except innocent). I think everyone else's comments sum up the transit well.

  • ascotno1 on 19/12/2022 - 08:09

    I don't have the link here now but Virgin are offering return fares to Tokyo for $749 return.

    • AssociatedCheapFlightHunter @ Cheap Flight Hunter on 19/12/2022 - 08:23

      Yep, via Cairns—Just keep in mind no checked bags etc

    • Frozensage on 19/12/2022 - 09:40

      No entertainment or food or anything right?

      • AssociatedCheapFlightHunter @ Cheap Flight Hunter on 19/12/2022 - 17:13

        on Virgin? You get water, tea and coffee and 7kg hand luggage; but no entertainment, food at a fee and no seat selection. Still, if yo ucan travel light and take snacks its a good option for the moment with flight prices being ridiculous.

  • TimSubaru on 19/12/2022 - 08:44

    Did a SIN - MNL flight to be honest best meal I had on a plane in economy and coldest beer (they serve Heineken) on a plane. Last Darwin MNL flight 10 years ago was terrible…

  • ravenboboj on 19/12/2022 - 09:00

    try to avoid philippine airlines, I have only fly business with them. but even with lounge access, it is still a pretty messy airport. the passport check, luggage check during transit.
    even the business seat were not comfortable compared to other airlines, and very thin mattress.

  • shu2 on 19/12/2022 - 09:39
    +1

    PAL is a decent airline but avoid Terminal 2 in Manila if you can. It is horrible, as mentioned in other comments there are multiple and redundant security checks and lack of lounge access. Only available lounge is if flying via business.

    The design of the terminal is awful. Narrow passageways and lack of any decent food or quiet areas. Pay more to avoid. I've only been there twice on a return trip with a 3 and 6 hour layover, NEVER AGAIN.

  • ellinaforest on 19/12/2022 - 11:05
    +1

    Travelled with them last month. Not too bad. The manila airport terminal 2 was indeed a nightmare (cramped, old, limited food options) but our checked luggage went straight from Sydney to Tokyo. We chose to have an overnight layover and explored Manila for a bit. Quite fun and interesting.

    • Chrysuss on 19/12/2022 - 11:31

      Good to hear! I'm landing in Terminal 2 Manila at 5pm with connecting flight to Tokyo at 9am next day…have booked a nearby hotel for the night to relax and take in the scene, just slightly worried about the luggage but hoping everything's fine otherwise.

      • belongsinforums on 19/12/2022 - 14:22

        Wallet got stolen in Manila. Only stayed one night. Spent the whole time cancelling cards and calling travel insurance. Airport was ok for me. Beware of aggressive touts

    • [Deactivated] on 19/12/2022 - 11:52

      yup, if it ain't a direct flight id rather spend a day/night at the stop over country than waste my time waiting in an airport.

  • Jetyy on 20/12/2022 - 11:08
    +1

    damm i purchased MEL >MNL > JPN a few months back 790 return with 20kg luggage, but these comments making me a bit worried about the 1.5 hour stop over i got in manila. any advice to not get hit with any baggage scams or anything? Lock my luggage? Plastic wrap? first time travelling so very inexperienced as well

    • nightelves on 20/12/2022 - 17:27

      Can you share your experience when you go as well?

    • SmileSydney on 21/12/2022 - 17:38

      I’m in same boat (plane) as you. These comments are freaking me out.

    • clanton on 22/12/2022 - 10:28
      +1

      Well 2 weeks out from my departure I got an email from PAL stating that my 3 hour stopover in MNL is now a 27 hour stop over :)

      After reading the comments, can't wait for that experience 😂

      • SmileSydney on 22/12/2022 - 15:17

        Yikes - Travel insurance?

        • clanton on 23/12/2022 - 01:08

          Haven't purchased it yet… So just gunna have to wear it

          • Jetyy on 23/12/2022 - 14:41

            @clanton: Is there travel insurance i can buy which will prevent this happening to me?? By either giving me a new flight or something??

            • clanton on 23/12/2022 - 21:11

              @Jetyy: Dunno you'd have to check policies. @smilesydney might know

      • nightelves on 28/12/2022 - 15:41

        I'll pray for you. That is insane. Please tell us your experience afterwards.

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