Beat the System: How to Get the Cheapest Domestic Flights

Everybody seems to be flying off to the cities, mountains, and islands of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Hence, it’s unsurprising that in 2024, domestic visitor spending in the Philippines is expected to hit a record ₱3.7 trillion, surpassing 2019 levels by 1.8%.

However, what’s preventing most from packing their bags is the rise in airfare costs. Finding an affordable flight—even domestically—can feel financially overwhelming, whether you're a traveling salesman, backpacker, or staycationer.  
In this blog, we’ll offer practical tips, hacks, and resources to help you book cheap domestic flights in the Philippines. Follow these strategies to keep your adventures budget-friendly and beat the rising prices, even during peak seasons!

How to Find the Cheapest Domestic Flights

A classic tactic in finding cheap domestic flights is booking early. But there’s a lot more than that; it also helps to know where and how to look for the best deals. Here are some tried-and-tested methods that can help you snag the cheapest domestic airlines and save on airfare within the Philippines.

1. Utilize flight comparison websites and apps

If you’re new to traveling solo or booking flights on your own, platforms like Google Flights and Traveloka are great tools for comparing airfare across multiple airlines in just a few clicks. These websites provide a broad range of options and display different dates and times when fares may be cheaper.

You can also set fare alerts. Many websites and apps offer this feature to notify you of price drops on your selected routes, helping you book domestic flights at the optimal time when prices are low.

2. Check budget airlines for promotions and seat sales

Airlines often offer promotions, but not all are easy to catch. Checking budget airlines for deals can lead to major savings on your domestic trips. Budget airlines like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, and PAL Express regularly offer seat sales and promotional fares in the Philippines.

For instance, Cebu Pacific’s famous "Piso Fare" promotions allow passengers to book flights for as low as ₱1 (excluding taxes and fees), making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers. To beat other travelers, subscribe to airline newsletters or follow them on social media. This way, you'll be one of the first to know about upcoming sales and deals.

3. Explore airline loyalty programs and credit card rewards

You can accumulate points through airline loyalty programs and redeem them for discounted or even free flights. Frequent travelers should look into programs such as Mabuhay Miles or GetRewards, which offer great benefits for their members.

Additionally, credit cards with travel rewards can offer significant savings. For instance, some travelers can use GetRewards points to score free round-trip tickets to Cebu after booking just a couple of promo flights. To get the most savings out of these programs, make sure to utilize them.

4. Be flexible with airports

Sometimes, the best deals aren't always from your closest airport. When booking, check flights departing from or arriving at other nearby airports. For example, if you’re from Manila and flying out, you may find better deals from Clark International Airport, depending on the season or airline.

By comparing routes between airports, you can take advantage of lower fares, even if it means a short trip to another terminal.

5. Consider alternative routes and stopovers

While direct flights may be more convenient, opting for connecting flights or even multi-leg trips can often yield lower fares. For instance, if you're heading to Boracay, consider flying into Kalibo instead of the closer Caticlan airport. Flights to Kalibo are typically cheaper, and from there, you can take a bus or van to Caticlan Jetty Port, followed by a ferry to Boracay.

This flexibility can open up more budget-friendly options, especially if you're not in a rush and are willing to explore new travel routes.

Booking Tips for Finding the Cheapest Domestic Flights

Beyond finding flight deals, how and when you book can greatly impact the total cost of your trip. Check out these booking tips to help you lock in the best rates for your domestic flights.

• Book early, but stay flexible with dates

The right timing is essential when it comes to finding affordable flights. Ideally, you should book your flights two to three months in advance. However, flexibility with your travel dates can help you uncover cheaper options. Using fare calendars, you can see which days have lower prices—flights on Tuesdays or Wednesdays are often more affordable, as noted by NerdWallet.

You can avoid high costs and still plan an affordable getaway by remaining flexible.

• Avoid peak seasons and holidays

Peak seasons like Christmas, Holy Week, and school vacations see a sharp rise in airfare prices. To avoid this, it's best to plan your trips during off-peak times when demand is lower. Traveling during the shoulder season (e.g., February to May) allows you to explore popular destinations at lower costs and with fewer crowds.

Planning your trips around these less busy periods can significantly reduce your travel expenses while giving you a more relaxed experience.

• Take advantage of last-minute deals

While booking early is often recommended, there are times when airlines offer last-minute deals to fill up remaining seats. If you have flexible travel plans or are looking for a spontaneous trip, checking for last-minute promotions can be a great way to save. Apps like Skyscanner and Hopper sometimes list last-minute discounts, allowing you to book flights at reduced rates.

Keep an eye on social media channels or subscribe to newsletters to receive notifications about these offers, especially during off-peak periods.

• Avoid extra baggage fees

When booking cheap flights, it's easy to forget that additional fees, like checked baggage, can quickly increase your overall travel costs. Pack light and stick to the airline’s free carry-on baggage limit to avoid these charges. You can also look into airlines that offer special promotions on baggage fees, ensuring that you don’t get surprised with extra costs when flying with cheap domestic airlines.

By planning and packing efficiently, you’ll save on excess baggage fees and keep your flight expenses low.

Affordable Adventures Await

Finding the cheapest domestic flights in the Philippines doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By using flight comparison tools, subscribing to promo notifications, and being flexible with your travel dates, you can significantly cut down on airfare costs. Pair these tips with budget-friendly accommodations like Go Hotels, and you’ll be set for a low-cost, stress-free trip.

Go Hotels makes travel even more convenient with its Go 24/7 and Go 365 options. Go 24/7 lets you enjoy flexible check-in and check-out times, while Go 365 offers year-round deals that guarantee value for your money. With these features and locations nationwide, Go Hotels is your perfect travel partner for affordable and hassle-free adventures.  Ready to book your next adventure? Check out Go Hotels' promos and packages and start planning your trip today! For more information, you can visit the Go Hotels contact page.