Flight Review | Philippine Airlines: IAO > MNL ✈️

Planning a trip to Siargao often starts with figuring out the best flights, and I've been there! Most travelers flying to Siargao (IAO) will connect through Manila (MNL) or Cebu (CEB). While my recent trip was on Philippine Airlines (PAL) from Siargao back to Manila, many of these tips apply to your journey in and out of the island. Booking Your Siargao Flights: What I Learned When looking for flights to Siargao, I usually start with aggregators like Skyscanner to compare options. For the Manila to Siargao route, you'll mainly find Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. PAL isn't considered a budget airline, so while it might be a bit pricier than Cebu Pacific, you often get a slightly more comfortable experience. I've found that ticket prices for Siargao flights can vary wildly depending on the season and how far in advance you book. For the best deals, especially during peak season or holidays, try to book several months ahead. If you're coming from further afield, like SFO to MNL, make sure to factor in enough layover time in Manila for your domestic connection to Siargao; Manila's NAIA airport can be busy! The Siargao to Manila Flight Experience with Philippine Airlines For the Siargao route, PAL typically uses smaller propeller planes, like the DE HAVILLAND DHC-8 DASH 8, which usually carry about 80 passengers. From the aerial view of islands as you approach or depart Siargao, you'll see why these smaller aircraft are perfect for island hopping, even if they feel a bit different from larger jets. The flight time from Siargao to Manila is roughly 1.5 hours – a quick hop! One thing to note about these domestic flights, especially with a full flight (which is common, particularly around holidays), is luggage. While the airline might offer to check your carry-ons for free to free up space in the small airplane cabin overhead bins, it’s good to be prepared. Philippine domestic flights tend to be stricter about carry-on weight than, say, flights in the US. My advice? Pack light or be ready to check your wheeled carry-ons if they exceed the weight limit. I personally prefer traveling with a large backpack, which surprisingly often gets more leeway than rolling luggage. PAL Comforts vs. Budget Options Even on these shorter domestic routes, PAL offers complimentary snacks and water. I particularly love their "Guisantes Espesyal" — a local snack with dried mangoes and peas that's surprisingly delicious! This is a nice perk you won't always find on budget airlines like Cebu Pacific. While the legroom on these smaller planes is generally good for people under 5'5", taller individuals might find it a bit snug. Overall, while the difference might be marginal on such a short flight compared to a long-haul journey, I generally find PAL's service and amenities a step above. If you're weighing PAL against Cebu Pacific for your Siargao trip, consider if a slightly higher price for a bit more comfort and service (and that yummy snack!) is worth it for you. Either way, preparing for a small propeller plane and potentially stricter luggage rules will make your journey smoother. Happy travels to Siargao!