Flying to Phillippines and Returning with Fiancee

[Christine n Carl 0]

Hello Vjer's

I have read some posts regarding flying to and from the Philippines but still have questions.

Would love to hear how others managed it.

I will be flying to Philippines in the fall, waiting for MNL# from NVC to pay fee's and get interview schedule.

Will be bringing back fiancée and child. (Child will be right at 2 years old depending on interview schedule).

Researching airline prices in the fall looks to be around 1000.00 to 1400.00 for economy adult round trip.

I have also noticed there are opportunities for first time immigrant discounts on one-way for tickets purchased in PH.

Most airlines allow toddlers to fly in Mothers lap for small fee (<2 years old), but as the time is so close and the travel is very long and tiring, its best to just look at child as requiring a seat.

PAL does offer some percentage discount, but I have found most airlines charge full fares for children on there

discount fares (economy fares) most of us buy.

This leads to a very expensive travel fare for three.

I have opportunity to use airline miles to get a one-way ticket to the Philippines and buy three one-ways for us on a Asian airline utilizing immigrant discount for two of them (as well as having better baggage policies). Looking at St Rapheals online the fee's are around 650.00 -800.00 (depending on airline, including fees/taxes) for the one-way tickets.

As the Philippines requires a valid exit flight within 21 days of arrival.

Couldn't purchasing a inexpensive Cebu pacific flight (ahead of time and have electronic ticket with you) from Manila to say Singapore, hong kong etc meet the Philippine Immigration Law requirements as well as any US carrier like United for travel to Philippines?

Has anyone done something like this?

Three one-ways would be 1950.00 approx. (depending on airline) total verses 2500.00 + depending on getting matching one-ways to match up purchased round trip at last minute.

Airlines have recently been raising fees on changing ticket travels dates. Open ended round trip tickets are even higher.

Airline prices may dip in fall some but higher prices are here to stay as well as increased costs associated with travel (ticket changes, baggage, airport fees)

Any idea's appreciated.

Just got email for NCOA2 from USCIS so starting final planning.

Good Luck all

[Darnell 8,478]

Sounds like a 2.5 month wait, based on your calendar.

Go Get Em, and Good Luck !

[Hank_ 9,174]

Yup buying a cheap ticket will meet the requirements, and its not just Philippines customs, the airlines you are flying over on would probably be the biggest thorn.

[LSnBigBear 61]

If you go the one way route you will need to purchase a cheap throw away ticket to Hong Kong or Singapore. I was asked one of the 3 times I flew one way there to show proof of onward or return ticket. So be prepared just in case.

As for mileage returning one way. Discuss with your FF Airline to see what they offer. There might be some sort of restrictions coming out of Asia. I believe you are thinking correctly on child's ticket. Even if your child is small enough to sit on a lap. 13 hours of passing him/her back and forth will be miserable. I would have your fiancée go talk with travel agents if she lives near the city. I used Blue Horizons Travel in Cebu many times. I have emails somewhere if you need. They have helped me many times and are reasonable. Good luck