Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your January journey
January is generally a good month to search for discounted international fares from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) as demand drops after the holidays. Expect colder temperatures and possible snow at ORD that can delay flights, while Manila typically enjoys dry, mild weather — a popular time for inbound tourism. For best results, set fare alerts, consider midweek departures, and allow extra connection time if flying through domestic hubs. Book refundable or flexible tickets when possible and confirm baggage and transit rules for long-haul flights.
For international flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), plan to arrive at least 3 hours before departure. January is a busy travel month with potential weather delays and higher passenger volume after holiday travel, so allowing extra time for check-in, security, and possible re-booking is wise.
Yes — January often has competitive airfare for ORD to MNL as demand cools after the December holidays and carriers release off-peak fares. To find the best cheap flights ORD to MNL in January, monitor fare alerts, book 3–8 weeks ahead, and compare multi-airline itineraries and nearby dates.
January in Chicago is typically cold with frequent snow and icy conditions that can cause delays or cancellations at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Flight disruptions in ORD can cascade to long-haul routes to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), so check airline notifications, sign up for real-time updates, and allow buffer time for connections.
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is served by CTA Blue Line trains to downtown Chicago, multiple airport shuttle services, ride-hailing, taxis, and long-term parking. If you're connecting to other U.S. gateways for a cheaper route to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), consider the Blue Line and reliable rideshares to avoid traffic delays.
Travelers often use Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to access nearby major cities such as Chicago, Milwaukee, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Minneapolis when planning multi-city or connecting flights to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). These hubs can offer alternative routings, competitive fares, and additional schedule options.
Entry requirements can change, so verify current Philippines immigration and health rules before departing Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD). Even if formal restrictions have eased, airlines may require proof of vaccination or testing; always check airline guidance and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) entry rules within 72 hours of travel.
January is one of the best months to arrive at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) for good weather, comfortable sightseeing, and reliable domestic connections to islands such as Cebu, Boracay, and Palawan. While immigration lines can be long during morning peak hours, the dry season reduces weather risks common in typhoon months. Book domestic flights early if you're continuing to popular destinations for January festivals, and consider transport options like pre-booked transfers or app-based rides for efficient access to central Manila.
January in Manila, arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), typically features dry, mild weather with lower humidity and average daytime temperatures in the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F). This season is one of the best times to visit the Philippines for outdoor activities and island hopping.
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), travelers can take taxis, ride-hailing services, airport buses, or pre-arranged transfers to Manila city center, while flights or ferries connect to nearby destinations such as Cebu and Boracay. For inter-island travel, book domestic flights from MNL or Clark (for some carriers) and allow time for customs and domestic transfer.
U.S. citizens traveling to the Philippines should verify visa-free entry allowances and passport validity before arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). As of recent policies, many short stays are visa-exempt, but you must have a passport valid for at least six months and a return or onward ticket; check official Philippine immigration resources before traveling in January.
January brings festival activity in the Philippines and lingering New Year travel patterns that can affect capacity and fares on routes arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Notable regional events like Sinulog in Cebu (usually in January) can push up domestic airfares and occupancy, so travelers landing at MNL planning to connect to Cebu or other festival locations should book domestic flights and hotels early. On the Chicago side, January conventions and winter tourism can affect airport traffic at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD), so anticipate busier terminals and possibly fuller flights.
The best time to fly ORD to MNL in January is mid-to-late month for lower fares and fewer crowds; early January can remain busy and pricier due to holiday spillover. Book 3–8 weeks in advance for the best balance of price and availability, and fly midweek (Tuesday–Thursday) to secure lower fares. If flexibility is limited, consider combining a long overnight leg with a short daytime domestic hop to reduce total cost while managing jetlag.
Most travelers flying from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) will use connecting itineraries through U.S. West Coast or Asian hubs. Connecting flights often offer significant savings and more schedule options but increase risk of missed connections, especially in January when ORD winter weather can cause delays. Prioritize longer international-to-international transfer windows and consider through-ticket bookings to ensure airline protection on missed connections.
Top options for ORD to MNL itineraries in January typically involve combinations of U.S. carriers (United with Star Alliance partners), Asian carriers (ANA, JAL, Korean Air), and Philippine Airlines via partner hubs. United often pairs ORD to West Coast gateways with a single transpacific partner; ANA and JAL provide Tokyo connections with reliable service; Philippine Airlines can offer one-stop options through partner gateways. Compare baggage allowances, seat comfort, and connection protection; premium economy and refundable fares can be worth the added flexibility during winter travel.
Pack layers for Chicago's winter and lightweight, breathable clothing for Manila's dry season. January departures from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) come with a higher chance of snow-related delays; bring essential medications and carry-on valuables, and consider travel insurance or flexible tickets. On arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), have printed and digital copies of your travel documents, and prearrange airport transfers during festival weekends. If you have tight connections, choose through tickets when possible to maintain airline protection.
There are typically no nonstop passenger flights between Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL); typical one-stop total journey times range from 17 to 24+ hours depending on connection hub and layover length. Common connection points include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), and Hong Kong (HKG). In January, airlines may offer additional overnight transpacific options; aim for shorter overall travel time rather than the lowest single-leg price, and build in at least 2–3 hours for international-to-international transits at major hubs.
To find cheap flights from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in January, search 3–8 weeks before departure and be flexible with travel dates. Consider alternate routing through West Coast hubs or Asian gateways (e.g., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo, Seoul) to unlock lower fares and more schedule options. Use fare alerts, clear cookies or use incognito search, and compare multi-carrier itineraries. For deeper savings, check nearby departure options like Milwaukee or Indianapolis but factor in transfer costs and time.
January is part of the dry season, so weather-related delays at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) are less common, but internal airport congestion, peak tourist flows, and occasional typhoon-season holdovers can affect arrivals. Plan for up to an hour to clear immigration and baggage during peak windows and consider premium arrival services to streamline the process.
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) travelers commonly connect to Manila, Cebu, Davao, Boracay (via Caticlan), Palawan (Puerto Princesa), and Clark. These hubs provide domestic connections for island tourism and business travel across the Philippines.
January often features cultural events and spectator-friendly climate in the Philippines; while major festivals like Sinulog are region-specific (Cebu in January), Manila hosts local New Year-related events and cultural exhibits. Check event calendars for specific dates and plan accommodations ahead because popular January festivals can increase regional domestic fares.
