Complete travel information for your November journey
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) often sees moderate to high passenger volumes in November because of holiday travel and early Black Friday trips. Expect TSA security wait times averaging 10–30 minutes during off-peak hours and 30–60+ minutes during morning and late-afternoon peaks; enroll in TSA PreCheck to reduce processing time. Check SEA's official site and airline notifications for live updates on lane status before heading to the airport.
You can reach Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from downtown Seattle via Link light rail (fast and cost-effective), airport shuttles, rideshare services, taxis, or private car. From Bellevue, common options include shuttle services, shared-ride vans, or a rideshare/taxi; allow extra time in November for heavier traffic during holiday weekends. For the best on-time departure, plan transit with a buffer for weather and road congestion.
There are generally no nonstop commercial flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB); most itineraries in November require one or two stops via hubs such as Manila (MNL), Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), Hong Kong (HKG), Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO). Choose connections based on total travel time and visa/entry requirements for transit countries. For the best fares and schedules, compare multi-carrier itineraries and set fare alerts for SEA to CEB flights.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) offers short-term, long-term, and economy parking lots as well as on-site parking garages near the terminal. In November, demand increases during Thanksgiving week and holiday shopping weekends, so pre-book parking online to secure lower rates and guaranteed spaces. Consider off-site airport shuttles and pre-reserved lots for cheaper long-term options.
For international itineraries from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), verify your airline's baggage allowance, as low-cost and full-service carriers differ on free checked bags and carry-on sizes. Check in 3 hours before international departures in November when holiday travel increases processing time; confirm any COVID-era or entry requirements for transit hubs. Use online check-in to skip kiosk lines, tag bags properly, and arrive early if you have oversized or sports equipment.
November can bring schedule adjustments to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) because of weather (heavy rain, occasional storms) and holiday rerouting; airlines may add extra flights or temporarily change timings during Thanksgiving travel peaks. Monitor airline emails, airport advisories, and flight tracking apps to stay updated on gate changes and delays. Consider travel insurance and flexible tickets when flying from SEA in November.
When arriving at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) in November, U.S. citizens typically need a valid passport with at least six months' validity remaining and a return or onward ticket. As pandemic-era restrictions have mostly relaxed, check the latest Philippine Bureau of Immigration guidance and your airline for any health declarations or testing requirements that might apply, especially for transit countries. Always verify visa requirements well before departure if your itinerary includes extended stays or specific transit protocols.
From Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), taxis, ride-share options, pre-arranged hotel transfers, and metered cabs are readily available to Cebu City (approx. 20–45 minutes depending on traffic). For nearby tourist destinations like Mactan Island resorts, Bohol (Tagbilaran), Oslob, Dumaguete and Siquijor, consider combined ferry or domestic flight options; November's improving weather makes sea transfers more reliable but still subject to occasional rain-related delays. Book transfers in advance during busy holiday weeks to ensure timely arrivals.
November in Cebu marks the transition into the drier season with average temperatures around 24–30°C (75–86°F) and decreasing rainfall compared to October. While the chance of tropical storms declines, occasional showers and higher humidity can still occur, so pack a light rain jacket and plan flexible outdoor activities. Improved sea conditions in November favor diving, island hopping and ferry travel to Bohol and nearby islands.
Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB) provides lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, SIM card kiosks, and several food and retail outlets in both international and domestic terminals. During November's busier travel period, lounges and priority services can fill quickly; consider lounge access through airline status, paid entry, or credit card benefits. For arrivals, expect mobile SIM vendors and transportation desk agents to be available for hotel transfers and local tours.
On arrival at Mactan-Cebu International Airport (CEB), customs allows personal effects and a reasonable amount of gifts duty-free, but declare dutiable items and amounts exceeding allowances to avoid fines. For items like alcohol, tobacco, and high-value goods, follow the Bureau of Customs declaration process; penalties for non-declaration can be steep. Check the latest official Philippine customs guidance before travel to ensure compliance and speed up arrival processing.
November typically sees improved travel conditions in Cebu, but travelers should monitor tropical weather systems in the western Pacific that can still form this late in the year. Airlines and ferry operators may adjust schedules due to weather, and local events or holidays may increase demand for transfers and accommodations. Sign up for airline alerts, check the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts, and book refundable or flexible tickets when arriving in November.
While Cebu’s biggest festivals like Sinulog occur in January, November in Cebu often includes local church feasts, early Christmas markets and cultural events as communities prepare for the festive season. All Saints' Day (Araw ng mga Patay) early in November can increase local travel and hotel demand. In Seattle, November sees Thanksgiving travel spikes and early holiday events such as winter markets and light displays, which can affect outbound flight loads from SEA. Travelers should book transfers and accommodations early for popular November weekends and consider local events when choosing travel dates to maximize cultural experiences or avoid crowds.
The best time to fly SEA to CEB in November is generally mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) with departure dates in early–mid November to avoid the Thanksgiving spike. Mid-November often offers lower fares and fewer crowds than the last two weeks when holiday travelers start booking. For fewer delays, choose flights departing SEA in the evening or overnight so connections in Asian hubs align with daytime arrivals in Cebu. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for lowest fares, and consider flexible ticket options if your travel overlaps major U.S. holidays.
Since nonstop SEA→CEB flights are rare, most travelers must choose connecting itineraries. A single-stop via an Asian hub (e.g., ICN, TPE, HKG) often reduces total flight hours but can cost more than multi-stop itineraries routed through U.S. West Coast hubs (LAX/SFO) then onward to the Philippines. Connecting flights offer more fare options and flexibility; however, they increase the risk of missed connections during tight transfer windows—especially in November when holiday delays are more frequent. If you value shorter travel time and fewer handlings, prioritize itineraries with one well-timed layover in a major hub and allow ample transfer time for immigration and baggage re-check where necessary.
Major carriers for SEA to CEB itineraries in November include Philippine Airlines (often via MNL), Cebu Pacific (via MNL with domestic connections), EVA Air (via TPE), Korean Air (via ICN), Cathay Pacific (via HKG), and Japanese carriers (JAL/ANA via NRT/HND). Philippine Airlines/Cebu Pacific can offer seamless domestic connections to CEB via Manila, with good local support but variable comfort on budget options. EVA Air and Korean Air provide predictable long-haul service with solid transpacific schedules and better global alliances for mileage accrual. Cathay Pacific is strong for HKG connections with premium lounges but watch for seasonal congestion. Compare baggage rules—low-cost carriers may charge for checked bags and seat selection, while full-service carriers often include at least one checked bag on international fares. Choose based on total travel time, stopover convenience, alliance loyalty benefits, seat comfort and baggage needs.
Pack for warm, humid weather in Cebu (light clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, swimwear) and layered, waterproof outerwear for Seattle departure/return. November’s transition to the dry season in Cebu improves diving and island-hopping conditions, but allow flexibility for occasional showers. Combat jet lag by hydrating on long flights, adjusting sleep schedules before departure, and choosing daytime arrival when possible to sync to local time quickly. Book flights with generous connection windows to reduce the risk of missed connections during November holiday delays, and consider travel insurance for added protection. Finally, secure local SIM plans or portable Wi-Fi at CEB to make ground transport and local bookings easier on arrival.
Most SEA to CEB itineraries in November are connecting flights with total door-to-door travel times typically between 18 and 28 hours depending on layovers. Typical single-stop patterns include SEA→LAX/SFO→MNL→CEB (often 18–24 hours) or SEA→ICN/TPE/HKG→CEB (20–28 hours). Airlines sometimes schedule longer overnight layovers in major Asian hubs; if minimizing travel time is a priority, choose a single long layover or shorter connection windows while leaving sufficient buffer for customs and security. Check daily flight schedules for seasonal frequency increases around Thanksgiving and mid-November airline schedule updates.
To find cheap SEA to CEB flights in November, search 4–8 weeks before travel and target mid-week departures (Tuesday through Thursday). Use flexible-date search engines and set price alerts for routes with one stop in MNL, TPE, ICN, or HKG — these hubs often unlock lower fares. Consider multi-carrier itineraries and separate tickets if you’re comfortable with longer transfer times, but weigh the risk of missed connections. Typical round-trip fares in November can range from $700–$1,200 in economy depending on sales and layovers; watch for flash sales from Philippine carriers around mid-month. Sign up for airline newsletters and loyalty programs to receive immediate alerts and use incognito browsing to monitor price fluctuations.