Submit feedbackComplete travel information for your December journey
Travelers departing from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in December should plan early and expect higher passenger volumes around Christmas and New Year. Popular nearby origin cities include San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Seattle for connecting travelers — consider BART or regional shuttles to avoid peak traffic. For the best December deals on San Francisco to Manila flights, monitor price alerts, book 6–10 weeks in advance, and be flexible with mid-week departures. CTA: Search for cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) now and set fare alerts to lock in holiday savings.
Baggage allowances depend on the airline and fare class for flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Economy passengers usually get one carry-on plus one personal item and checked baggage ranges from 1–2 pieces (23 kg / 50 lb each) for many international carriers; premium economy and business fares include higher allowances. Check your airline's specific baggage policy before traveling, especially during December when holiday gifts can increase checked bag weight and size. Always verify on the airline website to avoid excess baggage fees.
Nonstop service varies by season and airline. Historically Philippine Airlines and select carriers have operated nonstops between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) at times, but most schedules in December include one-stop connections through hubs such as Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), Hong Kong (HKG), or Manila via other gateways. For December holiday travel, check current schedules as airlines may add seasonal nonstop flights; use Google Flights or the carrier's official schedule to confirm and book early.
During the December holiday peak, arrive at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) at least 3 hours before your international departure to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Expect longer security lines, busy check-in counters, and additional time for holiday crowds and TSA checks. If you need special assistance, have excess baggage, or plan to drop off checked bags, add extra buffer time and consider online check-in when available.
Yes. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can experience fog or shows of rain in December, causing occasional airport delays or ground holds; in contrast, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) and greater Metro Manila typically enjoy the start of the dry season in December with cooler, pleasant weather. When booking flights for December, allow extra time for potential weather-related schedule changes at SFO and monitor airline alerts for delays or rebook options.
Top options to reach San Francisco International Airport (SFO) include BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) direct service to the airport, rideshares, airport shuttles, and taxis. During December, expect heavier traffic on highways and surge pricing on rideshares on peak travel days; consider using BART for a predictable schedule and early arrival. If you’re traveling from nearby major cities like San Jose, Oakland, Sacramento, or downtown San Francisco, plan transfers and add extra time for festive traffic and holiday events.
U.S. citizens can enter the Philippines visa-free for short tourism stays (subject to change), but all travelers should confirm passport validity (typically at least six months) and any visa requirements for their nationality. For December holiday travel, also verify any health entry requirements, travel advisories, or immigration form updates from the Philippine Bureau of Immigration and the Department of Tourism. Check both your airline and official government sources before departure to avoid issues at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
Arrivals at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in December should anticipate a festive but busy airport environment with quicker-moving weather conditions and strong demand for onward travel to major destinations such as Makati, Quezon City, Tagaytay, Cebu City, and Boracay (Caticlan). For quicker transfer to city hotels, reserve a metered airport taxi or app-based ride in advance and consider pre-booked hotel shuttles. Travelers planning island trips should book domestic flights early because December is peak season for beach destinations. CTA: Book your transfer from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) now and confirm domestic connections early to avoid holiday sell-outs.
Arrival at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in December typically means pleasant, drier weather and busy terminals due to holiday travelers returning home. Expect standard immigration and baggage claim procedures; peak times can lengthen processing, so have your passport, arrival card, and any supporting documents ready. For quick onward travel, plan transfers to nearby major destinations such as Makati, Quezon City, Tagaytay, Cebu City, and Boracay (Caticlan) ahead of time.
As entry and health policies can change, check the Philippine Department of Health and Bureau of Immigration for current arrival requirements before traveling to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). By December, the Philippines often has relaxed seasonal travel rules, but airlines may require health attestation or pre-departure checks; ensure documentation is in order to speed immigration. Travelers should also verify domestic connection rules if transiting to destinations like Cebu City or Boracay.
From Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) you can choose metered taxis, app-based ride services, airport shuttle vans, and prearranged hotel transfers to reach Metro Manila neighborhoods such as Makati and Quezon City. For trips to Tagaytay or Batangas, private transfers or buses are common; domestic flights to Cebu City, Davao, or Boracay depart from domestic terminals with shuttle connectivity. During December, book transfers in advance or use official airport taxi counters to avoid long waits and scams.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) experiences heavy passenger volumes during December, especially the week before Christmas and the New Year period. Expect crowded immigration halls, longer taxi queues, and fuller domestic connections; allow additional time for baggage claim and customs. If you can, schedule flights on weekdays or earlier in December to avoid the peak congestion that affects flights and ground transport.
Yes — after arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), travelers often visit Makati for business and nightlife, Quezon City for cultural sites, Tagaytay for cooler mountain views, Cebu City and Boracay for island connections, and nearby historical sites in Intramuros. December is ideal for island hopping and city festivals across the Philippines, and domestic flights from MNL to Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, and Boracay run frequently. Book inter-island travel early in the holiday season to secure preferred times and seats.
Philippine customs allow personal goods and a limited value of duty-free items for travelers arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). Declare items subject to duty, and review the Bureau of Customs guidelines on alcohol, tobacco, and high-value goods before travel. For December travelers bringing gifts or shopping, keep receipts handy and consult the official customs website or your airline for the most current allowance limits.
December in Manila is festive with Simbang Gabi (pre-dawn masses), elaborate Christmas light displays across malls, and major New Year fireworks at Manila Bay and SM Mall of Asia. These celebrations drive strong demand for flights arriving at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). On the San Francisco side, holiday markets, parades, and seasonal airport traffic at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) can increase road congestion and pre-flight volumes. If attending festivals or traveling around major holidays, book flights and hotels early and anticipate busy transit and airport security lines. CTA: Plan your SFO to MNL December itinerary around key events and reserve tickets and transfers in advance to avoid sold-out situations.
For December travel, the best time to fly from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is early- to mid-December or just after New Year's (second week of January for quieter airports and lower fares). To secure favorable fares and seat selection, book 6–10 weeks in advance and avoid the busiest travel days (typically the four days before Christmas and the two days after New Year's Eve). If you need to travel during peak holiday dates, consider flying mid-week or taking a red-eye to arrive in Manila during daylight hours. CTA: Use flexible-date fare searches to identify the best travel windows for your December trip.
Nonstop flights (if available) from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) offer the fastest door-to-door travel but may be more expensive and have limited schedule options in December. Connecting flights typically provide cheaper fares and more flexible schedules but add layover time in hub cities like Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), or Hong Kong (HKG). If minimizing total travel time is your priority, book a nonstop or short-layover itinerary; if saving money and increasing routing choices matters most, choose a one-stop connection. CTA: Compare nonstop and one-stop options for your December travel date to balance cost and convenience.
Philippine Airlines: Potential for seasonal nonstop service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) with Filipino hospitality and direct routing; fares can be premium during December. ANA / Japan Airlines: Reliable one-stop options via Tokyo (NRT/HND) with exceptional service and competitive December fares; good for connections to Japanese hubs. Korean Air: One-stop via Seoul (ICN) with solid baggage allowances and entertainment options. EVA Air / Cathay Pacific: One-stop through Taipei (TPE) or Hong Kong (HKG) with high service standards and good connectivity to other Asian destinations. United: One-stop itineraries via U.S. or Asian partners, useful for MileagePlus members. Compare ticket prices, total travel time, baggage rules, and seat comfort when booking. CTA: Compare airlines and book the best SFO to MNL December flight for your needs.
Pack light breathable clothing for Manila's comfortable December climate and include a light layer for cooler evenings or air-conditioned spaces; bring universal plugs, travel insurance, and photocopies of travel documents. For travel through San Francisco International Airport (SFO), arrive early (3 hours recommended) and expect holiday crowds, while for Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) plan extra time for immigration and transport into Metro Manila. Book accommodations and domestic connections early, purchase flexible or refundable fares where possible, and set flight alerts to react quickly to price drops or schedule changes. CTA: Prepare your December trip now — download itineraries, confirm transfers, and buy travel insurance to protect your holiday travel plans.
Flight time from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) varies by routing: nonstop services (when offered) typically take about 13.5–14.5 hours airborne, while one-stop itineraries commonly total 15–20+ hours including layovers. In December, many carriers increase frequency on popular holiday routes, but nonstop availability is seasonal and not guaranteed — common connection hubs include Tokyo (NRT/HND), Seoul (ICN), Taipei (TPE), and Hong Kong (HKG). Check airline schedules for daily departures, and prefer shorter layovers of 2–4 hours for comfortable international connections while allowing enough time for customs and boarding. CTA: Check current SFO to MNL schedules and choose flights with reliable connection times.
For budget-savvy travelers, cheap flights from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) in December often appear 6–10 weeks before departure; however, the holiday peak (mid- to late-December) typically commands higher fares. Typical round-trip economy fares range widely — find deals as low as approximately $700–$900 during early December or shoulder dates, while peak holiday travel can push prices to $1,000–$1,400+. Strategies: set price alerts on Google Flights and Skyscanner, search flexible dates (±3 days), consider mid-week flights and one-stop connections through hubs like Taipei or Seoul to save money, and book immediately when you see a fare within your target range. CTA: Start a fare alert now to capture cheap SFO to MNL flights this December.