Flights Seattle (SEA) - Manila (MNL)

About the flight from SEA to MNL

Passengers on flights from Seattle (SEA) to Manila (MNL) can expect their journey to take between 16 and 19 hours, however the longest flights can be over 22 hours long. There are roughly 16 daily flights making the 6,683 mile route, all indirect with one stopover. Numerous airlines service this route, including Japan Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and ANA. There are both budget and national carrier options for flights from Seattle (SEA) to Manila (MNL) and these total well over 100 weekly flight options, meaning passengers have loads of choice.

Flights depart from Seattle's Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a modest-sized airport with one main large terminal and two smaller satellites. The airport is home to numerous major airlines including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, and Lufthansa, among others.

Flights arrive at Manila's largest airport, locally known as Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL). There are four terminals home to some of the largest Asian and global airlines including but not limited to, AirAsia, Etihad Airways, and Hong Kong Airlines.

Public transportation, parking, and ride-shares

Seattle (SEA) Airport features long-term stay parking available for customers wishing to drive to their departure, but there are also various alternatives to cars for passengers departing SEA. Ride-share apps including Uber, Lyft, and Wingz have dedicated drop-off areas by the airport. There is also public transit with the Link Light Rail, a metro system covering much of Seattle and inner-city areas.

Manila (MNL) Airport has recently introduced the Ultimate Bus Experience, a shuttle bus transporting customers from the airport to major hotels in the city, for a reasonable fare. Public buses tend to be difficult for tourists to navigate so the shuttle bus is considered the best option for those unfamiliar with the city's less popular destinations. Manila Airport offers various car rental services, with stalls at every terminal for passenger convenience, as well as 24-hour taxis.

Practical information

Travelers hoping to drive around Manila with a rental car will require an International Driver's Permit as well as their original license, and their license must be the in Roman alphabet. Passports are essential for international travel, and be sure to have a minimum of six months validity left from the date of travel.

Manila's currency is the Philippine Peso, or PHP. The exchange rate as of September 2019 is 1 USD equals 52.04 PHP. Exchange rates around the island may vary greatly, so be sure to compare airport and other rates with the current online rate to get the best deal possible.

Top travel tips

Manila is a dream destination for those sick of Seattle's rainy days and grey skies. However, make sure you go during dry season, otherwise you'll be in for a rainy surprise. Manila's dry season lasts from November to April, and the wet season from May to October. The transition months may swing between warm, dry days and intense rainfalls that flood parts of the city and delay underwater activities, but for the most part, the weather is stunning in Manila.

What to see in Manila

The Intramuros are a must-see for first-time travelers to Manila, for history buffs and everyone else. These structures were built by the Spanish colonists in the 16th and 17th centuries, and allow a window into the island's history and influences on its culture. It is a rare slice of ancient architecture in this otherwise very modern cityscape. Tourists can walk through the grid-like structures and engage with the numerous attractions within, interacting with history in an exciting, informative way.

Food lovers from far and wide may be surprised to see Binondo, or Manila's Chinatown, on this list. It is the oldest Chinatown in the world, and a must-see, particularly for tourists who have restaurants over attractions in their sights when visiting a new city. There is a rich history of Chinese migration in Manila, and trade here was at the center of much of it, so soak up fascinating history while eating the best Dim Sum in the Philippines!

For people-watching, there's no spot better to see a fantastic cross-section of Manila life than the Baywalk, a long stretch of coastline-skimming paths that light up at nighttime with performances, stalls and restaurants. Enjoy local cuisine while watching the sunset over the water for a relaxing night in this bustling city.

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