Skip to content
Layover Compass

Manila to Los Angeles: fly nonstop, or connect in Tokyo, Taipei or Hong Kong?

Last checked

Nonstop or connecting?

  • Nonstop exists (per PAL timetable; recheck): Philippine Airlines flies Manila–Los Angeles nonstop [S2]. PAL says it runs the most Southeast Asia–North America nonstops and partners with American for US onward flights [S1]. Its Winter 2026 timetable lists PR112 daily, plus PR122 on Mon, Wed, Fri and Sun [S2]. Schedules can change, so verify flight numbers and days with the airline.
  • We found no United or American nonstop Manila–LAX. United's Manila nonstop is from San Francisco [S3].
  • Nonstop is the default choice. Connect only for schedule, a different airline or a planned stopover.

Hub options (if not flying nonstop)

HubTypical airlines (verified leg)Notes
Tokyo (HND/NRT)JAL Tokyo–Manila from NRT and HND [S4]; JAL flies LAX to both HND and NRT [S5]; American LAX–HND twice daily from Mar 29, 2026 [S6]Keep the connection within one airport. NRT is closed overnight (midnight–06:00) with no airside stay.
Taipei (TPE)EVA Air Taipei–Manila [S7]; LAX is an EVA North American gateway [S8]Good one-airline option; free half-day tour on 7–24h layovers. STARLUX also flies to the US West Coast (not confirmed on an official page; check with your airline).
Hong Kong (HKG)Cathay Pacific Hong Kong–Manila [S9]; Cathay HKG–LAX (not confirmed on an official page; check with your airline)No airside transit hotel at HKG; resting lounges on Level 6.

Which hub to pick and why

  • Pick the nonstop (PAL) when it fits your dates: shortest total time, no transit visa questions.
  • Taipei is the best connecting option for most people: one airline (EVA), easy single-terminal-system transfer, and a free tour for long layovers.
  • Tokyo if you want JAL/American miles or a Japan stopover (US passports are visa-exempt for 90 days).
  • Philippine passport holders: nonstop avoids all transit-visa issues. If connecting, see each hub page (Japan same-day airside only; Taiwan trial visa-free with conditions to July 31, 2027; Hong Kong 14 days).

Pitfalls

  • Check which NAIA terminal PAL's US flights use; PAL moved some international flights between terminals in 2026 (see the Manila hub page; partly unconfirmed; check with your airline).
  • On separate tickets, a Tokyo self-transfer may force you to enter Japan, which Philippine passport holders can't do without a visa.

Manila · Tokyo · Taipei · Hong Kong

Sources

Hubs on this route

Long departure hall with a ribbed ceiling at NAIA Terminal 3, ManilaPhoto: A.C.T. Alejandre · CC BY-SA 4.0

Manila

Philippines

MNL
Get through, don't linger

Frequent flyer take

“Not an airport to spend extra time at”

US passport, leave the airport: Yes, no visa needed

Being verified
Tree-like white columns in the Terminal 3 departure lobby at Tokyo Haneda AirportPhoto: MaedaAkihiko · CC BY-SA 4.0

Tokyo

Japan

NRT / HND
Great layover airport (allow 3+ hrs if switching NRT–HND)

Frequent flyer take

“Cleanest restrooms anywhere”

US passport, leave the airport: Yes, visa-exempt

Being verified
Slatted white ceiling over a departure area at Taiwan Taoyuan International AirportPhoto: Ralff Nestor Nacor · CC BY-SA 4.0

Taipei

Taiwan

TPE
Easy, smooth transfers

Frequent flyer take

“Transfers are often easy and seamless inside the same terminal”

US passport, leave the airport: Yes, visa-exempt

Being verified
Bright, airy departure hall of Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1 seen from abovePhoto: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 3.0

Hong Kong

Hong Kong SAR, China

HKG
Best for a city layover

Frequent flyer take

“In town in under 30 minutes by train”

US passport, leave the airport: Yes, visa-free

Being verified

Transit Watch

Rule changes, route deep-dives and layover ideas

Coming soon

Last checked