If you're planning to fly to the Philippines for Christmas or New Year, there's one important tip you need to know: book your tickets early.

December is one of the busiest travel months for Filipinos flying home to Manila, Cebu, or anywhere else in the country. If you wait too long, you’ll likely face sky-high prices, long stopovers, or worse ⇉ sold-out flights.

Why Flights Get Expensive During December

Airlines know that December is a peak season. Many overseas Filipinos go home to celebrate with family, and tourism also spikes. That means flights - especially to Manila - can fill up quickly. As seats disappear, prices climb higher.

In fact, airlines often start selling December tickets up to 330 days in advance. But many travelers don’t realize they can book that early.

When Is the Best Time to Book?

For flights during Christmas and New Year, the best time to book is usually:

• 6 to 12 months before departure for better options and lower fares

• 3 to 6 months ahead if you want flexibility but still decent pricing

The earlier you book, the better your chances of getting:

• A shorter travel time

• Preferred airlines (like Philippine Airlines or EVA Air)

• Better seat selection

• Lower overall cost

Many travel forums suggest booking by May or June if you're flying in December. That’s because by late summer, prices often jump up.

Why Booking With a Travel Agent Helps

At Reliable Travel and Tours, we help Filipino-Canadians in Toronto and across Canada book flights home - especially for holiday travel.

We know:

• When airlines usually release their December fares

• How to search for flight tickets to Manila that match your schedule and budget

• What flights work best for families, seniors, or those with connecting provinces like Cebu, Davao, or Iloilo

And if you're not sure when to book, we can guide you every step of the way - but you have to contact us as early as possible so we can search for the best flights while they're still available.

Tips to Save Even More

Here are extra tips to keep in mind when booking December flights:

• Be flexible with your dates. Flying a few days before or after Christmas can save you hundreds.

• Mid-week departures (Tuesday or Wednesday) are often cheaper than Friday or weekend flights.

• Check different airlines. Some offer promos, but they go fast.

• Set price alerts. If you’re booking on your own, use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner to monitor changes.

But if you’d rather let someone else handle it, call us (416-690-9683). We’ll do the searching for you.

Book Early. Fly Smart. Go Home Happy.

Whether you’re planning a vacation or going home for the holidays, December flights to the Philippines are always in high demand. Booking early can mean the difference between a stress-free trip - and a very expensive one.

Anette Soriano’s Reliable Travel and Tours is your trusted travel agency for balikbayans & OFWs, especially those looking for affordable, convenient flights to Manila and beyond. We're here to serve Tagalog-speaking travelers with care, clarity, and compassion.

Call us now (416-690-9683) or send us a message (facebook.com/anetstours) to start planning your December trip home.