Your Best Cards

Ranked by math. Ads and any paid links never change the order · card terms verified at the issuer, dated · how we’re funded →

By

✦ Philippines Award Guide · October 2026

Points to the Philippines: business class to Manila for 75,000 points

Since July 27, 2026, Alaska Atmos Rewards books Philippine Airlines nonstops to Manila from 75,000 points one-way in business and 37,500 in economy, with no fuel surcharges. This guide is for tourists and for Filipino-American families flying home to see relatives: seats for the whole family, Christmas, bags and balikbayan boxes, eTravel and the travel tax. Ranked by math — compensation never changes the order.

✈
Best flight path
Atmos Rewards on Philippine Airlines nonstop · 75,000 business / 37,500 economy one-way from SFO, SEA or HNL · $20 booking fee + ~$26 taxes
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Family of four
150,000 Atmos points one-way in economy from SFO, SEA or HNL (4 × 37,500) · economy space is easier to find for a whole family
⚡
Active transfer bonus
+25% Bilt → Marriott Bonvoy
🛂
Before you fly
Free eTravel registration for every traveler within 72 hours before arrival — and again before departure
Atmos business
75k
one-way · SFO / SEA / HNL
Cash per ticket
~$46
no fuel surcharges
Business space
~1,300
nonstops with seats, Aug 2026–Jun 2027 (TPG, at launch)
Last updated
Oct 2026
Rates & bonuses verified

Active transfer bonuses — October 2026

Updated Oct 9, 2026
+30%
Citi TY → jal_mileage_bank
Expires 10/24
+25%
Bilt → Marriott BonvoyRelevant ✓
Standing benefit, not a limited-time promo: 5,000 bonus Bonvoy points per 20,000 Bilt Points moved in one transaction.
+25%
Citi TY → Avianca LifeMiles
Expires 10/24
+15%
Citi TY → Qatar Privilege Club (Avios)Relevant ✓
Tiered: 15% up to 49,999 Avios per transfer, 25% for 50,000-99,999, 35% for 100,000+.
Expires 10/31
✈

Enter your points balances — see your Philippines trip gap

Coverage for your whole party on the best single program, in real time
▼
→ Aeroplan · BA Avios
→ Qatar Avios · Aeroplan
→ AAdvantage · Qatar Avios
→ Qatar Avios · Aeroplan
→ Atmos · Qatar · Aeroplan
Manila from SFO — Business · 4 travelers—
Enter your balances above to see how close you are
Open full Trip Gap Calculator →

Your Philippines trip calculator

● Live data
Atmos points per person
75k
one-way · business · SFO nonstop
Whole party
300k
4 travelers, one-way on Atmos
Cash fees (Atmos)
~$184
$20 booking fee + ~$26 taxes × 4 · no fuel surcharges
Same seats on Qatar Avios
440k
Avios for 4 · fees ~$204–260 each
Share this calculatorBlueskyFacebookLinkedInReddit
Top Pick
Bilt Blue Card
Bilt (Cardless)

Bilt Mastercard

Bilt Rewards
$0
annual fee
Only bank card that transfers to Atmos
$0/yr 75k pts business Recommended
Apply →
Points needed for your trip
Flight per person (business, SFO/SEA/HNL) 75,000
Flight total (2 travelers) 150,000 pts
Total trip estimate 150,000 pts
Earn rates
Bilt Blue: 1x everyday + 4% Bilt Cash; points on rent/mortgage via Bilt Cash. No fee.
Transfer partners for this destination
Alaska Atmos RewardsQatar Privilege Club (Avios)Air Canada Aeroplan
Hotel transfer partners
World of Hyatt
Destination-specific note
Bilt is the only bank program that transfers to Alaska Atmos Rewards (1:1) — the program that books Philippine Airlines nonstops from 75,000 points in business with no fuel surcharges. Rent payments can build a family's Manila fund with no annual fee.
Key perks
No annual fee
Transfers to Atmos at 1:1
Rent earns points
Top Pick
Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature®
Bank of America

Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa

Alaska Atmos Rewards
70k
signup pts
47% covered by bonus
$95/yr 75k pts business Recommended
Apply →
Points needed for your trip
Flight per person (business, SFO/SEA/HNL) 75,000
Flight total (2 travelers) 150,000 pts
Total trip estimate 150,000 pts
Signup bonus covers 47%
Earn rates
Unlimited 3 points for every $1 spend on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases; Unlimited 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit purchases, including rideshare; Unlimited 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases
Transfer partners for this destination
Earns Atmos Rewards directly
Destination-specific note
Earns Atmos points directly — the same currency that books Philippine Airlines to Manila. The Companion Fare and free checked bag are Alaska Airlines benefits; check whether they apply before counting on them for a Philippine Airlines itinerary.
Key perks
Annual $99 Companion Fare
Free checked bag + preferred boarding
10% rewards bonus with an eligible Bank of America account
Citi Strata Premier® Card
Citi

Strata Premier Card

Citi ThankYou Points
60k
signup pts
43% covered by bonus
$95/yr 70k pts business
Apply →
Points needed for your trip
Flight per person (business, AAdvantage) 70,000
Flight total (2 travelers) 140,000 pts
Total trip estimate 140,000 pts
Signup bonus covers 43%
Earn rates
10x hotels/cars/attractions via Citi Travel; 3x air, hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, gas/EV; 1x else
Transfer partners for this destination
American AAdvantageQatar Privilege Club (Avios)
Destination-specific note
Citi TY → AAdvantage 1:1 books JAL via Tokyo or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong to Manila: 37,500 economy / 70,000 business one-way with low taxes. Citi also transfers to Qatar Avios 1:1 for the Philippine Airlines nonstops.
Key perks
3x on 5 categories
$100 hotel credit
Transfers to AAdvantage
Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Chase

Sapphire Reserve

Chase Ultimate Rewards
100k
signup pts
67% covered by bonus
$795/yr 75k pts business
Apply →
Points needed for your trip
Flight per person (business, Aeroplan on EVA) 75,000
Flight total (2 travelers) 150,000 pts
Total trip estimate 150,000 pts
Signup bonus covers 67%
Earn rates
8x Chase Travel; 4x flights & hotels booked direct; 3x dining; 1x everything else
Transfer partners for this destination
Air Canada AeroplanBritish Airways (Avios)
Hotel transfer partners
World of HyattIHG One Rewards
Destination-specific note
Chase does not transfer to Atmos. Its best path is Aeroplan on EVA Air via Taipei — 75,000 in business from SFO or SEA on the June 2026 chart (priced by distance; confirm on a live search). For the Philippine Airlines nonstops on Avios, Chase goes through British Airways Avios.
Key perks
$300 travel credit
Priority Pass
Global Entry credit
The Platinum Card® from American Express
American Express

Platinum Card

Amex Membership Rewards
175k
signup pts
100% covered by bonus
$895/yr 75k – 110k pts business
Apply →
Points needed for your trip
Flight per person (business, Aeroplan / Qatar) 75k – 110k
Flight total (2 travelers, Aeroplan) 150,000 pts
Total trip estimate 150,000 pts
Signup bonus covers 100%
Earn rates
5x on flights booked directly or via Amex Travel; 1x everything else
Transfer partners for this destination
Qatar Privilege Club (Avios)Air Canada Aeroplan
Hotel transfer partners
Marriott BonvoyHilton Honors
Destination-specific note
Amex MR → Qatar Avios 1:1 books the same Philippine Airlines nonstops: 100,000 business from Honolulu, 110,000 from the West Coast, but with ~$204–260 in fees. Aeroplan on EVA via Taipei (75,000 business from SFO/SEA) is the cheaper points path. Marriott is the only chain in Cebu, Boracay and Palawan.
Key perks
$200 airline fee credit
Centurion Lounge access at connecting airports
Transfers to Marriott and Hilton
Capital One Venture X Rewards
Capital One

Venture X

Capital One Miles
75k
signup pts
50% covered by bonus
$395/yr 75k – 110k pts business
Apply →
Points needed for your trip
Flight per person (business, Aeroplan / Qatar) 75k – 110k
Flight total (2 travelers, Aeroplan) 150,000 pts
Total trip estimate 150,000 pts
Signup bonus covers 50%
Earn rates
2x on all purchases; 10x hotels/cars, 5x flights via Capital One Travel
Transfer partners for this destination
Qatar Privilege Club (Avios)Air Canada Aeroplan
Destination-specific note
Capital One transfers 1:1 to Qatar Avios (Philippine Airlines nonstops, from 50,000 economy from Honolulu) and to Aeroplan (EVA via Taipei). Check the live panel for current Capital One bonuses.
Key perks
$300 travel credit
Priority Pass
2x on everything

Best booking paths for the Philippines

#1 Best Flight Path
Alaska Atmos Rewards — Philippine Airlines nonstop
Since July 27, 2026, Atmos books Philippine Airlines nonstops to Manila one-way: 75,000 business / 37,500 economy from SFO, Seattle and Honolulu (and Vancouver), 85,000 / 42,500 from LAX, JFK and Chicago (and Toronto). No fuel surcharges — just a $20 partner booking fee and about $26 in taxes from US gateways. Bilt is the only bank that transfers to Atmos (1:1). Philippine Airlines moved to Alaska's third partner tier in January 2026 — that changes earning, not award prices, but terms could change.
75k OW businessBilt → Atmos 1:1~$46 in fees
#2 One Stop, Low Taxes
AAdvantage on JAL or Cathay Pacific
American's AAdvantage books JAL via Tokyo or Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong to Manila for 37,500 economy / 70,000 business one-way, with low taxes. Citi Strata Premier, Strata Elite and Prestige transfer to AAdvantage 1:1. Useful when the nonstops are full, or when you're flying from a city Philippine Airlines doesn't serve.
70k OW businessCiti TY → AAdvantageVia NRT/HND or HKG
#3 Same Nonstops, Different Points
Qatar Privilege Club (Avios) on Philippine Airlines
Qatar Avios books the same Philippine Airlines flights one-way: 50,000 economy / 100,000 business from Honolulu, 55,000 / 110,000 from the West Coast, 77,250 / 154,500 from JFK or Chicago. Fees are higher — about $104–160 in economy and $204–260 in business. Amex, Citi, Capital One and Bilt transfer to Qatar 1:1; Chase gets there through British Airways Avios.
50k OW economy from HNLAmex · Citi · Cap1 · BiltHigher fees
#4 Star Alliance via Taipei
Air Canada Aeroplan on EVA Air
Aeroplan prices partner awards by distance. On the June 2026 chart, EVA Air business from SFO or Seattle to Manila via Taipei comes to 75,000 points one-way — confirm the price on a live search before you transfer. Chase, Amex, Capital One and Bilt transfer to Aeroplan 1:1.
75k OW businessChase · Amex · Cap1 · BiltVia TPE
Beyond Manila
Cebu, Boracay and Palawan
There is no US nonstop to Cebu. On Atmos, SFO–Cebu via Manila is 95,000 in business, and Philippine Airlines domestic flights cost 7,500 Atmos points one-way (up to 1,500 miles). Cebu Pacific promo fares start around ₱299–399 before taxes. Philippine Airlines flies international from NAIA Terminal 1 and domestic from Terminal 2 — leave time to change terminals.
7,500 domestic OWSFO–CEB 95k businessT1 → T2 at NAIA
Where the flights go
Philippine Airlines US gateways
LAX (18 a week from June 2026), SFO daily, Honolulu 5 a week, Seattle 3 a week, JFK (3 a week, rising to 5 from early December 2026) and Chicago O'Hare (new from November 9, 2026, 3 a week). Philippine Airlines is set to join oneworld in 2027; no date has been announced.
6 US gatewaysORD from Nov 9, 2026oneworld in 2027

Hotels on points in the Philippines

Only chain in Cebu, Boracay & Palawan
Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott is the only points chain in Cebu, Boracay and Palawan: Sheraton Cebu Mactan, Four Points Boracay and Four Points Palawan Puerto Princesa. In and near Manila: Westin Manila, Sheraton Manila and Clark Marriott. Amex MR transfers to Marriott.
Cebu · Boracay · PalawanAmex MR → MarriottDynamic pricing
Manila only
World of Hyatt
Hyatt has just two hotels in the Philippines, both in Manila: Grand Hyatt Manila and Hyatt Regency Manila City of Dreams. Chase UR (Reserve 1:1, Preferred 4:3) and Bilt transfer to Hyatt.
2 Manila hotelsChase UR / Bilt → Hyatt
Manila & Clark
Hilton Honors
Conrad Manila, Hilton Manila (Newport) and Hilton Clark Sun Valley. Amex MR transfers to Hilton at 1:2.
Conrad ManilaAmex MR → Hilton 1:2
Makati, Ortigas & Cebu City
IHG One Rewards
Holiday Inn & Suites Makati, Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria and Holiday Inn Cebu City. Chase transfers to IHG 1:1. Hotel points prices in the Philippines are dynamic — check the live rate for your dates before you transfer.
Holiday Inn Cebu CityChase UR → IHGDynamic pricing

Insider tips for Philippines award travel

Tip 01 — Seats for the whole family
Search for your full party first. If that fails, search one seat to see which flights have space, then try splitting the family across two days or two programs (Atmos and Qatar Avios book the same Philippine Airlines flights). Economy space is easier to find for a whole family than business.
Tip 02 — Christmas is the hard part
December is peak — Simbang Gabi runs December 16–24. At launch, December business space from Honolulu showed up on about a third of flights, while April–May 2027 was wide open. For Christmas, book as soon as you can and search every gateway you can reach; if your dates are flexible, April–May is still dry season and far easier.
Tip 03 — Bags and balikbayan boxes
Philippine Airlines economy to and from the US usually includes 2 checked bags of 23 kg (the cheapest fare may include 1). No bag can exceed 32 kg or 158 cm (length + width + height). Balikbayan boxes count as regular checked bags under the same limits — weigh them at home.
Tip 04 — eTravel, visas and the travel tax
Every traveler, kids included, registers on the free eTravel site (etravel.gov.ph) within 72 hours before arrival and again before departure. US citizens get 30 days visa-free. The travel tax (₱1,620 economy / ₱2,700 business) applies to Philippine citizens and residents, not foreign tourists, and Filipinos living abroad who stay under a year are exempt.
Tip 05 — Pesos, ATMs and cards
Most Philippine ATMs charge foreign cards ₱250 per withdrawal, so take out larger amounts less often. Use a no-foreign-transaction-fee card where cards are accepted, and always choose to pay in pesos, not dollars, when a terminal offers both.
Tip 06 — Weather and timing
The dry season runs December to May. June to November is typhoon season, which matters most if you're connecting on to Cebu, Boracay or Palawan — leave a buffer day before your flight home. The NAIA terminal fee for international departures is ₱950 (since September 14, 2025).
Philippines Points Journal
Plan the whole family's trip in one spreadsheet

A $14 Excel and Google Sheets journal built for family trips home as much as vacations: balances for Atmos, Qatar Avios, AAdvantage and Aeroplan, how many more points your whole family needs, a 16-point booking checklist (Manila–Cebu connection, bags and balikbayan boxes, Christmas space, eTravel) and destination notes. Ranked by math, not by payouts.

$14 · one-time
Philippines Points Journal — $14 →
6 tabs · Excel + Google Sheets · no macros
Free guide
Pooling points for a family trip
Which programs let you combine points across travelers
All destinations
Destination card guides
Japan, Hawaii, China, the Philippines and more
ByTheMath Network
More tools for your full financial picture

Points maximize your travel spend. Savings rates maximize what your money earns while it waits.

YourBestCards
Trip Gap Calculator
254 destinations · see any trip coverage
YourBestSavings
Best CD & HYSA Rates
Savings ranked by the math, not referral fees
YourBestSavings
HSA Provider Comparison
HSA providers compared on fees and investing

Philippines Award Travel FAQ

What is the cheapest way to fly business class to Manila on points?

Alaska Atmos Rewards on Philippine Airlines: 75,000 points one-way in business nonstop from San Francisco, Seattle or Honolulu (85,000 from Los Angeles, New York JFK or Chicago), with no fuel surcharges — just a $20 booking fee and about $26 in taxes. AAdvantage on JAL or Cathay Pacific is 70,000 with one stop.

Which credit cards transfer to Alaska Atmos Rewards?

Bilt is the only bank program that transfers to Atmos, at 1:1. The Bank of America Atmos Rewards cards earn Atmos points directly. Chase, Amex, Citi and Capital One points can't go to Atmos, but they can book the same Philippine Airlines flights through Qatar Avios, or other airlines through AAdvantage (Citi) and Aeroplan.

Which US cities fly nonstop to Manila?

Philippine Airlines flies nonstop from Los Angeles (18 a week from June 2026), San Francisco (daily), Honolulu (5 a week), Seattle (3 a week), New York JFK (3 a week, rising to 5 from early December 2026) and Chicago O'Hare (new from November 9, 2026, 3 a week). There is no US nonstop to Cebu.

Can a family of four find award seats to Manila at Christmas?

It's the hardest time of year. When Atmos launched the partnership, December business space from Honolulu showed up on about a third of flights, while April–May 2027 was wide open. Economy is easier for a whole family: four seats from SFO, Seattle or Honolulu cost 150,000 Atmos points one-way. Book early and be ready to split the family across days or programs.

What is eTravel, and do I need a visa?

eTravel is the Philippines' free online registration (etravel.gov.ph). Every traveler must complete it within 72 hours before arrival and again before departure. US citizens can stay 30 days visa-free. Former Filipinos can use the balikbayan privilege for a 1-year visa-free stay, and so can a foreign spouse and children traveling with them.

Do I have to pay the Philippine travel tax?

Only if you're a Philippine citizen or resident — foreign tourists don't pay it. It's ₱1,620 in economy and ₱2,700 in business, and Filipinos living abroad who stay less than a year are exempt. A bill to abolish it passed the House 257–1 in March 2026 and is pending in the Senate.

How many bags can I check, and do balikbayan boxes count?

Philippine Airlines economy to and from the US usually includes two 23 kg bags (the cheapest fare may include one). Each bag can be at most 32 kg and 158 cm. Balikbayan boxes count as regular checked bags under the same limits.

Can I use points to get to Cebu, Boracay or Palawan?

Yes. Philippine Airlines domestic flights cost 7,500 Atmos points one-way (up to 1,500 miles), and SFO to Cebu via Manila is 95,000 in business on Atmos. For hotels, Marriott is the only points chain in Cebu, Boracay and Palawan (Sheraton Cebu Mactan, Four Points Boracay, Four Points Palawan Puerto Princesa).

Related Guides

Points to Hawaii — Atmos Rewards and the Honolulu gateway Points to Japan — JAL and ANA business class Bilt Card Optimizer — the only bank card that transfers to Atmos Group Rewards Trip Planner — Pool Points for Family Trips How Airline Miles Work — Transfer Partners & Award Space Best Credit Cards for International Travel All Destination Guides — Japan, Paris, London & More How YourBestCards ranks cards — Scoring methodology Editorial policy

Pre-transfer checklist

Transferred points cannot be returned
Points
✓
I found award space for every traveler on the same flight (or have a plan to split the family) before transferring
✓
I verified the exact points cost for my gateway on the airline website — 75k vs. 85k business on Atmos depends on the city
✓
I'm transferring to the right program — only Bilt goes to Atmos; Amex, Citi, Capital One and Bilt go to Qatar Avios
✓
I checked the live panel above for an active transfer bonus
Flights
✓
I compared fees: ~$46 per ticket on Atmos vs. ~$104–260 on Qatar Avios
✓
If I'm going on to Cebu, Boracay or Palawan, I left time to change from NAIA Terminal 1 to Terminal 2
✓
I know the cancellation and redeposit policy if my dates change
✓
I weighed every bag and balikbayan box — 23 kg allowance, 32 kg and 158 cm maximum
Entry & Family
✓
Every traveler, kids included, will register on eTravel within 72 hours before arrival and before departure
✓
I know who in the family owes the travel tax (citizens and residents) and who is exempt
✓
I know whether we're entering visa-free (30 days) or under the 1-year balikbayan privilege
✓
I'm bringing a no-foreign-transaction-fee card and will pay in pesos, not dollars
YourBestCards is a property of the ByTheMath network. Award prices checked September 28, 2026; transfer bonuses are live. No institution pays for placement or ranking. Always verify award availability and fees directly at the airline or hotel website before transferring points — transferred points cannot be returned. Editorial policy · Scoring methodology