Key Points

• Delta confirmed its first-ever nonstop U.S. to Philippines route, connecting Los Angeles and Manila starting March 28, 2027.
• The route flies Delta's A350-900, meaning SkyMiles earning and redemption on Delta One, Premium Select, Comfort, and Main cabins.
• Book early using SkyMiles or a transfer partner, since new premium routes tend to see award space tighten once demand ramps up.

Introduction

If you've been eyeing Manila as your next points redemption, Delta just handed you a reason to get excited. The airline confirmed its first-ever nonstop flights between the U.S. and the Philippines, launching Los Angeles to Manila service on March 28, 2027. It's a meaningful addition for points and miles travelers, since it opens a new nonstop, SkyMiles-earning path to Southeast Asia on one of Delta's best long-haul aircraft. Here's what's actually happening, why it matters if you're sitting on a stash of SkyMiles or transferable points, and how to start planning now.

What Happened

Delta announced on July 16 that it will begin flying nonstop between LAX and Manila (MNL) starting March 28, 2027, using its Airbus A350-900. The route starts at three times weekly before stepping up to daily service on June 7, 2027, and remains subject to standard government approval for new international routes. This makes Delta the only U.S. carrier flying nonstop on this specific route, though it isn't the only nonstop option between the two countries. Philippine Airlines already flies nonstop from LAX, and both Philippine Airlines and United fly nonstop from San Francisco.

The A350-900 carries four cabins: Delta One business class, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main, so travelers get lie-flat seats up front and a genuine premium economy option in between.

Why This Matters

For points travelers, the headline is simple: there's now a nonstop, points-bookable path to Manila that didn't exist before. You can earn and redeem SkyMiles directly on the route, and if SkyMiles pricing doesn't work in your favor, transfer partners like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue can sometimes book Delta's premium cabins for less. If most of your balance sits in Amex Membership Rewards rather than SkyMiles, our guide on how to transfer Amex points to airlines and hotels walks through which transfer partners tend to unlock the best pricing on routes like this one.

This launch also fits into a much bigger wave of U.S.-Philippines route growth. Philippine Airlines returns to Chicago with nonstop Manila service in November 2026, its first flights there in nearly four decades, while also adding frequency to New York, Vancouver, and Toronto. In 2027, Philippine Airlines is set to join the Oneworld alliance, which will eventually connect its Mabuhay Miles program with partners like American Airlines and Qatar Airways. Delta's new route also strengthens its joint venture with Korean Air, giving travelers a second connecting option through Seoul if the nonstop doesn't fit their dates.

Translation: more competition on this corridor generally means more seats, more schedule options, and more chances to find award space that works with your travel dates. It's a good problem to have if Manila or the broader Philippines is on your list.

What You Should Do

• Start tracking your SkyMiles balance now. If you're building toward a Manila trip, check your current balance and figure out how many miles a Delta One redemption would realistically require for a nonstop award closer to the date. If SkyMiles pricing has burned you before, it's worth reading why Delta SkyMiles can be so hard to use before you commit a big chunk of your balance.
• Watch award space early. New routes often open with generous award availability before demand catches up, so setting alerts through a tool like Seats.Aero can help you catch premium cabin space as soon as it loads.
• Compare your redemption options. Before booking directly with SkyMiles, run the same dates through Point.Me to see whether a transfer partner beats Delta's own pricing.
• Consider the connecting alternative. If the March 2027 launch dates don't line up with your plans, Delta's joint venture with Korean Air through Seoul is worth pricing out as a backup.
• Keep earning toward the trip. If you're not already maximizing Delta purchases, a card like the Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card earns bonus miles on Delta spending and includes perks that stack nicely with a bigger international redemption down the line.

For a full rundown of how SkyMiles pricing works before you commit points to this route, our guide on understanding Delta SkyMiles breaks down the program's award chart logic and where the sweet spots tend to hide.

FAQ

When does Delta's LAX-Manila route start flying?
Service begins March 28, 2027, at three flights per week, increasing to daily flights on June 7, 2027. The route still needs final government approval, which is standard for new international service.

Can I book this route with SkyMiles?
Yes. Once the route opens for sale, it will be bookable with SkyMiles like any other Delta international flight, and it should also be bookable through partners like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Air France-KLM Flying Blue.

Is Delta the only airline flying nonstop between the U.S. and Manila?
No. Philippine Airlines already flies nonstop from LAX, and both Philippine Airlines and United fly nonstop from San Francisco. Delta will be the first U.S. carrier to fly the LAX-Manila nonstop specifically.

Conclusion

Delta's LAX-Manila route won't take off for a while yet, but it's a real, confirmed addition to a Philippines market that's suddenly getting a lot more attention from U.S. and Asian carriers alike. If a trip to Manila has been sitting on your someday list, this is a good moment to start tracking SkyMiles pricing and watching for early award space. This article contains affiliate links. If you apply through our links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you, which helps us continue sharing points and miles strategies with the community.