Delta Air Lines is doubling down on its transpacific ambitions with a major new route reveal: direct flights connecting Los Angeles to Manila, Philippines.
Set to launch on March 28, the route is a big deal for the carrier—marking Delta’s first-ever direct link between the U.S. mainland and the Philippine capital. For West Coast travelers and SkyMiles collectors, it means a much easier journey into Southeast Asia without having to deal with a layover.
Building Out the LAX Pacific Hub
This new Manila flight isn’t just a random addition; it’s part of a huge, calculated push to turn Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) into Delta’s ultimate launching pad for the Asia-Pacific region.
Over the past year alone, the airline has been rapidly stacking its LAX departures. They recently launched direct service to Hong Kong, on top of kicking off flights to Melbourne, Australia, late last year. Delta executives have made no secret of their plans, calling the transpacific market one of their biggest potential money-makers over the next few years.
Instead of relying on partner airlines to carry passengers through overseas transfer hubs, Delta is actively adding direct flights to high-demand spots their customers are begging to fly to directly.
Returning to Manila (Without the Layover)
While this is Delta’s first direct connection from the U.S. mainland, the airline isn’t a total stranger to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL).
Years back, Delta reached Manila through “fifth-freedom” stopover flights out of Tokyo Narita, and later through its partnership hub in Seoul Incheon. However, those multi-leg routes were quietly dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic and never brought back.
This new direct route brings Delta back to Manila in style, making it the very first U.S. airline to link Los Angeles directly to the Philippines.
A Huge Win for Points and Miles Collectors
This move shakes up a lot of options for travelers planning a trip across the Pacific:
- Philippine Airlines currently dominates the direct LAX-to-Manila route (and is gearing up to join the Oneworld alliance).
- United Airlines already offers direct service to Manila from its West Coast stronghold in San Francisco (SFO).
- Delta’s entry gives travelers a brand-new option to redeem their miles—and the extra competition should help keep cash fares in check.
What to Expect Onboard (and On the Ground)
Delta will operate the long-haul journey on its flagship Airbus A350-900. Depending on the exact interior setup, these wide-body jets offer up to 40 lie-flat Delta One suites, alongside Delta Premium Select recliner seats and standard economy options.
The new flight also fits perfectly into Delta’s massive ground operations upgrade in Southern California. The route reveal comes right on the heels of Delta opening its brand-new Delta One Lounge at LAX—giving business-class travelers a high-end spot to grab a bite, relax, or grab a shower before taking on the long haul across the Pacific.
