Bagahe, Boxes and Pasalubong
On a trip home the baggage allowance usually decides the real cost of the ticket. Here is how it actually works, including when we will tell you not to buy extra baggage from us.
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Why the cheapest fare is often the dearest trip
Two fares £80 apart can end up £300 apart once bags are added, because allowances differ enormously between carriers, and again between the long-haul leg and any domestic leg. The domestic carriers in the Philippines are the strict ones — an allowance that is generous from London can shrink sharply on the flight from Manila to your province. We price every quote on total cost including the bags you need, which is why our cheapest-looking option and our recommended option are sometimes different.
Buy the allowance before the airport, always
Pre-purchased baggage is materially cheaper than paying at the check-in desk, and airport excess is priced to punish. If you know you are going home heavy — and most people going home for Pasko are — tell us at the point of booking and we will add it then. It is the single easiest saving on the whole trip.
When a balikbayan box is the better answer
We are a travel agency, not a cargo company, and we will say plainly when baggage is the wrong tool. If you are sending household goods, appliances, bulk grocery or anything heavy that does not need to arrive with you, sea freight in a balikbayan box is normally far cheaper than excess baggage, provided you send it early — sea freight typically takes a couple of months, so a box for Pasko wants to leave in good time. Carry with you the things that are valuable, fragile, urgent, or that you want to hand over yourself.
Duty-free allowance on boxes
Qualified Filipinos abroad can send balikbayan boxes for personal use to family in the Philippines free of duty and tax, within limits set by the Bureau of Customs on both the number of shipments per year and the total value. The rules are specific about who qualifies and what counts as personal use, and they are updated from time to time, so check the current Bureau of Customs guidance before you send. Anything for resale does not qualify.
Frequently asked questions
How much baggage can I take to the Philippines?
It depends entirely on the airline and fare type, and on any domestic leg. We price the whole journey including the allowance you need rather than quoting a fare you have to top up later.
Is it cheaper to pay for extra baggage or send a balikbayan box?
For heavy or bulky items that do not need to travel with you, a box by sea is normally much cheaper, but it needs sending well in advance. For valuables, documents, fragile items and anything urgent, take it with you. We will give you a straight answer for your specific trip.
Can I add baggage after I have booked?
Usually yes, and it is still cheaper than at the airport, but availability and price can change. It is best added at the time of booking.
How long does a balikbayan box take by sea?
Sea freight typically takes around two months, and longer around the Christmas peak. Send well ahead if it needs to be there for Pasko.
Do I pay duty on a balikbayan box?
Qualified Filipinos abroad can send boxes of personal-use items to family duty and tax free within Bureau of Customs limits on shipments per year and total value. Goods for resale do not qualify. Check the current Bureau of Customs rules before sending.
Get a price for your trip home
Fill this in and a Filipino-speaking agent will come back to you with real options and the total price including bags. No payment now.
Kausapin mo kami — talk to a person
Tell us where home is, roughly when you want to travel, who is going and what you are carrying, and we will come back with real options and the total price including bags. If it is easier for a parent or grandparent to explain the dates themselves, put them on with us — we do that every week.