Manila Airport

As expected, there was a long line of passengers entering the terminal but once inside, the space was big enough to accommodate passengers. There was no line at the check in and security was a breeze. Enough food and shopping establishments in departures. Our gate was separated from the other gates so again enough room for all passengers.

Terminal 2 is simply awful. We were transiting so went straight from the plane into the terminal area. All food vendors accept PHP Cash Only so it is not possible to buy food or drinks unless you happen to be carrying pesos. There is no international ATM to withdraw PHP or a travelex to exchange currency. In addition there are no drinking water taps or fountains. The terminal is poorly air conditioned and seating is limited. It is really only geared towards locals departing so if you are not a local do not transit Manila with PAL. There is only a Mabuhay lounge which does not offer pay per use or paid membership so basically you have no alternative but to be hot, hungry, thirsty and uncomfortable whilst waiting for your flight. Thankfully my 5 year old and 11 year old are seasoned travellers. The only redeeming feature was the kind staff of PAL and the free wifi.

Terminal 3 in the morning has a long line outside of the airport. Terminal 3 has a good air conditioning. Not that crowded yet. The waiting area is in a basement so you can't see any views. There are food stalls at the airport which is good for us waiting for boarding. The seats have cushions but are not comfortable enough to sleep into it. The speaker or the audio for the announcements are too low, so we couldn't hear much.

Terminal 2 in Manila Airport is hot and overcrowded with dirty bathrooms, little food, and a glut of pointless duty-free shops. Basics like seating, air conditioning, and plumbing have been totally bungled by the airport management. Transferring by PAL shuttle bus from Terminal 1 is an even bigger hassle (the bus operates in landside mixed traffic). Without major changes, NAIA 2 will hobble PAL's attempts join an alliance or meet its goal of becoming a 5-star airline.

Was a quick exit from the gate. Straight thru immigration. Very proficient young lady called us back to ensure we had the correct stay visa. Baggage claim took time. Straight thru customs. Watch the touts on exit. We had arranged for pick up so were assisted on exit. Traffic is horrible as expected. Its definitely a culture shock.

After my arrival at the same terminal 3 airport, I was looking forward to my departure. First of all I had to wait outside in the rain and there is a long queue and was subject to a luggage scan, I was not happy at all. After my fast check in at Cathay Pacific check in, I proceed to the international departure lounge, I was shocked to see so few shops and very expensive as well, I look down and see the domestic lounge and that is full of shops, the escalator pathways were not working and I did read a review here in March and they still not fix it, not surprise really, it really is bad and the most boring departure lounge I have ever come across, luckily I travel first class and was able to use the Cathay Pacific new lounge and that is very good. I am not surprise really as Cebu Airport is just as bad.

I have heard so many horror stories about Manila Airport, anyway this is my experience, I arrived and went through passport check and straight to the luggage part of the airport, so far very good and fast and terminal 3 looked clean. However, it took over 45 minutes before I could pick up my luggage, not good. Delighted to see my friends are inside the airport unlike Cebu Airport where they are not allow inside the airport, overall quite good apart from waiting for my luggage.

As we had forward seats, we were out of the aircraft earlier than expected. At immigration was cleared promptly by a very observant immigration officer, who noticed my partner was a returning Filipina and called us back and re stamped my passport for a years stay. At the baggage claim our bags came off fine, but noticed some commotion with a local and a lot of shouting and pushing. Walked out thru green channel - nothing to declare. Watch out for touts outside, they are a menace. We had transport arrangements made so was not too stressed. Was picked up by the arrival and taken straight out. Overall I would say what it was what I had been expecting.

Arrived at Terminal 1 on a Philippine Airlines flight in transit to another international flight at Terminal 2. So the sign said "Transfer desk for Philippine Airlines customers" but no, your next flight needed to be with them to get the airside transfer. We had to clear immigration, get bags and lug them out onto the street where no one greeted us but taxi drivers on the make. Thankfully a decent policeman advised us where the free bus was and we made it back through security and immigration - again. 30 minutes in the country. Both terminals dingy and overcrowded. Why no airside transit arrangements is beyond me. Other comments about expensive duty free are also very true. One of the worst airports I have encountered in my travels.

Worst airport in the world, they say? I don't know but NAIA comes pretty close. Family or friends who bring you to the airport are not allowed to go into the building. So, no opportunity to have a last chat or hug after checking in. Passing security they will take your cigarette lighter. That's OK but after passing customs there are shops where you can buy lighters! Duty free shops have prices that are 2 to 3 times more expensive than what you pay in any mall. Although I must say that the last couple of years immigration officers are much friendlier.