I have flown into and out of Manila probably more than 50 times. MNL All Terminals (1,2,3) are among the worst international terminals on the planet. T1 is especially bad. It's old and lacks amenities you'll find in other airports - especially in SE Asia with standouts in Singapore and KL. If you have to transit there your best bet is T3 but even that's not great. It's too bad that a country with such great hospitality has such a dismal airport experience.
i forgot to mention in my other posts that last time there, the baggage claim area had a lot of standing ventilators as the ac was not working. very comfortable in a tropical country
Ben, take note of what @Gerwanese said. He's 100% correct. NAIA is STILL a mess even after the cosmetic changes. and you did actually see the 'best' parts of it. That's really not saying much, is it? Based in the region, I'm a regular traveller through all the major (and minor) SE Asian airports. NAIA remains the worst, hands down after three decades(!) It's the only airport which my former company would issue warnings and guides about. Every newbie would get a 20 minute lecture about navigating the pitfalls of that mess.
Lucky boy, whatchu doing in MNL?
Asia’s top 3 worst airport
I shudder to think how it’ll be when PAL joins OW in 2027
*shudders*
None of this should be a surprise. It's well know that just about everything at Manila Airport is a massive trainwreck. Just like the country. Any attempt to rationalize the situation, or discuss in any logical manner is pointless. It’s the way the Philippines (doesn't) work. Before the haters come out - the facts are the facts.
Avoid PAL and MNL at all costs.
It doesn't matter which terminal you're in, 1, 2 or 3, ground experience sucks and all the pal lounges are awful compared to competition.
Someone should chance the airport code from MNL to DYS (Dysfunctional)
i am in Manila often and avoid PL and T1whenever i can
A few months ago i was on the A330 that you reviewed earlier - "unbelievable" - i have never seen anything as bizarre as this layout - i had the window seat and was lucky that i had had the seat next to me free as i have no idea how i could have left it.
The PL lounge in T! is a nightmare - the only thing that can be said is that it is better than the lounge options at the end of the terminal
TI is a nightmare in and of itself. Arrival immigration is not that much of an issue but the exit formalities are chaotic at best. You may be able to get through in a matter of minutes but if you catch it wrong, is's 1 H or more- even with Apec
Changing terminals is not an option as you mentioned- unbelievably bad
However, there are a few bright spots -other than holes in roof
They are in the process of upgradng T3 and moving all international traffic T3 - this may help a International-international connection but it won't do much for a domestic t0 International change
The other positive is that their new aircraft - specfically the new A321s are really quite good - once you get on the plane!!!
Oh well
yup. unfortunately, one of the least enjoyable airports i have ever seen. i am almost impressed how bad the lounge situation is, specifically for qatar and emirates business class passenger. catering is also many levels below international standards, so if you fly a top airline like qatar expect a different dining experience.
omg, i forgot 2 more things:
no bag carts available. waited forever and then we tipped one of the bag handlers to bring as one of the dozen carts that were outside the baggage area
and fun private car pick-up. very hard to find the car and then we were constantly parked in by people stopping in second and even third lane. at my next trip, that issue was resolved by security guys