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An update on my previous thoughts after another annual family trip to the Philippines -- and I've got to give some credit where credit's due. The new management at NAIA Terminal 1 (Thank you SMC) has clearly made an effort, especially when it comes to check-in and security. Things are smoother, faster, and just feel more organized. Kudos! Now... that said, let's not get carried away. The terminal itself? Still stuck somewhere between a 90s throwback and a low-budget waiting lounge. The seats are old--some downright dilapidated, bless their creaky souls. You'd think with all that foot traffic, someone would've called for an upgrade by now. Entertainment? LOL. Unless you count people-watching and quietly judging overpriced souvenirs as fun, you're outta luck. There's a Starbucks, an Illy, and some okay-ish duty-free shops. But no cozy nooks, no decent lounges unless you're in business class , and definitely no space to just stretch out during a long layover. Wonk! Wonk! So here's my honest take: If your layover is more than a few hours, do yourself a favor and head out for a quick Manila or BGC day tour. There's more comfort and character in a jeepney ride than in most of the terminal seating areas. (Make sure you can exit though, the Philippines do require a visa for some countries) To the vloggers calling this the "worst international airport"--chill. Have you actually traveled around Southeast Asia? NAIA T1 may be outdated, but it's far from the bottom of the barrel. Any seasoned traveler knows there are worse terminals out there. Bottom line: Improvements have been made, and they're noticeable. But NAIA Terminal 1 still has a long runway ahead before it can be called world-class. For now, it's doing its best with what it's got. Just don't expect luxury--and pack a little patience along with your passport Bon Voyage! Mabuhay! Toodaloo!
This is where international flights arrives and departs. Still not at par with other Asian airports and can be a big turn off for some (or a lot of) visitors. My last journey flying international and domestic (Terminal 2) were the same issues...poor AC, restrooms with poor water flush, long lines to check in with the airline (and I was hours early for my departure), and endless porters BUT will help you (even if you said no) with a smile and a tip. The key to navigate Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 for that matter...have a lot of patience and have a charged phone. Go through the duty free are just to look around or try the food stalls...you will be fine.
I had the misfortune of getting scammed by the Taxi Stand and service at Terminal 1, First, I had to pay 990 pesos for a ride that normally goes for 300. Second, the driver demanded a tip of 1000, or he was not going to release my bag. I recommend everyone get the Grab App, it is just like Uber, which doesn't operate in the Philippines, and you can link your credit card to it, so you don't have to worry about carrying smaller denominations of money. It is so much easier when you used this app instead of chasing down cads.
In the last 5 years, I have traveled to the Philippines more than I can count now. I've lost track but I do know I go there at a minimum of 4-5 times per year. I'm quite familiar with how this place works. It's a bit inefficient but that's just how it is. Ticketing is slow but not too bad. Immigration is quick and painless. I can't complain about anything here besides to warm AC. It's definitely not up to par with other international airports but at least it has decent seats.
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) serving the Metro Manila area We had a 14 hour layover in Manila. I watched several videos and read reviews beforehand and found out it was the worst airport to travel to. Maybe it's because I was mentally prepared, it wasn't all that bad compared to JFK or LaGuardia! We allowed extra time to go back to the airport after we spent 9 hours venturing out to the city. Security wasn't too bad. The waiting area to board the plane was small, crammed and smells like urine. I can't speak for the food because I had Lounge Access which I wish I stayed longer if J knew the flight was a bit delay.
Manila International Airport (MNL) aka "NAIA" or Ninoy Aquino International Airport consists of 4 Terminals, with NAIA1 serving most of PAL's International flights along with other airline carriers. PAL's Domestic flights operate in and out of NAIA2. MNL International Airport is medium in size that each terminal you cannot easily access via Sky Bridge or Sky Train. There is complimentary airport transportation services between each terminal either externally or internal transfer if you have a transit same day with close connection. It's been notoriously known for being one of the worst and least desirable airports of all Asia. If not, the worst in the whole world! Being that it's a gateway to The Philippines and other ASEAN countries, international carriers come from all across Asia, parts of Europe, Africa, a few major US Cities, and all around the Pacific to connect you to other destinations. There are a few boutique luxury stores, Duty Free Shops, Food Hall, Starbucks, other coffee shops, and other stores. PAL also has a Mabuhay Business Lounge on 4F and I believe there are two other brands of business lounges on the main floor. Prior to entering the Depature Hall a bit chaotic, but organized. I wish it was a seamless process, like clearing US's TSA Precheck. There are a few ForEx counters, Hotel Pickups, Taxi and ride-share Bays. What actually moved quickly are the lines clearing Immigration. They work fast and the process is pain free. What I did notice is that the check-in counters have been updated with brighter lighting. Compared to a few years ago, the look of the airport has made some type of improvement. One thing that I would like to point out was that your luggage's had to be pre-screened prior to checking in at bag drop. You would assume your luggage's would be screened once bags are dropped off prior to entering cargo. Free WiFi, clean restrooms, but the walkways are extremely narrow and over crowded. According to PAL's website, you may check-in up to 5 hours prior to your International flight. There will be another security check point prior to boarding your flight. Word of advice, be patient and just let the process flow. You'll eventually get to your gate.
NAIA, in general, needs help. I have been in and out of Terminal 1 a few times over the years and find that it is crowded, confusing and outdated. Since NAIA itself does seem to do its general intended function (there are paved runways for takeoffs and landings) and Terminal 1 at least has some weak air-conditioning, I am giving it 2 stars but that is on a good day. Departure is a near disaster just trying to get into the building. First, make sure you really need to be at Terminal 1. There are a few other terminals and if you mistakenly get to Terminal 1, the others are not connected and you cannot walk the streets to get to them unless you want to die from sweating, get run over, or worse. And good luck trying to get a Grab/Uber/Taxi to take you to the other terminals from T1. They are close enough that no driver wants to accept that fare as they feel it is a waste of their time. If you are lucky enough to try to get a taxi that is dropping off to let you get in and take you there, they are going to quote you a ridiculously high amount because they know they have you by the short hairs. Don't ask me how I know all of this and consider yourself forewarned. Once you actually make it into the terminal, there are no self-checkin kiosks so you will wait in line. Actually you will wait en-masse since there do not seem to be enough ropes and poles in all of Manila to organize the lines within T1. Just keep pushing in the general direction of the ticket counters and you will get your boarding pass. Eventually. Or, you can pay the extra for business class and there are agents dedicated just for you and there are rarely any waits for them. Totally worth it in my book unless you don't mind spending 3 hours trying to check in. After check-in, the fun really starts because the immigration check area followed by the security screen area are both barely more organized than the ticket counters. On my most recent visit, there were members from the Philippine Coast Guard helping to manage the lines. I'm not sure why they were tasked with this and I'm sure that they are very good at running things on a ship. But we were on land and they did not seem to be really helping the issue of herding the sheeple through the immigration security process. If you are lucky enough to get through the screening process quickly enough to prevent you from dying from old age, you eventually empty into a linear terminal with gates at both ends. It is a relatively normal airport terminal experience at that point but you will have walked the gauntlet to get to it. I have found Manila, in general, to be crowded, loud, disorganized and dirty as a city so it should be no surprise that Terminal 1 is a pretty good representation of the city. But Manila is also full of really nice, cheerful people (albeit disorganized) and Terminal 1 is staffed by these same people (also disorganized). It could be worse in my opinion (maybe not by much but things can always be worse) hence my rating of 2 stars. And my pro tip for people using Terminal 1 to depart from Manila is simple: Get there earlier than you think you need to get there, have some patience, and make sure you go the correct terminal the first time and you will probably make your flight with seconds to spare.
This is really like a 2.5 star review. Just a little history on Terminal 1, the majority of international flights land and take off from here. I think it's the 2nd oldest terminal so it's quite small and dated. The Terminal 1 brutalist style architecture looks very different from Terminal 2 (domestic - PAL only), which is more modern and designed by SOM (Skidmore, Owings and Merrill). Let's break up the experiences: Flying in is a delight..... - you are happy, in fact you're ecstatic because you've endured 25 hours of travel (cab ride, waiting, flying, connections, etc.). So you're in a good mood. - the carousel experience has been fine, no issues with my luggage whatsoever. - no issues with Immigration at all. - taking my luggage to the ground transport pick up area is a little tricky. There is a steep incline so you may want to hire a porter or two. - you can get a travel SIM by the pick up area. That's convenient. I had unlimited call, text and wifi for two weeks. - finally, my family's home (Pasay City) is just 10 minutes away - by mall of Asia and IKEA. Flying - out....aye Caramba!! - it's just a 10 minute ride from the crib. - when entering the main large room, it's really hard to find your airline's signage. - after getting in your correct queue, it's really long and squiggly. There is a look of apathy and babies cry. - you then realize, this terminal should have expanded 30 years ago. - after getting through the check-in madness, you find that the restroom toilets still don't flush properly. In all fairness, the restroom attendant was keeping things clean. - I always go to the Starbucks to catch my breathe after all of that. There's also a lot of negativity about theft from one's luggage or even by their TSA. This terminal needs to be rebuilt and there should be a way to address the folks who lack integrity. Pro tip - if you purchase weaponry like balisong knives or machetes, Your check in luggage will not make the flight. You'll get that delivered to your home like 3 days later, at 2:00 a.m. or so.
I arrived very early since I came from far away. There's no food court in Terminal 1 . I arrived just before 6 PM, and I can't check in until 2 hrs later, coz my departure time is at 11:30 PM. Sad You need a food court inside the airport at the waiting area!
4 years ago
Philippines review #32 Each of my flights between Manila and the US, except one, have been through terminal 1 at the Manila's International Airport (NAIA). The most recent being in September, then late November 2015. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/naia-terminal-1-pasay?select=_Q7x2IIIH0WhU3pLKoMkUw This terminal seems nice and somewhat modern as you exit the plane and walk through the arrival hall. It appears they've been doing some much needed "freshening up" recently and this is a very good thing. When you're flying out, the ticketing / check-in lobby (once you're able to get in the door, see TIP below) is very large and open, but not as modern as it could/should be. As you walk towards the gates, the shopping areas for the last minute stuff and duty free look quite nice. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/naia-terminal-1-pasay?select=j9Yc4Ewt7-fbRAb36M-bng On your way out of the airport, once you go through immigration and collect your baggage, you head to the exit. If you need a taxi or someone is picking you up, cross the road, into the other "building", then down the ramp to the real pick up area and..... welcome to the Philippines! People trying to sell you things, guys trying to carry your bags for you and taxi drivers trying to get your business. If someone is to pick you up, they are most likely in the caged / fenced in "waiting area" across that road. VERY IMPORTANT TIP: When catching a flight out, the VERY frustrating and annoying about this terminal is, YOU MUST HAVE PROOF of being booked on a flight (a printed copy OR on your phone) if you don't, THEY WILL NOT LET YOU IN the terminal!!! This reality slapped me in the face the first week of October. I neglected to bring a printed a copy of my itinerary and was denied entry to the terminal for my return flight. Fortunately China Southern has an office (most airlines do I believe) on the 3rd floor. So after jumping through the security hoops, I was able to go up to their office, get a copy of my itinerary and finally gain entry to the terminal. Now fast forward to last Friday (Dec 4th). Had I NOT brought a printed copy with me this time, I would have been totally screwed and missed my 8:30 am flight. You see the business offices didn't open until 9 am. One last point: This ridiculous extra "security" measure is ONLY in place at Terminal 1, NONE of the other terminals have this requirement! OVERALL: This terminal at NAIA does what it's supposed to do and (mostly) does it pretty well. But remember... if you have a pig... and you put a fancy dress and makeup on it... in the end... it's still just a pig. 'Nuff said. read more
7 years ago
Let's begin. So I've read just about every thing there is to be read about this airport on the Internet and here is my opinion and tips on departing from terminal one! 1. If you don't want to pay 50php per bag for help get them inside then as soon as you get out of the taxi/car be prepared to kindly decline their service. There are free trolleys and you can definitely do it yourself! 2. Not sure why there were so many people waiting outside of the entrances. This threw me off a bit because I don't like people watching me struggle with two massive suitcases and because of the scam related things floating around on the Internet you can never be too sure. You might have to queue a bit initially to get inside because they want to check your passport and boarding pass (on mobile phone is fine). 3. You then have to put your bags through an initial security screening before you even get into the check in counter. 4. ALWAYS check in online before hand if you can. You get to wait in the shortest line. 5. Once past security you have about 4 shops/cafes. Thank goodness for Starbucks. 6. Your gate probably won't have enough seating for everyone on the flight and if you don't get there WAY before boarding you will have to stand/sit on the floor (if your brave) if you want to be in the designated gate waiting area. 7. You probably won't board on time. Other than that, everything was smooooth flyin! read more
10 years ago
8 years ago
Fairly small terminal and very crowded. Expect to arrive early early or suffer the masses. Everytime I come to this terminal the masses of inconsiderate flyers tends to multiply 10 fold. The gates will also not let you check in until 3 hours prior to the flight leaving, which also means you won't be able to go through security or immigration as well. So you'll want to be in the front of the line to beat the crowd. Stay alert and watch for those said inconsiderate flyers to start lining up at the check in counter way before they open as well. All I can say is be early. read more
9 years ago
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11 years ago
To make this as objective as possible, I will state, for the record, that the latest I've been to NAIA 1 was last February 3, 2015. I've seen news that they already gave the Ninoy Aquino International Airport a "makeover" but I have not seen it in its "madeover" state yet. So I am posting my experiences pre-"makeover." Oh, and I keep putting those words in quotation marks because I could not attest if there has been any change from its previous state, and because using the word "makeover" for an airport sounds kind of ridiculous. Like NAIA's some sort of Cady Heron. PROS: At least they're trying to improve right?; We didn't have a the terminal tax thing when we left. I don't really know why, but that was a good thing; We were there almost three hours before our flight, so there was no line yet in the baggage check-in. CONS: Oh gosh. Construction scaffolding was everywhere, complete with the blue and orange "trapal" that they throw over the equipment. It's a little scary because you can hear construction noises as well, but see no net above you. Could there possibly be falling debris? Are my reflexes good enough to dodge any, if ever?; I am immune to the fact that most Manila bathrooms don't have tissue paper, and NAIA is no exception, so I have my own. But my brother told me theirs is utterly disgusting. He looked stressed and sweaty coming from there, too; What is up with the busted seats?; When we asked for help on the information desk, we were given looks and responses that were condescending and borderline rude. Why did we even bother asking where to go from baggage check-in? Sorry for wasting your time, guys; Oddly enough, after arriving, the "porters" would practically grab your cart of bags from you once you get them from the carousel. Expecting $$ tips, I guess. Rant: OK, so some people may say that the only reason that NAIA's been criticized a lot is because it gets compared to the airports of other countries and it isn't a valid comparison because the Philippines is a developing country. But that is precisely why we need to improve the state of this airport, WE NEED TO KEEP UP WITH DEVELOPMENT. We can't keep going, "Sorry, Manila's not like this or that because we're poor." That is not an excuse for a government service! TL;DR: NAIA is an essential part of the Manila experience - it is the flagship service providing the utter reality of how it is to be in Manila and expecting government services, but is given little to none. read more
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