Since we booked our upcoming cruise to Australia and New Zealand through our local travel agency, we worked with the local agent dedicated to cruise travel arrangements. About a month before our March cruise, our agent provided us with our flights and pre- and post-cruise hotel stays. Since we wanted to extend our trip, we were flying such a long distance and staying abroad for about three weeks. However, a month before our cruise, we noticed that the agent had arranged our flights with Philippine Airlines, with a stopover and connecting flight in Manila before continuing to Sydney, AU. The total time with a stopover was 24 hours, whereas a direct flight would only take around 10 hours. Undeterred, we left the arrangements alone and decided to start our adventures at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the Philippines' international airport. We've never flown on Philippine Airlines before and found the flights to be comfortable, with friendly, polite air crew and very safety-minded. Before we departed from Honolulu, our agent sent us instructions to complete the Philippine Government's Travel Documents as foreign visitors, even though we were only going to be in the Philippines to catch a connecting flight and not leave the airport. After completing the online Arrival into and Departure from the Philippines to Australia, we understood the necessity of these immigration documents for residents and foreign visitors. After deplaning in Manila, we were informed that we needed to be screened by airport security, which we found odd because we and others had just gotten off the plane, had boarding passes for our connecting flight, and weren't planning to leave the airport. Then a series of misunderstandings occurred, and our 5-hour stopover was spent being ping-ponged between security screening on the 2nd floor and the security guard on the 3rd floor. What happened, you ask? Well, after passing through security, the last agent told us to climb the stairs to the third floor to our gate, as we had presented our connecting flight tickets and asked if our checked luggage was being transferred with us. The agent told us we'd have to go to baggage claim downstairs to identify and unlock our bags before entering Australia, but then directed us upstairs. We were puzzled by her direction and worried that if we went to baggage claim, we might have to go through TSA to re-enter the terminal. However, after looking at the stairs' incline, I asked if there were elevators, as I am still healing from my knee replacement and had a carry-on bag and purse in hand. The agent then took us to the elevator next to their Transit Desk and told us to go upstairs. When we got out, a security guard stopped us, looked at our boarding passes, and asked us why our tickets weren't stamped. We asked, "What Stamp?" Because we had just gone through connecting flight or transit screening, and they directed us upstairs without a stamp. However, he sent us back downstairs to security check again. None of the agents remembered us going through, so we stood in line and went through the screening process again. When we reached the end of the process and were repacking our belongings after inspection, I was fortunate to see an agent who had helped me with my carry-on bag before sending us to the elevator going up a floor. He asked why we were back. I told him the upstairs inspector/agent sent us back for some "stamp." We were then sent back upstairs, but this time we were told to tell them we had a connecting flight, had already passed the transit inspection, and needed to identify our checked luggage, but didn't know where to go on the third floor. All of a sudden, we could see a "light bulb" go off in the head of this security guard as he then told us we needed to go around the corner by the WH Smith store, take the elevator down to baggage claim or holding, identify and open our bags to be screened before they could send the bags onto the connecting flight. We got a little worried because we weren't sure whether the elevator would take us outside the airport, and then we'd have to go through security again! But no, there was a sign and an agent from the Australian DHA Baggage Check who assured us we wouldn't have to leave the airport. Once the agents downstairs clear our baggage, they'd stamp or approve it on our boarding passes, allowing our bags to follow us onto the connecting flight. I thank our lucky stars that we didn't have to leave the International Terminal where we arrived and take a shuttle to one of their other two terminals, since it was quite warm outside and we could at least enjoy the cool air-conditioning there. Also, should we ever fly through the Philippines again, we'll know what to do if we have a connecting flight with checked luggage. read more

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! read more

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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. read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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. read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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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. read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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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. read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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. read more

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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! read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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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. read more

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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. read more

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Is this airport getting worse??? I read that the plan is to renovate this terminal and if so it is long overdue. I've been coming here for 30 years and every time it looks worse. Not the arrivals area, no. The departures area. Their duty free is lackluster. Their pasalubong is repetitive. Their food options are really pathetic for a terminal serving so many international flights. I've been to terminal 3 so I know better is possible. Restrooms are just horrendous. Not sure why there is zero ventilation still in 2024. The only good part about this airport is the helpfulness of the porters. read more

Be mentally AND physically prepared for one of the most out-of-date and chaotic airport experiences of your life. NAIA (aka MNL) is one of the stricter airports I've experienced with rules that even other countries don't have. I've flown in and out of NAIA four times this year both for international and domestic flights. I've had such a bad encounter here, I'm not sure where to start but hopefully this helps a future traveller prep: 1. At airports in the Philippines, you HAVE to show your flight itinerary to authorities before even being able to enter the terminal. They WILL stop you. This took me by surprise initially. Fortunately my phone plan had service and I was able to pull up my booking confirmation from my email, but if you have no proof, they will not even let you in the airport. This is very weird for me because sometimes in order to get my itinerary, I have to check in at the counter first and in order to check in at the counter, I have to physically be able to go inside the terminal.... This itinerary rule also sucks because if you have loved ones sending you off, tough luck because authorities will not let them in to say bye to you. 2. Like everyone else said - the check-in lines are INSANE! It's true that there is no organization and no self-check in kiosks anywhere. I arrived 4 hours early for my flight cause I was concerned about traffic but when I got there, there were already THREE lines to check in for one of my flights and it spread almost to the terminal entrance. Do make sure to arrive for your flight AT LEAST three hours before boarding! 3. Security here has weird rules that are not documented including confiscating umbrellas. I had no issue bringing the same umbrella INTO the country through NAIA and flying domestically to Cebu back and forth with the umbrella, but when flying OUT of the country though NAIA Terminal 1, security said it was prohibited and confiscated it. When I asked them why, I kid you not this is how the conversation with them went: Me: I don't understand - I was able to travel with this to other countries and the airports had no issues with me bringing an umbrella. Security: This could be a weapon. Me: Then why was I able to bring in the same umbrella into the country through MNL, but I can't leave with it? Security: Different airport, different rules. The security lady who confiscated it then smiles and unravels my umbrella - what a joke! This made absolutely no sense to me that they let me INTO the country with a "potential weapon" but I could not leave with it. There are a lot of other things to mention but the gist of it is that this is not the most organized airport and if you can, I'd recommend you to avoid it and fly straight into the islands from other countries. read more

Totally poor food availability, 1 hour long lines, poor selection, inadequate employees at the few food booths there. Terrible and easily fixable with a few food and coffee carts: so where are they?? read more

The 2nd oldest terminal at NAIA, it has been renovated over time so it doesn't look as ancient as it is. Granted the architecture still looks like something straight out of a period film and the entire terminal is painfully small, but all things considered it's not that bad. Honestly it looks better maintained than terminal 3, which is the newest to be built. Like others have mentioned, the check in lines can get kind of chaotic. And there aren't that many stores inside the terminal. So make sure you pack snacks if you need it. The seating near the gates is kind of sparse so try to get there early. Even our flight attendants ended up sitting near us while waiting for the plane to show up, since there isn't a lot of space. But other than that, everything is clean, and the bathrooms are nice (better than terminal 3's imo). Since it's smaller, I find it to be less chaotic and crowded than terminal 3 so it's a more pleasant experience over all. read more

We were coming in this airport with a US passport. I didn't know we need to register to etravel first, otherwise we had to go back out of the line and do that. There were no "clear" lines as the staff just allows people curved on lines and you don't know who's in front of who. I think the airport should invest on simple belted lines to show appropriate line-ups that makes the people traffic better, or at least In accordance with most acceptable places. read more

Too few chairs & the chairs are slippery. I keep sliding off the chair. No good. They should replaced them.​ read more

Horrible restrooms! So third world. Why not modernize the entire airport?? I'll never go through this terminal again! :P

By the time you get out of the plane, there are people who works at the airport with wheelchair offering you for a ride going to the nag claim. They will force you to get in the wheelchair which is very annoying. We've been sitting for 14hrs and the first thing I want to do is walk and stretch. Ok. So. At the luggage claim. There's 2-3 people assisting passengers to grab their bags. However, other passenger just keeps on saying "that's my bag, this, that..." and just by pointing because there's like a fence between the carousel where the people stands and assist. The assist just keeps on grabbing bags because then again, they're confuse of which bag passenger pointing too. They grab my bag and give it to other passenger, good thing I was watching them as I was waiting for my bags too. They expect me to tip them but I didn't asked for them to grab my bag. read more

Giving it a 3 star only because we didn't wait long for the check in counter. It's a clusterfck for sure if we didn't get in the PWD line. They don't open the check i counter until 2 hrs prior to flight usually but thankfully they opened it about 3 hrs prior. Disorganized-people were making their own lines and I think that may have prompted airline workers to open up the check in counter. There was a porter that directed us to the PWD (we had. Legit reason) so we ended up being first in line. Immigration line was supposed to have PI and foreigner passports but again people decided to make just one line. Definitely be at the airport 3 hrs prior. We has about 1.5hrs left prior to boarding when we finished w the entire process read more

This terminal has been around for over 5 decades. Though it's been updated over the years there's definitely room for improvement. Anyone traveling in & out of the Philippines will most likely pass through this terminal or the other 3 Terminals 2, 3 & 4, First the ticketing areas are not open all the time. I came early for a flight to Taiwan, 8 hours. I had to wait 3 hrs before my flight to CheckIn. So I had to lug my 50 lbs. suitcase around while seats are limited. They do provide a free luggage cart. With very little seats available I sat on it while leaning on my luggage behind me. 2nd there are no restaurants on the side prior to entering immigrations. Only a water dispenser. There are a few restaurants & kiosks with food & refreshments. 3rd if you are connecting on a domestic flights to the other 7000 islands there's a shuttle bus which may take time during the peak times like in the evening when many flights arrive within minutes of each other. Very busy times. This airport(terminal 1) is a necessity, I don't come here by choice. It definitely needs a major upgrade. If you're stuck in Ticketing you will starve. read more

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Definitely zero stars rating but yelp won't let me! As soon as you enter the main doors, you will be in a very large area with the most chaotic lines I have ever seen! The only sign that sort of points you where to line up are the airline signage on the walls. Was in line for more than an hour because the ticket agents just strolled in without any apology and the process of handling ticketing & luggages are so slow. Customer service is non existent. Line up to ticketing (even when checked in on line)...line up to immigration... line up to the security scanning. Word of advice... make it to the airport at least 3 hours before boarding. Take into consideration the ridiculous traffic that would take a chunk of your time. Be observant and always ask if you are in the right line, etc ( it will save you a lot of angst). And the most important is to AVOID THIS AIRPORT at all costs!!! read more

We flew to and from Manila in this terminal. From my memories of early childhood flying from Manila to other counties, everything still looks the same. Not much has changed. The staff are nice though, especially those working in the toilets. They do their job well to make sure they are clean and ready for the next person to use. We go to try their aiport lounge and was disappointed. The lounged that we checked out were both small and not a lot of selections. Food choices were very limited. The airport, in general, doesn't have enough seating while waiting for your flight. The whole system doesn't make sense. After checking in our luggages, you go through security which is good. Then you can go to your lounge of choice OR go through another security where you have to remove your shoes, belongings, show your boarding pass so that a representative can cross you off their list. All these before going to your gate. By this time we have gone through 3 security already. This airport needs a major renovation. read more

There definitely some improvements to NAIA 1. The lighting is brighter, the restrooms are not overflowing, and the staff are friendly and helpful. The check-in lines are still long and mimics a boa constrictor. Amenities have improved with the addition of more shops and food options. There's even a Starbucks in the pre-departure area. The biggest and noticeable change is the integration of terminal fees into the airline fares. This eliminates the need to queue up to another line for payment. Arriving into Manila can be an adventure especially in the middle of the day. The immigration lines can be long and the baggage claim area tends to be packed. The availability of baggage carts certainly helps especially when collecting multiple heavy check baggage. Passenger pick-up was also crowded however there are numerous traffic enforcers helping direct the flow of vehicles. Departure can be chaotic. There is a security line just to get into the lobby. There is also another line for checking in and a third line for security checks. There's definitely a need to add self-check kiosks and further automate processes. I think I NAIA is on the right path towards being on par with other international hubs. They still have a ways to go. read more

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Terrible wait times at immigration. Only happens in Philippines. Love the country but not the airport read more

It's been about 6yrs since I have been to this airport. There's definitely a lot of improvements. It seems bigger, airier. Still chaotic at departures, but less so. Going through the immigration was a breeze. The one thing that thankfully has not changed is the Filipino hospitality, I am very happy with our arrival/departure experiences at NAIA 1. One negative thing that seems to have gotten worse and needs to be dealt with are the hagglers at the Arrivals parking area who appear out of nowhere with their umbrellas, bug you all the way to your car begging for a dollar or 2. They do not take NO for an answer until you lose your temper. It is annoying. read more

I could definitely see an improvement every time I land and depart from this terminal. It's brighter and cleaner. Air conditioner is substantial. Personnel are friendly. There is someone available to answer questions. It's a first to see security camera screens showing the unloading of luggage. I assume they have this to discourage theft between unloading the luggage and loading it on the carousel. I came on a light flight so there were no lines at immigration or customs. Transfer to my domestic flight went smooth too with a shuttle waiting outside. Driver was friendly and helpful. It's still a long way to get up to other airports' standards but progress takes time. read more

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I wasn't able to explore much of Terminal 1 but seems like they need to add more person at immigration area. The line was just long and seems a lil unorganized. I like the free shuttle terminal transfer only if you have a connecting flight. read more

NAIA has 4 Terminals. After flying in & out of Terminal 2 (exclusive to Philippine Airlines passengers) for most of my life and then experiencing Terminal 1 for the past 2 years... It's like taking a step back in time. The airport is old and could use a lot of TLC which will probably take decades to happen. The immigration lines are ridiculously long. Luckily I travel with my mother who requires a wheelchair so we get to go in the special assistance line which is probably 20x faster. It's the only way to go, guys! Baggage claim is pretty standard and you might find an attendant/porter to assist you (they'll expect a tip!). You know how Balikbayans role with their 10+ boxes, jk! Kinda. We had like 13 this past trip and needed the help. When you get out of the airport there's a pick-up area and also a waiting area/parking lot in front of the airport. There's A LOT of people, so you'll have to do some maneuvering through the crowds. We usually just roll our boxes out to the parking lot 'cause it's easier than doing a curbside pick-up. Checking-in to get on your flight is a different story. 2017 was tough for me traveling with my toddler + my mother in a wheelchair. There was no porter to be found for some reason & the guy assisting my mom on the wheelchair left me while I went to look for a porter to push 2 luggage carts & my kiddo's stroller/things without saying a word. 2018 guy assisting with the wheelchair wasn't really of much assistance at all and kept walking ahead of us while we were still in the security & immigration lines. Frustrating. When you get to your gate you have to show your boarding tickets again and each time you want to go out of your gate area to use the bathroom or get food, etc. you have to bring your boarding pass with you every. single. time. I get it's for safety purposes or whatever, but it's a bit overkill. The waiting area is also ridiculously cold. There's not much in terms of food offerings compared to the other, newer terminals. There's a few shops in front of the airport in between the waiting area parking lot, inside there's some duty free shops, a handful of food vendors, but that's about it. I can't wait until all international operations are transferred to Terminal 3 (let's hope this happens) so that congestion is lessened in this Terminal. read more

So at around 5pm on March 15, 2024. Passengers were asked to volunteer to have their carry on bags to be checked in for free. Due to the fact that the Philippine Airlines PR 116 is full of passengers. So I volunteered to have my small carry on luggage to be checked in. While the staff took away my luggage, so between the time of 5pm to 7pm my luggage tag was stolen from my luggage, I was expecting it to be handled professionally but it was instead stolen. There was no way that it was dropped behind, because I've been using the same luggage tag for years now. They stole it because it looked nice, I don't know why NAIA doesn't have any background checks with their employees. Since most of the complaints are about stuff being stolen, so please review the CCTV's, because I want my luggage tags back. Just because they are luggage handlers or security personnel at GATE #14, doesn't make them have the right to be thieves, Next time Philippine Airlines ask me to volunteer and give my luggage for free, I surely would refuse, If a luggage tag goes missing, what more of a luggage or a carry on bags be stolen by your employees. So please have background check on your employees right now. read more

Get there 3 to 4 hours just to get to the check-line. The infamous SNAKE LINE which is a cluster of travelers trying to determine where is the end of the Check-in line. read more

Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 seemed to be remodeled from the last time I was here. Very nicely done and decorated. Duty Free was just outside when exiting the plane but was kinda small. Customs area is ac'd now and easy to fall in the correct lines and go through customs. The only thing I didn't like was once you get out of the airport, you have to go to a certain location to get picked up now. So so packed with crazy drivers going to their masters. ;p They drive so close to you to squeeze in!! Scary! That pick-up section should be a little more organized. You will also smell the fumes of the diesel cars and vans coming for pick-ups so be aware of allergies or health issues. Service was still good even the with the security attendants helping with your luggage in the car but I think they wanted to rush us out of there! Lol Still, I didn't have too bad of an ordeal here. read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Going to customs...new platform areas - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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By far one of the worst airports in Asia! I have to even say it's corrupt! I just think it's ridiculous that passengers have to pay for a terminal fee of PHP 750 Pesos so we can enter the concourse for our flight. I highly recommend you arrive early for your flight because of Manila City traffic and the long lines for check in/immigration. It's terrible. Also please beware of the taxi's that come to the airport. I highly recommend you take Uber or Grab for transportation to and from the city. There's been an increase in taxi drivers overcharging tourist and its specially hard if you don't speak Tagalog. Be warned! read more

Terminal 1 NAIA - Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

Much improved from the last time I went through here. All windows on all kiosks for immigration were open and ready to serve any and all travelers. The only snag I hit was the amount of time it took for my baggage to come out. (Although that's not their fault, that's more PAL's doing.) There were tons of staff available for assistance with pulling luggage out of the conveyor. They're even available to help you bring them out to your car. The ONLY concern I had was that no one was there to check the claim tags to match with the items getting hauled out. Otherwise, it was smooth sailing between disembarking and getting out. read more

I've been to terminal 1 and 2 of NAIA. Terminal 1 is by far way more modern than T2. Although improvements are being made to T2, T1 has lounges, food options more than food carts, Starbucks and multiple shops to keep you busy while waiting for your flight. Typically speaking, if you are flying in or out of MNL on an airline not PAL than you will be at terminal 1. But check with your airline. Overall, terminal 1 is a decent airport that can accommodate all travelers. read more

This was the terminal I departed from to return to the U.S.. It's bigger than Terminal 2 I think, and it looks like it's been renovated more recently. The lines are long unless you do pre-check in. Security was easy. The gates have a few choices for food and shopping. The gift shops were noticeably cheaper than the ones in Terminal 2. There weren't enough seats at the waiting area by the gate though. read more

International terminal, much better than the domestic. Nothing to put of the ordinary. Basic stores available. Seatings ok. Harder to find charging stations. read more

Stay away from Terminal 1 at all costs or arrive at least 3 hours before your flight if during the day. It is a completely chaotic, unorganized cluster f***. The wait in line is over one hour in immigration - add another 30 min for entry into the immigration area - and another hour for security. That doesn't include the line to get into the airport erminalbuilding which is another 30 min. One option, get an APEC card if you do business in the Philippines. It saves a lot of time in immigration lines. If there were negative stars I would give 5 of them or more. It's hard to imagine the politicians in the Philippines being against a new airport if they ever experience this damn mess read more

Terminal 1 has been renovated and there have been lots of improvements and changes. First off, it's much cleaner and wider than it used to be. There's actually some space in between the person behind me and myself. People also form lines now, instead of crowding around, trying to get to immigration without a line up. Immigration won't speak English for some reason.... What about foreigners? They don't even look at you when they talk to you, and expect you to understand what they're saying. You have to cross the street to get to picked up. Terminal 1 could be improved further. read more

Yes there has been major improvements the air con now works its bright inside and secutity is faster. For a international terminal its lacking decent food. I do not consider Starbucks a measure of good food or great cofee. There is also another regional food place its okay but thats it. There needs to be a frequent visitor program or lane for frequent visitors. During peak time it can take a 45min to clear customs. The lounges are ok most airlines in the same alliance share them. I inquired but was told no shower like in other airport lounges. Food was okay it is a bit cramped in the star alliance lounge. Travel between the other terminals are a nightmare with traffic making a short trip almost a hour sometimes. There needs to be a monarail system to go between terminals. This airport is lacking a lot but its a old facility so expect nothing fancy just basic. read more

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

Terminal 1 NAIA - Welcome! - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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