OMG I hate this terminal. I flew back from Puerto Princesa and had to go to this terminal to catch a flight back to Taiwan. Besides the annoying baggage checks before even entering the airport from the outside, there is NOTHING besides a Jollibee available in the waiting area. There is literally nothing to look at...nothing to eat...nothing to see at this terminal. And if you are to go to the Jollibee you have to go back outside and recheck your luggage again. I ended up sitting there for 5 hours because the check in window wasn't even open yet and there was nothing to do. There are a lot of souvenir shops in this terminal and only a few places to eat. There isn't too much variety. If you go into the smoking area, you also need to purchase something first before you can go in. read more

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

Terminal 1 NAIA - View from the gate - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

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Worst Airport In the world. Zero stars. If you can row a boat to your destination, you'll get there before this airport let's you fly. read more

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

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This is the Worst Terminal! 12 minutes post-flight schedule still NO ANNOUNCEMENT. No staff (Scoot) around to ask whatever happened with the flight. Worst, there is no signs on the monitoring board. This terminal leaves the passenger panicking, scramming around to find any info.. NO ONE HAS ANY CLUE.. not even the ground staff, Terminal security or anybody. What kind of terminal service would you call this? read more

Good & friendly people but WORST AIRPORT EVER!!! WORST AIRPORT EVER!!! WORST AIRPORT EVER!!! WORST AIRPORT EVER!!! WORST AIRPORT EVER!!! We're traveling from Manila to LA I have an infant with a straller and with my mom(senior citizen), we're going to gate 15 and there's no elevator goin down the gate. We have no choice but to take the stairs.. they said only a senior citizen on a wheel chair can use the elevator. There's also no restroom at gate 15. read more

The security guards and Kiehl's employees at this terminal are beyond rude. They kept laughing at me and mocking me when I went in to buy hair conditioner. I asked for some shampoo samples, and even though they were right in front of her, the employee rummaged through the cabinet for fifteen minutes pretending she didn't have any. Then she gave me a men's products, as a way to mock me, I guess? Then, because I was delayed while waiting for her and figuring out what was going on, I ran to my gate, and I saw the employees and security guards running after me making fun of me running and laughing at me. I turned around and said that that's not nice, but they didn't care. I'm beyond confused as to how and why they behaved this way. Definitely left a bad taste in my mouth during my last few minutes in the Philippines. Wish I spent my last few pesos at the café instead. read more

After the renovations, terminal 1 has become my preferred terminal overall (mostly due to the fact that Cebu Pacific isn't here and Cebu Pacific brings on quite a crowd). The check in area has been made well lit and with cool air conditioning even more so than terminals 2 or 3. The immigrations clearing was quite a breeze as well, all areas or at least those that I find necessary were all properly labeled. The duty free area is great as well despite its small size due to the space the terminal has. Toilets were also much better and finally two cafes to choose from, Starbucks and Cafe Xpress (three if you consider the smoking lounge). read more

On a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being excellent, terminal 1 gets a 2 star rating from me. One, it's not quite inbound/outbound passenger friendly. Upon arrival, I sense a bit of a prison-like in processing procedure at the immigration lines and the bland hallways can be spiced up with native displays and more indoor plants to give the first time visitor a real feel and welcoming spirit from the Philippines, considering this airport is one of several in the islands that receives international travellers & business (investors). Remember, the First Impression is a Lasting Impression. So be proud, show the world that the Philippines truly means what they consistently promote that, "It's More Fun In the Philippines." Might I add, years ago, there were groups of native musicians and a reception committee who had gave Sampaguita leis to all incoming passengers. What the heck happened to that old, I suppose, tradition??? read more

So I missed my 8:20pm flight and I have to rebook. But I couldn't rebook because the philippines airlines office on the 4th floor was about to close. So the lady just have me a quota on how much I need to pay for rebooking... and she told me to come back NEXT day at 5pm. And so here I am without a ticket/flight. WHICH IS SO INCONVENIENT. Like hello where do I sleep? Plus she could have told me to come when the rebooking office opened. I went to the office in the morning but neither my card nor my dad's card worked to pay the ticket. So I had to call my mom (Whom was at the hospital all the way in Pangasinan due to food poisoning) (Mom was our main person with the money). Good thing I went to the office in the morning instead of 5pm. If I went to purchase my ticket at 5pm with my card and my dads card not working, I would have missed another flight going back home. Anyways, as soon as I found out my card nor my dads card did not work, I had to call my mom ASAP. She had to leave the hospital to save our asses. It's a 6-7 hours bus travel from Pangasinan to the airport. Imagine if I didn't go to the office in the morning and called my mom asap. Let me tell you why it's inconvenient. 1. I obviously can't check in my bags and go through immigration so i'm stuck here outside the immigration gates at 8:20pm WAITING TO REBOOK MY TICKET AT 5pm NEXT DAY. (Couldn't the lady have told me that I could purchase my rebook ticket when they open but she didn't) My dad and I unfortunately slept on the uncomfortable chairs for almost 24hrs. 2. AIRPORT SECURITY CHECK IS SO INCONVENIENT. Every time you go to the jollibee or the fourth floor to the offices you're basically leaving the airport and you have to go through airport security check. Airport security also asks what your flight is before they let you in security scanning (keep in mind I don't even have my rebook ticket). I understand it's for safety precautions, but holy hell i've been through security scanning at least 3-4 times in the last few hours. I'm sweating balls because I don't have a ticket at the moment... so I feel very limited. I just wanted to grab coffee during this long wait time but I don't have a ticket and i'm afraid they won't let me in. If my dad wasn't here with me to look after my luggages, I would have to keep putting my heavy luggages through the airport scanner 3-4 times. There was more to the story than what I wrote. The whole situation was a mess. And the way I was treated at the airport was upsetting. Honestly so stressful. I wish there was a better a better system. read more

I would say there is really a big improvement compare to the past years. Place is clean and alot of choices of food area inside.

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

Terminal 1 NAIA - Waiting for our plane to arrive. - Airport Terminals Near Me - Pasay, NCR

I like the Filipino hospitality, warm and kindness upon arriving. The bag carousel shows outdated. No more people roaming around the arrival asking passengers for taxi. Grab station and the Ube bus helps a lot to some passengers. Although cheaper but to some, there are confusing of schedule and exact locations of these buses. But not so big deal. Food kiosk are quite expensive and food really sucks. They always offer the bottled water. Crew are not well trained in customer service. Not friendly and slow . Overall,, NAIA improves a lot over the years. read more

When I was a kid, my family and I have not had the opportunity to go outside the country a lot. So when my world was rocked by my parents announcing to me and my siblings that we were migrating to the U.S., I freaked out (just a little bit). After letting the thought of moving settle in, I got more and more excited about my new adventure. It was very surreal as we stepped in the airport, and it was exactly how I imagined it would be. It didn't look anything fancy like the airports featured in movies, but it was as close as possible to the giant step out of the country. I never really thought about the amenities and the features then. Now, I understand why people are so frustrated with this airport. When I came back after almost 10 years, nothing has really changed. My memories of NAIA 1 were exactly portrayed as I walked in. It's unfortunate to think that our government is taking too long to upgrade this airport, as this hub is the first place that tourists go through to enter our wonderful country (well, not anymore since we have NAIA 2 and 3 now). I hope that in the next few years, we'll get more significant upgrades to the amenities and the décor of the airport. read more

Very clean and peaceful. Accommodating staffs!

It looks like they're working on making upgrades to the facilities but the airlines need to improve their clubs. I have visited virtually all the different clubs and they are some of the worst I have ever seen and certainly don't reflect the airlines they support. Even a minor facelift would go along way in supporting the customer experience; for an industry that spends millions on image and service these lounges are a pathetic excuse for service. The airport is basic and it does seem like they are continually making improvements but it would go a long way for the airlines to do their part. read more

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport is the Philippines' main international gateway. Although 5 airlines have transferred to Terminal 3 as of late 2014, most international flights still get in via this airport. Now is not the time to mince my words - NAIA is old, dated and congested. When I was younger, I used to go out of the country every summer and I thought being 3-4 hours early at the airport was normal. Years later, I realized that it's actually not and that generally you should be at the airport 1.5-2 hours prior to your flight. Over the years, congestion has eased thanks to Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, but other problems remain such as having really old facilities. It's had a few touch ups here and there, but not enough to make it seem impressive to people coming to the country for the first time. Hopefully, it will undergo major renovations, but for now, this will have to do. read more

I arrived in this Airport via Philippine Airlines coming from LAX. This airport is pretty inconsistent with their flight arrival terminals. This is the first airport I have ever seen where the terminals are located at different places, meaning if you are at Terminal 2, and need to go to Terminal 1 or 2, you would need to commute there, it's not really a walking distance compared to LAX, HK and other airports, I mean you can walk to the other terminals but it would not be as convenient. Anyway PAL usually is Terminal 2, and I was suppose to arrive Terminal 3 but ended up in Terminal 1 and my uncle was at Terminal 3 while I was at Terminal. Anyway it was such a hassle getting out of this airport. Upon leaving though, I did see how the airport looked during the day since the day I arrived, it was night already and I couldnt really see how the airport looked. This airport is pretty old. They do not let visitors go inside the airport or even in the checking in place. Also this is the first airport where they X-Rayed my carry on 3 times! 1 upon entering the airport, 1 passing through immigration and another last one before going on the airplane. So much lines! and oh man, I'm glad they do not collect terminal fees anymore, I remember years ago where we would have to pay a terminal fee on top of already having purchased a ticket. I love the Philippines and all, but ugh I hate this airport but its the only way to get to the Philippines read more

Been using this terminal every time I go to the Philippines, it's time to give it a review! I will be honest, this Terminal has gotten better! In terms of xrays, lines, checkin procedures! I used to have nightmares in this terminal but the past few vacation it was actually good! They got rid of the terminal fee also! One suggestion though, get there 3 hours before your flight. The terminal can get packed. read more

B. S. I understand of why an interview has to happen for immigration but it's bullshit that they are inconsiderate of your flight. Not for good reasons either. Not only was she talking to her colleagues, wasting our time, she was also busy making calls. I don't need a lecture, I need facts. And I need you to FOCUS on the person in front of you. I'm sure I love wasting my money too. read more

They could really use to revamp this airport. Check in counters are fairly dismal. However I have to say that no matter the flaws it still works and you still get in and out of the airport and make it somehow to your destination city. I just feel a bit of an assault every time I come through here. They are making improvements in the other terminals and hope that they move to a more efficient way of handling passengers and make it a nice experience for people traveling through here. read more

Ample renovation but still got loads of glitches making it far from being a good terminal. Boarding are is terribly cramp.

You'll need to get to the airport maybe 3.5 hours before your flight. Long lines everywhere!!!! Even with airline status.

I must agree that this terminal is looking much better then it did before the renovations but it is still not a pleasant airport to travel to and from. The departure area is a mess and there is always a long line to enter the airport (only 2 entrances!!). And once you are inside the terminal, there are only a few seats where you can wait for your flight departure. In the boarding hall, it's complete chaos with people sitting anywhere they can (floor, window rail, stairs etc). It's kind of sad to see... As for the arrivals, the bagage claim area is nice. But once you exit the airport, what an unwelcoming feel! For first time travellers here, it can be really confusing and even more when they are being picked up since you can't enter the airport to greet them after the bagage claim. They have to go down and if you are parked, they have to look for you on the other side a fence before exiting and there is always lots of people. It kind of reminds me of a zoo every time (yikes!!!) And lets admit that the other side of the fence can be kind of scary when it's your first time in the Philippines... read more

There is only one runway for large aircraft, another smaller runway for smaller aircraft. When an emergency happens, and the runway is blocked, all gets affected. Its a horrible domino effect! There are no proper equipment to deal with hauling damaged aircraft fast enough. And no crisis management team, to suggest urgency of the situation. There are no nap zones, lack of more and better cafeterias, lack of shower facilities, lack of communication, poor logistics!!! No regulations on how to handle such emergencies! Now people have to sleep on floors, waiting for equipment to haul off airline stuck in the runway!! Its more than a day!!!! What are you doing!!!! This is bad! read more

Terminal 1 is the main international airport so all the international airlines are here and most leave and enter the country through here, so I'm all for having it look and be the best it can. In the past decades though, it's deteriorated and gotten so much flak. Pretty embarrassing, especially to the international crowd. NAIA 1's problem, I feel, is just that it's been neglected and left behind by airports around the world who have thoroughly modernized and expanded. So, I wouldn't call NAIA 1 ugly, no, it's just dated. Both the interiors and exteriors are still very 60s/70s. It needs to provide more comfort to the many many people who travel through it everyday (it's such a busy airport!) and more well-designed paths and open areas for people traffic. Ultimately they have to get more SPACE in, although I don't know how feasible that would be. I haven't been there since the highly publicized renovation but I do hope it's in a much better state. Brighter lights maybe? More seating? Better lounges and comfort rooms? More food options? I'd love a complete redesign of the departure and arrival driveways! If we can have the largest, most beautiful shopping malls in the world, we can definitely have a beautiful airport. read more

NAIA Terminal 1 has been the iconic airport of Manila. The image I get in my head when someone says "flying out of the country" is the exterior of NAIA 1. It's the airport that witnessed a lot of history and it in itself is already a monument. Ever since the first time I went in, it still looks the same as it was now. I like it because it give the feeling of nostalgia. The service is still the same as before and the multiple check in counters are still in place the same way it was years ago. The interior and exterior really gives a 90s vibe and it always makes me think a lot about the different people that went through here. As usual, the staff of the airport is very kind and will do whatever they can if you need assistance. That's one thing I've greatly noticed since before. It's cool how this place is still fully operating as how it did years ago. read more

Horrible aiport. Very few restaurant selections, lines just to get into the airport, and delays everyday. If your flight isn't delayed due to air traffic congestion, you are a needle in a hay stack :). Set aside time, that's all I can say (and brace yourself). Big us however, WiFi is fast. read more

Much better since the terminal has been refreshed but be aware of all the checking and rechecking for international travel. Once your carry on has been scanned and you go through the metal detector why do they need to pay you down and manually go through every carry on piece? Why can items go through the scan and then get taken away at the next station? Then they make you take your shoes off again and they manually stick their hands inside and check them. It is ridiculous read more

Manila airport WORST and Harrowing experience of my life. Security staff harassed over a tiny sized cigarette lighter in checked bag.  Airport so called intelligence Agent Marlyn B Donor 024314 continued harassment over a lighter during security scan entry into airport. The lighter happened to be in a pair of shorts in my checked bag not carry on. Agent Donor was fierce and unkind and accused me of hiding lighters in my soon to be checked bag. This harassment continued as she spoke very harshly towards me to find the tiny lighter and would not allow entry into Manila airport. I had no idea there was a lighter in my shorts, neither was I trying to conceal the lighter. Why would I conceal a lighter????Finally, she threw my belongings into my suitcase and screamed in my face. TO Go.! This Agent must be removed from her position immediately, she is a Liabilty to Manila Airport and tourists who pass her. She never apologize neither did she seem in the least empathic, far from it. A kind police officer later helped me to retrieve her name and position. I am appalled at the state of the airport and the dishonestly of these people. A beautiful destination but honestly this is a truly horrible experience.  This was the second harrowing experience I endured in Philippines. I am a world Traveller, visited over 25 country's including 8 Asian country's and this was the worst experience of all. Manila needs to be addressed as a serious issue for tourists, immediately. This was my first visit to the Philippines and will be the last.  No one cares for the tourist they want your money all day long and will retreat to conartistry tactics to get it. Taxi driver rip off tactics from T3 to T! - handed him money for taxi he replied I have no change.... this is a tactic they use because they know you are about to leave. Manila and Philippines leave nothing to be desired for a return experience. Sianna C Brown Citizen USA Sianna C Brown Citizen United Kingdom World Traveller read more

Please avoid this airport at all costs. I spent 3 days trying to get someone to help me make it to my final destination. Every day was a new nightmare of switching terminals, and never finding someone that was willing to help me. It is dirty, confusing, and lacks the ability to support customers that run into flight issues. If you have to transfer between terminals, the shuttle service is non-existent, and takes 30 minutes of traffic while paying a taxi driver that is scamming you. Want to change your flight due to a weather cancellation? Travel to a different terminal. Get told at new terminal they can't help you and to go back to original terminal, go back to original terminal, get told they don't have an airline help desk and that I have to call an international number. 3 days of delays, hotels, and cabs paid out of pocket, all due to a confusing, dirty, and frustrating lack of customer service. read more

The NAIA Terminal 1 is a sad excuse for an airport. What saddens me even more is that this is the main international airport terminal which means that this is the first thing that tourists from other countries see when they first arrive at our country; not exactly the best first impression. Although NAIA 1 is undergoing renovations and is trying its best to improve it is still quite disappointing to look at. NAIA 1 is old and it shows which is just so unfortunate. The "Duty Free" here isn't much at all, the dining options are meek, the interior itself is deteriorating, everything about this place is screaming for a change. The organization at this place also seems to be nonexistent, lines lines lines everywhere. Perhaps long lines cannot be avoided but at least have lines organized enough to know where you're going, but nope not even proper roping to fix the lines. Everything here is so confusing and cluttered it can make you dizzy. read more

The airport is much improved from years ago. There are updated stores for shopping, somewhat better food choices but that's not saying much when this is one of the worst airport in the world. You aren't allowed to check in or even get boarding passes until two hours before your flight which creates a massive line with hundreds of people waiting with only 4-6 counters open which creates a big issue if you arrive late to the airport so plan on spending at least 4-5 hours here and once you get in the airport there isn't enough seating for others waiting for flights they block off the seating area and make you get out your passport and boarding pass just to sit at the gate so if you get there to early you have to just wander the airport. The bathrooms are some of the worst you will ever see and don't expect the toilets to flush so your lucky to get an unused one if you get there early enough. The sinks barely dispense water to wash your hand so you'll be there washing one hand at a time pushing the button to get water. Security is easy and the terminal fee is no longer asked for. Wifi is only valid for two hours so if you need to get work done you better plan accordingly. And if you need to charge anything there are no outlets at the gate you have to stand around a charging station. read more