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Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has been voted the world's worst airport several times. It has a poor reputation for comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service. However, travellers can sleep in the airport, and there are several options for doing so. Terminal 3 is the newest terminal and is the most comfortable for sleeping. It offers sleeping pods, lounges, and nearby hotels. Terminal 2 has a free transit lounge with firm leather couches and reclining lounge chairs. However, travellers report that the airport is not very safe, with broken CCTVs, theft, and scams.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) |
| Airport Location | Between the cities of Pasay and Paranaque, about 7 km south of Metro Manila |
| Terminals | 4 |
| Sleeping Facilities | Sleeping pods, sleeping capsules, transit lounges, hotels |
| Sleeping Pods Terminal | Terminal 3 |
| Transit Lounges Terminal | Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 |
| Hotels Terminal | Terminal 3 |
| WiFi Availability | Free WiFi available across all terminals |
| Shuttle Service | Yes, a shuttle bus service allows passengers to move between terminals |
| Nearby Attractions | Resorts World Manila mall and casino complex |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods and lounges in Terminal 3
Terminal 3 is the newest of the four terminals at Manila Airport and is reportedly the most comfortable for sleeping. The airport has garnered a reputation for being unsafe, with reports of theft, non-travellers hanging around landside areas, and broken or offline CCTVs. However, if you have a long layover, there are a few options for sleeping pods and lounges in Terminal 3.
Wings Transit Lounge is located on Level 3 of Terminal 3, offering capsules, twin rooms, and family rooms with showers. The rate for a day room is ₱1,500 or $27 USD for 3 hours. Visitors report that it can be noisy, and the food is basic.
There are also sleep rooms available in Terminal 3, which can be booked for specific time slots: 4 pm to midnight, midnight to 8 am, and 8 am to 4 pm. The cost is around 700 pesos for 7-8 hours, and the food is reportedly basic.
In addition to these dedicated sleeping areas, there are first-class lounges in the airport that economy-class passengers can pay to access. These lounges may offer added comforts such as showers. However, keep in mind that Manila Airport has been reported to have issues with the availability and quality of its WiFi connection.
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Free transit lounge in Terminal 2
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is an old facility, first established in 1948. It has four terminals served by two runways and can handle about 40 million passengers annually. The airport offers free WiFi, but many passengers have reported issues with connectivity. The airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers, but there have been reports of suspicious activity in the airport, including non-travellers loitering in landside areas, broken CCTVs, and theft.
The airport's Terminal 2 has a reputation for being the least comfortable of the four terminals, with few amenities, crowded seats, and no access to other terminals. However, one traveller has reported a free transit lounge in this terminal. The transit lounge is located on the ground floor, behind a ticket/security counter. It features firm leather couches and reclining lounge chairs.
While the free transit lounge in Terminal 2 offers a place to rest, it may not be the most comfortable option. If you are looking for added comfort, there are first-class lounges in the airport, some of which have showers that economy-class passengers can access for a fee. Additionally, Terminal 3 offers sleep capsules and several hotels nearby.
Other Transit Lounges in Manila Airport
Manila Airport has various transit lounges located in different terminals that offer varying levels of comfort and amenities. Here are some options:
- Mabuhay Lounge in Terminal 2 : This lounge has received mixed reviews. Some travellers praise the food options, while others have found the food selection poor. It offers access to showers, but opinions vary on the quality of the facilities.
- Skyview Lounge in Terminal 3 : This lounge is located airside at the international departures area on the 4th level. It offers 24/7 access to showers but does not have dedicated sleep facilities. Lounge access starts at USD 22 for two hours.
- Wings Transit Lounge in Terminal 3 : This lounge is located landside on Level 3 and offers a range of accommodation options, including reclining chairs, sleep capsules, twin rooms, and family rooms. Showers are also available. Rates start at ₱1,500 (approximately $27 USD) for three hours in a day room.
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Nearby hotels and their amenities
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is located between the cities of Pasay and Paranaque, about 7 km south of Metro Manila. The airport offers free WiFi, but many travellers have reported issues with slow connection speeds and frequent drops. Terminal 3 (T3) is the newest terminal and offers the most comfort and amenities for travellers.
- Savoy Hotel Manila: Located near NAIA Terminal 3, this hotel offers accommodation, friendly staff, and highly rated breakfast.
- Belmont Hotel Manila: This hotel is praised for its cleanliness and accessibility to the airport.
- Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City by IHG: This hotel is situated in a safe neighbourhood and provides a pleasant and smooth communication experience.
- Tess and Tessha Condotel: This accommodation is comfortable and clean, with smooth communication and pleasant interactions with the owner.
- Hotel Okura Manila: Located near the airport, this hotel offers attentive service and modern amenities.
- Manila Marriott Hotel: This hotel is close to the airport and provides a complimentary shuttle service to the Newport Center.
- Hilton Manila: Found near the airport, this hotel offers a great executive lounge with a wide selection of food and drinks.
These hotels offer convenient locations, with some being within walking distance of the airport. Taxis, buses, and jeepneys are also available for transport to and from the airport.
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Reports of scams and theft
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL or NAIA) is notoriously known for scams and stressful experiences, being ranked the third most stressful airport in Asia and Oceania. The airport has been reported to have issues with its free WiFi, with most people complaining about the connection and stating that it often doesn't work. The airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers, but there have been reports of "sketchy" behaviour, including non-travellers hanging around landside areas, possibly looking to steal luggage.
There have been several reports of scams and theft at Manila Airport. The airport has been the site of various scams, including the "tanim bala" scam in 2015, the "pastillas" scheme in 2020, the airport taxi scam, luggage theft, bribery, and broken or offline CCTVs. In 2023, there were also reports of theft incidents carried out by members of the airport's own staff, with two separate incidents of "pocketing money and stealing a watch" from passengers. As a result, authorities have amplified security measures and installed additional cameras in the transit areas.
Past travellers advise taking extra care of your belongings at Manila Airport. In addition to the aforementioned scams and theft, there have been reports of airport staff planting bullets in travellers' luggage. This scam involves airport staff planting bullets in passengers' luggage and then demanding bribes to avoid legal consequences. To avoid this scam, it is recommended to keep your bags close by at all times and not to let them out of your sight.
Another scam reported by travellers is the airport taxi scam, where taxi drivers may try to overcharge passengers or take them on a longer route to increase the fare. To avoid this scam, it is recommended to agree on a price before getting into the taxi or to use a ride-sharing app that provides fare estimates and tracking.
Some travellers have also reported issues with baggage weight restrictions at Manila Airport. In one case, a passenger was approached by an airline representative who claimed their hand baggage was too large and overweight and would need to be checked in. The passenger raised their voice, claiming they were being racially profiled, and the airline representative apologised and moved on. It is important to be aware of your rights and the regulations regarding baggage weight and size to avoid being scammed or taken advantage of.
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Poor reviews and how the airport has improved since
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has been ranked among the worst airports in the world. Travellers have complained about the lack of food options, crowded seats, poor temperature control, unreliable Wi-Fi, and unprofessional staff. Some have also reported scams, including bullet-planting, bribery demands, and theft due to broken CCTVs. The airport has also been criticised for its chaotic check-in and luggage scanning procedures, with travellers reporting unexpected issues during security checks.
Since these poor reviews, the Duterte administration has made significant improvements to the airport. Upgrades have been made to various terminals, with Terminal 3 being the most comfortable for sleeping and amenities. Terminal 2 has also improved, now offering a free transit lounge with leather couches and reclining chairs. While the airport still faces challenges with Wi-Fi connectivity, it has reportedly improved since 2024, with a stronger signal in Terminal 3.
To address the issue of limited food options, NAIA has upgraded its lounges, particularly in business class. Travellers have praised the delicious food and quiet, relaxing atmosphere in these lounges. The airport has also introduced sleep capsules in Terminal 3, providing a more comfortable alternative to sleeping in chairs or on the floor.
Additionally, the Philippines government is constructing the New Manila International Airport, also known as Bulacan International Airport, to decongest NAIA. The new airport will be located 35 km north of Manila and is expected to have a capacity of 200 million passengers per year, significantly higher than NAIA's current capacity. The project is led by the San Miguel Corporation and is scheduled to be completed by 2028, with commercial operations commencing in 2026.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Manila Airport is open 24 hours and travellers are permitted to sleep in the airport overnight. However, some travellers have reported signs prohibiting sleeping in certain areas, with fines for doing so.
Terminal 3 is the newest terminal and is the most comfortable for sleeping and amenities. Terminal 2 has the worst reputation, with few amenities, crowded seats, and no way to access other terminals. There are sleep rooms in Terminal 3, including a Japanese-style capsule hotel with capsule beds and shared rooms. There are also several hotels nearby.
There is a free transit lounge in Terminal 2, on the ground floor, with firm leather couches and reclining lounge chairs. There are also a number of metal chairs without armrests in the airport.
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport was voted the world's worst airport from 2011 to 2013. The airport has been criticised for its comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service. There have also been reports of scams and theft, so take extra care of your belongings.
