Jazmin Li
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport or Manila Airport, is one of two international airports serving the Metro Manila area and the main international gateway to the Philippines. The airport has four terminals, all separated by congested public roads. Travellers have reported negative experiences at the airport, including unfriendly staff, difficulty using credit cards, and a lack of assistance. There have also been complaints about the number of checkpoints and screenings. When it comes to transiting through Manila Airport, the specific process depends on the origin and destination of your flight, as well as the terminal and airline. For instance, if you are flying from a domestic destination to an international destination with Cebu Pacific, your baggage can be checked through to your final destination, and you will need to undergo immigration clearance in Manila. It is important to note that airside transfer is not permitted between Terminal 3 and Terminals 1 or 2, and all travellers transiting to or from Terminal 3 must pass through immigration and meet Philippine arrival requirements. To ensure a smooth journey through security, it is recommended to pack liquids into checked luggage, and any liquids carried in hand luggage must adhere to certain restrictions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport Name | Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) |
| Location | Manila, Philippines |
| Airport Code | MNL |
| Number of Terminals | 4 |
| Transport Options | Bus, Taxi, Rail, Shuttle, Car Rental |
| Transfer Process | Complicated, multiple checkpoints and screenings, airside transfer not permitted between some terminals |
| Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs) Restrictions | Containers must be 100ml or less and placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag |
| Passenger Experience | Negative reviews regarding staff, facilities, and convenience |
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What You'll Learn
Baggage and boarding pass checks
Manila airport is divided into four terminals, all separated by congested public roads. Passengers have complained about the number of luggage screenings, especially at the entrance of the terminals. Passengers are advised to pack all liquids into checked-in luggage to ensure a smooth journey through security. If you do need to carry liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in your carry-on luggage, they must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a capacity of 1 litre. Only one such bag is allowed per passenger and must be presented separately for screening.
Exceptions are made for medications, baby milk/food, and special dietary requirements, which are allowed in larger amounts but subject to additional checks. Retail liquid items bought at the airport or on board the aircraft are also exempt, provided they are packed in sealed transparent Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs) by airport/airline staff, with the receipt clearly displayed.
Passengers are advised to check in online and download their digital boarding passes via the Cebu Pacific app. Self-service kiosks are available at the airport as early as eight hours before your flight. For international flights, airport counters close one hour before departure, and passengers are reminded to bring their valid ID/passport. Some immigration checkpoints may require a printed boarding pass, which can be obtained from any self-service kiosk at NAIA Terminal 3.
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Transport options to and from the airport
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is around 13 km south of Metro Manila. There are three main transport options to get to and from the airport: a taxi, a private transfer, or the bus.
Taking a taxi is a convenient choice for direct transportation to your accommodation at any time of day. It is also a very affordable option. However, if you are travelling on a budget, the bus is a cheaper alternative. There is no direct local bus route from the airport to the city, but you can take the UBE Express bus, which is faster and easier to use. The UBE Express bus is also a good option for tourists, as it stops at the main hotels in Manila.
You can also book a private transfer from the airport to your destination in advance. This allows you to secure a fixed fare and budget your trip in advance. You can also select the appropriate vehicle based on the number of passengers and luggage. Private transfers also offer English-speaking drivers who can provide valuable tips on local culture and recommend places to visit.
If you are looking for a private car mobility option, you can use Grab, Southeast Asia's trusted ride-hailing service. You can pay upfront with fixed fares and be matched with a 100% vaccinated driver. You can pay with cash or in-app using a credit or debit card.
The Light Rail Transit System (LRT) Line 1 connects Baclaran Station, the closest station to Manila Airport, to downtown. Manila Airport is expected to be connected to LRT Line 1 in the future.
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Immigration and security
Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), also known as Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) or Manila Airport, is one of two international airports serving the Metro Manila area and is the main international gateway to the Philippines. The airport is divided into four terminals, all separated by congested public roads.
Immigration
If you are flying from a domestic destination to an international destination with Cebu Pacific, you can have your baggage checked through to your final destination, but you will still need to undergo immigration clearance in Manila as this is your port of exit from the Philippines. If you are flying from an international destination to a domestic destination with Cebu Pacific, you will need to clear immigration, collect your checked baggage, and clear customs in Manila. If you do not have any checked baggage, you can just clear immigration and proceed to your domestic flight.
If you are flying with other airlines and have an international connection in Manila under one booking (same airline, codeshared flight, or partner airlines), the process is much simpler as long as they are located at the same terminal. Upon arrival in Manila, proceed to the Transfer Desks right before immigration. Airline staff will assist you in entering the Departures Level so you can proceed to your next flight.
If you have an international-to-international connection in Manila under separate tickets/bookings, you'll need to enter the Philippines. This means clearing immigration, collecting your checked baggage, and passing through customs. Ensure you have a valid visa if needed.
Airside transfer is not permitted between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 or 2 of NAIA. All travellers transiting to or from Terminal 3 must pass through Immigration and meet all Philippine arrival requirements. You should allow plenty of time for arrival formalities and check-in for your next flight.
Security
To ensure the safety of your air travel, the following rules are prescribed for taking liquids, aerosols, and gels (LAGs) in your carry-on luggage on board flights coming in and out of the Philippines. Containers for LAGs in your carry-on baggage must be 100ml or less. All containers must be placed in a transparent, one-litre plastic bag. Passengers are allowed only one plastic bag each. Any transparent resealable bag of one-litre capacity or less is allowed. These plastic resealable bags can be bought in any supermarket or department store. All LAGs taken through the Final Security Screening Checkpoint must be in a container with a capacity not greater than 100ml each. Any LAGs carried in a container larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled. The container with LAGs must be placed in a transparent resealable plastic bag approximately 20cm x 20cm with a maximum capacity not exceeding one litre. The container must fit comfortably within the transparent bag, which should be completely closed. Each passenger is permitted to carry only one such bag, which is to be presented separately for screening.
Exceptions will be made for medications, baby milk/foods, and special dietary requirements in LAGs form subject to additional checks and verification at the screening point. Exceptions will also be made for retail liquid items bought at the airport or on board aircraft and packed in sealed transparent Security Tamper-Evident Bags (STEBs) by airport/airline staff.
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Customer service and staff
When it comes to customer service and staff at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL), opinions vary. Some travellers have reported negative experiences, describing the staff as "horrible" and unhelpful, with complaints about the number of checkpoints and screenings. Others have noted that the staff can be friendly, but the airport itself is challenging to navigate, with confusing transfer processes and a lack of clear guidance from staff.
One common issue mentioned is the inconsistency in allowing certain items through security. For example, some travellers have reported being allowed to take lighters and small aerosol cans through security at other international airports but were not permitted to do so at Manila Airport. This inconsistency can be frustrating for passengers and may reflect a lack of standardised training for security staff.
The number and frequency of checkpoints and screenings at Manila Airport have also been a source of frustration for travellers. Some have described the process as "exhausting and pointless," with multiple requests to show boarding passes and passports within a short distance. This experience may be attributed to a lack of coordination among the airport staff and a need for streamlined procedures.
However, it is worth noting that there are also positive reviews of the airport staff. Some travellers have appreciated the assistance provided by airline staff at the transfer desks, especially when navigating international connections. The availability of staff to help with the transfer process can make a significant difference in the overall passenger experience.
To enhance customer service and staff experience at Manila Airport, several improvements could be considered. Firstly, standardising security procedures and providing clear, consistent guidelines for both staff and passengers could help reduce confusion and frustration. Additionally, streamlining the number of checkpoints and improving coordination among staff could make the transit experience more efficient and pleasant for travellers.
Overall, while there are mixed reviews of the customer service and staff at Manila Airport, there is potential for improvement through procedural enhancements and staff training. By addressing these issues, the airport can work towards creating a more positive and seamless experience for travellers transiting through the airport.
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Facilities and amenities
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) is the closest airport to Manila in the Philippines. With four terminals, it is a busy transportation hub, serving over 35 million passengers each year.
Transportation
There are several transportation options to get to and from the airport and between terminals. Taxis are readily available outside the terminal buildings, with fares calculated using a taximeter based on the distance travelled. There are also coupon taxis that offer a set-rate fare based on zones, but these tend to be pricey. Local Jeepney Buses can also be used to get to Makati in around 40 minutes, but they can get extremely crowded with limited space for luggage storage and no air conditioning. The Light Rail Transit System (LRT) is another option to get to Manila from NAIA. There is also a shuttle service from NAIA to Manila, the UBE Express. Car rental kiosks are available in the Arrival Halls of Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
Lodging
Passengers with long connections can use the lodging facilities at Terminals 1 and 3. Terminal 1 has day rooms available to rent for 24 hours, located beside Gate 16 at the arrivals level. Terminal 3 has the Wings Transit Lounge, which offers 24-hour room service, free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping, showers, and toiletries.
Luggage Storage
Luggage storage is available at the Arrivals of Terminals 1 and 3. Terminal 1 does not have a formal luggage storage service, but passengers can leave their luggage at the Interline Baggage Section beside the baggage claim area for a fee.
Lounges
There are several lounges available for passengers at Manila Airport, but they are all airline lounges, so access must be booked via the airline.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the four terminals at Manila Airport, with a time limit of 2 hours per day. Subscribing to GoFibre or Surf2Sawa will get you an additional 6 hours of free access.
Dining
NAIA offers essential airport facilities, including restaurants and duty-free shops.
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Frequently asked questions
Manila Airport has a reputation for being one of the worst international airports, with complaints about unfriendly staff, poor facilities, and an excessive number of checkpoints and screenings. The airport is divided into 4 terminals, all separated by congested public roads.
Airside transfer is not permitted between Terminal 3 and Terminal 1 or 2. All travellers transiting to or from Terminal 3 must pass through immigration and meet all Philippine arrival requirements. The airport provides a free shuttle bus service between terminals.
All LAGs must be in containers no larger than 100ml each and placed in a transparent, resealable plastic bag with a maximum capacity of 1 litre. Each passenger is permitted to carry only one such bag.
