Owais Crawford
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport has been voted the world's worst airport several times, with poor reviews for comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service. The airport is open 24 hours a day, but sleeping is prohibited in certain areas, and travellers report signs prohibiting sleeping with fines for non-compliance. However, if you find yourself with a long layover, there are some options for resting or sleeping in the airport. Terminal 3 has been rated more comfortable than the others, with sleeping pods, day rooms, and lounges available. Terminal 1 also offers day rooms, and there are several hotels near the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping arrangements | Sleeping pods, capsules, day rooms, hotel rooms, sleeping on the floor |
| Sleeping pods location | Terminal 3 |
| Capsule hotels location | Terminal 3 |
| Day rooms location | Terminals 1 and 3 |
| Hotels location | Near Terminals 1 and 3 |
| Comfort | Generally uncomfortable, metal seats, temperature fluctuations |
| Amenities | Free WiFi, lounges, showers |
| Safety | Reports of scams, theft, bribery, non-functional CCTVs |
| Ratings | Ranked as the world's worst airport from 2011 to 2013 |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods in Terminal 3
Sleeping pods, capsules, or sleep rooms are available in Terminal 3 of Manila Airport. They are located in the Wings Transit Lounge on Level 3 of the terminal. The pods are rented out for 7 hours only and cost 1000 pesos or $19. Each pod is a mattress with clean linen in an alcove with three walls and a curtain in the front. There is a shared bathroom and shower facility down the hallway.
The lounge also offers twin rooms and family rooms. The rates for day rooms are ₱1,500/$27 USD for 3 hours. The airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers. However, it is not recommended to sleep in the public areas of the airport due to reports of sketchy behaviour, including non-travellers hanging around landside areas, and theft.
Terminal 3 is considered more comfortable than the other terminals, which have been reported to have crowded seats and uncomfortable metal seating. The temperature in the terminals also fluctuates between extremes. Terminal 2, in particular, has a poor reputation, with limited amenities and no access to other terminals.
If you are looking for a quieter environment, you can also consider the PAGSS Premium Lounge in Terminal 3, which offers snacks, beverages, shower facilities, and charging points for an entry fee of $25. Other pay-per-entry lounges in Terminal 3 include the Skyview Lounge and the Pacific Lounge Club.
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Sleeping facilities in Terminal 1
Manila Airport, also known as Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), has been voted the world's worst airport several times. It has been criticised for its constant delays, crowded terminals, poor transfer system, dirty conditions, unfriendly staff, airport scams, and lack of 24-hour food outlets. However, improvements have been made since then, including renovations in 2014 and the injection of US$49.2 million into Terminal 1 for further renovation works.
Terminal 1 (T1) at NAIA has been described as the worst terminal of the airport. It accommodates most international flights but has no domestic flights section, so passengers with connecting domestic flights must transfer to another terminal.
Despite T1's poor reputation, there are some sleeping facilities available for those with long layovers. Day rooms are available on the fourth floor of T1 for passengers in transit. These rooms feature a private toilet and shower, with the entire room measuring approximately 3x3 meters. The day room rental area can be found by looking for the signs leading to gates 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15. It’s right next to a Starbucks, and there is a sign and a pair of elevators leading to the 4th floor. The rate for a day room is 1680 PHP for 24-hour access, payable in cash only. However, there is no wifi access inside the dayroom area.
There are also some VIP lounges in T1 with more amenities, some of which may be open 24 hours a day (with a maximum stay of 3 hours). One such lounge is the PAGSS Premium Lounge, which offers shower facilities for ₱1,800/$32 USD entry.
It is worth noting that security checkpoints at T1 operate from 4:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and there have been reports that travellers will not be permitted to enter the terminals until three hours prior to departure. Therefore, those planning to sleep in the terminal should arrive early to ensure they can get inside.
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Nearby hotels
While Manila Airport does have sleep pods and lounges, past travellers do not recommend sleeping at the airport unless it is absolutely necessary. The airport has a poor reputation in terms of comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service. If you are looking for a good night's sleep, there are several hotels nearby.
Red Planet Hotel is a clean hotel located in the Parañaque district of Manila, 2.7 miles from Mall of Asia Arena, 2.9 miles from SMX Convention Center, and 3 miles from SM Mall of Asia.
Holiday Inn Express Manila Newport City is located within Newport World Resorts, just a 2-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Terminal 3). The hotel provides a free van to and from Runway Manila, and serves breakfast.
Golden Phenix Hotel is located in Pasay City, extremely close to the airport and SM MALL. The hotel offers modern and elegant accommodations with free WiFi throughout the property.
Bayprime Hotel is located in Manila and is a 17-minute walk from Mall of Asia Arena. The hotel provides concierge services, non-smoking rooms, and free WiFi throughout the property.
Sheraton Manila Hotel is located in Manila, 1640 feet from Resorts World Manila. The hotel offers accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness centre, and a bar.
City of Dreams is a luxurious, 5-star hotel featuring an outdoor pool, restaurant, bar, in-house casino, fitness centre, and 24-hour room service.
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Free transit lounge in Terminal 2
Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport is a major hub that seasoned travellers try to avoid. It was voted the world's worst airport from 2011 to 2013, ranking poorly in terms of comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service. Improvements have been made since then, but it still has a long way to go.
If you have a long layover at Manila Airport and need a place to sleep, you may want to consider the free transit lounge in Terminal 2. This lounge is located on the ground floor, behind a ticket/security counter. It offers firm leather couches and reclining lounge chairs, providing a more comfortable and relaxing option for travellers.
However, it is important to note that Terminal 2 has a poor reputation, with limited amenities, crowded seats, and no access to other terminals. The temperature in the terminal can also fluctuate, making it uncomfortable for travellers. If you are looking for a more comfortable experience, Terminal 3 offers sleep capsules and several nearby hotels.
Additionally, there are reports of scams and theft at the airport, so it is important to take extra care of your belongings. If you choose to sleep in the free transit lounge in Terminal 2, ensure that your valuables are secure and keep an eye on your surroundings.
Overall, while the free transit lounge in Terminal 2 offers a resting place for travellers, it may not be the most comfortable or convenient option. If you have a long layover and seek a better sleeping experience, you may want to consider other alternatives, such as sleep capsules or hotels near Terminal 3.
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Scams and theft
Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport (MNL) has been voted one of the world's worst airports in terms of comfort, convenience, cleanliness, and customer service. Travellers have reported stress and scams, including the notorious "tanim bala" scam, the "pastillas" scheme, airport taxi scams, luggage theft, and bribery.
The airport has a reputation for stressful experiences, with travellers citing issues such as multiple security checks, disorganized check-in queues, delayed flights, and delayed or lost luggage. The terminals are not easily accessible from one another, making it difficult for passengers to navigate.
Travellers should be cautious of their belongings at all times and be aware of their surroundings. Reports suggest that non-travellers may loiter around landside areas, potentially intending to steal luggage or engage in other unscrupulous activities. It is recommended to keep valuables secure and consider storing them in a safe place, such as a money belt or a locked suitcase.
Additionally, travellers should be vigilant when approached by individuals claiming to be security personnel or airport staff. Scammers may target unsuspecting travellers by claiming that their hand luggage is too large or overweight and must be placed in cargo. It is important to remain assertive and seek assistance from authorised personnel or airport managers if you encounter suspicious behaviour.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Manila Airport is open 24 hours a day, and sleeping is allowed in certain areas. However, past travellers do not recommend it unless you absolutely have to.
Terminal 3 is the newest terminal and is your best bet for sleeping and amenities. Terminal 2 has the worst reputation, with few amenities, crowded seats, and no way to access other terminals. Terminal 1 has also been criticised for its poor state.
Yes, there are sleep rooms and sleeping pods in Terminal 3. There are also day rooms available in Terminals 1 and 3. The Wings Transit Lounge in Terminal 3 offers capsules, twin rooms, and family rooms. There are also several hotels nearby.
There are lounges in each terminal that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. There are also luggage storage offices in Terminals 1 and 3.
