Is MNL Airport really as bad as it is reported in the media?

[anat0l]

How does QF put their name against this substandard rubbish?

The alternative - outside the lounge - is probably worse.

There are no showers outside the lounge I can think of, and if there were I'd be scarce to use them unless a good hotel was under contract to run them.

I'm not sure how the other lounges are, but given this is MNL T1, I'm not expecting a lot of them to be great, especially since getting changes through the terminal would involve countless reams of bureaucracy and numerous under-the-table payments.

 

[pagingjoan]

SQ is very ordinary, even in the so-called premium lounge. It was quiet, at least, and there were two computer terminals operating (in November 2011) - but that's about all I can remember. An escape from the madding crowd!

 

[Stephen65]

Never been there but I note it won an "award" last year for the worst airport in the world. Considering the competition for that award that I have experienced its going to have to be pretty terrible.

 

[mannej]

I think those on QF30 wouldn't label it as the worst airport in the world

 

[anat0l]

I think those on QF30 wouldn't label it as the worst airport in the world

Maybe not - it was comfortable enough for them to be escorted off and immigrated into the Philippines.

From one chaos on the aircraft to another outside the airport, that's a different story.


I think those on QF30 were happy to get onto terra firma - period. MNL for this purpose would've been more than adequate.



To be honest, even waiting in MNL terminal isn't as bad as you think. It's old, but it's not like the airport is a microcosm of the shanties in the city. More like a busy Asian mall (not a wet market!).

I think TPE is similarly not so great, but again, comfortable enough.

If your "satisfactory" airport is set to SIN, ICN, HKG or even NRT, then you're going to be very, very disappointed. In fact, that would apply to much of the world.

It begs to reason that even in countries with so much financial and traffic potential, their airports are comparatively disappointing, and here we pots are calling the kettle black. Airports in the USA come to mind.

 

[QF WP]

Well that is truly sad. This prompted me to go and look at my BA97 and find the date I flew to MNL - 20/10/02 CX903 HKG/MNL and QF20 MNL/BNE. Good to see some things don't change

Mr Wilson your memory remains faithful today. These are the worst collection of lounges I have seen in one place, then and today.

How does QF put their name against this substandard rubbish?

 

[Keith009]

Have only used the terminal that CX and OZ depart from. Not entirely odious but it's certainly not the most pleasant of airport. Lounge access a must. The lounges won't win any awards but they're much better than waiting in the general terminal.

 

[Simo]

Lounge access a must. The lounges won't win any awards but they're much better than waiting in the general terminal.

Yep but it is a shame that not all the carriers in Philly have lounges.

I know Cebu doesn't have a lounge.

 

[pagingjoan]

...I think TPE is similarly not so great, but again, comfortable enough.

TPE similar to MNL? A considerable gap between them, I suggest. My recent experience at TPE (last week) was T1 only but the transfer from the High Speed Train was prompt and efficient and our bags were loaded and unloaded for us, priority check in worked smoothly, queues were short for Immigration and security was hassle free. The CX lounge, while not sumptuous, was clean, comfortable and quiet, with a basic but adequate range of food and drinks. Sure, it's not HKG but it works.

 

[anat0l]

TPE similar to MNL? A considerable gap between them, I suggest. My recent experience at TPE (last week) was T1 only but the transfer from the High Speed Train was prompt and efficient and our bags were loaded and unloaded for us, priority check in worked smoothly, queues were short for Immigration and security was hassle free. The CX lounge, while not sumptuous, was clean, comfortable and quiet, with a basic but adequate range of food and drinks. Sure, it's not HKG but it works.

What about the terminal itself? The passenger concourse areas, etc.

Security easier - granted, though expected for Taiwan cf. Philippines.

Priority check-in should work in MNL as well (in fact, anywhere in the world, though we always know the locals / local culture is more a factor on this one).

I didn't consider services external to the airport, like HSR link, though it stands to reason that MNL has no such facilities. (In fact, the usual best way to get to the airport is hotel shuttle if available).

My last recollection of TPE (about 5-6 years ago) I remember a fairly old-ish looking terminal that was yet clean and functional. I didn't consider lounges since I had no access at the time.

 

[pagingjoan]

What about the terminal itself? .

Yes, the terminal is dated. But the basic facilities and the environment were, in my recent experience of both MNL and TPE, a considerable step up. And I believe that transfer services, security, check in etc are major factors in the airport experience. Would rather have smooth and hassle free processes in a basic facility than long queues and processing obstacles in a mint condition facility, on any trip. Of course, it would be wonderful if we could always combine the best if all worlds! (Then again, one of the reasons we travel is to see the diversity of the world.)

 

[whughes3]

Personally, I have only positive feelings about the QF lounge at MNL; after all, if I'm there, it means I'm leaving Manila!

 

[markis10]

What about the terminal itself? The passenger concourse areas, etc.

Security easier - granted, though expected for Taiwan cf. Philippines.

Priority check-in should work in MNL as well (in fact, anywhere in the world, though we always know the locals / local culture is more a factor on this one).

I didn't consider services external to the airport, like HSR link, though it stands to reason that MNL has no such facilities. (In fact, the usual best way to get to the airport is hotel shuttle if available).

My last recollection of TPE (about 5-6 years ago) I remember a fairly old-ish looking terminal that was yet clean and functional. I didn't consider lounges since I had no access at the time.

TPE has two terminals and they are chalk and cheese, T1 is the old one but is sufficient, always clean and the CX lounge is OK. T2 is very much like Changi without the business, the Evergreen lounge is probably below the CX in standard but still pretty good although alcohol choices are very limited. The old evergreen lounge in T1 became a diners lounge for a while, above CXs, not sure if it's still the case.

 

[pagingjoan]

T2 is very much like Changi without the business, the Evergreen lounge is probably below the CX in standard but still pretty good although alcohol choices are very limited. .

You have just jogged my memory about T2. Agree with your comments on that, including the EVA lounge. Had forgotten about using that on previous visits, as we have been using Kaohsiung recently for our access to southern Taiwan. Went back to Taipei for departure this time, as we were taking advantage of your much-appreciated tip on the CX J fare.

 

[jetlagger]

Hopefully it has improved since we were there in the 90s.It really was wild west stuff.An Aussie businessman on our flight was kidnapped at the airport,30 minutes after checking in at the then Sheraton a fellow was shot dead on the front steps.And we were there when the police did a famous sting.In the USA cops had invited felons with an outstanding warrant to a party at the club then arrested the lot.The Fillipinos did it slightly differently.When the felons were all assembled they raised the curtain and machine gunned the lot.
Needless to say we have never found a reason to return.However there are a lot more recent reports on here.Try a search for Manilla.

Interesting scenario!

Been travelling through MNL T1 over 70 odd times over past years..I've certainly got it down to a fine art 3 - 12 deep breaths & prepare myself psychologically & physically for the terminal process. Never fails to surprise me some new agenda going on with that terminal..Put it this way, it certainly is a pretty antiquated building.. screams 1980's architecture & function. I understand the the airport reached passenger volume capacity in 1991!! Arrival & departure for this terminal has it's own issues, be patient, be understanding & always try to laugh off the unlogical logic of Philippines. Never managed to get any smile or welcome from any of the immigration, despite the motto of NAIA about going the extra 'smile" after proceeding through immigration prepare yourself with sometimes long or short wait for your baggage. Toilet facilities in arrival hall are a disgrace. Upon exit from terminal , the chaos starts, with at times barrage of 'personnel" offering hotels, transport, money change, "assistance" usual story cheaper, better, etc etc..all working in cohoots with the cartel of shady security officers.
Trust me, I lot of baggage stealing goes on within the confines of this terminal - lock up your check in merchandise, departing & arriving into MNL
This has been long known, though never advertised, nothing would improve anyway..

As for departure terminal arrangements..

The approach to the terminal is absolutely chaotic at best of times, something resembling a human zoo! Have been approached only a few weeks ago by the shady terminal security to blatantly pay a bribe for shortcut into terminal.. Mmm, what a surprise!! Anything goes with money in MNL! Whilst trying to get in the terminal for check in is a joke, some mocked security arrangement - Xray.. What's the point? Virtually anything but hand guns is allowed, security paying little attention. Check in desks old & decrepit however always effecient check in dragons. Wont mention the USD15 'donation" one has to pay for this joke of a terminal, it always irks me... Most of lounge facilities that I have experienced at MNL are just OK, nothing spacious, nothing special, but sure beats being confined to those morgue style metal chairs & 'holding pen" at departure gate.
Not really much alternative, other than CEB or CRK.
Try my luck in a couple of weeks, perhaps some workable improvements as on the cards...

 

[dajop]

MNL is what it is. It's representative of the country in which is located. If you don't like what you read, stay at home. Part of the whole point of travel is to see what it is like elsewhere. And if that means sitting on a seat in the terminal (or perish the thought a substandard lounge) for an hour waiting for your flight, sobeit - bring a good book or a ipad/phone/pod loaded with whatever you're interested in. That hour will go quickly - and from experience there are seats you can find in quiet corners of the airport that allow you to do just that. But you won't find a nice QP with Neil Perry inspired party pies, a pancake maker, a shower or two and a few of your favourite brands of beer or wine - but if that's what you want or need - stay at home - or at best don't extend beyond HKG/SIN/KUL.

 

[banger2]

NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012

NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012


NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012 | ABS-CBN News

By Zen Hernandez, ABS-CBN News

Posted at 02/20/2012 5:04 PM | Updated as of 02/20/2012 5:04 PM





MANILA, Philippines - Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas on Monday said passengers will see significant improvements in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 by end of this year.
Aside from the rehabilitation of the terminal, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is aiming to decongest Terminal 1 soon.
Currently, the terminal serves around 7.5 million passengers each year, when its capacity is only at 5.5 million.
Fortunately, talks with Takenaka, the Japanese contractor of NAIA-3 is going well, and the government hopes to seal the deal soon.
In fact, Roxas will go to Japan by end of the month to possibly finalize the deal. Once this is settled, works on NAIA-3 may be started immediately.
Only 52% of NAIA-3 is being utilized at the moment. The government hopes to finish the remaining 48% before the year ends.
Once fully operational, 2 million passengers from NAIA-1 will be transferred to Terminal 3.
It can be remembered that the congestion and state of the facilities in NAIA-1 has earned it a top spot as the world's worst airport by a travel site.
Roxas said, they will recognize such feedback and use it as a challenge to improve facilities and service.
Currently, the NAIA-1 Upgrade Project, which includes structural retrofitting, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and plumbing improvements, and the construction of new and more check-in/immigration counters, improved toilet facilities, a walkalator and additional rapid exit taxiways, are all underway.

 

[jetlagger]

Re: NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012

NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012


NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012 | ABS-CBN News

Sounds promising!

I wait with eager anticipation...

Like your avatar with Cebu Pacific aircraft! Such a fun way to fly!!

 

[anat0l]

Re: NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012

NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012


NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012 | ABS-CBN News

They'd better work fast if they want to get off that dubious mantle.

I know that the article was written in the Philippines, but it still amuses me that NAIA-1 is in the process of being "rehabilitated".

 

[jetlagger]

Re: NAIA may no longer be 'worst airport' by end-2012

They'd better work fast if they want to get off that dubious mantle.

I know that the article was written in the Philippines, but it still amuses me that NAIA-1 is in the process of being "rehabilitated".

Amusing in in own right!
Think Manila fell off the mantle long ago.. Went from being such a powerhouse of Asia to the relic that it is today.. The MNL T1 is a prime example of complacency.been hearing the same old T3 transition story for the past 10 years..

Think the poor contractors & financiers are still waiting for their money, whilst the corrupted pollies wallow in their own muddled affairs... Correct me if I'm wrong!