Asia - Connecting Times at Manila Airport

I am planning to fly in to Manila Terminal 2 via Phillippines Airlines flight from Delhi. The flight is scheduled to arrive at 13.50. I am then travelling onwards to Caticlan (Boracay) through Air Phillippines flight PR 073 (PAL doesn't fly to Caticlan). However, the latest flight to Caticlan is at 16.00. There is no flight after that time which I find really strange. This flight will depart from Terminal 3.

Can anyone please help advise if the 2hours 10 minutes connection will be sufficient. As per PAL, the minimum connection time required is 2 hours. But I'm not so sure of this because
1) I will have baggage to collect and then check-in again at T-3 (check through facility is not available);
2) I think I will need to clear customs and immigration?
3) I don't think Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are connected internally, i.e. I will have to take a taxi/bus to reach the other terminal

Please let me know if you guys think this connection makes sense...

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Thanks..
Obscure2k
TravelBuzz Moderator

If you booked through PR (meaning all sectors are PR-coded), try asking if they provide free transfers between NAIA Terminals 2 and 3. I know they provide transfers between Terminals 1 and 2, but I don't know about 2 and 3. In the event that they don't, take the inter-terminal shuttle bus. Also, if all sectors are PR-coded on one ticket, the bag should be checked through all the way to MPH.

As to why the last flight is at 4:00 pm: MPH is a SR-SS (sunrise-sunset) airport and flights need to leave before the sun sets as the airport is not equipped to handle night landings.

Anyway, I hope you have a nice time in Boracay! (And don't forget to write a trip report, too!) :D

2 Hours is doable but cutting it very close. I'd be more than a little hesitant to do that. If nothing was late and everything went right, it is possible, but no margin for error. MNL is not an airport where you can count on everything going right. Immigration can take 5 minutes or over an hour depending on your luck. For that schedule I would only consider a taxi for transferring terminals but a Yellow airport meter taxi terminal 2 to terminal 3 should only be ~160 Piso on the meter (~$4 USD) so no big deal taking a taxi. The ride could take 20 minutes or more if traffic is bad though.

Thanks for your replies

Akiestar - Both the flights are PR coded (PR 0753 and PR 73), but the second one is operated by Air Phillippines. Hence, I am not sure if the baggages would be checked through. I think if that is done, then it will definitely help save a lot of time!
Would you know if PR would compensate (i.e. provide overnight acco etc) in case I miss the second flight due to delay on the first?

I would highly doubt that your baggage would be checked through particularly since you will haveto clear customs when you first land. I'm pretty sure there is nowhere where you can drop your bags to be checked through after. In regards to the transfer, 2 hours seems like you are cutting it close. All could go well, or it could not. You will have to re check in in terminal 3 when you arrive there as you will have to drop your bag off as well.

Thanks all...

Decided not to take this connection..now flying CX from DEL-MNL with a stopover in HKG...that will give me enough time to plan the MNL->MPH flight..

BTw, ive asked this on another post, but do airlines flying from MNL - > MPH allow full size baggage for check-in...Both PR and 5J which i checked only allowed 10kgs..will they allow me to pay for the extra baggage at check-in?

For a hefty overweight luggage fee, the airlines will most likely allow you to check in a large luggage especially as they are used to tourists flying in from overseas, direct to MPH. Check to see if you can "add baggage" when you do your online check-in to save you the trouble and it will costs less. But do try to use a smaller luggage that will be easy to lug around as you transfer from the airport to the jetty, and then to a boat for a short ride to the island. If you get your hotel to arrange your transfer, that will be even better.

I know this is late, but had you booked PR, you could have availed of the free airside shuttle. From the PAL website:

Passengers transferring via Manila with confirmed connecting flight on Philippine Airlines and AirPhil Express shall be provided with free airside shuttle service to and from Centennial Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

The passengers coming from International/Regional flights at Terminal 2 will clear with Immigration, Customs and will claim their baggage at the carousel. The passenger is requested to proceed to the transfer desk for issuance of transit cards and transfer to Terminal 3.

When i was planning a trip to Philippines i found this link about the airport and transfers and it was/is quite useful: http://www.silent-gardens.com/air-transfer.php

Word "congested" got a new meaning for me when i witnessed the 100metres long lines for terminal entrance at Terminal 3. As always you can do shorter and your original plan if you are bold enough to always cut lines at immigration/security etc.