Long time listener, first time poster here with a question about MNL. In 2006, I've done something like 300k WP eqm, As each month I need to be in AMS for two weeks, the US for a week and Asia for the remainder. The airports I frequent (KUL, SIN, TPE, AMS and IAD) are a generally a pleasure, but I've heard that my maiden 2007 trip - MNL - is as close to hell on earth as you can get in an airport (outside of SVO or a pre-renovation DTW of course).
Do any of you travel gurus have any secrets to surviving MNL?
Do any of you travel gurus have any secrets to surviving MNL?
I've been using MNL as my regular "gateway" to SGN for the last year or so. I fly IAH-SGN but that's really xp. I did CO/NW IAH-NRT-BKK for years, but since NW has put the A332 on NRT-BKK Z fares have been rare. NW has very good Z fares to MNL so I've been learning about MNL.
Since all airlines but PR fly out of T1, I believe my comments will be valid for any airline in T1.
NW flies out of Terminal 1. There is a NEW Terminal 3 that has never been put into service bec of political & legal issues. It's been waiting so long that part of the roof has collapsed. The last I read is that the govt promises that T3 will be in operation by early spring.
Personally, I don't think T1 to be as miserable as often described, but it's definitely substandard.
Some suggestions
Arrival
NW's 2 flights arrive about the same time as some others. Immigration lines can be long. When I fly NRT-MNL I always sit near one of the exit doors & never upstairs. It's often a bit warm, too. Sometimes the immigration officers will want to see your departure ticket.
When you exit customs exchange your money if you need. Once you leave the terminal there's no way back in without a ticket.
There's a taxi stand immediately across the 1st drive on exiting the terminal.
Fares are regulated. Tell the agent your destination. He'll give you a slip of paper with the fare & destination as well as help you into the taxi. People often say you can get a better price by going upstairs & getting a taxi that has just delivered a passenger. That's too much trouble to save a few bucks, I think.
Departure
If you have an eticket, carry a printed copy with you. You NEED it to get into the terminal. I strongly suggest checking in via net if you can. Check in is very crowded. If all you need to do is check your bags you'll get through faster as there's a separate line for this.
You must pay departure tax. It's about $10.50 or 500 pesos. Again, immigration lines can be long, but they tend to move quickly.
Now you'll have a few security checks including body pats. They move the lines quickly.
The WC is a bit small but comfortable. They do have some food available.
If you decide to wait for last call, remember that you'll still have one security check as there's one at the gate.
Since all airlines but PR fly out of T1, I believe my comments will be valid for any airline in T1.
NW flies out of Terminal 1. There is a NEW Terminal 3 that has never been put into service bec of political & legal issues. It's been waiting so long that part of the roof has collapsed. The last I read is that the govt promises that T3 will be in operation by early spring.
Personally, I don't think T1 to be as miserable as often described, but it's definitely substandard.
Some suggestions
Arrival
NW's 2 flights arrive about the same time as some others. Immigration lines can be long. When I fly NRT-MNL I always sit near one of the exit doors & never upstairs. It's often a bit warm, too. Sometimes the immigration officers will want to see your departure ticket.
When you exit customs exchange your money if you need. Once you leave the terminal there's no way back in without a ticket.
There's a taxi stand immediately across the 1st drive on exiting the terminal.
Fares are regulated. Tell the agent your destination. He'll give you a slip of paper with the fare & destination as well as help you into the taxi. People often say you can get a better price by going upstairs & getting a taxi that has just delivered a passenger. That's too much trouble to save a few bucks, I think.
Departure
If you have an eticket, carry a printed copy with you. You NEED it to get into the terminal. I strongly suggest checking in via net if you can. Check in is very crowded. If all you need to do is check your bags you'll get through faster as there's a separate line for this.
You must pay departure tax. It's about $10.50 or 500 pesos. Again, immigration lines can be long, but they tend to move quickly.
Now you'll have a few security checks including body pats. They move the lines quickly.
The WC is a bit small but comfortable. They do have some food available.
If you decide to wait for last call, remember that you'll still have one security check as there's one at the gate.
Quote:
Do any of you travel gurus have any secrets to surviving MNL?
Immigration is a cattle call, meaning all lines are for everything. The arrivals bit was far more unpleasant than the departure bit. Just get in line asap and make sure you only get a registered taxi on the way out. Airport staff can help you with this,,, there are a lot of taxi hawkers that will overcharge. My experience with MNL was getting out, catching a cab to the domestic airport to go to CBU.Originally Posted by Quad S
Long time listener, first time poster here with a question about MNL. In 2006, I've done something like 300k WP eqm, As each month I need to be in AMS for two weeks, the US for a week and Asia for the remainder. The airports I frequent (KUL, SIN, TPE, AMS and IAD) are a generally a pleasure, but I've heard that my maiden 2007 trip - MNL - is as close to hell on earth as you can get in an airport (outside of SVO or a pre-renovation DTW of course). Do any of you travel gurus have any secrets to surviving MNL?
Wear Socks with no Holes on Departure ex-MNL!
Only in MNL!
Just before departure, in the departure hall area, after screening for bags and metal detectors, you will enjoy one of the most interesting sights in all of NWA's reach: The shoe check, a la MNL.
You will take yours off, along with all the other 375+ pax, and all of those shoes will be checked. It's surreal seeing literally thousands of shoes in the departure lounge, waiting to be reunited with their wearers.
Can I assume this is still going on? I hope they haven't incorporated it with the regular security check. It's especially fun on the MNL-NGO flight that leaves before 7AM!
Only in MNL!
Just before departure, in the departure hall area, after screening for bags and metal detectors, you will enjoy one of the most interesting sights in all of NWA's reach: The shoe check, a la MNL.
You will take yours off, along with all the other 375+ pax, and all of those shoes will be checked. It's surreal seeing literally thousands of shoes in the departure lounge, waiting to be reunited with their wearers.
Can I assume this is still going on? I hope they haven't incorporated it with the regular security check. It's especially fun on the MNL-NGO flight that leaves before 7AM!