If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Manila Airport, you might wonder if sleeping in the airport is possible. Our guide to sleeping in Manila airport provides essential information for seasoned airport sleepers and newbies to help travellers arrive prepared for the experience.
We keep this guide up-to-date with the help of airport sleepers who have generously shared their experiences and airport reviews. If you have any tips or photos to contribute, please take a moment to write a review. Your feedback will help us stay informed about the latest advice for future sleepy travellers.
Sleeping in Manila Airport
Locations & Seating
The seating is metal, but there is a decent amount, and many are armrest-free, so you could lie down if you have something soft and cushioned. Terminal 3, the newest of the four terminals, 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, even on long layovers. Some travellers report signs prohibiting sleeping in certain areas, with fines for doing so – though we cannot confirm this.
One traveller has reported a free “transit lounge” in Terminal 2, on the ground floor, behind a ticket/security counter. There are firm leather couches and reclining lounge chairs.
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Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Hotels
Would you prefer some privacy and comfort? A transit hotel is available if you want a good, solid sleep between flights without the stress of going through security. Travellers in transit in Terminal 1 can rent one of 9 air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms and showers. This hotel is located in Terminal 1, airside, on Floor 4, so stay in the secure/airside area.
Additional hotels are located at the airport, across from Terminals 1 and 3, with many offering complimentary airport shuttle service. Here are a few hotels:
- Belmont Hotel Manila » Check Rates
- Savoy Hotel Manila » Check Rates
- Hilton Manila » Check Rates
- Nobu Hotel » Check Rates
- Hyatt Regency Manila » Check Rates
- Hotel Okura Manila » Check Rates
- Sheraton Manila Hotel » Check Rates
For more options, visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Manila Airport.
Lounges
Check out the Wings Transit Lounge if you want a private place to nap for a few hours between flights. In addition to offering a comfortable place to hang out, they have a few private sleep pods and bigger sleep rooms (with shower facilities) that can be rented hourly or in longer blocks. Rooms can be booked in advance online or at the lounge door. This lounge is located in Terminal 3’s landside area in the Mall, so you must re-enter security for your next flight. Check out our Manila Airport Guide for more information on this and other lounges.
More Airport Services & Facilities
For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our Manila Airport Guide.
Airport Conditions
If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Temperature – There are conflicting reports of heavy air-conditioned, chilly temps and warm, stuffy temperatures, so consider dressing in layers to handle either situation. Bring extra layers or a sleep mat to soften the metal benches and hard floors.
- Lighting – At the time of this update, we have not received reports from travellers about terminal brightness. Arrive prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
- Noise – Daytime sleepers can expect to hear frequent announcements, blaring TVs and music, and noise from other travellers. At night, the noise will depend on where you’re sleeping. As a precaution, come prepared with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Security & Safety
Airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers. That said, we have received many reports of sketchy behaviour in the airport, including non-travellers hanging around landside areas, perhaps looking to make a buck, steal some luggage, or worse. CCTVs have broken or gone offline, missing serious crime incidents. In the past, there was an ongoing scam involving airport staff planting bullets in travellers’ luggage, so keep your bags close by at all times.
More recent traveller reports highlight friendlier staff experiences. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:
- Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
- Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Please don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
- Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.
Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.
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Airport Photo Gallery
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