Whether you are an experienced airport sleeper or new to the game, this sleep guide will give you the essential information to better prepare you for sleeping in Manila Airport.
Our guide is updated with the help of airport sleepers who tell us about their experiences at Manila Airport. If you have a tip or photos to share, please take a moment to write a review to help us keep this sleep guide up-to-date!
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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 seems to have the worst reputation, with few amenities, crowded seats, and no way to access other terminals, even on long layovers. Some travellers report that there were signs prohibiting sleeping in certain areas, with fines for doing so – though we are unable to 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.
Rest Zones
At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.
Temperature
Travellers report both heavy air-conditioned, chilly temps and warm, stuffy temperatures, so consider dressing in layers to handle either situation. Do bring along 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 related to 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 the 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.
Showers
Freshen up (and loosen those stiff muscles) with a shower before your flight. Opt for a shower-only package in the Wings Transit Lounge, located in Terminal 3.
Food & Drink
We’re not able to confirm whether any food concessions are open 24-hours, so stock up on food and water before you get tuck in for the night.
Hotels
Prefer some privacy and comfort? If you would like a good solid sleep between flights without the stress of going through security, a transit hotel is available. Travellers who are in transit in Terminal 1 can rent one of 9 air-conditioned rooms, with private bathroom and showers. This hotel is located in Terminal 1, inside Security, on Floor 4, so do not exit the Secure area. Additional hotels are located at the airport, across from Terminals 1 and 3, with many offering free airport shuttle service. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations or visit Tripadvisor to find hotels deals at Manila Airport.
Lounges
If you are looking for a private place to nap for a few hours in between flights, check out the Wings Transit Lounge. 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. Note that this lounge is located in Terminal 3’s pre-Security area, in the Mall, so you will have to re-enter Security for your next flight. For more information on this and other lounges, check out our Manila Airport Guide.
Security & Safety
Airport staff are generally tolerant of overnight sleepers. That said, we have received many reports of sketchy behavior in the airport, including non-travellers hanging around pre-Security areas, perhaps looking to make a buck, steal some luggage, or worse. CCTVs have broken or gone offline in the past, missing serious crime incidents. There has been, and perhaps continues to be, 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. As a precaution, here are a few tips to ensure you have a safe airport sleeping experience:
- Know Where Security is Located. Whether you are sleeping in the airport by yourself or with friends, it is good to know where security is. Know where their office is located and look for video cameras in the spot you decide to stay the night. Ask security where it is safe to spend the night. They’ve probably seen many airport sleepers before you and they will direct you to a safe spot.
- Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you are travelling alone we recommend that you sleep near other travellers or close to security.
- Hide Your Valuables. Don’t leave all your mobile devices out in plain view. We have received reports from people who woke up with earphones and no ipod and a laptop bag strap and no laptop bag (or laptop). Same goes with important documents and money. Keep these secure on your body, so that no one can get them without waking you up.
- Secure Your Bags. If you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something. If your bags have zippers turn the bag upside down (zippers to the floor) or sleep with your bag up against the wall, so that it would be hard for someone to access.
- Choose to Stay Alert. If you don’t feel safe, drink coffee and stay awake and be alert. You can always sleep on the plane!
Pro-tip: If you are sleeping 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 begin to arrive for morning flights.
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