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 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.
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. 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.
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 cannot confirm whether any food concessions are open 24 hours, so stock up on food and water before you tuck in for the night.
Hotels
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, 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 hotel deals at Manila Airport.
Lounges
Check out the Wings Transit Lounge if you are looking for 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 pre-security 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.
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 pre-security 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. 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 alone or with friends, it is good to know where security is. Know where their office is located and look for video cameras where 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 only earphones and a laptop bag strap, but without the attached iPods or laptops. The same goes for important documents and money. Keep these secure on your body so no one can get them without waking you up.
- Secure Your Bags. You may want to padlock your bag to something if you are a deep sleeper. If your bags have zippers, turn the bag upside down (zippers to the floor) or sleep with your bag up against the wall, making it hard for someone to access it.
- Choose to Stay Alert. If you don’t feel safe, drink coffee, stay alert, and stay awake. You can always sleep on the plane!
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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