Airline Lounges in NAIA Terminal 1, 2, and 3

Flying out soon and want to relax before your flight? Good news! Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has several lounges where you can rest, eat, and freshen up before boarding. Whether you’re flying economy or business class, there’s always a lounge that fits your budget and travel needs.

This guide breaks down the lounges in NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3, so you know where to go before takeoff.

What Is an Airline Lounge?

An airline lounge is a quiet space inside the airport where you can relax before your flight. Instead of sitting at the crowded gate, you get a more comfortable place to wait.

Inside, you usually get:

• Free food and drinks
• Sofas or comfortable chairs
• WiFi and charging spots
• Clean toilets and sometimes shower rooms
• Some lounges even have massage chairs or nap areas

Types of Airline Lounges

Not all lounges are the same. Here are the main types:

Airline lounges

These are run by airlines like Cathay Pacific or Singapore Airlines. Usually better food and service. Mostly for business class or frequent flyers.

Independent lounges

Run by companies like Plaza Premium Group. These are the most common ones you can enter using cards or lounge passes.

Credit card lounges

Some cards give access to their own lounges, like American Express Centurion Lounges. Quality can be very good, sometimes even better than airline lounges.

NAIA Terminal 1 Lounges

NAIA Terminal 1 handles many international flights like Japan Airlines, Emirates, Saudia, and Thai Airways.

It’s one of the older terminals, so the lounges here really help if you want a more comfortable place to wait.

✨ 1. Marhaba Lounge (Level 2 Departure Area)

Access: Open to all passengers
Walk-in, lounge pass, or selected cards

Fee: Around ₱2,000–₱2,500 for 3 hours

What it’s like:
Good option if you’re flying economy but want comfort. You get food, drinks, WiFi, and shower rooms.

Real tip:
If you plan to shower before a long flight, register early at the counter. During peak hours, there can be a waiting list.

✨ 2. PAGSS Premium Lounge

Access:
Passengers from airlines like Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines
Also via Priority Pass

What it’s like:
Quiet, simple, and reliable. Staff are friendly and helpful.

Must try:
The famous arroz caldo. Many Filipino travelers actually look forward to this. It’s warm, comforting, and honestly hits different before a flight.

✨ 3. Japan Airlines Sakura Lounge

Access:
For Japan Airlines business class and elite members

What it’s like:
More quiet and refined. You get Japanese meals and drinks like sake.

Important:
This lounge usually opens based on JAL flight schedules. If your flight is not near their departure time, it might be closed.

✨ 4. Saudia Alfursan Lounge

Access:
For Saudia premium passengers

What it’s like:
Spacious with a different vibe. Design feels more Middle Eastern compared to other lounges. Good if you prefer a quieter and less crowded space.

NAIA Terminal 2 Lounges

Terminal 2 is mainly used by Philippine Airlines for domestic flights now.

Important update: All PAL international flights have moved to Terminal 1. So Terminal 2 is now more of a local travel hub, also used by airlines like AirAsia, AirSwift, and Royal Air.

The lounge setup here has also changed.

✨ 1. Mabuhay Lounge (North Wing)

Access:
Business Class, Million Milers, Premier Elite

What it’s like:
This is the main and more premium lounge in Terminal 2. More space, quieter, and better overall comfort.

What people love:
The arroz caldo and fresh coffee. Simple food, but very comforting, especially before a flight.

✨ 2. Mabuhay Lounge (South Wing)

Access:
Elite members or pay-per-use (myPAL Lounge pass)

Fee: Around ₱1,750

What it’s like:
More basic, but still comfortable. Good for short domestic flights when you just want a quiet place to sit.

Real tip:
If you’re flying economy with a long wait, this is actually worth paying for.

What Makes Terminal 2 Lounges Different

Famous arroz caldo
Not just food, it’s something many travelers look forward to. You can even add your own toppings like garlic, spring onions, and calamansi.

Better runway views
Big windows here. You can actually see planes clearly, especially the PAL lineup. Nice spot if you like watching aircraft.

More “homey” feel
Not luxury, but comfortable and familiar. Feels less rushed compared to other terminals.

NAIA Terminal 3 Lounges

Terminal 3 is the busiest terminal in NAIA. It handles both domestic and international flights like Cebu Pacific, AirAsia, All Nippon Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.

This is the best terminal for lounges. You get budget, mid-range, and premium options all in one place.

✨ Pay-Per-Use & Card Lounges

✨ 1. Marhaba Lounge (Near Gate 115)

Access:
Open to all or via Priority Pass

Fee: Around ₱2,000–₱2,500

What it’s like:
Reliable lounge with food, drinks, WiFi.

Extra:
Has shower rooms and a prayer room. Good before long flights.

✨ 2. PAGSS Premium Lounge (Near Gate 113)

Access:
Business class or Priority Pass

What it’s like:
Simple but solid.

Must try:
Arroz caldo. Still one of the best comfort foods in the airport.

✨ 3. A-Lounge (Level 4 Near Food Hall)

Access:
Pay-per-use or premium cards

Fee: Around ₱1,200–₱1,800

What it’s like:
Bright and open. Overlooks the terminal and runway.

Real tip:
Good spot if you want space and a view while working.

✨ 4. Pacific Club Lounge (Near Gate 114)

Access:
Business class or selected cards

What it’s like:
Smaller, quieter, more relaxed.

🏆 Premium Airline Lounges (Best in NAIA)

✨ 5. Cathay Pacific Lounge (Level 4)

Access:
Business Class or Oneworld elite passengers

What it’s like:
Often called the best lounge in Manila. Calm, clean, and well designed.

What to try:
Noodle bar. Wonton noodles or dan dan mian are the highlight.

✨ 6. Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge (Level 4)

Access:
Business Class or Star Alliance Gold

What it’s like:
Feels more premium and polished.

What to try:
Laksa or chicken rice. Food quality is one of the best in NAIA.

Credit Cards That Give Free Lounge Access in NAIA

You don’t always get unlimited access anymore.
Many cards now follow a spend-to-avail system, so check your eligibility before you travel.

Real Tips Before You Go

• Always register your card before your trip
• Check if your card has a spend requirement
• Bring your physical card + boarding pass
• Ask the lounge first to avoid surprise charges

Tips for Filipino Travelers

Arrive early

Lounges can get full during peak hours, especially in the mornings and evenings. Arriving at least 2–3 hours before your flight gives you enough time to relax and enjoy the facilities.

Bring your card or lounge pass

Many Filipino travelers use credit cards like BPI Signature, BDO Platinum, or Citi Prestige to enter lounges. Always bring the physical card for verification.

Ask about walk-in access

Most NAIA lounges allow walk-in guests for a fee (around ₱1,200–₱2,500). Just approach the reception politely.

Keep your boarding pass ready

You’ll need it to enter the lounge and again at the boarding gate.

Watch your time

Set an alarm to avoid missing your boarding call. Lounges can be so relaxing that time flies fast.

Use the free Wi-Fi

Catch up on messages, download movies, or check your flight status before boarding.

Check your terminal on Trip.com

Before heading to the airport, confirm your flight and lounge options through the Trip.com app for a smoother experience.