(Manila) Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)

Chaos Rules and You Don't!

Don't start off your trip on a bad foot when arriving at the Manila Airport.

1) Don't think that if you are a "privileged" westerner that you have certain civil rights that carry over into the Philippines, because you don't. Safety is a higher priority than whether you feel "comfortable".

2) Expect very long delays through the immigration counters and trying to get your bags. If you are little on patients then you need to dig deep and find some :)

3) Security enjoys giving people a hard time that seem "put out" be their checks, so do yourself a favor and smile a lot no matter how tired you are when arriving. They will hold you up for hours if you get on their bad side.

4) Make sure your passport has AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE IT EXPIRES when entering the Philippines.

5) If you are expecting to meet someone at the airport remember there is a 99% chance they will not be allowed in the airport to greet you. You will have to meet them outside unless they have some special clearance to get in.Departing the Philippines and the airport

1) Depending on how far you are traveling to get to the Manila airport, you need to leave very very very early. By the time you leave you will already know what the traffic is like, so do not even think about cutting it close.

2) Remember, your family or friends will not be allowed to accompany you into the airport so say your good byes before you get dropped off.

3) You will need a valid ticket and passport to even get in the airport. E-tickets are not valid tickets so make sure you have a valid ticket before you arrive.

4) When you enter the terminal you and your bags will be checked very thoroughly. Remember, this is not the USA so forget about your "Constitutional Rights" and play along. I actually felt more secure knowing security was so tight, but I also saw a few people getting a little irritated at the amount of security. They were pulled out of the line at the very least caused themselves unneeded delays for being idiots.

5) After this you will find your airline check in counter and give them your luggage (except carry on). You will get your boarding pass at this point.

6) Next you will go through the Manila Airport Departure Tax Counter, or what I like to call the "Lets find one more way to suck money out of a foreigner before he leaves counter". Just pay the 5 bucks and move on :)

7) You will also have to fill out a departure card, and you will fill it out before reaching the Immigration Officer.

8) Now you are home free!