MNL is an airport suffering from too much traffic and too little space. Delays are quite common because of this. There are 4 terminals scattered around the airport. There is a shuttle service between the terminals, but it is time consuming. All passengers must pay a terminal fee of 200 pesos for domestic flights and 750 pesos for international flights. Arriving passengers can choose to use "hotel taxi" for 750 pesos or metered yellow taxi for 150-250 pesos, depending on the distance. White taxis are not considered to be trusted. All terminals has their own management and different security routines. T1 is used by international airlines and has the tightest security. You may have to queue outside for security check before entering. There may be long ques at check-in. The building is old and not up to date any more. When arriving passengers have left the building, they are not allowed to re-enter the building. This is stupid, since the ATM is inside. It is also difficult to meet people arriving T1, since you are not allowed to enter the arrival area, but must wait quite far away. Arriving passengers must then thy find their way to the meeting point. T2 belongs to Philippine Airlines, and the building has an airy impression. Check-in seems to be quick and effective. No problems at all. T3 is new and spacious. It is used by Cebu Pacific, PAL Express and Air Philippines. No problems there either. Old Domestic terminal is from the 70s. It was a nightmare before T3 opened, but today is it used by two small companies: SE Air and Zest Air.

A few things have already changed, especially with the terminal 3 opening. Everything is organized, AC is working - great.

Like any other airports, MNL has its good side and bad side. Security is always heavy and tight (and should be SO!) Those complaining are most likely the ones riding in Economy Class. From my own travel experiences, MNL workers are always polite, courteous, and they SPEAK English! If you have nothing good to say about the Manila Airport, try buying a First Class ticket and experience something you're not used to. The worst airports in the world are LAX, Rome, and Bahdad.

Ninoy Aquino airport was "new" I suppose. But how can the authority underestimates its usage so ridiculously? As others have commented, I had to line up outside the terminal for x-ray and metal detector check for almost 30 minutes. There are no signage or local staff whatsoever to tell you what are you lining up for. A tip for those with a domestic flight to catch, even if you're travelling on the same airline -- give it plenty of time in between your connecting flights. Once inside the terminal, it's so jammed that you can't go anywhere without your baggage cart rolling on someone's feet (or your feet rolled on by someone's cart). The air-conditioning is surely on the lacking side. It's also confusing where the immigration counters are. There are just a handful of stores both before and after getting through the immigration. Don't expect to get your last minute gifts here as they overcharge in major ways and the choice is so limited. The seat issue that many mentioned is still a huge problem. There are just not enough seats for all passengers so that many have to stand or even sit on the floor. There are minimal number of toilets so that there is always a line up (even for guys). I'd give this airport a no star if I can.

Terminal 2 is worse than terminal 1. Some are expecting something better in T1 but that is just in their imagination because of the Filipino ways of services. I got several experience in T1 with very warm and humid climate control, long queuing not inside of airport but in outside of airport in such a hot soaking summer day. That shows T1. I agree the feature of NAIA is just reflecting what the PHP is at now. Telling you one secret, why they work so slow? Answer is not from their laziness but from the system. Their system overall is based on checking each other. so lousy...