Great news for sleepy travellers at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport! After years of being voted one of the world’s worst airports, things are finally improving for transit passengers at NAIA with the recent grand opening of the Wings Transit Lounge. With showers, bunk beds, sleep capsules, a spa, baggage storage and lounge areas, NAIA now has services to make a transit or layover more tolerable (and sleepable).
This 402-square meter lounge is located in the 4th Level Mall Area of Terminal 3, before security. Simply designed, you might think of the lounge as an amped-up hostel. Rest-wise, you’ll find 5 lounge areas with 24 reclining chairs, 17 sleep capsules, 16 twin rooms, and one family room. They also have a massage room, showers, a simply-stocked pantry and dining area. And there is a small business centre. The lounge is open 24 hours.
Entry into the lounge is open to passengers and non-passengers alike, and packages begin at P700 (approx. US$ 15.00). Shower access costs another P300, while a 1-hour massage will run you P675 (approx. US$ 14.75). And, should you be looking for a bed, a single capsule begins at P1000 (approx. US$ 21.25) for 5 hours – which includes one light meal and access to Wi-Fi. The rates for the twin rooms start at P1800 (approx. US$38) for 5 hours. Luggage Storage is available with rates from P250 (3 hours) – P350 (24 hours).
The Wings Transit Lounge is run by SM Kenko Spa, a member of the Jipang Group of Companies, a team of businesses that promises “World Class Japanese service within your reach”.
Our impression so far? It’s a relatively inexpensive alternative to camping out in what travellers have reported to be one of the less pleasant airport experiences. What do you think? Does this lounge breathe life and sleep-ability back into NAIA?
