With all the recent talk about the Laglag Bala controversy, I just wanted to share my recent experience in NAIA Terminal 3. I took a trip to Hong Kong a few weeks ago, and I’ll be sharing some of my adventures there, so stay tuned! 
When I went through NAIA Terminal 3, the Laglag Bala controversy was just starting to gain some publicity, so I wasn’t really conscious about it yet. Fortunately, I ALWAYS make sure that my travelling bags have zip closures. Many, many years ago, one of my spanking new Nokia phones was stolen while I was doing groceries at a supermarket in Makati – remember that time when easy access little phone pockets located outside the main bag compartment were a thing? After that, I never used open-top bags anymore unless I knew I would be somewhere extremely safe – like at a friend’s house; and never ever in public, especially when I expect to be in a crowded area.
NAIA TERMINAL 3
Terminal 3 is my favorite NAIA Terminal. Most of my recent travels almost always use Terminal 3 and so far, I have always been happy with the experience. It’s not the best airport in the world, far from it, but it’s definitely so much better than Terminal 1. Also, people who pick us up can easily enjoy themselves at Resorts World while waiting for our call.
Upon entering the airport, you have to show your e-ticket, or at least a printout of your booking. Then you go through the first X-ray and inspection. It’s a hassle, but at least it’s fast and not as invasive as some other airport procedures I’ve heard about.
I like being dropped off at the far end of the terminal, near the A area. I don’t know why most people line up in the gates in the middle… the lines there are usually quite long and it is very, very far from the travel tax counter. Entering near the A B area is much closer to the travel tax counter.
TRAVEL TAX
The first thing one has to do after you enter the airport for an international flight is to pay for the Philippine Travel Tax. The travel tax is P1,620 per person, and there is no senior citizen discount! Fortunately, it is a lower amount for kids (P800). If there is anything that makes me feel bad about traveling outside the country, it is this. I hate that we always have to add this stupid P1,620 PER PERSON expense to our travel budget. Nobody likes paying taxes, especially when we are basically forced to pay this outrageous toll fee for the “privilege” of leaving the country. I get that the Terminal Fee is to help pay for the upkeep of the terminal (although I still think the amount is too big), but a travel tax is like paying for nothing and it feels like you’re just being shaken down for money. And of course, we all know where our taxes go, don’t we?
The travel tax counters are located at the far end of the terminal, so save yourself from waiting in long lines and walking to the other end of the terminal, and ask to be dropped off at the far end of the terminal instead of at the nearest gate.
The process for paying the travel tax was quick, at least. Fortunately, there wasn’t a long line and several windows were open. After paying, don’t forget to get the receipt. You’re going to need to show it to the airline check in counter.
AIRLINE CHECK-IN
Checking in was fast & easy. I made sure we checked in online (you can do this as early as 48 hours before your flight; doing this usually gets you seats nearer to the door, especially if you are the earlier people to do online check in). To check in online, you usually have to log in to your airline’s website and do it there. If you don’t have an account, you might have to register for an account, but it’s usually free.
Just look for the counter of the airline your flight is with – there are signs to help you. There are also some big TVs where you can see where your check in counter is located.
Go to your airline check-in counter, fall in line, and check-in. Even if you have already checked-in online, you still have to check in at the counter. Checking in online just makes the process faster, and you also have to “check-in” your luggage (if you have any luggage to be checked in).
NO MORE TERMINAL FEE
After leaving our check-in luggage at the counter, we proceeded to the back where the Terminal Fee counter was. What an unexpected but happy surprise to know that the Terminal Fee (that used to be P550) is not being collected anymore!
However, upon further googling, I found out that we are still paying for the Terminal Fee, it has just been included in our ticket price. 
For a moment there, I thought something good finally happened for us, tax-burdened people…
IMMIGRATION
The next step was to go through immigration. Before falling in line, make sure that your Departure Card is filled up. There is an area where you can fill up the departure card, blank departure cards are available there as well. The line for Philippine passport holders was a bit long but processed quickly, I waited in line for less than 10 minutes.
After immigration was the final inspection where they X-ray hand carry luggage and do a pat down AGAIN. I didn’t notice anyone taking off their shoes (unlike a few years ago), but just to avoid any problems, I just usually wear flipflops or comfortable slip-on shoes.
It is always better to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are easy to slip on or off, just in case. Just wear what is appropriate depending on your destination and personality.
BOARDING AREA
After Immigration, we arrived at an area with some restaurants and some shops. If the fear of Metro Manila traffic made you arrive very early for your flight, you can spend time in this area browsing the very few shops or getting a meal or coffee. The shops and restaurants are few, but acceptable. The prices for the food are slightly higher than they are outside.
This time, I was sad to see that Seattle’s Best Coffee wasn’t there anymore. At least, my usual hangout, Bo’s Coffee, is still there 🙂
What’s nice is that are several public restrooms available – you don’t need to walk too far before you find a restroom.
Free Wifi is available at NAIA Terminal 3, but don’t be totally reliant on it.
I heard that there is a pay lounge available now, but it seems expensive if you have to pay per hour. But at least it’s there, in case you are in a situation where you are willing to pay for these services.
When it’s near boarding time, head over to your Gate. There is usually a big waiting area with enough seats for each gate where you can wait for the announcement to board.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE
Overall, going through NAIA Terminal 3 is relatively quick and easy. It may not have the best shops nor the best amenities, but that’s not really what I am at the airport for. We were able to get through the entire process up to Immigration in less than an hour, with minimal hassle, and that’s kind of what counts. This was on a regular weekday (not on a peak holiday period, which I really try to avoid as much as possible).
ON LAGLAG BALA
In case you are worried about becoming a victim of Laglag Bala, Laglag Droga or other variations of the scam, it is best to always use bags that are fully zipped closed. No open pockets! Avoid using bags with open pockets: for example, many backpacks have open side pockets that are used to typically keep bottles of water – avoid using these. If you must use bags with open pockets, secure them! Tape them up or wrap them in cling film. Make sure that nobody can “accidentally” drop anything in them when you’re not looking! Keep your bags visible, in front of you, ALWAYS!
There is a service at the airport that will wrap your luggage in cling film for P160. But you can do this yourself for cheaper at home. This way, your bags are secured before anyone else has any chance to plant anything in them: not some cab driver, not some porter, not some random person who fell in line behind you.
Buy a roll of packaging tape, preferably the clear type, and also buy a roll of cling wrap. We buy ours at Unitop near Nagtahan, it’s only P28.00 for a roll of cling wrap, and even less for the packaging tape. That place looks like a circa 70’s department store, but sells Divisoria knick knacks at Divisoria prices 
Don’t worry about the quality of the cling wrap – you’re using it to wrap luggage, not food. It’s better to spend less than P50 than run the risk of being victimized by the Laglag Bala scammers.
You can also buy an extra roll of cling film and keep it in your checked-in luggage, in case you want to wrap your luggage on your way back to the Philippines. Don’t forget to bring scissors and tape, too! But these need to be checked-in (you cannot hand carry scissors and similar sharp objects). Just bring a cheap ball pen with you in your hand carry bag, and you can use the ball pen to tear the cling wrap or the tape (the technique is to puncture holes with the pen and use the holes to tear through). The ball pen also comes in handy when filling out the various forms 
51 responses to “NAIA Terminal 3 Review (Departure) & Tips!”
Hi! I will be flying out internationally for the first time in a few months. I want to know where I can get the departure cards in terminal 3? Where are these usually located? Near the check-in counters?
Hello 🙂 thank you for visiting the blog! After checking in at the airline counter, there’s another sort of entrance/door you need to go through that will take you to Immigration. There will be some guards there and signs saying no carts beyond this point or something.
After you pass through that, before falling in line at the immigration counter again, there will be an area where you can fill up the departure card. Departure cards are available there. It looks like the area at a bank where you fill out the deposit slip. Bring your own pen so you won’t have to wait for others or borrow from someone.
Hope that helps ☺ have a wonderful trip! 🙂
Hi The Barat Queen!
I will be flying out at HK after 2 weeks. This is my first time to get out of the country. I’m really excited that’s why I’m searching for some tips and I saw your blog. ? This is what I am worrying about. I just want to ask something about hand carry and check-in luggage. Can you give us any tips about my concern? Like the do’s and don’ts. Also, it is okay to bring blower and straigthening iron hair? Where do I need to put it? I’m hoping for your prompt response! Thank you!
Hi Denise, thanks for visiting the blog! 🙂
For hand carry, make sure it fits in the overhead compartment. The airlines websites usually provide some measurements. Also, keep liquids to a minimum. Avoid bringing liquids if you can (like makeup), and limit them to small trial size containers. They also should be placed inside transparent zipped plastic bags.
Also, don’t bring nailcutters, scissors, etc sharp objects with you for hand carry. Those should be packed with check in luggage.
Never keep valuables with your checked luggage. Never. If you put anything valuable in your checked luggage there’s a big chance it will be stolen. Always keep your valuables with you at all times. Avoid bringing jewelry if you can. If you are not attending any fancy event abroad, you might not need to bring jewelry. Or just bring inexpensive ones.
Keep your makeup stuff simple. I usually just use lip tints that double as blush, etc.
For your hand carry bags, everything should be closed with a zipper or something. Iwas laglag bala na din yan and iwas pickpockets. Also, bring a ballpen, coins & small bills just in case, something to keep you warm like a shawl, scarf or light jacket.
For your hair iron, I think that should be checked in. For blower, most hotels in hk already have one available. Check nalang 🙂
Have screenshots of your travel info on your phone just in case – booking info, flight info, contact persons, hotel address, map, pic of passport, pic of valid ID.
Bring lots of ziploc plastic bags sa hand carry. You never know when you need to pack something to take home 🙂
Bon voyage!
Thank you so much The Barat Queen! It really helps a lot! ? Thank you for your prompt response! God Bless.
I just remembered. You need to bring a universal adapter. Electric sockets in hk are different. You can also bring a small electric extension, the one with several outlets. So you can charge several gadgets at a time even if you only have one adapter. You can buy the adapter at hardware shops. I like the one by Omni.
hello.. I loved this blog very infoarmatve. but i have not been home for 2 years and me and my partner are flying back on december to PH and will be landing in terminal 3 because i also agree with you it is by far better that the rest terminal in naia .
so my question is I mean are:
1.any idea how long it takes for the immigration rough estimate is it 1 hour´? my partner is european so he will got through to custom or migration i am not sure tho. but also i have not been aware since its his first time to come to PH.
2. are their any big deals or issues on custom declaration for intl arrivals?
thank you very much in advance.
Hi maf, thanks for reading the blog! 🙂
Immigration time – it depends if there are many arrivals. Usually, for me, it takes less than 45 minutes from arrival until heading out the airport, but we usually pick flights that arrive around midnight. Immigration itself doesn’t take too long. It really depends on the lines. If many flights arrived at the same time, there will be more people in line.
After the plane lands, passengers walk out and you have to walk a long, long, long way until you reach Immigration. Many people use that time to go to the restroom instead of racing to immigration.
If the lines are short, the actual Immigration process is quick, about 1 minute per person.
After immigration, look for your flight’s baggage counter and get your luggage. After that, just walk out past customs. No more fuss about opening luggage. Just walk out if you don’t look suspicious. That’s it. I dunno. I feel like there’s been a change of atmosphere, I don’t get the sense that the greedy bastards are out to scam people anymore. Maybe Duterte put the fear of God into them, who knows. The personnel at the airport lately seem more professional, not as slimy as before. It’s much, much better. 🙂
On our recent trip, we did not even fill out Philippines arrival forms anymore. So glad they removed another tedious requirement. Only non Phil passports are required to do that. We still had to fill out the health forms though. The stewardess provided us with those while on the plane.
Have a wonderful trip!
Hello Barat Queen! It’s gonna be my first time to travel abroad and my partner from Europe will buy the tickets online. We will just meet in Vietnam, some says that it required to present the card that has been used to the airline and I prefer to PAL , is it really necessary? Or what should I really present if the airline asked? Thanks for your reply it would be a big help for me.
Hi Katara, thank you for reading!
More recently, they have not required us to present the credit card used, but I remember they did ask for it a few years back. Just to be sure, maybe bring a picture of the credit card + valid ID of the credit card owner and maybe a letter stating that the ticket was purchased by the credit card owner for you. You can bring a screenshot or a printout. It goes without saying that you need to keep the picture secure (for example, delete your email copy once you have downloaded the .jpg to a safe place, make sure not to put it in an easily hackable place). I don’t think they will ask you for it unless they feel something is suspicious, but it’s better to have it ready.
Also, you need to bring a printout of the flight booking email from PAL. Also, print out the part where your partner says that he bought the ticket for you.
Have a nice trip!
hi, do you know if we’re allowed to leave the terminal (naia terminal 1) after checking in our luggage, before seeing immigration? in case I didn’t want to wait 2 hours inside the terminal before boarding time
Hi, sorry, I don’t know because I’ve never done that. You don’t know how long Immigration is going to take. It might take longer due to unforseen circumstances. This is the Philippines, you know. Or you could encounter a problem getting back in. So we always err on the side of caution where we’re already inside waiting. There are usually some coffeeshops after immigration. I always bring a book or something so I have something to do while waiting at the boarding area.
If you have an 8-hour window, maybe… but I would still be cautious about the traffic situation outside the airport. But for 2 hours, it’s not worth the potential hassle of missing your flight.
Hi first time kong magtravel sa japan with my minor pamangkin, ano po dpat kong gawin at ipresent n mga documents para d maoffload? 3months po kami magstay sa japan. Resident na Mother ko dun. Please reply thanks.
Hi Madz, sorry, I’m not familiar with the requirements for Japan. Haven’t been there yet. Better check with the Japanese embassy for the requirements. Safe travels!
Hi Miss Barat Queen ask ko lang if yung Travel tax ay included na sa ticket. What i mean is the 1,620 na dapat byaran. Lahat ba dapat magbbyad nun ? Hope u can help me. Thank you !
Yes, generally, it’s included with the ticket already unless there are special cases, for example, you redeemed points for a free ticket, etc… in such cases you have to pay the P1,620 at the counter near the leftmost corner of the airport once you enter (NAIA 3).
May mga discounts and exceptions for OFW ata, but I’m not familiar with them, you can just google it 🙂
Thank you so much Ms.Barat Queen for your informative response ! I will be leaving on the 24th of January for Norway to see my dear boyfriend ! I just hope there will be no problem in the Immigration. I have a visa and my parent’s boyfriend are my guarantors. Its my first time flying so im really nervous and searching alot tips about travelling. Anyway,thank you very much again ! Godbless … ?
Have a safe trip! Enjoy!
Good morning barat, ang travel tax ko ay hindi kasama sa ticket. Bali mag babayad ako ng travel tax. how about the terminal fee cost 750? Mag babayad din ba ako nun?
During my latest trips, wala ng naniningil ng terminal fee…
Hello barat queen i will be flying out at thailand and this is my first time to get out of the PH. Im going to thailand to take vacation with my boyfriend for 27 days he is from belguim we are the same date arrive in krabi thailand. My question is when i go to immigration what are the ducuments that i need to show? Please response me back thank you☺
I think just your passport, filled up Immigration form, and be able to answer questions from the Immigration officer like what is the purpose of your visit, where will you stay, etc…
List of Requirements: http://philippines.siam-legal.com/
Boyfriend’s parents rather …
Hi, can I ask something, next week po kc magtravel AQ to Singapore.. First timer po kc.. Tapos ung ticket ko is aa Singapore LNG din mangagaling including the invitation letter,, anu ba mga mid Kong gawin , from the start, about immigration, and ung card n cbasabi nila, and about the boarding pass, bout nmn sa tax ,magbabayad din ba ko,, kailangan ko pp help u, d ko Alan gagawin ko eh,, salamat n po in advance ah,,, will wait for your reply
Hi Lovelie,
Sorry di ako masyadong familiar kung paano pag ganyan. Basta make sure lang that you have a printout copy of all your emails, ticket from Singapore, booking information, invitation letter, address of where you are staying, contact person, etc.. Print mo lahat yun para just in case hanapin, meron ka kopya. Save mo din soft copy sa phone mo.
Are you going as a tourist? If your ticket is fully paid from Singapore, you just need to bring your booking reference (printout) to the check-in counter of your airline. I suggest going to the check-in counter of your airline first, make sure na ok lahat. They will then ask you to go pay the travel tax, nasa dulo ng airport yung counter ng travel tax. You can actually pay your travel tax muna, pero since di ka pa sure na ok yung papeles mo, unahin mo nalang yun kaysa nakapagbayad ka na ng travel tax tapos may problema pala sa papeles, baka mahirap na mag refund ng travel tax.
Also, please read this: http://www.karenmnl.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-trip-abroad/
Enjoy your trip!
If you are going for work or emigrating, I am not familiar with that process.
Hi..its my first time going to naia 3 and ill be arriving there,may i ask if the customs do mandatory xrays on ofw or just random?
Hi Noel, I’m sorry, I don’t know.
What I notice is that after getting our luggage from baggage claim, people just walk out past the Customs Nothing-to-Declare counter. Unless you have something to declare for tax then you go to the Something to Declare counter.
If all your things are just for personal use and you are not smuggling anything, you probably don’t have anything to declare, unless you are really bringing in a lot of items that it looks like you are going to sell them.
It’s not like decades ago when Customs physically open and inspect each luggage before letting you go out. Now, most people just walk out past Customs, and the Customs staff are just looking at the people leaving and I think they only ask to check your luggage if you look suspicious.
Safe journeys! 🙂
Hello! My and my friend will going to Singapore the next day so sa terminal 3 po kami. Idk anything about the process na dapat gawin sa airport kasi 1st time lang namen pareho but since I saw your blog nagkaroon ako ng idea. We are already booked and I received the itenerary and the official receipt. About the ticket po, sa airport ba mismo manggagaling yun?
Thank you for your future response 🙂
Hi Gie,
Did you get a travel package? Your travel agency should give you the booking / itinerary document of your flight + hotel details. If they gave you a soft copy, you need to print it out. Since medyo mahaba ang magulo yung docs, what I do is I get a highlighter and highlight all the important info like the flight number, times, dates, etc… para kita agad.
Yan yung iprepresent mo sa check-in counter 🙂 Then they will give you the cardboard ticket. Don’t forget to do a web check-in 48 hours before the flight, and don’t forget your passport! 🙂 Happy travels!
Here’s something you might find useful:
http://www.karenmnl.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-trip-abroad/
Hi dear,
I just want to ask something, if I have a connecting flight what are the things that I need to do? Because its my first time flying.
Thank you in advance and God bless 🙂
hi !!
i would like to ask po ,i will travel kasi sa japan as tourist vis for 90 days i have roundtrip tickets
and i was invited by US military SOFA and garantor by him and that will shoulder all of my expenses in japan.
ano kaya mga tatanong sa imigration or ano hahanapin nila saken incase sana mag reply ka salamat!!!
Hello ? thanks for your comment. I’m not an expert, but to be safe, I suggest bringing all your supporting documents, especially the ones showing that your guarantor will shoulder all expenses, just in case. Also, if it’s a business invitation, being the invitation letter. If it’s personal, bring the invitation letter as well or ask for one and indicate your relationship with the person who invited you. I don’t think they will scrutinize you. They will usually just ask basic questions like where will you stay, what’s the purpose of your travel, etc. Just be prepared and be familiar with all that info and don’t be nervous ? good luck!
Hi good evening po.
I just want to ask some pieces of advice because tommorow is my flight to Vietnam. And im still confused of what are the steps yo process my paper inside NAIA terminal 3, this is my first yime to travel abroad. I hope yiu can give me sone suggestion
Thanks ??
Hi Po! ask ko lang po regarding sa online airline check in? need pa po ba yun kahet nagpa book kana online? it’s my first time to travel po kasi. thank you!
Hi Ann, it’s not required but better if you do it. Pag nag online check in ka, parang alam na nila na you will definitely be there. Less chances na ma bump off ka. Parang naka reserve ka na parang ganun. Usually nasa banda unahan ng plane yung seats pag maaga ka nag online check in ?
You already have a boarding pass and everything when you check in online. Print it and show it to the check-in counter.
Yung actual check-in process sa counter becomes faster kasi naka input na sa system nila yung gusto mo. So basically they will just confirm it kaya mas madali nalang yung actual check-in process.
I don’t know the exact reasons why pero ganyan pagka explain sa akin and from experience.
If anybody knows, please share ? Thanks!
Thank you! but i still need to check in sa mismong airline sa airport right? less chances of offload din yun? first time traveler kasi ako at takot ako sa offloading.
Yes, you still need to check in sa airline counter sa airport and also check in your luggage but the process should be faster 🙂
Thanks so much! youre such a big help! ask ko lang kung may na encounter ka po bang may tour package na na offload pa din? heard kasi strict ng immigration Officers.
Just be normal, know where you will be staying (hotel), your flight details, etc. Don’t be nervous and you’ll be fine 🙂
Thank You so much!
Thank You! But what if you got ofloaded sa old passport mo then nag renew kana makikita pa din ba yung record ng offload kahet may new passport na? sabi kasi ng mga nakausap ko hindi na daw pero i just want to make sure. thanks
Kung offload lang because of overbooking, I don’t think makikita nila. Di naman impt info yun. They will only know if you were on some no fly list like parang terrorist ganun 🙂
Offload sya twice sa old passport nya because of lack of documents. ang advice sa kanya mag renew ng passport kasi hindi na daw makikita offload record nya. she’s worried kasi sya kasama ko mag tttravel baka daw ma trace pa offloaded records nya? although naka tour package na kami.
Just bring all your documents 🙂 I also have a giant list of how to prep for your trip:
http://www.karenmnl.com/how-to-prepare-for-your-trip-abroad/
Hope that helps! 🙂
Thanks a lot! It’s okay lang ba na mag change money na before going to the airport? hindi nman yun magging problema sa immigration if ever they will ask the pocket money? Is it better to convert it in USD rather than the local money ng bansa na ppuntahan? thank you again!
hi 🙂 I will go to Thailand this January (for 1 week tour)… meeting my boyfriend halfway, I’ve already have my roundtrip ticket and hotel reservation but only his name was written on it because he used his card but there’s a note that it will be 2 adults. Do you think the immigration will offload me considering the fact that I have itinerary, coe, company id, copy of his credit card used and his passport? I’m worried that they will not let me through. I’ve been to Kl and Sg but with a friend before >~< this is going to be my first time going outside the country alone
Hello po,
Tanong ko lang po kc plano ko po bumisita sa asawa ko sa taiwan ksama ko dlawa kong anak isang 4 yrs old and 8 anong documents po ang ippkita ko sa immigration? Thanks
Hello Miss Barat. ask ko lang kung sa check in counter ba ibibigay yung cardboard ticket? and do i need to fall in line kahet naka check in na online? same lane ba ng wala pa boarding pass?
this so called “inspectors” (arrogant) at x-ray machine are wasting one of our precious natural resources WATER. sana mawala kayo ng tubig sa bahay…
they should pay for every bottled water they ask be remove from departing passenger’s baggage.
is this harmful to other passengers. this will just be discarded. this should be refunded from their own pockets.
Hello po, it will be my first time traveling to singapore next year , may i ask if i can leave my house at 11am if my flight is around like 9 something PM at night? The plane will be jetstar asia 3K, thank you
Hi Chloe,
It depends on where you live and how you will get to the airport. If you live in Metro Manila, leaving at 11am for a 9pm flight, I think that is too early and you will be too tired by the time your flight takes off. Remember, you’ll arrive at Singapore past midnight.
For a 9pm flight, make sure to arrive at the airport by 5pm.
However, if you have no choice but to go to the airport very early at 11am, take a book to read, or have something to watch on your phone/tablet/laptop while waiting. You can buy coffee or food at one of the restaurants inside the airport and wait there. I think the checkout counters for your flight will not be open yet that early.
Anyway, there are also small coffeeshops at the airport as well after the whole check-in/ immigration process if you are able to get processed early.
Have a nice trip!