Beat the Rush: 8 Options for Airport Lounge Access in the Philippines

The airport rush is partly exciting, partly stressful. As you anticipate your flight, the ground you’re standing on may feel like a war zone. The droves of people making a beeline for the check-in counters, the constant buzz, and the weight of your luggage will all try to get to you.

Thankfully, you can escape from all the stress by getting airport lounge access in the Philippines. But which lounge should you relax in? And how can you avail of its comforts?

We’ve listed below your top options and the details on how to access them. Also covered are the credit cards that offer airport lounge access.

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8 Options for Airport Lounge Access in the Philippines

✈️ Mabuhay Lounge  

• Locations: 
  • Two lounges at NAIA Terminal 2: Northwing near Gate 7 and Southwing near Gate 10
  • Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminals 1 and 2
  • Davao International Airport 
  • Iloilo International Airport 
• Opening hours: 
  • NAIA Terminal 2: 12:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
  • Cebu Terminal 1: 24 hours
  • Cebu Terminal 2: 4:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. (Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday) / 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Tuesday, Saturday for Cebu-Bangkok) / 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. (Daily for Cebu-Incheon)
  • Davao: 1:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. 
  • Iloilo: 3:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 
• How to access it: You must be a Business Class passenger, a Premium Elite cardholder, or a Million Miler member. Premium Elite cardholders can bring one companion. Million Miler members, on the other hand, can bring two companions. 

Booking a top-tier seat with Philippine Airlines entitles you to a spot at Mabuhay Lounge. This privilege comes with a drinks and food buffet, which includes sandwiches, desserts, Arroz Caldo, coffee, tea, juice, soda, and even beer. 

Kill time with a selection of reading materials or simply watch the airplanes leave the tarmac. There is also a shower room in case you want to freshen up before a long flight. 

✈️ Marhaba Lounge  

• Locations: NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
• Opening hours: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. 
• Fee: US$23.14 or around ₱1,300
• How to access it: Book at Marhaba’s official website at www.marhabaservices.com or present a partner credit card to avail of complimentary access. 
• Qualified credit cards for free airport lounge access: 
  
  • Security Bank Platinum Mastercard and World Mastercard 
  • BPI Platinum Rewards Mastercard
  • UnionBank credit cards: Platinum Mastercard, Gold Visa, Miles+ Platinum Visa, Cebu Pacific Platinum Visa, Go Rewards Platinum Visa, etc.
  • AUB Platinum Mastercard

Located at NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, the Marhaba Lounge (formerly the Skyview Lounge) is a popular choice among travelers for its long list of creature comforts. 

The lounge welcomes you with international cuisine that includes both hot and cold drinks. Entertain yourself with a selection of newspapers and magazines. You may also catch up on some work with the help of the lounge’s high-speed internet. 

Need to freshen up? Your Marhaba Lounge access also includes the use of shower facilities. For those who need some time for introspection, there’s a prayer room that offers passengers a quiet spot. 

Where is the Marhaba Lounge in Terminal 3 and Terminal 1? The Terminal 3 lounge is located on the fourth floor of the airport while the Terminal 1 facility is situated beside Bay 9, West Satellite. 

Read more: Airport Fees in the Philippines to Remember Before Your Next Flight

✈️ PAGSS Premium Lounge  

• Locations: 
  • NAIA Terminals 1 and 3
  • Clark International Airport
  • Davao International Airport
  • Puerto Princesa International Airport
• Opening hours: 
  • NAIA Terminal 1: 2:00 a.m. to 12 a.m.
  • NAIA Terminal 3: 5:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday) and 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday) 
  • Clark: 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Monday and Tuesday) / 12:00 a.m. to 3:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday) / 12:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (Friday and Saturday) 
  • Davao: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Puerto Princesa: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• Fee: Around ₱1,400
• How to access it: Walk-ins are accepted based on the capacity. You can also book via Priority Pass^[1] if you’re a member. Partner credit cards are also accepted for complimentary access. 
• Qualified credit cards for free airport lounge access: 
  • BPI Visa Signature
  • UnionBank Platinum Mastercard, Gold Visa, Platinum Visa, Miles+ Platinum Visa, Cebu Pacific Visa, Go Rewards Platinum Visa, etc. 
  • RCBC Visa Infinite, Black Card Platinum Mastercard, Visa Platinum, JCB Platinum, UnionPay Diamond, etc.

The Philippine Airport and Ground Support Solutions, Inc. (PAGSS) Premium Lounge is one of the most well-known lounges in the country. That’s all thanks to its comprehensive services that respond well to the needs of tired flyers. 

Stuff yourself with scrumptious meals from PAGSS’ buffet table. Dishes include pasta, noodles, rice meals, breads, and desserts. Hot and cold beverages are also served, but if you’re feeling fancy, you may want to partake of the lounge’s wine and liquor. Other creature comforts include comfy seats, shower rooms, and internet access. 

The PAGSS Lounge at Terminal 3 is located at level 4. Meanwhile, the PAGSS Lounge at Terminal 1 is in the East Concourse next to Gate 7. 

You can also access PAGSS Lounge with a credit card from any of these banks: BPI, UnionBank, and RCBC. 

Read more: Get That VIP Treatment: World’s Best Airport Lounges

✈️ SilverKris Lounge  

• Location: 4/F NAIA Terminal 3
• Opening hours: 4:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. / 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 
• How to access it: You must be a First Class or Business Class passenger with Singapore Airlines or a KrisFlyer Elite Gold, PPS Club, or Star Alliance Gold member.

This airport lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 is offered to First Class or Business Class passengers of Singapore Airlines. Stepping into SilverKris Lounge^[2] is like entering a high-end restaurant—the interior is spacious while its aesthetic sensibilities are undeniably modern. 

For your pre-flight grub, SilverKris Lounge offers a selection of warm food and light snacks. There’s also a collection of wines and spirits that allows you to concoct your own cocktails. For entertainment and work-related affairs, you can use the wireless internet. 

✈️ Cathay Pacific Class Lounge  

• Location: 4/F NAIA Terminal 3, near Gate 114
• Opening hours:  5:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. / 2:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• How to access it: You must be a First Class or Business Class passenger with Cathay Pacific.

Cathay Pacific is known for its exclusive flight services. The said exclusivity is also extended to its lounge at NAIA Terminal 3. 

The culinary side of the Cathay Pacific Class Lounge is curated. If you want to warm your tummy with some noodles, head to The Noodle Bar and let the chef prepare your fix. In case you’re lounging in the morning, you may want to enjoy an authentic Filipino breakfast. 

The Bar, on the other hand, serves tapas, desserts, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages. 

If you want to tick some tasks off your list, the Cathay Pacific Lounge offers some facilities for productivity. These include Wi-Fi, workstations, printers, and photocopiers. 

Read more: Prepare These Requirements for Travel Abroad Before You Fly Out

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✈️ Sakura Lounge 

• Location: NAIA Terminal 1 
• Opening hours: 10:05 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. / 2:25 p.m. to 8:25 p.m. 
• How to access it: You must be a First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy Class, or Economy Class (Flex Y Fare) passenger with Japan Airlines. Based on your Sakura Lounge membership status, you must be a JMB Diamond, JGC Premier, JMB Sapphire, or JAL Global Club member.

If you’re flying with Japan Airlines, you may want to spend your pre-flight time at Sakura Lounge, located at NAIA Terminal 1. The Japanese brand of hospitality is easily visible in the generous helpings of dishes, from hot meals to a selection of drinks. Don’t forget to try the Manila Sakura Lounge Special Beef Curry. 

Take a seat in one of Sakura Lounge’s well-appointed seats as you catch up on work or watch your favorite TV series. This lounge even has a designated room for smokers.

✈️ A Lounge  

• Locations: NAIA Terminal 1 / 4/F NAIA Terminal 3 
• Opening hours: 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
• Fee: For NAIA Terminal 1: ₱1,200 / For NAIA Terminal 3: ₱1,500
• How to access it: Walk-ins are accepted. 
• Credit cards offering lounge access:
  • BPI Platinum Rewards Mastercard
  • RCBC credit cards: World Mastercard, Visa Infinite, Black Card Platinum Mastercard, JCB Platinum, Visa Platinum, UnionPay Diamond, etc.

Some lounges at NAIA, such as A Lounge, offer access on a pay-per-use basis. While other facilities let you stay for only three hours, this lounge allows you to hang around for a maximum of four hours. 

A Lounge’s facilities include a non-smoking space, restrooms, food, snacks, and beverages (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic). A Lounge T3, meanwhile, has shower rooms. 

✈️ The Wings Transit Lounge 

• Location: NAIA Terminal 3
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours 
• Fee: ₱700 per lounge seat 
• How to access it: Open to passengers and non-passengers 

How to access an airport lounge if you’re not a passenger? Just visit The Wings Transit Lounge. This is one of the most comfortable spots at the airport if you’re waiting for your family’s or friend’s arrival. 

One of the best things about The Wings Transit Lounge is that it’s relatively affordable. For only ₱700, you get to enjoy the following: unlimited finger food buffet, unlimited hot and cold drinks, Wi-Fi connection, and luggage storage area. The lounge seats can even be converted into flat beds. 

In case you’re spending the night at the airport, The Wings Transit Lounge^[3] offers a range of rooms, from sleep capsules to family rooms. If you want to be pampered while waiting for your flight, avail of the lounge’s massage and foot spa services. 

To top it all off, The Wings Transit Lounge is open 24 hours. 

Read more: Be a Wiser Traveler: Learn the Air Passenger Bill of Rights

Best Credit Cards with Airport Lounge Access in the Philippines

Lucky credit cardholders get to enjoy airport lounge access. Here are some of your best options:

Credit Card	Airport Lounge Access in the Philippines
Security Bank Platinum Mastercard	Marhaba Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1 & 3)
Security Bank World Mastercard	Marhaba Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1 & 3)
BPI Platinum Rewards Card	Marhaba Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1 & 3) A Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1 & 3)
BPI Signature Card	PAGSS Premium Lounge (NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, Clark International Airport, Davao International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport)
RCBC Visa Infinite	Marhaba Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1 & 3) PAGSS Premium Lounge (NAIA Terminals 1 and 3, Clark International Airport, Davao International Airport, Puerto Princesa International Airport) A Lounge (NAIA Terminal 1 & 3)

Final Thoughts 

The airport can be chaotic. And if you have a lot of time to kill, you’ll be exposed more to the rush and stress. Thankfully, you can always get airport lounge access in the Philippines. In case you’re not a First Class or Business Class flyer with access to exclusive facilities, you can always head to a paid lounge. 

Before you fly, make sure you avail of travel insurance, so you can enjoy financial protection against any mishaps or accidents! 

Sources: 

• ^[1] PAGGS Premium Lounge at Priority Pass
• ^[2] SilverKris Lounge page
• ^[3] The Wings Transit Lounge website