Long transit in T1 MNL - going landside

[alect]

My wife and son are travelling PR J Mel-Mnl-Lax and return. On the return legs their transit in mnl is 19 hrs so I've told them not worth staying that whole time in the lounge. I've advised them to get off lax-mnl flight, go through transfer and freshen up and have breakfast in the lounge and then head into mall of Asia for the day (my wife loves shipping.... Not my cup of tea).. they are used to travelling with me and not having to plan or think about transfers etc....

Once they clear transfers at T1, they can shower and have breakfast at the mahubay lounge... Can they then exit landside from the departure level through immigration (hand luggage only)? I've been told on FT that this is not possible without staff assistance.......Does anyone have any experience or knowledge as to whether PR staff in the PR lounge can assist in going landside from the lounge for a long transit?

 

[anat0l]

Normally once you are airside in the secure departures area, you can't get out unless you have a good reason (and maybe a bribe... just kidding).

At least, this is my assumption nearly everywhere I go. SIN and KUL are somewhat the main exceptions, since arrival flow is allowed in the same areas as departure flow (except gates), making it much easier to use a lounge "on arrival" before landing in the country.

If someone has done it before, then all power to them. At the very least, FT is likely right that you will need a good reason and staff assistance.

It just might be easier to clear arrivals (rather than transit), have fun in MNL, return to NAIA and proceed through security etc.... then have a shower once airside and ready to fly on.