Lounge access at MNL T3

[whughes3]

Does anyone have any experience of lounge access at MNL since the CX lounge there closed recently? The QF website.....

https://www.qantas.com/au/en/qantas-experience/at-the-airport/airport-lounges/all-qantas-airport-lounges/airport-lounge-locations.html/mnl/Manila%20Lounge.html

..is cheerfully advising us to use the PAGSS lounge at T1!!! Yeah, sure....I have sent them a query about this via the website and received the following astonishing response:

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We acknowledge that Qantas flights depart from Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. However, Qantas does not operate its own dedicated lounge in Manila. Eligible Qantas passengers and Frequent Flyers are directed to the PAGSS Lounge, which is located in Terminal 1, East Concourse, next to Gate 2.
We appreciate that the lounge being located in a different terminal may raise questions, however this remains the designated lounge available for eligible Qantas customers in Manila.

---

I have responded with a fairly terse "please explain" but have so far received no response. Meanwhile, does anyone know what is actually happening?

 

[Melburnian1]

The PAGSS lounge is poor, so good on you for not accepting 'it. I thought there was also a PAGSS lounge in T3, not just in T1.

 

[whughes3]

The PAGSS lounge is poor, so good on you for not accepting 'it. I thought there was also a PAGSS lounge in T3, not just in T1

The chief problem here is that it physically impossible to access a T 1 lounge when departing from T3!!! There was a quite reasonable PAGSS lounge at T3 but it has been closed, supposedly for renovation, for over 12 months and a rather ordinary substitute lounge has replaced it.

 

[kpro]

The PAGSS lounge is poor, so good on you for not accepting 'it. I thought there was also a PAGSS lounge in T3, not just in T1.

It does look like there's one in T3, as well as T1 so QF probably just got the terminal wrong on their website. PAGSS

 

[whughes3]

It does look like there's one in T3, as well as T1 so QF probably just got the terminal wrong on their website. PAGSS

Refer to my post #3.

 

[whughes3]

Well, here I am at MNL T3 and to my total unsurprise when I checked in for QF20 I was given a coupon for admission for the "substitute" PAGSS T3 lounge mentioned above, which as I said is pretty ordinary but better than nothing.

Meanwhile I have received a couple of further responses from Qantas which were even more confused and misleading than the first one. As soon as I get back I am going to seriously stir the pot about this absurd situation.

 

[markis10]

At least the Oneworld lounge finder has the correct lounge, same cannot be said for CGK

 

[whughes3]

At least the Oneworld lounge finder has the correct lounge, same cannot be said for CGK

Huh? The Oneworld website shows only the new First Meridian lounge which is used by CX and JL but so far NOT QF.

 

[markis10]

Huh? The Oneworld website shows only the new First Meridian lounge which is used by CX and JL but so fat NOT QF.

 

[clifford]

One can only hope it's better than PAGSS. MNL is a pretty dismal airport, whichever way you look at it.

Even the new PR lounge in T1 isn't that wonderful.

 

[whughes3]

View attachment 512036

Oops, I stand corrected, didn't scroll down enough; but this just raises the question, how come does Qantas apparently not know about this and is posting this nonsense about using the PAGSS T1 lounge?

 

[Melburnian1]

One can only hope it's better than PAGSS. MNL is a pretty dismal airport, whichever way you look at it.

Even the new PR lounge in T1 isn't that wonderful.

While I'm wary of going OT, I have had quicker immigration and customs at MNL T1 than in either MEL or SYD.

 

[SYD]

At least the Oneworld lounge finder has the correct lounge, same cannot be said for CGK

Oh, OT but just noticed that CX is now using the PP First lounge at CGK for OWE! We’re flying out in Aug. I guess we’ll see what it’s like!

 

[kpro]

It does look like there's one in T3, as well as T1 so QF probably just got the terminal wrong on their website. PAGSS

Refer to my post #3.

Well, here I am at MNL T3 and to my total unsurprise when I checked in for QF20 I was given a coupon for admission for the "substitute" PAGSS T3 lounge mentioned above, which as I said is pretty ordinary but better than nothing.

So QF got the terminal wrong on their website, which is what I said. The PAGSS website I linked lists a lounge in T3, same as the oneworld site posted by markis10.

 

[whughes3]

As stated in the OP, I queried their response and have just received this reply:

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Thank you for your correspondence regarding the lounge facilities at Manila (MNL).

We sincerely apologise for the confusion and frustration caused by the information displayed on our website. We understand how important accurate lounge details are for your travel experience.

To clarify, Qantas flights currently operate from Terminal 3 at Manila. The Cathay Pacific lounge at Terminal 3 has recently closed, and our website was updated to reflect the PAGSS lounge. However, the PAGSS lounge is located in Terminal 1, which is not accessible to passengers departing from Terminal 3.

At present, Qantas passengers departing from Terminal 3 do not have access to a partner lounge. We are actively reviewing alternative arrangements and will update our website as soon as new lounge access options become available. In the meantime, passengers may use the terminal facilities prior to departure.

We appreciate you bringing this matter to our attention and apologise once again for the misleading information. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us improve the accuracy of our communications.

---

They really haven't got a clue!!!!

 

[aikman]

While I'm wary of going OT, I have had quicker immigration and customs at MNL T1 than in either MEL or SYD.

I agree. While MNL may not be aesthetically pleasing, getting from the street to the plane and vice versa can be very fast. Your step count will barely change.