BYAHILO experiences the NAIA Terminal 3!

When news came out that the giant mothballed-project NAIA Terminal 3 will finally open, I was so ecstatic. I was so overjoyed, because finally, Manila will get a world-class airport to replace the old Manila Domestic Airport.

According to new, the NAIA 3 terminal was supposed to be opened sometime last 2002 or 2003 but due to the legal challenges, the opening date has been delayed.

So finally, Last August 9, I flew out of Manila via NAIA T3. My first reaction upon getting inside is that, it so cold. Much colder than the A/C of the Manila Domestic Airport Terminal or the Centennial Airport. The guards are courteous.

The terminal itself is so big. The check in counter area has this feel of very spacious because of high ceiling. The beams supporting the ceiling was built with artistic touch.

There’s just more than enough check in counters for every flight leaving Metro Manila. Enough signs are placed all over the place to guide passengers where to go next.

A lot of food outlets can also be found inside the new Manila Airport Terminal. There are a few scattered around the check in counter are, and there are some located right after the final security check area.

There are large signs pointing passengers to their assigned departure gates. The pre-departure area is big. A walkalator is also provided. A smoking room is also provided for those who need a quick fix, with a good view of Makati skyscrapers

But with all the goodness of the new Manila NAIA Terminal 3, there are some downsides too. One noticeable downside is that, the airbridge or the tube is not being utilized. This means that passengers have go walk through the tarmac and climb up the airline stairs. This happened to me when I left for Cebu and arrive in Manila.

Another booboo I have encountered happened when I left Manila for Cebu. Though I point my blaming fingers to the airline company and not to the Airport Authorities. There were two passengers who were supposed to travel to Bacolod was able to get into our aircraft. The two were asked to leave the aircraft since we are bound for Cebu and not for Bacolod. Now how in the hell, did those passengers able to sneak in to our flight?

Another thumbs down for the NAIA Terminal 3 happened when I arrived in Manila Monday morning. Since I have been travelling frequently, I am already familiar with all the security measures being implemented in airports. Normally, when you check in a bag a sticker containing a serial number is attached to it. The other half of the sticker which also contains the same serial number is stapled to the Boarding Pass. That will serve as your claim stub when getting the bag prior to leaving the airports, right?

Not in my case. I was able to get my checked in baggage from the conveyor belt and leave the airport without being checked. What if I left NAIA 3 bringing bags that are not mine?

Now the NAIA Terminal 3 security personnel should beef up their measures to prevent baggage loss.