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I actually flew in from Davao the night before our Taiwan trip, so by the time I arrived at NAIA Terminal 3, it was already around 11:00 PM. We checked in as early as 12:00 midnight, which left us with a very long wait before our 6:30 AM flight to Taipei.
At that point, I was already preparing myself for the usual airport routine—finding a comfortable spot, trying to get some sleep, and just waiting it out. But then my friend Bench suggested to check out airport lounges using our credit cards.
Discovering A Lounge
We started walking around Terminal 3 and eventually found A Lounge. To be honest, I felt a bit intimidated at first—it was my first time trying an airport lounge, and I only had a few credit cards with me, so I wasn’t sure if any of them would actually work or be applicable. But we still decided to check it out and ask, hoping for the best.
What made it even better was the timing. I read online that from March 29 to April 5, A Lounge was operating 24 hours, which was perfect for our stay. Normally, they’re open from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM only.
How We Got Access
Normally, you can enter A Lounge by presenting eligible credit cards. Unfortunately, in our case, the promo tied to our cards had already ended, so that option was no longer applicable.
We initially thought we’d have to pay the walk-in fee of P2,000, but the staff offered a better option. She recommended downloading the Mastercard Travel Pass app, signing up, and linking our credit cards. Through this, we were still able to avail lounge access for up to two people without paying the full fee.
Stay limit: Up to 4 hours
Our timing: Entered around 12:30 AM and stayed until 4:30 AM
It worked out perfectly with our schedule, and honestly, it felt like a smart little travel hack worth remembering for future trips.
What they served
The selection was simple but satisfying. It’s exactly what you’d want before an early morning flight.
- Siomai (definitely a highlight)
- Sausages and eggs
- Fresh salad
- Bread with spreads like peanut butter, strawberry jam, and butter
For drinks:
- Brewed coffee
- Soft drinks
- Tea
- Ice popsicles (a fun and unexpected addition)
The only thing that didn’t quite work for me was the porridge—everything else was good.
The Lounge Experience
What really stood out was the layout and comfort of the space.
There were different seating setups depending on what you needed:
- Dining tables
- Lounge chairs for resting
- Charging areas for gadgets
The Wi-Fi was reliable, which made it easy to stay connected, upload content, and even get a bit of work done.
When we first arrived, there were only about four of us inside. But by around 3:00 AM, the lounge started to fill up and was almost packed. So just take note of this.
Facilities & Service
- Clean and decent restrooms
- Shower area available
- Staff were polite, helpful, and accommodating
They made the whole experience smooth, especially for travelers trying a lounge for the first time.
Contact Details
If you want to inquire ahead:
+63 2 5310-4119
+63 998 595-2674
They are also located at NAIA Terminal 1.
What could have been a long, exhausting overnight wait at the airport turned into a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Instead of counting down the hours, we were able to relax, eat, recharge, and actually enjoy the time before our flight.
If you ever find yourself with a long layover or an early morning international departure, A Lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 is definitely worth checking out—especially if your credit card gives you access.
It’s a small upgrade that makes a big difference in how you travel.
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