Details:
Date: August 2022
Airport: MNL – Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila.
Title: PAGSS Premium Lounge
Location: Terminal 3, upstairs, right after immigration/security.
Airline/Alliance: Multiple airlines; Independent
Access: Multiple airlines premium frequent flyers and business class customers. Paid entry was possible for USD $25
Summary:
On my last visit to Manila airport I reviewed the Mahaba lounge. Those that read that post will know at I found the experience somewhat underwhelming. After that experience I had quite low expectations of any independent lounge in Manila, yet I was about to be surprised on the upside…
My sister and myself managed to bag a cheap Qatar Airways business class flight from MNL – IST and the PAGSS lounge was the lounge we were directed to.
As soon as we walked through the door I knew we were entering a far superior lounge than the Marhaba. It proved to be superior on every level.
Having left our Airbnb at midday we had plenty of time to kill, but we opted to head to the airport anyway, despite our flight not leaving till 6pm. Checkin hadn’t opened at the time we arrived so we headed up to the restaurant area and stumbled across a massage place.
If you are up for a strong, but cheap massage you should definitely give it a try. A full body massage was around $15 AUD. The only drawback as ending up covered in essential oils as proceeded with check in and departure formalities.
Thankfully, the Paags lounge had showers and we both made use of them. They were perfectly fit for purpose and spotlessly clean. If you wish to use them you need to inform the front desk so they can be unlocked
As you enter th3 lounge and walk straight ahead there is a ceiling to waist high glass window running along the south west wall with view over departure gates, with taxiways behind. Most seating in this area are stools behind a faux marble benches. Approximately every meter along this bench there are charging points for your devices.
A number of high backed arm chairs were situated in the first area you pass as you enter the lounge. The y looked quite comfortable but we’re all occupied while we were there. Multiple charging points were scattered in this qreq
The food on offer was what surprised me most. Here there were definitely some yummy options. My sister and I both liked the pork siomai ( A.K.A dim sims )and mini siopao ( Look like pork buns to me ), plus the noodle xxx. All the dishes I tried were great, and close to the standard of one of my favorite lounges, Cathay Pacifica’s The Pier. The sandwiches didn’t look that great though.
Alcoholic beverage selection was pretty basic. A red and a whit3 wine we’re on offer along with Johnny Walker Scotch and a rum I’m not familiar with. Beers were Philippine favourites – San Miguel and San Miguel light. Various soft drinks were displayed but no bottled water.
WiFi was quite pathetic, clocking in at a slow 5Mbps
Rating:
Comfort 7.5/10
Food 7.5/10
Beverage 4/10
Coffee 4/10
WiFi 2/10
Showers 7.5/10
Bathroom 7/10