Julia Christine Botin

Article (news)

Aneth Ng-Lim

Considering the state of Philippine airports, access to an airport lounge is a welcome luxury for Filipino travelers.  Waiting one to two hours or more before you can board your flight is better spent in a comfortable lounge that offers internet connectivity plus free flowing food and drinks.In the past, this was a privilege only available to business class and first class travelers.  Today, one can visit an airport lounge for a fee, or even better, for free if you own the right bank or credit card.Don’t be quick to dismiss this and say you can just sit it out in the public area.  What can an airport lounge offer beyond Wi-Fi, food and drinks, you ask?  So much more actually, depending on which airport you are flying out from.  You can charge your devices from any of the many outlets across the room, comfortably located next to lounge chairs and dining tables.   There are also conference rooms if you have to squeeze in work or private meetings.  Some come with a full suite business center with computers and printers.  There are TV screens across the room tuned in to news, entertainment and sports shows.  Take your pick of newspapers and magazines to read.  If you’re on a long-haul flight, you can take a nap at the sleeping suites or refresh with showers.Here’s how you can experience this increasingly affordable luxury the next time you fly.<div>Sign up for Airport Lounge membership</div>For frequent travelers, signing up for an airport lounge membership can be a good deal.  With Priority Pass, one of the biggest airport lounge networks, annual membership starts at US$99 and the rate will change depending on the level of membership.At US$99, every lounge visit you make still has a fee, but it’s a lower rate than the public or walk-in rate.  If you want to pay nothing at all, you can sign up for the highest tier which comes with an annual rate of $469.If you’re traveling only one to two times in a year, paying the walk in rate may be better than a membership. Make sure to do your math before signing up.When it comes to choosing your membership, consider too the countries you mostly visit.  Then see the airport lounges there and if they are part of the network you are joining.  Priority Pass boasts of having over 1,800 airport experiences in more than 600 cities and 146 countries, with more lounges being added every month.  But won’t it be a shame if the one you will need the most is not included right?<div>Flash your plastic fantastic</div>I may be wrong but I think this used to be an American Express exclusive.  For many years, only our American Express card would give us free access to airport lounges when flying out of NAIA Terminal 3, regardless of airline or class we fly.  Today, that exclusivity no longer applies.  There’s a long list of credit cards and savings rewards programs that offer free lounge access out of NAIA Terminal 1 and 3, and in some cases even for airports overseas.Go online and check if your credit card or bank offers this perk.  If not, and you do travel often, consider getting one that does.  Not all perks are the same so check the fine print.  Some allow you limitless free entry.  Others also let you enter with one free companion.  This is great if you usually travel with family or friends.  Some cards cap the free visits to 4 or 6 in a year.There are now several lounges in NAIA Terminal 1 and Terminal 3.  If you happen to have more than one credit card that offers free access, check out the reviews of their lounge partners before your trip as some may be better for you than others.<div>Airline lounges now also open to serve you</div>For a fee, some airlines are now allowing their economy or premium economy class passengers to access their airport lounge.  This is a welcome option for those flying with Philippine Airlines out of NAIA Terminal 2.  You can enjoy their famous arroz caldo whether flying domestic or international.All Nippon Airways has a similar offer, and we’re happy to take advantage when flying out of Tokyo.  Check your airline if they also extend the same offer and compare if cheaper than a public walk in rate to other lounges, or using your lounge membership if you have one.

Considering the state of Philippine airports, access to an airport lounge is a welcome luxury for Filipino travelers.

Considering the state of Philippine airports, access to an airport lounge is a welcome luxury for Filipino travelers.

Luxury of airport lounge now within easy reach for most travelers

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Luxury of airport lounge now within easy reach for most travelers

Aneth Ng-Lim

Published Oct 28, 2025 10:36 AM PHT

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Aneth Ng-Lim

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