The Ninoy Aquino International Airport recently unveiled VIP lounges exclusively for Overseas Filipino Workers at Terminal 1. Whether you’re leaving for your host country to work or simply having a leisure trip with the family, you can relax at the OFW Lounge while waiting for your flight to NAIA. This is a joint project of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Metro Manila International Airport Authority, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the House of Representatives.
Update: Last July 19, 2024, the second OFW Lounge has been opened and it is located near Gate 7 of the NAIA Airport Terminal 3!
The VIP OFW lounges at the airport are specifically designed to offer a comfortable space for OFWs where they can freshen up as they wait for the boarding announcement. The design is inspired by the first-class seats of airlines so that OFWs will feel like VIPs during their quick stay at the lounge. There will be more OFW lounges to be constructed in other international airports across the Philippines including those in Cebu and Clark.
What Is the OFW Lounge?
The OFW Lounge doesn’t only provide comfort, but it also offers beauty and elegance once you get inside. You don’t have to be uncomfortable while you’re waiting at the airport, you now have a dedicated space to eat, have a drink, charge your phone, or access free Wi-Fi to contact your loved ones before your departure time.
Traveling can be a daunting experience, especially when there are long queues and crowded terminals. The good news is that you can now enjoy a pleasant experience even if there are long waiting lines at the airport with the newly opened OFW lounges at the NAIA Terminal 1 and 3. No matter where you’re headed, you can take advantage of this VIP service for OFWs who deserve some relaxation before their flights.
Features of the New OFW Lounge in NAIA
The main purpose of the new airport lounges is to provide relief to passengers as they fulfill their requirements at immigration before leaving for another country. They can stay there for a while and try some international foods, sip complimentary drinks, and connect to free Wi-Fi to watch YouTube videos or check social media to pass the time.
Unlike normal terminal areas, airport lounges offer some advantages including comfortable sofa seats, free internet access, and complimentary food and drinks. The following are the best features of the OFW Lounge located near the pre-departure area on the 4th floor of Terminal 1 and on Gate 7 of NAIA Terminal 3.
- Comfy seats
- Free Wi-Fi
- Multiple power outlets and charging docks
- Complimentary food and drinks
- Information Desk
The dedicated information desk is open for OFWs with inquiries and other related concerns regarding their flights. They can provide resources for those who need information on overseas employment or working experiences from fellow OFWs in the same host country.
Benefits of the OFW Lounge
There are no requirements in order for OFWs to access the airport lounge dedicated to them. In fact, they can access the area anytime regardless of their plane tickets, or local or international flights. The lounges are gifts to these modern-day heroes, so the benefits are mainly to help them relax and enjoy the ambiance while waiting for their flights.
When you visit the lounge, everything is free, including Wi-Fi access, complimentary food, and drinks. You don’t need to present or pay anything to use the amenities as long as you are identified as an OFW. The main benefit is that the OFW Loung is open 24/7 to cater to the needs of hardworking Filipino migrant workers passing the time at the airport.
What OFWs Can Expect from the Airport Lounge
OFWs can expect free VIP services that they need in order to relax while waiting to board the plane. This is especially helpful when you need to travel for longer hours and take an early flight to your host country.
If you have little to no sleep before your departure time, you can get some much-needed rest at the OFW Lounge in Terminals 1 and 3. You can ask questions at the information desk to get the information you need.
Why the OFW Lounge Was Created
The main reason the OFW Lounge was created is to provide relaxation for OFWs while at the airport. Before, passengers needed to endure crowded terminal spaces during their scheduled flights and sleep in uncomfortable seats in case of canceled flights. But now, you can stay worry-free when heading to the airport with the newly opened lounges exclusive for OFWs.
With quality amenities, you can fill your stomach, get some sleep, or simply use free Wi-Fi at the airport lounge. No more sleeping on hard benches for hours with the recliners and sofas available inside the lounges. If you need information regarding some matters, you can proceed to the information desk and the staff will address your concerns.
The lounges also serve as a workspace in case you need to finish some errands or make a phone call to your employer. Since it is a dedicated space for OFWs, you can also socialize with other OFWs in the lounge to learn from their working experiences abroad.
OFW Lounge in NAIA Terminal 3
OFW Lounge in NAIA Terminal 3 opened in July 19 2024. Just recently, the OFW lounge at NAIA Terminal 3 has been officially launched and is now open for use. This marks a significant milestone in providing dedicated spaces for OFWs in Philippine airports.
Video: OFW Lounge Now Open in NAIA
In this video, you will see what the newly opened OFW Lounge in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport looks like.
It includes information on what to expect from the airport lounges dedicated to OFWs and the features they offer. There are also some exciting tips on how to enjoy the VIP services, especially the complimentary foods and drinks as well as free Wi-Fi access.
Future OFW Lounge Locations
With the success of these two lounges, the government is working on building more OFW Lounges in other international airports around the Philippines and these airports include the ones in Clark International Airport in Pampanga, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, and Davao International Airport.
Summary
OFWs are great contributors to the Philippine economy and overall development. It is only fair to provide them with the best travel experience in and out of the country. The newly opened OFW Lounge at NAIA is just the beginning of many airport lounges that will be built in Philippine international airports. It’s the government’s way of thanking all OFWs for the sacrifices they make for their families and the country as a whole.