LAX-ICN-MNL 3 AIRPORTS IN 3 DAYS

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“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine

Last month I had the privilege to travel from Los Angeles to Manila to pick up my wife and daughter and had to go through 3 different airports as part of the trip.

This is my first foray into travel blogging 🙂 as I share my experience going through these 3 airports en route to Manila.

LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL: LAX

First off it had been awhile since I’ve traveled from Los Angeles where I call home now for the past 24 years. The last time I set foot inside LAX to hop into a plane was way back 2014 and a lot has changed since then due to the massive construction efforts and much-needed face lift of the airport.

Whereas before LAX was a drab, old and almost falling apart; nowadays it boasts of new amenities, open spaces, world class shops, fine dining that made the ambiance ultra chic.

It was like literally stepping into another country, seriously.

Waiting passengers now have the luxury of comfy seats between flights amid world class shops, restaurants, and open air foyers that not only soothe the senses but also relax the body.

INCHEON INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: ICN

I booked my flight through Expedia on board Asiana Airlines en route to Manila. Since I got a deal for my round trip ticket, $792 to be exact, the downside was I had to stop at Incheon for 12 hours.

I made a huge mistake in not checking the layover hours when I booked my flight since I was fixated on the great discount; at first I figured it couldn’t be that bad since Incheon was voted the best airport in the world three years in a row and I could probably make use of my time there.

But in hindsight, as I’ve lived through the experience first hand, if all you’re wanting to save is $200 from the regular fare and you had to trade 12 hours of your life, I would definitely pay the regular fare and not waste more precious hours than you should.

As part of my slip up, I also didn't notice that I was arriving at Incheon late.

At first, I mistakenly thought I would be getting there at around 5 PM local time so I planned on getting out on a free tour of the city since Asiana offered that option if you had a long layover. But since the flight was delayed at LAX for about 2 hours, the flight didn't land at Incheon until 8:30PM and the tours were no longer available that late at night.

So lesson learned, check the flight layover schedule before booking the flights 🙁

NINOY AQUINO INTERNATIONAL: MNL

And finally, after a long layover, literally overnight, I land in Manila.

I wasn't able to take pictures of the airport facade and all since my camera ran out of juice but i still managed to sneak a few shots of the inside.

I was pleasantly surprised since it's literally newer, considering only two years prior, MNL airport was considered the worst of the worst airports worldwide, i guess the government took that to heart and did a decent job with the modernization of the main airport.

It's now cool, AC actually works, ceilings are now intact and not falling apart, floors are newly tiled and sparkling, free working WIFI (that alone is worth a shout), and most of all it's clean, WOW !!!

It was weird having the same feeling I had being surprised at how beautiful LAX was, I again felt as I was admiring the newly revamped NAIA airport.

It's no longer the laughing stock of Asia, but in fact can be proudly displayed as a go to destination once again.

There you have it, my experience in the three airports spanning almost 3 days. It was a long and tiring journey one way but it was worth it, I guess since I had a chance to explore these one of a kind travel ports.

If I had to pick my favorite, it would be LAX now, I’ve been to Incheon two years ago and I thought Changi in Singapore was better, but now that LAX has been updated, it’s now the best I’ve seen so far or would give other premier airports a run for their money.

Do you have a favorite airport? Do you have unique information on these airports I haven’t mentioned, please do share by commenting below or emailing us at thedebtfreejourney@gmail.com.

Peace and Blessing to you All.