My first flight in 7 weeks.

[Terpe]

....nervous on my own with the flights and no one to watch my gear if i go to the loo!

I have one of those 'manbags', just big enough to carry passport/tickets/wallett/cash/coins/documents etc. just keep it on your body.
Any other carry-on luggage is locked and placed in the overhead locker. Nothing much else you can do.
In over 30 years of regular business travel (and with all the business electronics etc) I never had any problems even once.

[Steve.r]

A rucksack type of carry on is all you will need. Over one shoulder when you go for a wee is fine ..... never leave your baggage alone... EVER!!

Another bit of advice, when you arrive at Manila airport and get your bags ready to leave the building, you will be bombarded with lots of willing people who will try to take your case. DO NOT LET THEM..!!! just be polite and firm if they start to reach for them. If you are staying in the hotel next to the airport, it is only a short walk. If you really need a guide for that, then you can, but only give 50 peso max for that. Take a good look at google earth map of the airport to familiarise yourself with where the hotel is in relation to the airport exit.

[benjy]

Another bit of advice, when you arrive at Manila airport and get your bags ready to leave the building, you will be bombarded with lots of willing people who will try to take your case. DO NOT LET THEM..!!! just be polite and firm if they start to reach for them. If you are staying in the hotel next to the airport, it is only a short walk. If you really need a guide for that, then you can, but only give 50 peso max for that.

LOL your in for a fun as soon as you leave the airport its semi organised chaos outside (im not trying to scare you, just preparing you!) as Steve.r says be firm but polite with the porters who try and get your baggage and as you walk down the long ramp on the left hand side of the pick up area there should be the aiport taxi, use them as they are metered and fair but make sure the meter is running!

but just relax and take it easy... an you will be fine

[Dedworth]

I have one of those 'manbags', just big enough to carry passport/tickets/wallett/cash/coins/documents etc. just keep it on your body.
Any other carry-on luggage is locked and placed in the overhead locker. Nothing much else you can do.
In over 30 years of regular business travel (and with all the business electronics etc) I never had any problems even once.

Obviously demand to be moved if there are Pikeys seated nearby

[Terpe]

Obviously demand to be moved if there are Pikeys seated nearby

When I'm dressed for travel I might look like that