Using Manchester Airport (Questions & Reviews)

[TM3]

Can you stop referring everything to the scheduled landing time and use the actual landing time or disembarking time instead. This way we can gauge exactly how long it took to go through the airport rather than having to take up anything from 16 mins to 42 minutes off your "bad experience".

I actually didn't refer to it as a bad experience, I was addressing a PM from a member about the original post on a different forum accusing me of making the whole story up or inflating the times involved.

In respect of the landing time the MAN airport site now says the flight landed at 8.37am, my phone has it at 8.11am.

I still think the scheduled time is important as this is the best time passengers have to work from when planning onbound journeys.

Also the flight was on time until it reached Manchester airspace so Cathay were not at fault for the delay in landing, as such I feel the scheduled time is an entirly valid time from which to start measuring the delay.

Once you exit security and/or baggage reclaim any delay leaving the airport is yours and yours alone. There were 8 trains that left the airport and 1 rail replacement bus nor forgetting the tram service which is set for 12 minutes frequencies. All bar 1 would take you to Manchester, If you don't believe me for the trains then take a look here https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/simple/gb-nr:MIA/2024-02-22/0930

I wasn't particularly delayed at security, however it is true to say I had to queue as there is no fast track for business passengers as there is in some airports.

That said the security process was quite satisfactory as was the presentation of the airport.

Baggage collection was not a problem as I had carry on only, hand lifted, not wheels.

I did not run to the station but I walked briskly, as fast as anyone would be expected to walk there.

Others have noted on other forums that refurbishment is impacting passenger experiences, in my opinion this is not a big deal and it didn't delay me at all. The only slight thing that did slow me down is that all of the travelators to the station are broken or switched off.

The ticket I had was to London via Crewe and there was 1 ph service.
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/search/simple/gb-nr:MIA/2024-02-22/0930

I would never ever decide that as the scheduled arrival time is 7.55 to unilaterally plan subsequent journeys to commence in 1 hour later given there could be myriad reasons for delays.

For me planning the journey makes no difference, all I can do is structure my trip so as to minimise my time in the airport by taking carry on only and using business class, as you are amongst the first off the plane.

I was able to get the next train which was a bit late, meaning I spent an hour in the station doubling my time from the landing time to leaving the airport, even if you accept that 8.11am as the landing time.

As for the gate, it may be that gate is the one that CX has specified they want to use. Or it was the only free gate capable of handling that aircraft. It's not unheard of for that to happen. Emirates normally used gate 12 on T1, Delta used 212 on T2. If something isn't working correctly on it so be it. Virtually all long-haul airlines tended use to T1 and/or T2 T2 being perceived as the more modern terminal , most of these airlines ended up there.

I don't know whether the gate is Cathay's preference, it may be but it is the airport's responsibility to maintain the gate not Cathay's. It is undisputedly a long way from the runway.

Lastly, using your rules there was a Virgin flight to Heathrow that was coming in an hour early today therefore to be fair to the other aircraft that were scheduled to land before it, they would be required to hold until such time that they could land in sequence at the scheduled time. If you were a passenger on that aircraft getting that delay, would you be happy?

In respect of this example if the Virgin flight held until the scheduled time it would still arrive on time so I would expect any other scheduled flights to be accomodated rather than delayed so that a particular flight could land early.

I don't make the rules and I assume ATC have a degree of discretion over which flight lands first as long as traffic is handled safely.

 

[EGCC_MAN]

QUOTE: This clearly isn't true, CX219 was disadvantaged both by the ATC decisions

TM3 - Civility is encouraged on this forum. So, in the spirit of that, I will not respond to this comment in the manner which I am sorely tempted to. Nor will I use the words I would like to. However, be aware that those who have read the facts which posters have been generous enough to explain to you in depth will draw their own conclusions about you from unwarranted comments such as the one I have quoted just above. Their impressions of you won't be flattering. Your agenda radiates through everything you post.

Your allegation that Manchester ATC is playing favourites to the advantage of some carriers and the detriment of others is actually libellous as well as entirely misinformed. It is abundantly clear that you have no understanding of how ATC functions, and, when it is explained to you, you reject the information offered and instead repost unmitigated claptrap geared to present yourself as a victim.

Explanation of actual facts make no impression on you, so it is pointless to discuss this matter further. It is clear that you post with an agenda of resentment against MAN, and you will stop at nothing to put forward the most negative interpretation of your arrival experience that you can contrive.

 

[Aviador]

So basically @TM3 you felt you had a bit of a rough experience at Manchester airport.

1. Despite arriving what would have been slightly ahead of the plane was held whilst some other aircraft were allowed to land. The pilot was obvioulsy not impressed with this as he felt his flight had priority.

@TM3 Post #79

I don't think it is appropriate for you to suggest Manchester ATC prioritised other flights over yours unless there was an operational or safety reason to do so.

I think you should retract that comment.

It's a number of years since I last used Manchester airport so I can't comment on the other views you have shared but whilst not everyone will agree, you are entitled to your opinion.

 

[Scottie Dog]

I believe, regrettably, that this discussion has reached the end of its time and should be brought to a conclusion.

Both parties have had their say, and therefore further discussion will be deleted - unless it relates to a totally different experience.

Scottie Dog
Moderator.

 

[Scottie Dog]

To avoid any further deletion of post this specific topic is now CLOSED for discussion. Post #100 refers.

 

[Seasider]

I can only apologise to you (Scottie Dog) for the lack of courtesy shown by some members, following your decision to curtail the discussion, with 6 additional posts.
I have been away this weekend and read this discussion at the end of it. Had I been reading it as it developed, I don't think that I would have shown the patience that you have.

 

[Aviador]

This thread is now open again. The previous subject has run its course so no more on that please. We welcome new reviews and opinions on recent journeys through the airport. The thread is not for concerns or complaints and those should be put directly to the airport not here.
#ManchesterAirportReview

 

[HX3]

Flew out 22nd and back in today. On the 22nd the aircraft was parked next to an air gate but we had to board via stairs. It was absolutely p*ssing it down, but did they release us in batches, no they did not. We boarded via the back stairs and the door wasn’t even open. People then took time putting full on cases in the overhead locker, so everyone behind were stuck outside. Literally everyone were soaked and freezing, not great. That aside, check in and security were a breeze. Today on arrival it was via the air gate, it took a while for us to get off because we were at the back of the plane, but apart from that it was a good experience, the e gates were quick and bags off in 5 minutes.
On exiting the airport I do think MAG could power blast the old car park concrete and metal grills, so it doesn’t look tired - however, overall experience 7.5/10.
As an aside, on exiting the airport on to the motorway, the amount of litter is horrific. As a welcome to the UK, it is truly shocking, and the litter at the side of the motorway never stops, omnipresent all the way back to Yorkshire; the litter is a disgrace.
I’m normally very proud of my dual English and Norwegian heritage, but today I was just ashamed that my fellow citizens leave our country in such a state, and that litter and lack of maintenance are the norm in broken Britain

 

[Scottie Dog]

It would be helpful if you could let us know which terminal & airline you were flying from?
Thanks in advance.

 

[marni1971]

Hopefully the pick up area for T2X will have a rethink. It was carnage last night.

The ground floor of the new multi storey is for pick ups. Vehicles couldn’t enter since the whole ground floor was gridlocked. Either there’s not enough pick up room or taxis we’re just stopping ad hoc. Or both. It doesn’t help 4 entry lanes merge to one, then two, and all traffic leaving the massive car park - pre booked, short stay, picking up and express (taxi) pick up have to share a single lane to get to the exit. Those parking to pick up also have to join the bedlam and drive through the pick up lanes to reach the exit. Pedestrian walkways are too narrow, hence pax walking on the roadways. It won’t survive when it gets really busy. Feedback sent to the airport, I’ll report on any responses.

 

[HX3]

It would be helpful Scottie Dog, apologies I omitted to mention it. It was T2 with Tui to and from Malaga. Gate A6(I think) out and A7 on inbound, belt 10. Flight on inbound was a 737-8 max, super quiet.

 

[EGCC_MAN]

Monday 26 February 2024: EC-NLX Vueling VLG8749/VLG33GU MAN-BCN from T3.

Absolutely no queue at security. Directly to the scanners. Procedures went smoothly; staff very pleasant and helpful. Proceeded ahead of time to the seating area around Gate 53, because that is where Vueling flights usually go - and this one did. Boarding was absolutely fine. The only disappointment was that the flight had a load factor of around 50%. Not great, but pretty unusual on this service I think. But it was nice to get three seats to myself. Onboard service was good, flight punctual. 15 minutes from pushback to getting airborne from Runway 05L. Pretty good including high-speed taxy along 23R as third in a convoy of three Airbi (EIN, THY, VLG) avoiding the taxiway work. Interesting to get a close-up view of it all. Plenty of vehicles on there ... they're obviously cracking on with the job.

Barcelona Airport T1 ... visually stunning as always. Very well designed. But they do have one problem. Their travellators don't work!!! Do these devices work anywhere???

Wednesday 28 February 2024: EC-MPV Vueling VLG8746/VLG2CJ BCN-MAN to T3.

Barcelona experience absolutely fine aside from dysfunctional travellators (sigh!). Load factor around 90% on this one - that's more like it! So no three seats to myself this time, but I'll take that! Good uneventful flight, on time again. Landed on 23R, breaking cloud over Cheadle. Miserable rainy weather. Aircraft braked sharply on landing and did a 180-backtrack on the runway to avoid the taxiway works. So touchdown to the usual Gate 53 on T3 in six minutes. UK Border was busy but well staffed and egates in use. Through in about five minutes. I didn't have checked luggage, so straight out to kerbside for a good Manchester soaking. A very apt welcome back.

 

[lfc84]

Barcelona Airport T1 ... visually stunning as always. Very well designed. But they do have one problem. Their travellators don't work!!! Do these devices work anywhere???

Working in KUL when I landed from LHR

 

[marni1971]

Working in KUL when I landed from LHR

Also all working in Hong Kong thankfully since it seemed like a 10 mile walk!

 

[TM3]

Flew from MAN to PRG last week.

Outward journey was fine without any trouble on the M6, took up a place at the end of Jetpark 3 with a great view of the runway. The shuttle was regular and quick.

On drop off at terminal 1 I was met by a beggar right outside the entrance, not a sight I want anyone to see when they are entering our country.

T1 looks a bit tired and poorly set out by modern standards but security lines were short and I was soon airside without any problems.

As a Prioty Pass holder I tried the Aspire lounge, which was OK, not sure if anyone can recommend the best PP lounge in T1?

Easyjet flight was fine and arrived 15-25 minutes early to a massive queue at PRG as they now make all British passport holders use the counter, whilst there are 4 or 5 people standing around telling you you shouldn't have voted for Brexit etc... otherwise you would be allowed to use it.

This was a real pain point at the airport as I must have queued for 45 minutes for security whilst the airport was otherwise empty. The flight before was El Al which meant there was already a large queue and the flight after was BA from LHR, these guys must have waited ages to get out of the terminal.

Return flight arrived late which probably added 45 minutes to my journey.

Arrival at T1 MAN is not great. You have to use the steps from the plane, and then walk up a narrow staircase somewhere in the bowels of the building.

There wasn't that long a queue for security but it took too long, partly because there aren't enough e-gates but mainly because the staff are too lazy to change the cord arrangement and make everyone "snake" for about 5 miuntes to get to the machines. Come on guys, do your jobs and make it a good experience for passengers!

Trip back to Jetpark 3 is not as good as the bus is just leaving after I have navigated my way through the confusing arrivals setup.

When the bus a lot people get on with their luggage and there is a fair amount of faff whilst they stow it.

The journey back took much longer than to the terminal as the bus stops frequently and you have to wait for the passengers to get their luggage and get off.

There are also a lot of numbers and the driver calls them out quickly and unintelligibly, such that the people in front of me missed their stop and (presumably) had to go around again.

When I left the airport it really got bad as they had closed the M56 going south which is essential for anyone south of Manchester to leave without any signage of diversions which made what should have been a very easy Sunday evening drive to the Midlands very complicated and tiring experience.

Outbound was fine but MAG need to address some of these things for MAN to be seen as an adequate gateway to the UK particularly with the whopping £400million handout Transport for Greater Manchester has recieved from me as a taxpayer. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/...-protect-vital-services-in-greater-manchester

 

[EGCC_MAN]

Thanks for your report, but not so sure about the "whopping" transport handout from taxpayers. Note that the brunt of the HS2 project cancellation impacts the North: it is the NORTHERN sections which won't be constructed; the SE have got their section and the Midlands have got their fast route to London, with the capacity uplift it releases on other routes. Meanwhile, for years, disingenuous politicians have used the excuse of "the imminent arrival of HS2" to deny funding for regular railway projects across the North. We now have a Victorian-era system which is falling apart, yet politicians continue to announce funding for unavoidable basic maintenance as if it is a grand gift from the state.

The North is owed £40 BILLION in transport funding just to level up. This region has been massively betrayed by failed politicians. Our "£400 million handout" is nothing of the sort!!!

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EDIT: Well I'm not sure how this happened. The account below was intended to be a standalone post but somehow ended up merged with the one directly above! New subject below ...
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Meanwhile, two recent trips of my own:

Sunday 17th March: EZY2101 Manchester - Grenoble. A320neo G-UZHZ on duty.
Good tram journey to the airport; walk through the Skylink into T1.

No luggage to check in, so proceeded straight to security which was well-staffed and flowing smoothly. The only hitch for me was that the large family directly ahead (with two babies) seemed totally clueless about airport security procedures. They hadn't reached anything out from their luggage in advance and appeared to have liquids and gels spread liberally around every piece of luggage they had brought. They appeared to be in shock when asked to empty their pockets. But even with these ahead, I was still through in about 15 minutes.

Everything routine airside, no issues. Flight used Gate 25 on Pier C, boarding was straightforward and quick. But it would be: the flight was only about 20% filled. I got a row of seats to myself. Pretty shocking, but completely understandable when you see that Grenoble has no trace of snow. It was warmer than Manchester - like an early Summer's day over there. The skiers and snowboarders have stayed away.

However, this explains the bargain trip I got. £112 all-in for outward with EasyJet, homeward with Ryanair, seat selections on both, overnight stay in a good city centre hotel, and 2 x 45km coach transfers between the airport and the city centre. My kind of price, booked late too. Very nice city break in sunny scenic Grenoble; H24 tram pass another bargain at EUR6.40.

Monday 18th March: RYR9959 / RYR40SC Grenoble - Manchester. B737-MAX8-200 EI-IGX on duty.
No issues at Grenoble. Flight departed ahead of schedule, about 50% of seats filled. Not a great load by any means, but a big improvement over the outbound load on EasyJet. Manchester arrival into Gate 54 on Terminal 3. Disembarkation fine. UK Border very busy with four Ryanairs landing pretty much one behind the other. And I think that the others had more usual near-full Ryanair loadings! However, staff marshalled the merging queues expertly and kept things flowing. I was through in about five minutes. And from there straight out of the building.

Everything as it should be. Can't ask for more than that.

 

[Aviador]

@TM3 I think these days there seems to be an expectation that flights will all operate via an air bridge. These are expensive to purchase and to maintain. The charges low cost aiines such as easyJet will pay won't generally cover the costs of these kind of nice to have perks.

 

[TM3]

@Aviador it's not so much whether a jetbridge is used, I accept with budget services that they might well not use a jetbridge for cost considertations.

Some airports however deal with passengers entering via a bus or stairs better, with a dedicated room with lifts and escalators.

I'm also not convinced that EZY didn't use the jetbridge for cost reasons as they used it on the way out and for both flights at PRG.

@EGCC MAN. This will probably get moved but this payment was on top of any HS2 compo that the North West got. That payment was £20billion vs £10m in the Midlands.

Whether HS2 in the end represented VFM is up for debate but if the compensation was to be distributed for the loss of benefit rather than what where the money was still to be spent I would argue that the Midlands lost out in a big way as HS2 was originally proposed to make Birmingham the centre of a national high speed network.

That said the particular section of HS2 that has been build is probably needed due to the existing routes being in high demand at peak times, resulting in some very expensive fares to London that the government has already earned money on through the rail franchise system.

Note, the above was also intended to be 2 separate posts.

 

[EGCC_MAN]

Where is our "£20 billion HS2 compo"??? You must be joking!!!

NOTHING of consequence has been green-lighted by HMG in the NW since HS2 was cancelled. And the politicians take us for such fools that they think we haven't noticed that the unavoidable overdue refurb of the Transpennine Line, subtly now referred to as 'Northern Powerhouse Rail', is NOT the new line across the North that we were promised.

 

[Aviador]

EDIT: Well I'm not sure how this happened. The account below was intended to be a standalone post but somehow ended up merged with the one directly above! New subject below ...

Note, the above was also intended to be 2 separate posts.

If you make a new post within a certain time frame and before anybody else posts, it will automatically be merged with your previous post. This is to reduced forum resources. It has actually been in place for many months without anybody mentioning it before.

Now that members can edit their posts, you can re-edit your posts to make this clear you are changing the subject.