Using Manchester Airport (Questions & Reviews)

[LS@MAN]

Just a quick trip report from my recent experience of T1.
Flew with easyJet to Kos on 3rd June, arrived at 4am, check in and security was a breeze and fairly quiet, was airside by 4.20am.
Gate 31 announced at 5.35am, on board by 6.15am with an on time departure.

Returned on 14th June at 17:30, stand 10 unfortunately as I hate pier B! Straight through immigration, 5min wait for bags, outside in the taxi by 6pm!

Well done to MAN, EasyJet and DHL! T1 is looking very tired which is no suprise and well known, however, it’s functional but I’ll be happy when it closes and easy move over to T2.

 

[Manchester Exile]

Here's a brief trip report from Monday 16th June. My visits to Manchester are very rare nowadays (once every few years) so I enjoy looking around the place and this trip made me feel a little nostalgic for the soon-to-close T1.

My wife and I were flying on the 2pm Emirates EK18 service. As our taxi approached the airport I noticed that the ramp up to level 5 departures was closed, so our driver dropped us off at T1 arrivals. Lots of other departing passengers were there too so we waited for the lift up to level five. There were three elevators but one was out of service. The queues for the two working lifts were long but as the lifts have a large capacity, once one arrived the queue moved quickly. Total wait time was a little over ten minutes.

Once we got up to level five, I stopped to look at the roadway into the terminal. No work was going on so I have no idea why the ramp up to departures was closed. Our taxi driver said it closed a couple of weeks ago. Does anyone know the reason? The inconvenience of waiting for an elevator rather than being driven straight to departures caused numerous negative comments from the other passengers who were queuing with me.

Check-in for the Emirates flight was straightforward with a minimal wait - certainly no more than five minutes. We were traveling in business class so went to that queue, but it probably would have been quicker to join the economy queue. There were similar numbers of passengers in both queues (only about ten passengers each) but as there are more economy check-in desks that line moved more quickly.

Next stop was the oversize baggage check where again the wait was only around five minutes before moving on to fast track security. As with check-in, it probably would have been quicker to go the the regular queue as there were more people in fast-track than the other line. The wait to go through security was about 7 minutes. The rejection rate was 25%. I got through the scanner OK as did my bag, but my wife failed both. Once she had been wanded and had her bag inspected we headed into the main concourse. Total time from leaving the taxi to clearing security was 43 minutes.

I spent a lot of time at Ringway in the 1980's and 90's. In the 80's it was mostly as an aviation enthusiast, with annual trips as a passenger on family holidays. In the early 90's I worked there in a shop (The Aviation Shop on the roof of the spectator's terraces) but also traveled fairly regularly on leisure and business trips. So it was interesting to see how T1 has changed since then. Leaving security brought us into the concourse from the side, whereas in the "old days" you used to walk down a ramp from check-in. There's no evidence of that ramp now as there's a money exchange positioned across where it used to be. The ceilings in the concourse looked higher than they used to be and it felt quite spacious. I glanced the doors to the stairway that took you up to the staff canteen and roof terrace, but didn't attempt to investigate further.

We passed through the extensive duty-free area into the late-80's IDLEX area which was quite busy but looked clean and well maintained. I took a stroll down pier C into the satellite extension and the shortcomings of T1 were apparent in terms of the horizontal separation now enforced. Then back to IDLEX to check out the shops and restaurants before heading to the Emirates lounge.

The lounge exceeded my expectations. I was last there a few (maybe six) years ago, but I can't recall if it was the same lounge back then or if it has moved. Last time it was scruffy with buckets positioned around the floor to catch water from the leaking roof. This time it felt elegant and the food was excellent. A good feed (prawn curry, a selection of cheeses, apple crumble, champagne and a cappuccino) and an excellent view of the airfield were had. However, as most activity at the airport is from T2 and T3, most of the stands on pier B (which dominated the view) were empty. A visitor to the lounge who is not familiar with the airport may think that there's not much air traffic at Manchester.

The flight was called for boarding so I took my last walk down pier B. On a previous arrival into the airport in 2021, pier B looked awful internally. There was thick dust and grime along the beams at the roof of the pier and windows were smeared. This time the cleaning crews had been out and it gave a much better impression. It was apparent to me that management at Ringway have focused on improving the passenger experience compared to previous visits. The terminal was cleaner and better maintained and the queues had been drastically shortened. T1 is undoubtedly at end-of-life but for a building that at its core dates from 1962 it was doing OK.

A short taxi to 23L and we departed. Next time I visit Manchester I'll be passing through T2 as T1 will have closed by then. It'll be interesting to see T2 as I've only been through it twice, once in 1994 with Ryanair and then in 2001 with Cathay. I really can't remember anything about it, but with the investment in the Transformation Programme I'm expecting it to be a very different experience to T1. Although it's sad to see the 1962 terminal close, it really needs to happen in order to give passengers the best experience of the airport.

For those interested in such things, I couldn't see if any of the 1st class suites were occupied, but in the business cabin which dominates the upper deck, it was about 90% full. Premium traffic always used to be Manchester's Achilles Heel, but the load factor on this flight was encouraging.

 

[Aviador]

Great review @Manchester Exile thanks for sharing.

 

[LS@MAN]

@Manchester Exile thank you for the detailed review, excellent read!
No idea ref the level 5 route being closed to departing passengers, strange.

 

[Land23R]

I'm picking up daughter and offspring later this afternoon at T3.
I find the info. on the MAN web site confusing. There is this statement for T3 pick-up, but I thought all terminals now were without barriers and you paid by phone or on line later if you don't have an account.
"All payments can be made at the exit barrier via card or exact change".
Can anyone confirm which is correct?
Thanks

Elsewhere, the web site clearly states there are no longer any barriers so I assume that is the case. They really ought to delete that other reference I quoted.

 

[marni1971]

I'm picking up daughter and offspring later this afternoon at T3.
I find the info. on the MAN web site confusing. There is this statement for T3 pick-up, but I thought all terminals now were without barriers and you paid by phone or on line later if you don't have an account.
"All payments can be made at the exit barrier via card or exact change".
Can anyone confirm which is correct?
Thanks

Elsewhere, the web site clearly states there are no longer any barriers so I assume that is the case. They really ought to delete that other reference I quoted.

I know the project was phased. I guess if you get a ticket on entry, use it to pay before exit. If not then drive away and transfer your mortgage electronically.

 

[LS@MAN]

I'm picking up daughter and offspring later this afternoon at T3.
I find the info. on the MAN web site confusing. There is this statement for T3 pick-up, but I thought all terminals now were without barriers and you paid by phone or on line later if you don't have an account.
"All payments can be made at the exit barrier via card or exact change".
Can anyone confirm which is correct?
Thanks

Elsewhere, the web site clearly states there are no longer any barriers so I assume that is the case. They really ought to delete that other reference I quoted.

Drop off is barrierless but pick up still has them in place.
No idea if there is a plan to also make the pick up barrierless which would make sense.

 

[Land23R]

Yes, indeed, as I found out earlier. Collect a disc at the barrier on entry to the MSCP of T3, pay at the machines in the open air pick up area and collect disc to exit.

When the announcement was made about going barrierlesss, I don't recall any caveat about T3 MSCP and pick-up.

 

[LS@MAN]

Arrived this morning into T3 at 10.15am on stand 53, no other arrivals so very quiet and straight through passport control, but it’s so dark in that area with those advertisements of the university blocking any daylight! I can understand why they are located there, but it’s just so dark!
There are only two exits between baggage reclaim and the arrivals area and one of these electronic barriers was out of order! Honestly, if the departure level is getting an upgrade, then the arrivals needs the same! The immigration and baggage reclaim are not large enough for multiple arrivals and same for the arrivals area too!
Ryanair will no doubt only expand in the future, especially with BA and Loganair moving to T2 and with the future improvements, MAG will have justification to allow more based aircraft (depending on Boeing deliveries or course).

Once outside, I walked to T1 and on the way I noticed work being done in the memorial garden, with a small scaffolding area covered up, what’s this about?
I saw plenty of workers maintaining and tidying the memorial garden area in general, I must say this is a most welcoming and very well kept area now, well done MAG on this, it’s one of many areas of improvement across the airport

 

[LS@MAN]

Departed through T3 yesterday, arrived around 1.30pm, as I only had hand luggage, I went through the door nearest to the escalator, security was fairly busy but quick and through in 10 mins!
Lots of rejected trays though, one lane was 35%! Totally unacceptable really!
Terminal very busy, mid Tuesday afternoon but it is end of July, so no great surprise. Walked down to the gates 45/46 area where it was dead!
Flight to Dublin departed from gate 51, absolutely manic that area! However, even though the aircraft was 35 mins late coming onto stand, turnaround was done within 30 mins and we departed around 20 mins late, landing in Dublin only 10 mins late in the end, so well done as always to the ground crew, who I must say were doing a good job at a very busy time!

Lastly, upon arrival into T3 arrivals level, I was very surprised to see the Hanger cafe closed! Spar has never reopened since closure a few years ago, so apart from WHSmiths at the other end of arrivals, there is now nothing there in terms of grabbing a coffee or sitting down for a snack if your waiting for a lift for example, very disappointing!

 

[BasalGanglia]

I understand that I can pick up passengers from Terminal 2 Multi Storey car park (coming from the M56 way), but its confusing how to get there. The intructions online suggest to head to Manchester Airport Terminal 2 and follow the signs for it. If I put in Terminal 2 Multi Storey car park however the route is different and using Street View on google shows an outside carpark with barriers. However looking at recent youtube videos they show driving into a the building and using the express lane. If I put into the sat nav Manchester Airport Terminal 2 (not mentioning the carpark) then when following the route on street view I cannot see the building entrance that is shown in the video.

On one website it has a postcode but when i enter that it takes me to terminal 3

So what do I need to put into google to get there?

Thanks

 

[Scottie Dog]

Hopefully this might help you.

Come off the M56 spur at the T2 exit and then follow the blue line that I have drawn for you on the attached screenshots.

PS - welcome to F4A.

 

[LS@MAN]

Arrived into T3 this morning at 10.20am, parked at stand 52, straight off and into passport control with no queue at all despite another Ryanair flight landing just before us.
Baggage reclaim busy with only 2 flights collecting luggage and only 3 carousel’s!
But again, only the 1 out of the 2 exit gates are working to get out of baggage reclaim, so a huge queue formed to get out!
This exact gate was out of action 3 weeks ago when I arrived on the exact same flight!
It’s the little things like this that are unacceptable to be out of action for so long! Let’s the good experience down and is not a good look for the airport!

 

[Scottie Dog]

Many thanks LS@MAN for your trip report which is interesting.

I trust you'll excuse my having forwarded your report to CW however I'll let you, and other members, know of any response that I might receive.

Scottie Dog

 

[LS@MAN]

Many thanks LS@MAN for your trip report which is interesting.

I trust you'll excuse my having forwarded your report to CW however I'll let you, and other members, know of any response that I might receive.

Scottie Dog

Hi @Scottie Dog that’s absolutely fine. Thanks a lot
In fact I have also sent a message via X to the airport, but I’m not hopeful of a response.

 

[Scottie Dog]

Reply now received from CW as follows:

"Thanks for the heads up. This particular Kaba gate has been proving somewhat problematic. Having seen the same issue ourselves, we've now locked it open and positioned an ASO there to avoid a reoccurrence of the queueing."

 

[LS@MAN]

Reply now received from CW as follows:

"Thanks for the heads up. This particular Kaba gate has been proving somewhat problematic. Having seen the same issue ourselves, we've now locked it open and positioned an ASO there to avoid a reoccurrence of the queueing."

Thanks a lot @Scottie Dog for the feedback.

I departed T3 on Monday morning an efficient experience at security despite it being busy at 4.45am, my last summer trip through T3 so hopefully next time there will be more room from the future improvements project.

 

[Aviador]

Just returned from Punta Cana this morning.

For the outbound we left home in Leeds at 6am giving us two hours to get to the airport for check-in at around 8am. We set off slightly early to beat the rush hour traffic. We got to the airport in good time and used the airport meet and greet service which we found reliable and easy to use.

Check in was a breeze as was security. Absolutely no complaints about our outbound experience and we managed a bit of retail therapy, a super breakfast and service at San Carlo followed a Starbucks before boarding. Boarding was near enough on time as was our departure.

Our return today was equally uneventful although our cases took a bit longer than expected it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. Picking up the car was fine.

The only bug bear from the whole experience was the M56, M60 and M62 journey back across the Pennines to Leeds which was a pig this morning and took us three hours from stepping off the plane to arriving home.

All in all a good experience and better than having to use Heathrow.

 

[Jerry]

Flew to Stockholm on Wednesday morning with SAS. The flight was due to depart at 10.20. Rather than get up in the early hours of the morning and travel across from Leeds I travelled to Manchester the afternoon before via train and stayed at the Ibis Budget near Terminal 2. SAS use Terminal 1 but it wasn't a long walk and it took me about 35 minutes to walk from the hotel, drop my baggage off at check in and get through security. Terminal 1 isn't the best terminal and was busy especially with EasyJet using it but I was able to get a seat near the windows close to Burger King and watch the aircraft taxi past, including my own, showing off the variety of airlines that serve Manchester Airport.
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Gate number eventually came up and I made my way to gate 26. Boarding started early and was quick probably helped by the flight being 2/3rds full but also seemed more organised than the last time I used T1 with EasyJet which was more chaotic. My aircraft soon pushed back, taxied and departed on runway 23L and headed for Sweden.
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Our aircraft was EI-SCG a 6 month old A320neo which was clean with comfortable seating. SAS is a bit of a hybrid airline with tea, coffee and water free but food, soft drinks and alcohol chargeable. I pre ordered the burger and had a packet crisps and Coke Zero and in total cost £12.65. The burger was quite nice for airplane food.
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Our flight path took us out past Newcastle over the North Sea and past Oslo and it took just under 2 hours to get to Stockholm and we landed on runway 19L and taxied to a contact stand and after going through passport control and collecting my luggage I caught my hotel shuttle bus and was planespotting over an hour after landing.
Had a very good flight with SAS will definitely look at flying them again and using Manchester was a good experience.
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[robsh34]

Flew in with Ryanair from Dubrovnik yesterday. Used the gate furthest away from the terminal. However very impressive. Through the e gates, case collected off the carousel, a walk to The Station and on the 199 bus all within 35 minutes. If was a downside there were a few people struggling to reach The Station with none of the travelators working.
I also had time to guide a couple of American students who are studying in Croatia but visiting Manchester for the weekend through the e gates and onto The Station. They too were impressed with the speed of things.