Manchester Airport - is it okay?

[Jader1973]

I’m looking at rebooking our flights later this year and considering flying out of Manchester instead of Heathrow because it is $3k less and closer to Glasgow which is where we are currently booked to fly out of.

It would be with Singapore. Plan would be to stay the night before at the airport (flight is around 10:30 am).

I’ve not used Manchester before. Is it okay?

[996Type]

There’s a lot of building work going on, good idea to stay the night before if your travelling in.

I’ve used it a few times this year and it’s generally efficient (European flights).

[normalbloke]

Just watch out for the fisticuffs..

[Alorotom]

Personally I really dislike MAN - it's mostly very busy all the time and has once again been declared the worst UK airport for delays. Its one of those airports where I will happily pay to access an airport lounge to get away from the masses on the concourses.

Its a very different airport to GLA that is much calmer and nicer in comparison ... is it £3k nicer though - IMHO, No

Just hit a lounge and get away from the crowds for a couple of hours and only surface just as boarding begins.

[Last Visit]

Previous thread here on others experiences which might be of interest.

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[TheHeadhunter]

Manchester of old was a toilet. I live but a 10 minute drive away, 2 miles as the crow flies.

I've used it solely as it was so stupidly convenient.


However, the transformation in the last 12 months, and more so in the 6 months is immense. I've flown out of there 4 times since November and every single experience had been perfect, utterly perfect. It still isn't 100% finished, but it will be any day now.

The newly expanded Terminal 2 (even the old bit is only a 4 years old) is a brand new airport, and everything except Ryanair now flied out of there. Latest tech, latests innovations. And looks clean, well thought out, perfectly designed, great F&B too.

I have literally not queued once in the airport since November. Check in is mostly automated, and works. Security has the latest kit so you don't remove anything from your bag. They have huge excess capacity. It is a dream.

In short, unless someone has flown since November, their opinion won't be accurate.

[Andy_290]

I used to hate MAN, the facilities in T1/T3 were tragically bad and we'd often be waiting a long time to process through security in/outbound.

In the last 12-18 months I've used it substantially and it's absolutely transformed of late, no queues, and, dare I say, quite pleasant.

[Screenwash]

If there was a saving of $3000 then I’d definitely switch airports! Spend $500 on a hotel and dinner the night before the flight and you’re still $2500 up!

[gotoPzero]

If you think MAN is iffy wait till you get to GLA.... good luck!

[loskie]

train from will take you right into MAN airport. Depending on where you are departing Scotland it can be pretty good. for me Lockerbie to Man. Fine until it's a feckin bus replacement!!

[JQ]

TheHeadhunter said:

Manchester of old was a toilet. I live but a 10 minute drive away, 2 miles as the crow flies.

I've used it solely as it was so stupidly convenient.


However, the transformation in the last 12 months, and more so in the 6 months is immense. I've flown out of there 4 times since November and every single experience had been perfect, utterly perfect. It still isn't 100% finished, but it will be any day now.

The newly expanded Terminal 2 (even the old bit is only a 4 years old) is a brand new airport, and everything except Ryanair now flied out of there. Latest tech, latests innovations. And looks clean, well thought out, perfectly designed, great F&B too.

I have literally not queued once in the airport since November. Check in is mostly automated, and works. Security has the latest kit so you don't remove anything from your bag. They have huge excess capacity. It is a dream.

In short, unless someone has flown since November, their opinion won't be accurate.

Completely agree with all of the above.

[rdjohn]

I can live with a lot of hassle to save £3k

I live close to the airport and so can arrive by train and have a seamless transit to the seat on the plane. That fine.

However, if you need to drive there, you are a leper and need to be treated as such. But parking at a JetParks will not cost £3k. Do not use a chauffeured service for parking, you might find that your car has been rallycrossed during your absence.

[AB]

I've never had a problem with Manchester, I use it several times a year, that said I would always go with Liverpool if I could as it's a bit closer and smaller.

I can't actually think of a single delay, usually use T2. I certainly wouldn't be thinking twice, especially with the saving. In fact I'd pick it over any of the London airports without a saving.

[Jader1973]

Thanks for all the replies. Good to know it is pretty good based on the more recent experiences.

I’ll sort everything out and book flights asap.

[//j17]

Only airport I've ever used where the posters in security specified if hair dryers should/shouldn't be taken out of hand luggage

[ikarl]

my local airport is also Glasgow and often fly from Manchester due to the saving

usually travel the day before on the Transpenine Express - direct train from Glasgow Central directly into Manchester airport.... which is way cheaper than driving/parking and much more relaxing

[rdjohn]

ikarl said:

my local airport is also Glasgow and often fly from Manchester due to the saving

usually travel the day before on the Transpenine Express - direct train from Glasgow Central directly into Manchester airport.... which is way cheaper than driving/parking and much more relaxing

Sounds so sensible, I was wondering if it was even possible.