|
|
 |
 |
| |
Travelling from Manchester Airport? Be prepared as you can with this helpful guide including getting to Manchester, parking at Manchester Airport, travelling with children, disabilities or special needs. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Don't forget your suitcase ... |
|
|
|
|
Here we have compiled useful unofficial information on all aspects of your flight from Manchester Airport. Whether you are travelling with children, disabled or persons with special needs. If you need help with getting to Manchester or parking at Manchester Airport - you'll find it here, plus much, much more.
|
|
|
| |
|
Arriving at Manchester Airport ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Situated three miles south east of the city, Manchester Airport is easily accessible by all commuter networks, whether you are travelling by road, rail, bus or taxi.
The airport's main car parks for short and long stay can be found at the front of the terminal building
Dependant on your form of transport, check out the appropriate sections of this website:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depending on budget, length of stay and level of service required there are a number of parking options for you to choose from.
The short stay car park is the better option for persons either collecting/dropping off passengers, or those who will only be at Manchester Airport for up to five hours.
The long stay parking is the better option for passengers away for longer than a few days.
Travellers can choose from long stay parking with a transfer to the airport terminal, or meet and greet valet parking.
Should you choose valet meet and greet parking at Manchester Airport you do not need to worry about a transfer from the car park to the terminal.
Passengers simply leave their car at the airport terminal at an agreed time, meeting the meet and greet company representative who takes the car to a secure car park, leaving you to check in quickly and with minimal fuss.
On your return, your car will be waiting for you outside the terminal building, ready for you to get straight off home.
The valet meet and greet car parking service gives airline passengers the ultimate hassle free start to their holiday or business trip.
The service is perfect for families with young children, people with heavy bags or sports equipment, corporate travellers, and people with disabilities.
You can expect to pay approx. £83 for one week and £118 for two weeks, depending on the meet and greet operator you choose.
Pre-booking is advised to ensure availability of this very popular and convenient service. |
| |
| Alternatively, you could try Manchester Airport's Fast Track parking option This service's car park is within the short stay car park and offers the quickest and most convenient link into the terminal. Expect to pay around £11.00 for 24 hours or part thereof. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Check-in at the airport ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Having arrived at Manchester Airport you will need to proceed to check-in for yourself and fellow passengers, your main baggage and hand luggage.
Do consider that check-in and security takes longer now so leave yourself plenty of time.
The following check-in times are advise:
| |
Type Of Flight |
Check In Time |
|
|
|
| |
Long Haul Flights |
3 HOURS before departure |
|
|
|
| |
European Flights |
2 HOURS before departure |
|
|
|
| |
UK & Northern Ireland Flights |
1 HOUR before departure |
|
Before check-in, it is vitally important that you keep your luggage with you at all times. Likewise for your hand luggage. Do not let anyone look after it for you. Do not look after anyone else's luggage.
Do not carry anyone else's luggage onto the aircraft either. Everyone at the airport should be responsible for their own baggage and hand luggage. Treat anyone asking you to look after their's as suspicious. Inform airport personnel immediately. Likewise if you see any luggage unattended.
Once in the departure lounge keep an eye on the display boards that will advise you of your boarding gate, to board the aircraft. And do make sure you leave plenty of time to get to the boarding gate. In large airports the furthest gate can take up to 30 minutes!
For further unofficial information on the security checks you will pass through between the check-in desks and boarding the Aircraft, visit the Airport Safety and Security section within this Fly Guide.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Here are some simple ways to help make your flight more bearable. And some great tips if you are travelling with young children.
Just because you've packed it, don't assume you can get to it (what ever 'it' is). If you are likely to need something during the flight make sure it's packed in your hand luggage.
Hand luggage isn't just about passports and tickets. What about
any prescribed medication, sanitary protection, valuables, decongestants that you might need. Even a change of top, toothbrush and paste to help you freshen up in case of delays.
In-flight food can be quite small portions so if you are likely to get hungry either have a meal before you leave, or pack some snacks in your hand luggage. Do note however, that Customs will not allow you to take fruit or dairy products on the Aircraft.
It's worth packing some books, a few magazines and your personal stereo in your hand luggage too, just in case the in-flight movie isn't to your liking (or you've seen it before).
Stay hydrated on the flight by drinking plenty of water and limiting the amount of alcohol you intake, both before and during the flight, as the cabin pressure can cause swollen hands and feet. Carry some moisturiser to help prevent dry skin as dehydration will cause your skin to dry out too.
The cabin can get very cold so make sure you take a jumper - even if you don't want to wear it at the airport you can tie it around your waist. It can even double up as a pillow to help you sleep.
If you are going somewhere hot think about packing some lightweight footwear, like sandals or flip flops, for when you land. Otherwise your feet will get really hot (and smelly) in say, socks and trainers!
if you have trouble sleeping with the normal aircraft and passenger noises remember to pack earplugs and an eye mask.
Likewise, if you suffer from travel sickness, don't forget to back any remedies you might need like pills or wrist bands.
There is a lot of evidence that Deep Vein Thrombosis, known at DVT, that points to long-haul flights increasing the risk of contracting this. DVT is a serious condition where blood clots develop in the deep veins of the legs. A passenger's risk is because they get little, or no exercise during the flight.
When you can, get up and walk around on the flight, especially if travelling on a long-haul journey. Give your toes a wiggle. Stretch out your legs every hour or so to get blood circulating.
More unofficial information and advice on DVT, who is more at risk and how to help prevent it, can be found by visiting the Department of Health website.- Click Here
Here are our top ten tips for comfortable flying. |
|
|
|
|
| |
Comfortable Flying |
|
|
|
| |
1. Upgrade |
If you don't ask you don't get - so do ask for an upgrade. They can only say no, but if they say yes your flight will be just wonderful! |
|
|
|
|
| |
2. Front Row Seats |
Alternatively, ask for a front row seat for extra leg room. You could also ask for an emergency exit seat if you are an able-bodied person. |
|
|
|
|
|
3. Aisle Seats |
Aisle seats will at least give one of your party extra leg room, and you can always swap seats half way through the journey. What's more it makes going to the toilet a bit easier too - no clambering over a stranger who's sat next to you, fast asleep! |
|
|
|
|
|
4. Pillow |
Think about taking your own small pillow or blanket to help you sleep, or at the very least, get more comfortable. Or you could buy a blow-up neck support that helps make things a little more comfortable too. And don't forget that ear-plugs can block out any cabin noise and eye masks can block out any bright lights. |
|
|
|
|
|
5. Painful Ears |
If you suffer from painful ears during take off or landing, special ear plugs are available. One common brand that you can buy is called Earplanes. They work by equalising the air pressure on each side of the ear drum. These ear plugs are especially useful if you have a cold or allergy / sinus problems. |
|
|
|
|
|
6. Dehydration |
Drink plenty of water during your flight and limit your alcohol intake too, as flying will make you dehydrated and that is quite uncomfortable. |
|
|
|
|
|
7. Snacks |
Take some snacks, especially if you are on a long-haul flight, as in-flight meals can be rather small. |
|
|
|
|
|
8. Anxiety |
If you suffer from anxiety or stress take some activities like crosswords or a book that you can concentrate on. This can really help. If you are very worried try talking to your Doctor as he or she might be able to recommend something to help keep you calm before and during the flight. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
If you are flying with children make sure you've packed plenty of toys and games in your hand luggage - not only for the flight, but in case of delays too.
Reading books are great, so are colouring books and crayons, soft back books and sticker books. Or you could create your own goodie-bag with new little bits and bobs for them to play with, but wrapped up so each one is a game in itself.
Activity packs are, by most airlines, given out to the children. These are great but won't keep them amused for hours so do make sure you pack your own things too.
If flying with a small baby, you will need to take a lot of things with you, including plenty of baby food or formula milk just in case of delays, finger food and nibbles, cold water sterilising tablets, spare nappies, and nappy bags, and a spare set of clothes in case of any accidents. Also some rattles, cuddly toys and blankets
Do make sure you also pack some warm clothes for your baby as the cabin temperature does get very cold. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Travelling with disabilities / Special Needs ... |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Passengers with disabilities or special needs are well catered for nowadays but it is also best to check that any special assistance required is included in the price of the ticket before booking. Make sure that the Airline you are flying with is aware of your disabilities or special needs well in advance of travel.
You may be asked to use an airline wheelchair at check-in. If you would prefer to stay in your own wheelchair to boarding, double check with your airline if this is possible before you leave for the airport.
Be advised that Manchester Airport is a large building with a huge number of boarding gates. This means that there are often long distances to walk to travel between the terminals and to the gates.
Manchester Airport does provide special vehicles to help those passengers with disabilities or special needs. To prevent any delays or inconvenience pre-book this before you arrive at the airport. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|