The most recent Manchester Airport news today, with tips for travelers regarding how to clear security faster and when to check-in and what the airport’s policy is on lost luggage.
Travelers have voiced their frustration with long lines and security issues Some of these delays have resulted in passengers missing the flight on the runway at Manchester Airport – as airport managers have admitted that passengers can be prepared to wait for up to 90 minutes during peak times during the next week.
The incident first occurred on March 16, and the airport blamed the high number of travelers and a disproportionately high quantity of bags that were not in compliance with security regulations.
Bosses have previously stated that they’re currently recruiting to cope with the increase in the demand for travel however, it takes some time to get the new staff properly trained and on the job. A lot of travelers have posted on social media in the past to voice their frustration over long lines at check-in counters and security. They also complain about long lines at baggage reclaim where luggage is placed in a pile.
The day before, (5 August) early travelers in terminals One , Two and Three believed they completed security in less than 30 minutes this morning they said there were queues , but they moved along. There was a shortage of cafés operating as they entered the airside in Terminal Two, however.
And Arrivals passengers are complaining about bags being delayed on certain flights, with Ryanair and TUI passengers reporting issues as well as one customer claiming his bag was damaged when it was removed from the belt after a long waiting. The news comes as an Channel 4 undercover reporter filmed one desperate passenger climbing on the belt of her luggage trying to locate her bag on the Dispatches show on this week’s air.
The airport has hit back at the program by claiming that the video was recorded a couple of months ago and was not an accurate representation of the current situation.
In addition there are passengers who have reported issues in their Manchester lounge reservations being canceled (see here) and some have been not able to book security with fast trackat certain times of peak.
A spokesperson for the airport confirmed to ManchesterWorld that they’ve had an ‘exciting’ start to the summer months, with 3.5m travellers anticipated this summer. Watch the video interview below for what he has to say complete about the latest tips for travel.
What is the airport’s message?
Airport director Karen Smart stepped down from the post on April 5 and was replaced by a new MD permanent, Chris Woodroofe, on 15 June.
According to official statistics, in July 92% of those have walked through security in less than 30 minutes.
Ian Costigan, Chief Operating Officer at Manchester Airport, said in Julythat “We have seen tremendous progress in the last month, seeing 600 employees start working in security at the beginning of the year. We have an additional 280 waiting to pass background checks and begin.
“And we are happy to say that since the number of staff members has increased and the service we offer to the majority of our customers has been improved.
“Throughout July over 92% of the people went through security in less than 30 minutes. We were especially pleased to observe that during the past seven days more than 95% of people passed through within 30 minutes or less, and almost three-quarters of them in less than 15 minutes.”
The Mayor Andy Burnham has advised passengers to arrive three hours prior to the departure time of their flight – and ensure they adhere to the guidelines for hand luggage to accelerate the process of security at the airport Read the tips from Mayor Andy Burnham here.
What time should I get there in Manchester Airport?
A spokesperson for the airport advised passengers to arrive by the time that the airline recommends.’
It is possible to find out this information by visiting the airline’s website and then searching for your flight, however generally, the advice at the terminal is that you arrive 3 hours early , but not more than that.
It is also possible to expedite your check-in process by registering beforehand online through the airline’s website or through their mobile application. Some airlines allow online check-in 2 hours prior to your flight.
Certain airlines – like Jet2 have the option of dropping off bags at night on Manchester Airport, so you are able to drop off your checked-in luggage at night before your flight to ease the process for the next day. However, there aren’t all airlines that offer this so you must verify on the baggage page ahead of time to find out more information. TUI has launched day-before bag drop times during the hours of 4 – 9 pm in Terminal 2 recently on eligible flights beginning with the TOM flight code: click here for more information.
Of course carrying only carry-on luggage will make it easier to get through the airport provided that your baggage is in line with the airline’s size restrictions and you don’t carry prohibited items like liquids exceeding 100ml. Visit the website of the Federal Government here for a list of the prohibited items as well as our helpful guide on how to ensure your luggage make it through security faster here.
Be sure that the contact details on your flight reservation are current too and your airline will attempt to notify you of any major changes or interruptions.
Then, verify which terminal of the three your flight leaves from and arrives at prior to your departure in order to ensure that you reach the correct terminal on time. The information you need to know is on your flight reservation on your flight ticket and available accessible on the terminal checkeron the official website of the airport.
Terminal Three completely reopened from the 22nd of April, this has meant that certain airlines have altered which terminals they work from. Click here for the airlines that have affects.
How can I purchase fast-track Security passes at Manchester Airport and how much do fast track security passes cost?
You can typically purchase security passes with fast-track that give you access to the priority lanein advance, by registering them via the airport’s website here from PS4. However, some travelers have noticed that they are sold out during the peak hours, so you are advised to make reservations in advance.
You can also purchase the Passport Control fast-track passfor travelers who are returning to Manchester Airport but this only is applicable only to Terminal One and costs from PS4.
Do you have a lounge at Manchester Airport?
The Escape Lounge is open to everyone who is traveling and you do not require a first class ticket since you can book an advance reservation in either Terminal One or Terminal Two or Terminal Three here. The 1903 lounge in Terminal Two which can also be reserved at this site.
Prices begin at PS24 but beware that lounges can be booked early and there has been a surge in interest from travelers recently.
A handful of passengers who made reservations in advance have received an email before their departures However, they were informed that the reservation isn’t honoured due to capacity or staffing issues. Read the following article for more information.
Are there any hotels near the airport?
There are selection of hotels which include hotels like the Radisson Blu Crowne Plaza, Marriott and Hilton which are all within a short proximity to the terminals.
What else else did the airport say?
Bosses had previously released an announcement that it has been challenging to estimate volume of travelers as the industry recovers following the pandemic. They further stated: “This has been compounded by as high as 60% of bags belonging to customers being rejected when they go through security due to the fact that they contain restricted items. This is a significantly greater percentage than we usually encounter.
“Our employees have been working hard to ensure that passengers are processed at the speed they can, and we would like to acknowledge them for their commitment. We have also deployed personnel from different areas of the organization to help in security . When feasible, we’ve prioritized those who are waiting in line to ensure that they get their flights on time.
