Anyone flown from Manchester recently?

[Mazzy]

Just wondering how long it took to get through security, and also if there was another security check before boarding the plane? Did they ask you not to lock your suitcases?

We are flying with Virgin and I'd be interested to hear anyone's experiences.

Thanks

 

[Sue F UK]

Hi Mazzy,

We flew from Manchester with Virgin in July and it was great. No problem with security in Manchester, we hardly queued. They were doing a few 'body checks' before boarding but again no queue. Plane took off 25 mins early and arrived in Orlando 1 hour early and was only half full so plenty of space to spread out!

Only one complaint - the food was DISGUSTING!! I would strongly advise taking some sandwiches with you.

On the return journey we queued for 40 minutes to check-in as Virgin had 4 flights checking in on only 4 desks! We then queued for another 30 minutes to get through security in Orlando International - we were even made to take off our shoes!! The flight was good again and we arrived home 1 hour early.

Have a wonderful time when you go!

 

[edie w]

Sue - how early did you need to check in before your flight? Any probs getting your car when you arrived earlier than anticipated?

Just how nasty was the food? School dinners??

Thanks

 

[MalcolmC]

We found Manchester was ok, plenty of time for a coffee etc then through to duty free. Coming back though took an hour through the security checks. I of course set of an alarm with my belt buckle and was frisked etc. Everyone has to take of their shoes and have them Xrayed.

We usually aim for arriving about three hours before lift off at both ends anyway.

 

[Mazzy]

Sue - doesn't sound too bad then. We do always take some sandwiches with us as I'm veggie and the kids are quite fussy so better safe than sorry!

Can you tell me whether you 'plane had Nintendo on please?


Malcolm - thanks for that, an hour is a long time to be queueing at MCO!

What about when you get back to Manchester, do they have more security now or do you just walk through like we have done in the past?

Thanks

 

[peewakio]

Mazzy,
I flew through Manchester on Saturday Morning and was through in minutes, however I was only travelling to Ireland which has a separate security gate. The queue for foreign flights was slightly longer but nothing to write home about. The queues for US bound flights are slightly longer again so I would envisage you could be held up from anything between 20 - 30 minutes (well worth it under the current climate.

 

[MalcolmC]

Mazzy,

Upon returning to Manchester it was the usuall stroll past a pretty bored looking immigration officer.

Our plane in June had Nintendos but the ones our kids had outbound were broken. Smiley, happy faces on the way back though. Well for a couple of hours until they were bored with them!!!!!

 

[Mazzy]

Let's hope for Nintendos then - we have flown twice with Virgin from Manchester but never had them on either of the flights. I won't mention it anyway, just wait and see when we get on the 'plane.

Thanks

 

[Sue F UK]

Hi Mazzy,

Yep, we had the Nintendos. They kept DH & DD quiet for ages. Good range of films too. There were a couple of seats where these were broken on our flight though and DH had to move seats to get his working. This wasn't a problem as the flight was only half full but I think it would have been more annoying if he hadn't been able to move.

Edie, the food was totally disgusting, verging on the inedible with the main courses. For lunch we just ate the bread, cheese etc and the desserts. They give you ice creams mid flight and then an extremely mayonnaisey sandwich for 'tea'. We managed to work up a fantastic appetite for Race Rock on our first night