Manchester Airport

[MorningGlory]

We're flying out from Manchester on the 14th of June (the 13:45 flight). We're travelling down the night before and staying at an uncle's in Stockport, so we will be quite close to the airport.

As we are going to do the online check-in and print our boarding passes, I was thinking we could just amble down to the airport at around 11am, get there for 2 hours before TO. Do you think this would give us enough time to do the bag drop, get through security, etc? Is there any decent shops in MAN? Is there somewhere in Duty Free I could buy CDs, a psp game, etc? What about dining options? My uncle aint no cook, so brekkie will definitely be at the airport

Im trying to work out whether we should maybe leave a bit earlier for the airport. I don't much enjoy the wait before a flight, and would rather spend it anywhere than sitting at a departure lounge window wishing my life away. Having something to do during the wait (even shopping ) would certainly make the time pass quicker.

Cheers

 

[wayneg]

We got there 2 and half hours before on Easter Saturday. Did online checkin and Baording cards, just to bag drop. Took less than 30 mins from being dropped off at door to sitting by the gate. There were longer lines at U/C & P/E than bag drop.
We were sat about for about 1 and half hours twiddling our thumbs.
Sorry cant help with shops, I would rather pay more elsewhere than trail things on a plane with me, always find better deals online anyway than airport shopping.

 

[ely3857]

I would definately recommend getting to the airport earlier. When we went last year alot of people ignored security warnings and we were held up for ages, I can't remember how much security has relaxed re liquids etc but I would still give yourself more time.

Here's a link to what food & drink is available in what terminal and if you click on shops & services you can see where to buy what you need.



Jodie

 

[wayneg]

I would definately recommend getting to the airport earlier. When we went last year alot of people ignored security warnings and we were held up for ages, I can't remember how much security has relaxed re liquids etc but I would still give yourself more time.

Here's a link to what food & drink is available in what terminal and if you click on shops & services you can see where to buy what you need.



Jodie

Easter Saturday the airport was heaving and it only took 5-7 mins thru security. So hopefully they have got used to the new regs now.

 

[mungo]

Secuirty is still taking much longer at Manchester and the queue to go airside is quite long. What terminal are you going from? There is a cafe and a bar, there is also a Dixons and an Alpha duty free. I hate it too

 

[MorningGlory]

Secuirty is still taking much longer at Manchester and the queue to go airside is quite long. What terminal are you going from? There is a cafe and a bar, there is also a Dixons and an Alpha duty free. I hate it too

Good question Terminal 2 rings a bell.

Can you buy computer games in the Dixons shop?

ely3857: Thanks for the link

 

[Altymark]

A map listing all the shops and facilities at terminal 2 can be downloaded from:
http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/web.nsf/content/Terminal2FullViewMaps

 

[arieliwish]

Lucky you, that's my birthday!!

From past experience Manchester always takes longer than you expect! Last time we went in 2005 (before the new restrictions) passport control queues were to the cookie shop, it took so long that staff were coming around shouting next departing flight numbers out to rush passengers through.

I'd rather be there early than worrying about time.

Have a great trip,

Lynn

 

[wayneg]

Yes Virgin fly from T2

 

[wicket2005]

I would get there earlier for the flight, you just don't know what might hold you up and I'd rather me sitting in the departure lounge than saying queuing in traffic and stressing out.

I'd definitely buy a psp game before you go. When we flew from Newcastle last year the electronics were not that much cheaper. Thrillville was the last game I bought and it has lots of little subsections in it plus quite apt for travelling to Orlando.

 

[Graeme]

always find better deals online anyway than airport shopping.

I've found that for a long time now. Prices in duty free shops, even high street chains like Dixons, are always sky high so even with the duty off they still work out a lot more than you can find with a quick online search.

 

[Miked1e]

I have never checked in online, but I would suggest getting there early, as you never know what problems you could face etc. Better safe than sorry.

As for the airport, Virgin fly from T2, which is not the greatest for shops, but it is linked (by a walkway) to T1, which has the better shops/bars etc.

For me, I love airports, think it is the whole excitement of going on hol, especially WDW.

Our flight this year is at 10:35, and we will be at the airport between 07:00 and 07:30.

Have a great trip.