Bumper passenger numbers expected this Friday at Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is gearing up for its busiest weekends of the year.
Manchester Airport will today (Friday 24th August) welcome huge numbers of passengers, with 110,000 due to depart from or arrive at the three terminals to destinations including Palma, Dubai and Alicante.
Ahead of this weekend, the airport is advising customers how to make their journey through Manchester as smooth as possible.
As the airport is at its peak, it issues the following advice to passengers in order to have the best experience.
Be prepared:
Manchester Airport’s number one priority is safety and security so, throughout the summer, it has introduced measures to get passengers through security as quickly as possible.
This meant that in July, which included a few days where the airport had more than 100,000 passengers, more than 94% passed through security in 15 minutes or less. Also, in July, almost 70% of passengers didn’t queue at all and the average queue time was 4 minutes 29 seconds.
The airport wants to work with passengers to ensure these standards are kept up this weekend, which is why it is issuing this advice.
Passengers can play their part by having all their liquids, gels and pastes (no bigger than 100ml each) in a clear plastic bag. They can also remove all coats and belts and large electrical items should be taken out of hand luggage ready for the security tray.
Passengers with reduced mobility and hidden disabilities:
Any passengers with reduced mobility needing assistance are advised to book this in advance with their airline to avoid any delays to their journey. Manchester Airport also offers help for passengers with hidden disabilities by allowing them to pick up a sunflower lanyard from the OCS desk in each terminal. Once worn, staff are specially trained to give the right care and service to these passengers. Information and contacts can be found here: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/help/special-assistance/
Disruptive behaviour:
Manchester Airport has a zero tolerance attitude towards disruptive behaviour to make sure that the experience of the majority of passengers aren’t spoiled.
During the Bank Holiday weekend, police and airport officers are increasing patrols of the terminals to look out for passengers with the potential to behave disruptively. The GMP can issue “yellow card” warnings to those who might cause disruption and, by sharing information, this can lead to stopping anyone behaving in an anti-social way from boarding their flight, with the consequences ranging from airline bans to prosecution.
The One Too Many Campaign by the airport was launched in July to remind passengers to be careful about alcohol consumption prior to their flight. Passengers buying alcohol in duty free are being reminded that they can’t consume it before their end destination.
Plan your journey:
Recently, there have been a higher number of delays and cancellations to rail services connecting to Manchester Airport and it’s likely to be the same this weekend. The airport are recommending passengers to keep a close eye on timetables and are encouraging those travelling by car to check with Highways England for any road delays.
There is now a dedicated area for passengers being dropped off for free at Manchester Airport where complimentary shuttles are provided to each of its terminals. For passengers wanting the convenience of an express drop off in these areas, you can do this for the price of £3 for five minutes and £4 for 10. Blue badge holders can drop off on the forecourts free of charge. Details can be found here: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/pick-up-and-drop-off-info/
There has been no change to arrangements for those picking passengers up, with visitors asked to park in terminal car parks, where 30 minutes costs £4.