Our Guide To Manchester Airport

Read our short guide of tips, hints and travel hacks to help you make the most of your journey through Manchester Airport. 

About Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has three terminals which transport around 27 million passengers to 210 worldwide destinations each year. The airport is multi-award winning and has won the prestigious industry recognition for customer service. It also holds the title of ‘Best UK Airport’ and actively engages with local communities. 

Here is everything you need to know about the 3 different terminals: 

Terminal 1 

Terminal 1 at Manchester Airport facilitates 107 check-in desks, over 5 baggage carousels, 18 airbags, 24 pier served aircraft stands and a shopping centre with Burger King, Accessorize, Boots and much more. The main check-in desks can be found on the first floor but there is also a check-in hall on the ground floor. If you are unsure, you can always ask one of the airport attendants. The information desks are located on the far right between the cashpoint as you enter the terminal from the drop off area. 

Arrivals

The terminal 1 Arrivals Hall is located on the lower level. If you’re arriving yourself, you’ll be coming out of baggage reclaim to The Hanger. Follow the corridor around to the left to exit the terminal and make your way to the Meet and Greet for taxis, buses, arrivals car park and skylink walkway for train links to London. 

If you’re parked at Terminal 1 and on your return journey, you can loop around from baggage reclaim and on to the car park to find your car. 

Terminal 2 

Terminal 2 is home to 80 check-in desks, 5 baggage carousels and handles around 54,000 pieces of luggage a day! On top of this, this terminal offers a choice of over 20 shops and eateries to keep you busy. 

Arrivals

Manchester Terminal 2 arrivals are located on the lower level. International connections do not need to go through Immigrations or Customs but all International to Domestic connections do. 

Terminal 3 

Terminal 3 is the smallest of the three terminals at Manchester Airport. It is home to 47 check-in desks, 14 air bridges and was originally part of Terminal 1, which opened in 1989. Pre-flight, make sure to enjoy spending some time in one of the 14 shops and restaurants available. 

Services Available at Each Terminal 

There are many different services available at the terminals in Manchester Airport. Here is everything you need to know: 

Self Service Check-In 

Self-service check-in is available in each Terminal at Manchester Airport. Kiosks are situated in the Departures area of each Terminal. (You can’t miss them, they’re lime green.) You can use these desks to check yourself in, however be aware that some airlines only have them available for passengers travelling with hand luggage only. 

All you need is your passport, e-ticket number or credit card to book. Follow the  on-screen instructions to print off your boarding card and drop off your luggage at the bag-drop desks. 

You can also speed up the process further with Fast Track. For only £6 extra per person, you can skip the queues and check-in faster. 

Excess Baggage 

Excess baggage offers a wide range of services at Manchester Airport. These include:

• Left Luggage – You can leave your luggage in Excess Baggage’s fully secure storage unit while you are away. There are short term, long term and group storage options available. 
• Lost Property – Lost items are logged and stored in the secure facilities at the Airport. Retrieval options are available to either collect your lost items or have them returned to you. 
• Bag Wrapping – The Excess Baggage wrapping service prevents bags from being tampered with. 

Facilities available 

Here is a list of the different types of facilities on offer at each terminal: 

• Duty free 
• Currency exchange
• Car hire
• Airport lounges  
• Cash withdrawal
• Changing rooms
• Information desks 
• Luggage trolleys
• Places of worship 
• Restaurants, bars and shopping (includes Boots, Spar, Accessorize, Giraffe, Boux Avenue, Fat Face, WHSmith and more) 

Flights 

To make sure you’re in the right place, use our handy terminal guide to check which terminal your airline will be departing or arriving from.

Whether you’re jetting off on holiday, heading off on a city break or travelling on business, you can fly to over 190 destinations direct from Manchester Airport. 

Check-In

We recommend that you always give yourself plenty of time to check-in before a flight. With this in mind, we advise that you give yourself:

• 1.5 hrs – Domestic Flights
• 2 hrs – European Flights 
• 3 hrs – Long-haul Flights

As a general guide, you’ll need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least 2 hours before your flight departure time. Once you arrive at the airport, check the information screens to find out which check-in desks you’ll require. It’s also important to remember that some airlines will not allow you to check-in until a specific time. 

Here is a list of the different types of check-in available:

• Check-in desks 
• Self-service check-in
• Online check-in
• Express check–in
• Home bag check-in 

Security 

Manchester Airport takes the safety and security of all customers and staff very seriously. For the benefit of all passengers’ security, departing passengers may be required to be screened using security scanning equipment. 

For detailed information about what you can take through security in hand luggage, take a look at GOV.UK’s Hand Luggage Restrictions at UK Airports.  

Passport Control 

Passport Control at Manchester Airport is controlled by the UK Border Force. At Passport Control, you’ll be faced with two options: EU or non-EU. 

2 things to remember in this area:

• Do not use your mobile phone
• Make sure you have your passport open at the photo page ready for scanning 

Further Assistance 

Here at Manchester Airport, we offer a range of extra assistance services for customers needing different types of support.

Disability Access/Special Assistance

At Manchester Airport, we offer a variety of facilities and services for those requiring assisted travel. 

If you require any assistance through Manchester Airport, please ensure you arrange this with your airline at least 48 hours before you travel. Your airline or travel agent will take all necessary information from you regarding your assistance and will inform the Assisted Travel Team.

Travelling With Children

If you are travelling with children, Manchester Airport will help make your journey as smooth as possible. Contact your airline in advance to see what they offer onboard for children, such as cots, baby food, toddler meals and children’s entertainment. 

Pet Travel Scheme 

The Pet Travel Scheme, offered by the UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, allows cats and dogs to travel between some countries and UK airports, without the need for quarantine. If you are going away for a long period of time and want to take your pet abroad from Manchester Airport, here is a list of the companies that can help you:

• AIA Pets
• Airborne Pets
• Pets on Jets
• Skymaster Air Cargo 

Taxi terminals & Car Hire 

Manchester Airport offers a range of taxi and car hire services to help you get to and from the airport. 

You can explore a list of services that the airport provides, or alternatively, opt for an affordable and eco-friendly travel experience by using Green Cab App’s airport taxi booking service.

Find out more about the third-busiest airport in the UK by taking a look at the Manchester Airport website. 

Book Your Taxi To Manchester Airport With Green Cab App 

Why not choose a sustainable taxi for your journey to Manchester Airport with Green Cab App. Here at Green Cab App, we offer a greener way to travel that aims to reduce the cost for passengers, reduce the number of vehicles on the road and lower the amount of carbon emissions being produced by taxis.