Manchester Airport has issued a check-in guide for passengers to help make the process of visiting the airport smoother.

Naturally, when you arrive at the airport, you’ll want to get through check-in and security as quickly as possible so your holiday can begin. 

Manchester Airport has put together this guide to checking in for your flight, highlighting some of the most common pitfalls and sharing hints and tips to help get your journey off to a smooth start.

Manchester Airport issues check-in guide for all passengers

When to arrive

The check-in process is managed by your airline rather than the airport so guidance differs on when you should arrive at the airport.

However, as a general rule, you will need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least two hours before your flight departure time.

For a long-haul flight, you might want to consider arriving up to three hours before departure.

Always check your airline’s advice on when to arrive. Most will send you an email in the days leading up to your flight which will offer guidance on this and other topics.

Finding your check-in desk

Before you set off for the airport, the first and most important step is to make sure you’re heading to the right terminal which will depend on the airline you’re flying with.

You can find information on which terminal your airline flies from at the airport’s website.

When you arrive at the airport, find one of the departure boards to see which check-in desk you need. These are displayed on digital screens in the check-in hall.

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After you’ve checked in, the airport advises you to go to security straight away. This will maximise the amount of time you have to relax and prepare for your flight in the departure lounge.

Self-service check-in

The distinctive lime green self-service check-in machines are located throughout the terminals at Manchester Airport, offering you a 'hassle-free way' of checking in at no extra cost.

The machines are there to eliminate queues, allowing you to confirm your booking and print your boarding card quickly.

If you have luggage, you can then take it to a bag drop or if you only have hand luggage you can go straight to security.

Online check-in

Online check-in means you can check yourself in from the comfort of your own home or on the go. It’s important to note though that a printer may be required, depending on your airline’s policy.

Once you get to the airport, if you have luggage you can take it to the bag drop or if you only have hand luggage you can go directly to security.

Be aware that some airlines charge for checking in at the airport if you have failed to do so online prior to your arrival.

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Express check-in

You can get through the airport quicker with Manchester Airport’s self-service Express Check-in kiosks.

The touch screen kiosks help to eliminate queues and hassle, helping you check-in and print your own boarding card quickly. Self check-in kiosks are located within the departures areas of Terminals 1, 2 and 3.

There are five steps to using the Express check-in kiosks:

  • Identify yourself by entering your passport, credit card or e-ticket number
  • Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm your booking
  • Print and collect your boarding card
  • If you have bags, drop them off at one of the special bag drop desks (follow the signs to find your nearest bag drop kiosk)
  • Proceed directly to security

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Twilight Bag Drop

Passengers travelling with eligible airlines (including Virgin Atlantic, TUI, Lufthansa, Jet2.com, Ryanair and easyJet) can drop their bags off at the airport the night before they fly. Free parking at one of the airport car parks is available for this.

Simply take a token at the entry barrier and proceed to check-in and drop off your bags.

Attend the ticket desk with your boarding pass and car park token to validate your token. Return your token at the exit barrier when you leave the car park and the barrier will rise.

Accessibility

Passengers who need accessibility services will find check-in help available at each terminal at Manchester Airport.