First time flyers

These are bags like suitcases and bulky rucksacks which are too large and heavy to come into the cabin so you’ll need to check them in. Your airline’s website will be able to tell you their rules about weight allowance and you can weigh cases on your bathroom scales at home before you arrive at the airport. Baggage allowances vary between airlines and classes of travel so be sure to stay under the weight limit as you can be charged if you exceed it. Once your bags have been weighed and labelled at check-in, they will be loaded onto the hold of your plane and you’ll see them again when you land at your destination airport.

Manchester Airport has three terminals and your ticket will tell you which one you’ll be flying from and when you’ll need to arrive. If you’re getting to the airport by car, we have several car parking options to choose from including budget-friendly choices and car parks closer to each terminal. You could also get someone to drop you off, get a taxi or travel by bus or train. Keep an eye on our social media channels for public transport updates.

If you’re booked on an early morning flight, why not treat yourself to a stay in a nearby airport hotel? Most are very close to the terminals and some even offer park and stay deals.

Your safety is our priority so we need to make sure no potentially harmful items make it onto the plane. There are strict rules about what you are allowed to carry in your hand baggage. You can bring essential items such as medicine and toiletries but please read our advice so you know how much you can bring and how to store them correctly. Making sure you're prepared will help speed up the security process. Show your boarding card and your baggage will be scanned and searched. You'll also have a body scan - you remain fully clothed, and it only takes a few seconds. The scanners are completely safe, and don’t use x-rays.

Screens in the departure lounge will display your gate number in plenty of time. Follow the signs to your gate, but some can be further away from the departure lounge, so allow enough time to get there. All gates have a seating area where you'll wait until you’re called for boarding. Keep your seat number to hand as you will be called forward by your seat or row number. You’ll be asked to show your passport and boarding card (a print out or digital version on your phone.) Then you’ll be allowed to walk through the gate to board the plane. The cabin crew will welcome you on board and show you to your seat ready for take-off.

Once you have landed at your destination airport it’s time to leave the plane with your hand baggage. You’ll be asked to show your passport to immigration officials and then pick up your checked-in baggage. Screens in the airport baggage reclaim area will display your flight number above the carousel that your bags will arrive on. After you’ve collected your baggage, you’re free to head through customs and out into the arrivals hall where your journey is complete!