Your First Flight From Manchester International Airport

Not everyone is a frequent flyer and there is a first time for everything.

This page is just a short guide for travellers new to Manchester Airport, so put your seat back and tray table in the upright position and prepare for take-off…

Scared of flying?
Many books, courses and treatments are now available to ease you out of your fear, from virtual aviation to a short flight on a real aircraft.

Tickets
Your travel documents and itinerary will detail all your flight information.

This will include:
- The airports you are flying from and to and any connecting airports
- Your flight number, departure and arrival times
- Your baggage allowance

Hold Baggage
Hold baggage are large items for checking-in; these travel in the hold of the aircraft you won't see them again until you land at your destination airport. This normally includes items like suitcases and large rucksacks. Be sure to stay under the weight limit as you can be charged if you exceed it. Baggage allowances vary between airlines and classes of travel. Normally, Economy Class passengers are entitled to 23kg each and Business/Club Class passengers 30kg. Frequent Flyer members may also receive enhanced allowances.

Hand Baggage
You are normally allowed to take hand luggage on board the aircraft, bags must not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cms.

Please remember never to leave your luggage unattended at the airport.

Arriving at the Airport
There are three terminals at Manchester Airport. Click here to check your terminal

Check-In
Once inside the terminal building, you need to check-in. Your check-in desk will have your flight number displayed above it. The check-in agent will print your boarding card and ask you some security questions - please have your tickets and passport ready. At this stage, they'll also weigh your luggage and tag it with your flight details.

Waiting for your flight to depart
Once you check-in, display screens will let you know when you can go the departure lounge. To go to departures you will need to show your boarding card and pass through Security Control where your hand luggage will be screened. Tax Free shopping, and a range of bars and restaurants are all available once you pass through Security Control.

Gate and Boarding
Screens throughout the airport will display the gate number at which you need to board your plane. Signs will show you how to get there - but as some gates can involve a walk from the lounge, please allow plenty of time.  When you reach the gate, there will be a lounge area where you can wait in comfort until you're called for boarding. Airline attendants will call you forward; simply hand over your boarding card and board the plane.

As you walk onto the plane a member of the cabin crew will welcome you aboard, check the remaining portion of your boarding card and show you to your seat ready for take-off.

Arrivals
Once you land at your destination airport and leave the plane you will show your passport to security officials and then head to baggage reclaim to pick up the luggage that you checked-in in Manchester. Screens in the airport will show your flight number above the carousel that your luggage will be on. After you have collected your luggage you will head through customs and out into the arrivals hall.