Departing Passengers

Checking In

Make sure you leave plenty of time to check in. Check in times can usually be found on your ticket or itinerary, or by contacting your airline. As a general guide:

• Long-haul flights – check in three hours prior to departure
• European flights – check in two hours before departure
• UK and Ireland flights – check in one hour prior to departure

Self-Service Check-In

The distinctive lime green self-service check-in machines are located throughout the terminals, offering you a hassle free way of checking in, at no extra cost. The quick and easy to use machines help to eliminate queues, allowing you to confirm your booking and print your boarding card in no time at all!

If you have baggage, you can take it to a bag drop or if you only have hand baggage you can proceed straight to security control.

Click here for airlines offering self-service check-in.

Check-In Desks

Please check the information screens, on arrival at the airport, to find out which check-in desks you need.

After you’ve checked in, it is advisable to go to security control straight away, leaving you plenty of time to relax and explore the many shops and restaurants in the departures lounge.

Online Check-In

Online check-in offers you the ability to check yourself in and print your boarding passes in the comfort of your own home or at the office (a printer is required).

Once you get to the airport if you have baggage* you can take it to the bag drop, or if you only have hand baggage you can proceed directly to security control.

Find out which airlines offer online check-in

* On some airlines, online check-in is only available to passengers with hand baggage. Please check with your airline for further information.

Important Passenger Notice

The Department for Transport has issued revised security measures relating to cabin baggage. Read more > see our handy checklist to make sure you’re fully up to date before you arrive.

Hold and Hand Luggage

Hold and hand luggage must be below a certain weight and size. Please check with your airline for more information.

• Do not pack sharp objects
• Do not carry items for other people
• Do not leave your baggage unattended at any time

It is an offence to carry any of the following items into the aircraft cabin:

• Toy or replica guns (plastic or metal)
• Knives of any sort
• Razor blades
• Disposable lighters or gas refills
• Corkscrews
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Safety pins
• Hypodermic syringes (unless supported by medical evidence)
• Builder’s tools
• Hammers, nails, screwdrivers
• Darts
• Knitting needles
• Sporting bats
• Billiard, snooker or pool cues
• Catapults
• Some umbrellas
• Household cutlery
• Acid
• Explosives
• Gas cartridges or refills
• Paint
• Lighter fuel
• Mercury

Non-permitted items will not be allowed through security and will have to be disclaimed.

Getting here with ease

Which Terminal

There are three terminals at Manchester Airport – you’ll find details of your terminal on your ticket or itinerary. Our online helper can also help you check.

Directions and car parking

If you’re arriving by car, download our maps and check out car parking facilities at the airport 

Arriving by public transport

Make getting to the airport as easy as getting through the airport. Plan your journey from start to finish with our online Journey Planner >