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.
Security
See the last security procedure.
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.
Customs
Travelling with €10 000 or more (or equivalent in other currencies or assets)?
No problem, but declare it to customs before entering or leaving the EU. More information
Maps
Travel to and through the airport with ease with our maps and check out car parking facilities at the airport.
If you are dropping someone off at the airport then see our new maps for Pick up & Drop off
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 >
