Flight Information by SMS - FAQs
What is SMS Messaging?
SMS (Short Messaging Service) is a facility available on the vast majority of mobile phones that allows text-based communication between phones and information providers such as the Manchester Airport SMS Flight Information service. SMS messages, or texts, are often limited to 160 characters per message. For more information on how to use text messaging on your phone, please check the manual for your handset or with your network provider.
Is my network supported by the service?
The service is available to users of the following mobile phone networks:
Contract – T-Mobile, Vodafone, O2, Orange.
Prepay – T-Mobile, Vodafone, Orange.
If you are as 'pay as you go' or 'prepay' user, you will only be able to receive messages if you have sufficient credit on your phone.
Where does the flight information come from?
The flight information is sourced from the main operational flight database that provides information to systems across Manchester Airport including the screens in the terminals, the information on this website and Ceefax/Teletext. Only information on flights that arrive at and depart from Manchester Airport is available.
For what time period is the flight information available?
You should ensure that your flight is scheduled to depart or arrive in the time window for which we hold flight information. This time window is 2 hours before and 12 hours after the time you send the message. This means that you can register to receive information from 12 hours before a flight is scheduled to depart / arrive. As flight numbers can be repeated on a daily basis you should check the confirmation message to ensure that you have registered for the correct flight on the correct date.
What is a 'shortcode'?
A shortcode is the telephone number to which you send the request for Flight Information. As a 5 digit number, it is shorter than standard mobile phone numbers which make it easier to remember and quicker to enter into your phone. The shortcode for Manchester Airport's SMS Flight Information service is 60030.
How much does the service cost?
Your initial request for flight information will be charged at your usual text message rate, which is typically around 10 pence. This can vary between networks.
You will pay 25 pence to receive each message up to a maximum of £1.00. The cost will depend on the number of messages you receive (see below). Although messages are charged at 25 pence each to receive, should you receive 5 messages (as is possible for an arriving flight) you will still only be charged a maximum of £1.00.
What happens if I make a mistake in the flight number?
The correct format is 'FLIGHT XXXXXX' - use a valid flight number to replace XXXXXX. Flight numbers can be anything from 4 to 7 characters in length. If the flight number is typed incorrectly then an error message will be returned. You will not be charged to receive error messages.
What happens when the flight I am interested in is cancelled?
When a queried flight is cancelled, you will receive a cancellation message. This message will also cost 25p to receive.
Following the cancellation of a flight, no further updates will be sent in relation to that flight or other flights that might replace the service. You should contact the airline or handling agent for further information.
What happens when an arriving flight is diverted away from Manchester Airport?
Very occasionally, arriving flights are diverted away from Manchester Airport due to weather conditions or other operational reasons. The Manchester Airport SMS Flight Information service will send a message informing you of the diversion of the flight, including the name of the airport that the flight has been diverted to.
Can I use the flight number of a codeshare flight to request information?
Yes. Flights can often have more than one flight number associated with them if there is a ‘codeshare’ agreement between airlines. Any of the associated flight numbers can be used to request information from the Manchester Airport SMS Flight Information service.
Why am I not receiving the flight information update messages?
To ensure that you receive the messages, your mobile phone should be turned on, have a signal and space on the phone for more messages. If you are a pay-as-you-go or pre-pay customer, you should ensure that you have sufficient credit to receive messages.
If you experience problems receiving messages, please contact our SMS Support Team at the email address below.
How can I contact Manchester Airport with my comments and queries about the SMS service?
To help us improve the service, we welcome your feedback. You can get in touch with us at email address below. If you have a specific comment about the service you have received, please include your mobile telephone number to enable us to follow-up your query.
