Trolley charges - from 10 April 2012
Manchester Airport is to invest over £1 million in replacing its ageing luggage trolleys with brand new, lightweight manoeuvrable versions, a change that, from 10th April 2012, will mean that passengers need to insert £1 or €2 coin to access them, which will be non-refundable.
To continue making multi-million pound investments in the airport when the cost of air fares are reducing, means that airports can't continue to provide services like trolleys for free. We know that charging for trolleys will not be a popular decision. This is why we are following the advice of consumer groups and informing passengers before they get to the airport. With around 5% of passengers using trolleys at the moment, this method ensures that only the user pays rather than spread the cost across everyone.
Q. When do charges come into effect?
A. The new trolleys will be introduced on 10 April 2012. We appreciate it is a big change for passengers who use trolleys which is why we are giving people plenty of notice.
Q. How much will it cost me and how do we access the trolleys?
A. A non-refundable £1 coin or 2euro coin which goes into a vending machine that releases the trolley. There will also be a facility in all three international arrivals to use a credit card at some of the vending machines.
Q. Why have you decided to start charging for trolleys?
A. Our current fleet of trolleys dates back to the mid-1990s and has reached the end of its useful life which is why we are investing over £1 million in new luggage trolleys. But we have to acknowledge that to continue making multi-million pound investments in the airport when air fares are reducing, means that airports can't continue to provide services like trolleys for free. We know that charging for trolleys will not be a popular decision, which is why we are following the advice of consumer groups and informing passengers before they get to the airport. With around 5% of passengers using trolleys at the moment, this method ensures that only the user pays rather than spread the cost across everyone.
Q. Are the trolleys any different to the coinlock ones?
A. Yes, they are significantly easier to steer and operate as well as being much lighter and therefore easier to use. In addition the new trolleys are fitted with GPS. This will allow a significant amount of currently unavailable information to be built up, including where the 'hot spots' are and when there is high demand. This allows trolley stock to be focused in the right area at the right time.
Q. Will you have change machines for passengers easily located to pay for the trolleys?
A. Yes. All of the vending machines have an inbuilt change facility as well as the current change machines that are conveniently located in multiple sites around all three terminals in an effort to make it as hassle free as possible. The Vend system gives change from notes in sterling currency.
Q. What about passengers with reduced mobility?
A. Passengers with reduced mobility will still be able to access assistance by contacting their airline, tour operator or travel agent at time of booking up to 48 hours before departure.
