Assisted Travel at Manchester Airport
Facilities and services for those requiring assisted travel at the airport
Assistance at the airport
If you’ve pre-booked assistance, please proceed to our Assisted Travel Reception located in the check-in hall of Terminal 1 for Ryanair or Terminal 2 for all other airlines.
For assistance from your vehicle or public transport, you’ll find Assistance Call Points in our car parks, drop-off areas, and at the Ground Transportation Interchange. A team member will be happy to assist you.
After registering at the Assisted Travel Reception, you can choose to receive assistance to the check-in desks or make your way there on your own.
Once you've completed bag drop check-in or checked in online, we can guide you through security to the departure lounge, where you can shop, dine, unwind, and relax.
Assisted Travel Lounges are available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 Departure Lounges. Friendly staff are there to help you during your wait and guide you to your boarding gate. When it’s time to board, they will assess your needs and make sure you board comfortably. If you prefer, you can explore the lounge areas and go to the gate on your own.
Assistance Dogs
We welcome Assistance Dogs. Find more information on Assistance Dogs here.
Getting around the airport with AccessAble
AccessAble offers detailed access guides to assist you in getting around Manchester Airport.
Accessible Quick Links
T1 Drop Off | T2 Drop Off | T2 Pick Up | T2 Departure Gates | T3 Pick Up
Security
Aviation Security Officers receive training to understand and support people with disabilities. Private search areas are available in all Security Search Areas. Walking aids and seating are provided to help passengers through Body Scanners if needed.
Leave your medication, liquids and large electronic items inside your hand luggage
If you use British Sign Language, please click the links below for our handy videos to explain the rules for:
Click here for more information on security.
Lost or damaged mobility aids
If your mobility aid is damaged or lost when you arrive, report it right away to the airline or baggage services before leaving the baggage reclaim area. At Manchester Airport, Global Baggage Solutions usually handles this for most airlines. If you need a temporary wheelchair to get home, ask the airport staff or Assisted Travel team. They can help arrange a loan wheelchair, but it might not be the same as your own.
Facilities for Assisted Travel
Assistance Available
We can provide as much or as little support as you need to navigate the airport for your flight. Once you arrange assistance with your airline, we are notified of your request.
Upon your arrival at the airport, we will be ready to assist you. Please register your arrival at the Assisted Travel Reception located in Terminal 1 for Ryanair or Terminal 2 for all other airlines. Alternatively, you can check in at one of the Assisted Travel Call Points in the car parks or the Ground Transportation Hub.
Our team is here to help, whether you need support with one part of your journey or the whole process. Contact us anytime to talk about what you need.
At the boarding gate, we can assist you onto the plane using the airbridge or an ambilift. If you only need help with long distances, you can board on your own.
When you arrive in Manchester, we’ll meet you at the plane. We can help you through the airport or provide equipment so you can manage on your own, depending on what you need.
Eaglehoist
Manchester Airport and ABM Aviation are pleased to offer Haycomp’s Eagle 2 Hoist. This hoist is designed to improve the service, safety and accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM’s) and forms part of Manchester Airport’s commitment to improving the services offered to our passengers.
The hoist can be pre-booked (subject to availability) and should be pre-booked at least 48 hours before travel. All requests to utilise the hoist should be made in writing to Eagle.hoist@abm.com. Please provide the following information: customer name and contact details, date of travel and flight details, passenger’s height and approximate weight and whether you have used the service before.
Changing Places
Changing Places are a locked facility that provides more space than a normal accessible toilet, to allow adequate room for the additional equipment required, as below, and carers to be present to aid the user. This facility is for severely disabled people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities.
Who should use this facility?
Severely disabled people, including those with profound and multiple learning disabilities have access to these facilities to meet their needs.
What equipment is provided in the Manchester Airport Changing Places?
Overhead full room coverage hoist system (IMPORTANT: Sling not provided see additional notes)
Mobile hydraulic height adjustable changing bench
Wide tear off paper dispenser
Privacy screen
Peninsular conventional close coupled WC with grab rails and support arms
Electrical height adjustable sink
Where will customers find the facilities?
There is a facility in each terminal; all are located air-side within the departure lounge.
Hoists and Sling Compatibility Guideline
Manchester Airport does not provide slings and we advise customers to bring their own sling with them to enable them to use the facility. Manchester Airport’s facility uses a hoist system where loop fastening slings are compatible. The hoist system should not be operated with keyhole style clip slings. Users are advised to always check the sling before use for any damage including fraying, holes, tears and stitching.
Customers should return the hoist it to the charging point after use so that the next person will be able to use.
Weight Limits
Basin - 100kgs
Bench - 190kgs
Hoist - 200kgs
Sling safe working load 31 stone.
Important reminder to users
This is an unmanned facility and users must satisfy themselves as to its suitability prior to use
Manchester Airport do not provide slings
The equipment has weight limits
Remember it is the responsibility of the user and/or the carers to facilitate the use of the facility and its equipment.
Please return the hoist to the charging point after use so that the next person will be able to use.
Please leave the room as you would like to find it. If the room requires attention please use the courtesy phone to inform us.
There is a courtesy phone located outside each of the Changing Place facilities. Simply lift the receiver and dial 2135 to receive the pin code to enter. There will be someone available to answer your call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Contact 0208 163 8001, or dial 100 if on the Manchester Airport Site if you have any queries prior to use.
Try The Airport Experience
Manchester Airport offers guided pre-travel airport tours to help build confidence for disabled customers and their families. Tours are available focussing on both hidden disabilities and impaired mobility.
Tours are hosted monthly, and spaces are limited to 2 people per group. Priority will be given to customers holding a valid future flight reservation through Manchester Airport.
Dates of the tours are below, please email us at TryTheAirportExperience@ManchesterAirport.co.uk for availability and to book.
BSL Interpretation Service
British Sign Language users can contact us via the InterpretersLive! service for pre-travel enquiries or use this service on the day of travel to communicate with airport and airline staff.
The InterpretersLive! service is available 7 days a week and is FREE of charge.
Please see the video user guide here for more information.
Click on the button below if you’d like to access the service now.