Chaos has emerged at Manchester Airport as passengers are facing severely long queues and extended flight delays. In recent days there have been scenes of boxes piled sky-high, holidaymakers 'jumping' over barriers and frustrated passengers abandoning their bags in the baggage reclaim hall.
It is said that the queues are being formed as passengers await their turn to go through security checks. This comes as Manchester Airports Group (MAG) said they have struggled with the easing of restrictions and staff shortages as well as a large number of bags being rejected at security.
Manchester Airport baggage handlers have also said they are ‘under more stress than ever’ due to ‘unexpected’ demand over the last few weeks. Bosses have now warned that the chaotic queues could continue into the summer, which leaves anyone with a flight booked from Manchester in the next few months concerned about whether or not they'll make their flight.
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This poses the question as to how early should you arrive at the airport prior to your flight's departure?
Prior to recent weeks, Manchester Airport has always given the general guidance that passengers should be 'checked in and ready to go through security at least two hours' before their flight departure time.
But as airport-goers have told the Manchester Evening News that it has taken them as long as four hours to get through security, it is evident that two hours may no longer give holidaymakers enough time to catch their flight.
Manchester Airport was approached for a comment amid the chaos and told the M.E.N: "We would advise passengers to arrive at the earliest time suggested by their airline – which is usually the time check-in opens for their flight - and to reacquaint themselves with the rules on hand luggage before travelling, as additional screening of bags may add to wait times in security."
As a result of this, it turns out that most airlines who fly from Manchester Airport are now giving passengers their own advice when it comes to how early they should arrive at the airport ahead of their flight.
Two airlines told the M.E.N that they are now recommending their passengers to arrive at the airport up to three hours before departing.
A spokesperson for TUI UK said: “TUI is advising customers to arrive up to three hours before departure and to allow extra time to go through security before going to their boarding gate.”
A representative for British Airways also confirmed that the airline is now "advising customers to arrive at Manchester airport three hours before departure".
Budget airline easyJet didn't give a specific time frame but a spokesperson told us: "We are aware of security delays at Manchester airport today and so are advising customers to arrive at the airport with plenty of time ahead of their flight. We continue to work with Manchester airport to ensure our customers’ experience through the airport is as quick and easy as possible.”
For any other airline, it is recommended to check directly with them as to what time they would recommend you to arrive.
