Manchester Airport has reiterated its advice to passengers ahead of the big Jubilee weekend getaway. Thousands of people are expected to use the four-day bank holiday weekend from Thursday, June 2 to Sunday, June 5, to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee, as an excuse for an early summer break.
However, the queuing chaos at the airport, which bosses say is the result of industry-wide staff shortages, is continuing.
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A number of passengers said they were this morning again greeted by long queues at check-in security and baggage reclaim. One described it as 'hell on earth' with another saying he was worried he may miss his flight as a result.
The airport said most passengers passed through in 30 minutes but that wait times in one terminal did exceed an hour for a period of time.
When to arrive
They have now confirmed its advice remains for passengers to arrive THREE HOURS before their flight, but not any earlier.
According to hub chiefs arriving any earlier than three hours before their flight could in fact cause further delays.
"The airport is asking passengers not to come any earlier than this because they will not be able to check-in with their airlines, which could cause unnecessary waits in the terminals," they say.
"Leaving a three-hour window will enable people to pass through security and make their flights."
Security advice
The airport say as they recover from the pandemic "there may be some times when security queues are longer than usual" which is why the three-hour advice has been introduced.
However, bosses say delays at security can also be drastically reduced if passengers, particularly in-frequent flyers, familiarise themselves with requirements and prepare themselves fully before arriving at the scanners.
Rejected bags and trays can add, on average, add over 10 minutes to a person’s passage through security they say, which when multiplied by the thousands of passengers can up to lengthy delays that "can easily be avoided."
"Passengers who have not flown for a long time are also being urged to refamiliarise themselves with the security rules" they say.
"This includes ensuring all liquids, gels and pastes in their hand luggage are under 100ml and out in a clear re-sealable bag.
"Passengers should remove everything from their pockets, and large electricals should also be taken out of cabin baggage and put into a tray."
The airport, which is currently in the midst of a huge recruitment drive, says it is now on the "on the road to recovery" but that the entire operation including themselves and third parties operating on the site such has baggage handlers are still facing 'resourcing challenges' linked to the rapid recovery of the travel industry after the removal of coronavirus related restrictions.
They have apologised and vowed to "ensure processes are running as efficiently as they can, and to mitigate staffing challenges as far as possible."
