Arrived back into MAN last night on the late FRA flight and it brought home what shambles it can be. Got off at the end of C pier and after marching all the way around that lovely gate area right at the end we were greeted with all the moving walkways out of action. That was a shock...
Got towards the Passport Control are and could see it was mobbed all the way back out into the corrdior. Ah, but that doesn't matter for moi as I have Iris to come to the rescue!. Was it working ?.... 25 minute queue to get back into my own country as they had the grand total of 2 staff checking UK/EU passports. This when they know how busy it gets at that time and the queue is back down Pier C.
Just to add to the fun there was only one car park payment machine working in T1 International Arrivals (so another 10 minute queue) and only one of three barriers to get out so people were having to reverse to change lanes etc. Oh and the missus said the womens toilet was closed.
Same old story at T1 at busy times, but do bear the following in mind:
* MAPLC policy is to turn off all walkways after 10pm, I was told it was because they have an 'obligation to the environment'. Seems as passengers you are less important than a molecule of ozone.
* Border & Immigration staffing is shocking at night, I think it needs a complaint made to the Immigration minister
* If you are registered with IRIS and the machine is broken because of maintenance, software problems, cleaning whatever, then you are entitled to proceed down to the IRIS machine and
JUMP THE QUEUE BY WALKING DIRECTLY TO THE EU DESK! This is policy and has been OK's by the senior bosses and all Immigration staff are aware. It is also outlined at
www.iris.gov.uk