As a (soon to be ex) longhaul commuter living in Cheshire, I can confirm that getting into carpark west, just missing the bus and waiting for the next one usually takes longer than actually driving from home to MAN. If you live within a 20 mile radius which takes in much of the commuter belt area then an hour from leaving home to staggering into T3 should do it.
Those living slightly further out seem to manage in much the same timescale. Generally, two hours from pit to checkin will cover most scenarios unless you live in the middle of nowhere away from the motorways or rail network. There is a station at MAN and the trains even run on time some days.
During the week at peak times another 30 mins to fight your way through the chaos of the BA check in/so called fast bag drop and a further 15 minutes to have your shaving kit stolen by "security" would be advisable. I will be investing in a smaller bag and using on line check in wherever possible.
Those with a Heathrow gateway have my deepest sympathy.
Last edited by northern boy; 21st April 2008 at 13:11.