MANCHESTER 1
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just seems to me that the border control are is perhaps too small?
On another note, more problems with an AA 763 yesterday? Looked like it was being towed somewhere after we landed at 7pm
On another note, more problems with an AA 763 yesterday? Looked like it was being towed somewhere after we landed at 7pm
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Posts: 2,962
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Maybe it's indicative to where I have been in the past, as I honestly don't class between 30-45 mins wait that bad at all for an airport in the 23-30m pax category.
As we all know, MAN is about to go through a major upgrade, so, the small spaces will soon be made larger. In terms of border control, it certainly looks bigger and airier.
As we all know, MAN is about to go through a major upgrade, so, the small spaces will soon be made larger. In terms of border control, it certainly looks bigger and airier.
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On another note, more problems with an AA 763 yesterday? Looked like it was being towed somewhere after we landed at 7pm
And I see DL's JFK is cancelled today. A pity, as loads seem to be picking up a bit recently.
As regards Border Control, we've not had a wait of more than 10 minutes at either T1 or T2 after a number of trips in the last couple of years, the last in June when our luggage arrived almost immediately as well. Evidently, it's variable depending on the flow of arrivals.
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Scotland
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There was certainly a few bickering in the queues. In comparison, arriving at MUC, it took 10 mins total from leaving the aircraft, through security, getting our bags and getting in a taxi
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Somewhere up there
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I arrived at MAN T1 last night too. Around 15 mins in Border Control area at around 11ish.
Frankly I think the attitude to length of queue depends on your own circumstances. If you've just enjoyed chilling in the sun for two weeks and you've got to wait for bags through the BC area even 30 mins is not too bad for most.
However if, like me last night, you've been away working half the week (helping the UK's exports), you've missed the first part of the weekend with your family, you've made two flights to get there but you have only hand baggage....well even a 5 minute queue is going to pi$$ you off.
What really grates is the whole aggressive shouting that goes on by staff in the area. For a first time visitor it must be totally intimidating and a shockingly bad welcome to the city / country.
If some of the 'shouters' stopped shouting and got behind one of the frequently unmanned desks maybe the queues wouldn't be so bad.
(Also noted the sick AA aircraft parked up and made a note to self to continue to avoid said airline - utterly unreliable).
Frankly I think the attitude to length of queue depends on your own circumstances. If you've just enjoyed chilling in the sun for two weeks and you've got to wait for bags through the BC area even 30 mins is not too bad for most.
However if, like me last night, you've been away working half the week (helping the UK's exports), you've missed the first part of the weekend with your family, you've made two flights to get there but you have only hand baggage....well even a 5 minute queue is going to pi$$ you off.
What really grates is the whole aggressive shouting that goes on by staff in the area. For a first time visitor it must be totally intimidating and a shockingly bad welcome to the city / country.
If some of the 'shouters' stopped shouting and got behind one of the frequently unmanned desks maybe the queues wouldn't be so bad.
(Also noted the sick AA aircraft parked up and made a note to self to continue to avoid said airline - utterly unreliable).
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What really grates is the whole aggressive shouting that goes on by staff in the area
Those shouting instructions and combing the queues are there to defuse the lengthy delays which these occasional travellers inadvertently cause. And by expediting these passengers through those staff help the rest of us. Queue flows at MAN have improved substantially since their introduction. I wouldn't like to revert to the previous chaotic lines we used to see. Also, whilst the 'shouting' staff have to make themselves heard, I've always found them to be pleasant and good-humoured. We're much better off with them than without.
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Warrington
Age: 74
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting Shed with regards to those who have never used an e-passport before. I used mine for the first time yesterday. Absolutely great BUT since you need to remove glasses, I was then unable to see the message telling me to remove my passport after it had been read! Simple thing but delays and embarrassment caused.
Having said that, the Air Transat arrived on stand at 1118 and I had claimed my bag by 1139, so I have no complaints.
Having said that, the Air Transat arrived on stand at 1118 and I had claimed my bag by 1139, so I have no complaints.
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Leeds
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Interesting Shed with regards to those who have never used an e-passport before. I used mine for the first time yesterday. Absolutely great BUT since you need to remove glasses, I was then unable to see the message telling me to remove my passport after it had been read! Simple thing but delays and embarrassment caused.
Having said that, the Air Transat arrived on stand at 1118 and I had claimed my bag by 1139, so I have no complaints.
Having said that, the Air Transat arrived on stand at 1118 and I had claimed my bag by 1139, so I have no complaints.
Sholto Douglas - I feel your pain with glases!!
On a side note, Emirates 4th daily is supposedly due to start on 1 October or November...
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 1,190
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On a side note, Emirates 4th daily is supposedly due to start on 1 October or November...
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Somewhere up there
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SOAP
What are you talking about? When did you last have to remove items from luggage arriving at T1 Border Control?
The caterwaul that was shouting last night sounded like she was angry about having to do her job, hated people (without whom it seemed her job would have been so much more to her liking) and she just made the whole environment unpleasant and, I surmise from some facial expressions, a little intimidating for those not used to the place.
I stand by the opinion that 'shouty person' is totally un-necessary since as you enter the area you can only go one of three ways: EU / Non EU / E-GATES all of which have enormous signs telling you where to go.
Get that woman sat behind a desk checking passports - that would speed things up.
They don't know which items have to be removed from luggage for scanning.
The caterwaul that was shouting last night sounded like she was angry about having to do her job, hated people (without whom it seemed her job would have been so much more to her liking) and she just made the whole environment unpleasant and, I surmise from some facial expressions, a little intimidating for those not used to the place.
I stand by the opinion that 'shouty person' is totally un-necessary since as you enter the area you can only go one of three ways: EU / Non EU / E-GATES all of which have enormous signs telling you where to go.
Get that woman sat behind a desk checking passports - that would speed things up.
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Cheshire
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
T3
Departed via T3 yesterday (Friday) morning. We were in the security area at 7.50 and through by 7.55, a very slick operation.
Wish I could be as happy with our FR3232 flight to AGP. It was an AGP based aircraft with Spanish cc. A large stag party were causing chaos, drinking bottles of spirits carried on board, not sitting down when seat belt sign was on and making suggestive comments to the staff etc The noise was so loud that announcements were impossible to hear. The cc were obviously intimidated and did nothing about it.
As a regular user of this route, and many others, I have seen similar situations before but never seen British cc turn a blind eye to it like this.
It's a difficult situation for anyone to deal with but allowing them to do as they like creates a dangerous situation which made others feel vulnerable.
Wish I could be as happy with our FR3232 flight to AGP. It was an AGP based aircraft with Spanish cc. A large stag party were causing chaos, drinking bottles of spirits carried on board, not sitting down when seat belt sign was on and making suggestive comments to the staff etc The noise was so loud that announcements were impossible to hear. The cc were obviously intimidated and did nothing about it.
As a regular user of this route, and many others, I have seen similar situations before but never seen British cc turn a blind eye to it like this.
It's a difficult situation for anyone to deal with but allowing them to do as they like creates a dangerous situation which made others feel vulnerable.
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What are you talking about? When did you last have to remove items from luggage arriving at T1 Border Control?
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Northwich
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SOAP
What are you talking about? When did you last have to remove items from luggage arriving at T1 Border Control?
The caterwaul that was shouting last night sounded like she was angry about having to do her job, hated people (without whom it seemed her job would have been so much more to her liking) and she just made the whole environment unpleasant and, I surmise from some facial expressions, a little intimidating for those not used to the place.
I stand by the opinion that 'shouty person' is totally un-necessary since as you enter the area you can only go one of three ways: EU / Non EU / E-GATES all of which have enormous signs telling you where to go.
Get that woman sat behind a desk checking passports - that would speed things up.
What are you talking about? When did you last have to remove items from luggage arriving at T1 Border Control?
The caterwaul that was shouting last night sounded like she was angry about having to do her job, hated people (without whom it seemed her job would have been so much more to her liking) and she just made the whole environment unpleasant and, I surmise from some facial expressions, a little intimidating for those not used to the place.
I stand by the opinion that 'shouty person' is totally un-necessary since as you enter the area you can only go one of three ways: EU / Non EU / E-GATES all of which have enormous signs telling you where to go.
Get that woman sat behind a desk checking passports - that would speed things up.
When passengers are arriving at that time of night, they are usually tired and just want to get home, so are usually more grumpy than at other times of the day. Although the queues were relatively long, i only waited about 10-15 minutes, which is quite reasonable compared to others airports i fly to and from. Another point is that the majority of flights arriving at that time, are all filled with British holiday makers,who probably only use the airport once or twice a year, and probably won't be put off from using it again coz passport control was a little congested.
Unfortunately the customs area for arrivals at Terminal 1 in Manchester is to small, we all know that. For the time being, there's not so much Manchester Airport can do about it until Terminal renovation starts. In my opinion Manchester is no better or worse then most airports i use in Europe or worldwide.
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Somewhere up there
Posts: 358
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
SOAP
I see your confusion has been caused by failing to read my original post properly - not an uncommon feature of PPRUNE.
Had you read my post before jumping on the SOAPbox you would have noticed that it was a specific reference to T1 Border Control last night at 11.00 - at what point did I refer to 'departing passengers' ?
You really do need to stop being such an arrogant, self-righteous sod....
You write so well most of the time - it's a pity you let yourself down like that.
Nor was I wasn't complaining about the length of queue - 15 mins whilst not great I have experienced much worse elsewhere as well as Manchester.
Ultimately, if arriving at much bigger airports like FRA, MUC, AMS etc can be achieved smoothly without shouting the roof off, then why should MAN be any different? The only real equivalent of the shouting experience is arriving into the US - but that's another situation entirely.
I see your confusion has been caused by failing to read my original post properly - not an uncommon feature of PPRUNE.
Had you read my post before jumping on the SOAPbox you would have noticed that it was a specific reference to T1 Border Control last night at 11.00 - at what point did I refer to 'departing passengers' ?
You really do need to stop being such an arrogant, self-righteous sod....
less familiar with the airport operation than I gave you credit for
Nor was I wasn't complaining about the length of queue - 15 mins whilst not great I have experienced much worse elsewhere as well as Manchester.
Ultimately, if arriving at much bigger airports like FRA, MUC, AMS etc can be achieved smoothly without shouting the roof off, then why should MAN be any different? The only real equivalent of the shouting experience is arriving into the US - but that's another situation entirely.
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Either the back of a sim, or wherever Crewing send me.
Posts: 1,031
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Trav a la
Wish I could be as happy with our FR3232 flight to AGP.
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Northwich
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah, the blonde lady looked like a Manchester Airport worker. She certainly wasn't a border force officer. To be fair to Border force, there was only one desk that i could see that was unmanned.
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Espaņa
Posts: 221
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Seems to me that some basic customer service training is required - being polite and respecting people costs nothing but creates goodwill that will more than off-set the wait in the queue. Shouting loudly does exactly the opposite, and I don't buy into the arguement about the one-a-year travellers.
My own grouse with T2 immigration is the inability of the same customer service assistants to open and close the webbing barriers depending upon arrivals .... a couple of weeks ago arrived early afternoon and arrivals was deserted but we were directed by the said assistants to walk back and to along twelve or more of the zig-zags to reach immigration. There was no queue so a little common sense would have made all the difference to the arrival experience, but I guess that's a little too much to ask.
My own grouse with T2 immigration is the inability of the same customer service assistants to open and close the webbing barriers depending upon arrivals .... a couple of weeks ago arrived early afternoon and arrivals was deserted but we were directed by the said assistants to walk back and to along twelve or more of the zig-zags to reach immigration. There was no queue so a little common sense would have made all the difference to the arrival experience, but I guess that's a little too much to ask.
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Manchester
Posts: 1,106
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I see your confusion has been caused by failing to read my original post properly
You really do need to stop being such an arrogant, self-righteous sod....
I stand by my praise for the queue management system in operation at all three MAN terminals and the staff involved in making it work. Flows through the choke-points have improved considerably since their introduction.
Last edited by Shed-on-a-Pole; 2nd Jul 2016 at 23:35.