MANCHESTER 1
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Gavin,
DfT screening guidelines state that electrical items and liquids cannot be covered up/in bags, and putting jackets back over laptops mean that you may as well have left your items in the bag in terms of screening, so, I'm not surprised they asked you to remove your suit jacket from over the laptop, it's something all airports should be doing.
This also ties in with the laptop ban due to a credible threat so while some countries have electronics bans inbound, outbound UK subject to extra scrutiny so cannot be covered up.
Just to show this isn't just a MAN issue, a quick Google shows that NCL/LGW and LHR all follow the same guidelines according to their websites. Whether they do it in reality is another question and pints to lax security if they are not doing so.
As said before, for a city that has had a bomb attack in the last few weeks with suspicions that there are more hidden cell members in the area, it's more surprising and frustrating that people still see fit to blast security as 'too inconvenient' for them.
DfT screening guidelines state that electrical items and liquids cannot be covered up/in bags, and putting jackets back over laptops mean that you may as well have left your items in the bag in terms of screening, so, I'm not surprised they asked you to remove your suit jacket from over the laptop, it's something all airports should be doing.
This also ties in with the laptop ban due to a credible threat so while some countries have electronics bans inbound, outbound UK subject to extra scrutiny so cannot be covered up.
Just to show this isn't just a MAN issue, a quick Google shows that NCL/LGW and LHR all follow the same guidelines according to their websites. Whether they do it in reality is another question and pints to lax security if they are not doing so.
As said before, for a city that has had a bomb attack in the last few weeks with suspicions that there are more hidden cell members in the area, it's more surprising and frustrating that people still see fit to blast security as 'too inconvenient' for them.
Join Date: Jun 2016
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the problem I have with security at T3 is that despite it being upgraded it is now not fit for purpose as the staff insist on spreading your things over 2-3 trays and then the trays get clogged up.
Yesterday I put my bag and laptop in one tray side-by-side with my suit jacket ontop of the laptop. This would have been fine before but they took the suit jacket and put it in a second tray as that is what they are now doing.
I'm not blaming MAN if that is what they have to now do but it's this splitting that was causing the issues. There was no queuing at all for the body scanners due to the delays loading the trays.
Yesterday I put my bag and laptop in one tray side-by-side with my suit jacket ontop of the laptop. This would have been fine before but they took the suit jacket and put it in a second tray as that is what they are now doing.
I'm not blaming MAN if that is what they have to now do but it's this splitting that was causing the issues. There was no queuing at all for the body scanners due to the delays loading the trays.
Just spread your items out over as many trays as necessary as it make identification much easier for the scanner operator and prevents having to manually search and re scan bags.
Don't think that because other airports around the world do it quicker, it is better or more secure, it's not.
Manchester security checks take no risks in keeping PAX safe, thats a good thing.
I happen to know that items picked up from transfer PAX, re scanned upon arrival at Man, would make you realise how poor some airport security really is.
I for one do not want Man to be amongst that list.
The security staff at Man work long hard hours and are following their training, try being a little more understanding the next time you go through. Have a chat with them and ask what they want where, it makes the process quicker and more friendly.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Man has one of the most robust security procedures in the world, bar none.
Laptops come out of bags so they can be clearly seen amid cables, iPads and hard clutter. An item of clothing over the top is going to make what difference?
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Also, if you see how small a detonator looks on an X-ray screen, even amongst simple things like jacket buttons and embellishments, you will see why they ask for them not to be on top.
I really don't see what the issue is here, if they ask for the jacket to not be over the laptop, just f**%#ing do it, it's hardly a torture or asking you to remove your right arm.
Also, as someone that has worked with mag in T3, the crew who bemoan T3 and claim to loathe it are usually crew who have left something in their bags so get searched, people who should know better really, but seem to fall foul every time they leave the comfort of their dedicated crew lane at CRC. Makes me wonder what the other airports are letting through and their standards after seeing the utter nonsense some crew seem to leave in their bags. Like the one member of CC I saw at T3 who was kicking off that 'T3 is s**t I always get stopped, while the security agent proceeded to pull a 7 inch bread knife out of their bag. Soon shut up then, didn't they!
I won't mention specific airports, but I was connecting through the UK to the US a few years ago. I departed my origin airport with one large piece of hand luggage, one large piece of hold luggage. We all need to pull out our tablets, phones etc out of our pockets. Anyway in Heathrow, the gentleman in security pulled my hand luggage aside and lifted my laptop out....which I thought I had left at home, had no idea was in my luggage and as such had not separated it as I would normally.
It was scanned without any issues, but my origin airport required laptops to be scanned separately, they never noticed it was in my hand luggage there.
It was scanned without any issues, but my origin airport required laptops to be scanned separately, they never noticed it was in my hand luggage there.
Join Date: Jun 2010
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I am reading right here, people moaning at having a 30 minute security queue ? Do people really expect to just waltz straight through ! I've waited that long at Liverpool, not to mention nearly every other airport I visit. Nearly 50 mins last week at Hamburg, 45 mins at Orlando in November etc etc... Welcome to 2017 !
If it was border control, would you be fine with a wait of 30 minutes?
As eluded to in my last post, 30 minutes in security in a city that has just had a terror attack where the perpetrator unlikely acted alone so lots of people on high alert, not bad.
Would rather waste 30 mins of my life than something get missed and not have a life to waste 30 mins at all. Sound OTT but we live in a world where nothing is off limits, so, no good saying 'it's unlikely to happen'. Im sure that's what the 22 people leaving a concert were thinking too....
Would rather waste 30 mins of my life than something get missed and not have a life to waste 30 mins at all. Sound OTT but we live in a world where nothing is off limits, so, no good saying 'it's unlikely to happen'. Im sure that's what the 22 people leaving a concert were thinking too....
If you wanted to be sympathetic to MAN you might argue that peak season has only really started and it might take them a little time to catch up and match resources with demand.
_
I don't think security in general is helped by the fact people feel like they are entitled to take the contents of a checked in bag on board an aircraft now.
feel like they are entitled to take the contents of a checked in bag on board an aircraft now.
Surely the cabin would be safer with fewer items in it?
Join Date: Jan 2013
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30 minutes is unusually long, 15-20 is more realistic
Unless procedures have changed it doesn't stand up and lets say that was the reason makes you wonder how much attention was paid prior.
Join Date: Jun 2010
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So what is the barometer of measurement then, in that 20 minutes is fine, but 30 minutes is totally unacceptable? I've been in many European airports where the wait is 30 minutes or more on many occasions, Dublin included, so, I'd make sure the glass windows are up to strength before launching the proverbial stones.....
There were outbound passport checks by UKBF for the first time in ages, but, It wasn't so much there were procedure changes, just people more on edge than usual. I dont know what the coverage of the arena bombing was like in Ireland, but this attack affected a lot of people in the locality, passengers and staff alike, and was very close to the bone. Therefore, it's a difficult one to judge and cast blame on, it was a unique situation.
There were outbound passport checks by UKBF for the first time in ages, but, It wasn't so much there were procedure changes, just people more on edge than usual. I dont know what the coverage of the arena bombing was like in Ireland, but this attack affected a lot of people in the locality, passengers and staff alike, and was very close to the bone. Therefore, it's a difficult one to judge and cast blame on, it was a unique situation.
The question people should be asking is with the large increase in traffic have MAN management responded and taken on additional staff. If numbers are rising more than 10% like previously reported you cannot have an efficient functioning security system where staff are overwhelmed by fhe volume of passengers.
Join Date: Sep 2005
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I was through T3 security in around 1 minute last Monday at about 12:30.
I need 4 trays :-
1. Main bag
2. Laptop bag & jacket
3. Tablet, cables power supplies etc.
4. Laptop
I need 4 trays :-
1. Main bag
2. Laptop bag & jacket
3. Tablet, cables power supplies etc.
4. Laptop
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Jamie,
I've used DUB on 3 occasions since the start of 2017.
One wait was approx 15 mins, the other about 35 and the 3rd occasion was about 45 mins (I put the latter down to being a busy Monday). Obviously those times are approximate as I certainly don't clock watch when I travel.
My point is that I'm not naming and shaming, and it also doesn't bother me, as I accept queues are just now an everyday part of aviation, but it's highlighting that all airports have issues.
And to answer the question about staffing versus passengers, the forecasts didn't envisage such huge growth in the face of Brexit and such, even the MAN TP forecast had us at 30m in 2020-2022 period, but looks like we may hit that next year at this rate, so, one could say yes, pax demand has outstripped staffing for a short while.
To me, I don't see why such moaning about numbers of trays and waiting.
Firstly, if 3 trays gets me through security, then so be it.
Secondly I don't see why such issues with waiting. Sure, it's a pain, but, I am personally not a user of duty free and such. But, if you are not waiting to check in, your waiting at security. If you are not waiting at security, you are waiting for a coffee. If you are not waiting for a coffee, you are waiting to board. In other words, the airport experience is just one big waiting experience. As long as I get to my plane on time, I genuinely couldn't give 2 hoots what happens before then.
I've used DUB on 3 occasions since the start of 2017.
One wait was approx 15 mins, the other about 35 and the 3rd occasion was about 45 mins (I put the latter down to being a busy Monday). Obviously those times are approximate as I certainly don't clock watch when I travel.
My point is that I'm not naming and shaming, and it also doesn't bother me, as I accept queues are just now an everyday part of aviation, but it's highlighting that all airports have issues.
And to answer the question about staffing versus passengers, the forecasts didn't envisage such huge growth in the face of Brexit and such, even the MAN TP forecast had us at 30m in 2020-2022 period, but looks like we may hit that next year at this rate, so, one could say yes, pax demand has outstripped staffing for a short while.
To me, I don't see why such moaning about numbers of trays and waiting.
Firstly, if 3 trays gets me through security, then so be it.
Secondly I don't see why such issues with waiting. Sure, it's a pain, but, I am personally not a user of duty free and such. But, if you are not waiting to check in, your waiting at security. If you are not waiting at security, you are waiting for a coffee. If you are not waiting for a coffee, you are waiting to board. In other words, the airport experience is just one big waiting experience. As long as I get to my plane on time, I genuinely couldn't give 2 hoots what happens before then.
I travelled through MAN around 5 weeks ago on a Monday morning hop down to LHR.
I use airports every week, usually on Mondays and Fridays. I have never spent 30 minutes in a security queue anywhere in the world bar MAN T3 - generally 15 minutes max. Getting to an airport 2 hours before a domestic (in my case) or European flight should be more than enough. On that occasion, there wasn't much time before boarding after I got through the queues and I had no checked bags either. Its not good enough.
The staff were also relatively abrupt and threatened full searches if a passenger broke the rules.
I use airports every week, usually on Mondays and Fridays. I have never spent 30 minutes in a security queue anywhere in the world bar MAN T3 - generally 15 minutes max. Getting to an airport 2 hours before a domestic (in my case) or European flight should be more than enough. On that occasion, there wasn't much time before boarding after I got through the queues and I had no checked bags either. Its not good enough.
The staff were also relatively abrupt and threatened full searches if a passenger broke the rules.
Join Date: Jan 2013
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Danny.
You seem to have been equally lucky and unlucky in your travels.
To have never spent 30 minutes queueing at any airport in the world means you have been extremely lucky.
And the equally unlucky that the only queues you have had are at MAN T3. Of course, I do detect a slight element of porkies as I do genuinely fail to believe you have NEVER queued 30 minutes or more at any other airport, I just don't buy it at all.
Now, I know T3 is not perfect, not by a long shot, and I'm certainly not trying to portray it as such.
What I do have an issue with is this 'inconvenient', or 'worst in the world' tag and so on.
Yes, I have waited over an hour at MAN before, but that was one single occasion, on an early Monday morning last year. On average, my wait seems to be about 15-20 mins, but on a fair few occasions, have also passed through in about 6 minutes.
Now, as said, MAN is a long way from being the worst. I've travelled in the region of 150+ airports, and the worst were Accra, Lagos, Jo'burg, Los Angeles (pre revamped TBIT), Las Vegas (pre new terminal), Delhi, Mumbai and surprisingly, Sydney.
I've seen media reports that BHX recently had queues of over one hour, and I've been through LHR T3 on 2 occasions where I had to wait over an hour also. Hamburg was also a surprising one where at least 3 occasions it's been over 30 mins, because it normally runs quite smoothly and never seems overly busy.
So yes, T3 is far from perfect. Frankly I'd rather it be the first terminal to be knocked down and rebuilt, and plans I've seen suggest it will be rebuilt after the T2 revamp, but, it's also far from being the worst airport both aesthetically and security queue wise. Those saying it is the worst airport must have either just transited the good airports or had their eyes closed.
You seem to have been equally lucky and unlucky in your travels.
To have never spent 30 minutes queueing at any airport in the world means you have been extremely lucky.
And the equally unlucky that the only queues you have had are at MAN T3. Of course, I do detect a slight element of porkies as I do genuinely fail to believe you have NEVER queued 30 minutes or more at any other airport, I just don't buy it at all.
Now, I know T3 is not perfect, not by a long shot, and I'm certainly not trying to portray it as such.
What I do have an issue with is this 'inconvenient', or 'worst in the world' tag and so on.
Yes, I have waited over an hour at MAN before, but that was one single occasion, on an early Monday morning last year. On average, my wait seems to be about 15-20 mins, but on a fair few occasions, have also passed through in about 6 minutes.
Now, as said, MAN is a long way from being the worst. I've travelled in the region of 150+ airports, and the worst were Accra, Lagos, Jo'burg, Los Angeles (pre revamped TBIT), Las Vegas (pre new terminal), Delhi, Mumbai and surprisingly, Sydney.
I've seen media reports that BHX recently had queues of over one hour, and I've been through LHR T3 on 2 occasions where I had to wait over an hour also. Hamburg was also a surprising one where at least 3 occasions it's been over 30 mins, because it normally runs quite smoothly and never seems overly busy.
So yes, T3 is far from perfect. Frankly I'd rather it be the first terminal to be knocked down and rebuilt, and plans I've seen suggest it will be rebuilt after the T2 revamp, but, it's also far from being the worst airport both aesthetically and security queue wise. Those saying it is the worst airport must have either just transited the good airports or had their eyes closed.
Join Date: Jul 2006
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MAN is no different from any other UK or overseas airport & have experienced lengthy wait times at security at other airports. Space is at a premium in T3 security area and the terminal as a whole. I agree that a new solution is required by MAG.
I always purchase Fast-track, sometimes I could have saved £5 but rather not take the risk.
Most queue problems are caused by those who don't follow the rules on hand baggage items because their trays are rejected and this causes the system to back-up, usually by people who don't fly that often. As a regular flyer I know what I'm doing before I reach the tray loading area, my belt, shoes & jacket are off etc etc from my own observations it is those who fly infrequently are usually the culprits. I think there needs to be more information & guidance issued when you check-in whether this is online or at the desk.
Perhaps more visual displays, tabled areas to prepare items and greater supervision before you enter the queue.
I always purchase Fast-track, sometimes I could have saved £5 but rather not take the risk.
Most queue problems are caused by those who don't follow the rules on hand baggage items because their trays are rejected and this causes the system to back-up, usually by people who don't fly that often. As a regular flyer I know what I'm doing before I reach the tray loading area, my belt, shoes & jacket are off etc etc from my own observations it is those who fly infrequently are usually the culprits. I think there needs to be more information & guidance issued when you check-in whether this is online or at the desk.
Perhaps more visual displays, tabled areas to prepare items and greater supervision before you enter the queue.
Last edited by gazza007; 12th Jun 2017 at 12:23.
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Join Date: Jan 2013
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It's not jumping in to defend mediocre performance, it's People are commenting that MAN is one of the worst airports, when in fact, it's really not and people providing examples of airports that are perceptively worse or no better.
Also, this seems to be where people fall down by saying things like 'mediocre performance/bad decisions'.
1- The security process isnt there to be convinent for the passenger, it's primary purpose is to screen passengers. It's a process, not a whimsical aspect of the airport experience.
2-when you say poor performance, you do realise the DfT rate MAN the most compliant airport in the UK. That to me shows MAN is doing exactly what it should be doing. Where is the 'bad decision' in that?
Frankly, rather than bitch at how slow/strict MAN security is, given its the best rated airport in the UK by the DfT, maybe your questions should be aimed at the other airports as to why they are not as compliant as MAN but may have slightly shorter queue times. Speed doesn't mean everything and I would rather take time to get it right than rush it and get it wrong. And before anyone says 'why not speed and accuracy', well, it's clearly not happening as you either have a high compliance airport or a fast transit time airport looking at the figures.....