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Panicking about returning home this weekend- snow

15 replies

BG2015 · 03/01/2025 16:03

We are due to land in Manchester early evening Sunday night.
Work the next day.

Just hoping it doesn't amount to anything.

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Muchtoomuchtodo · 03/01/2025 16:04

Where do you need to travel to?

Hope it all goes smoothly.

BG2015 · 03/01/2025 16:19

Morocco to Manchester then onwards to Staffordshire.

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jimmyateworld · 03/01/2025 16:28

BG2015 · 03/01/2025 16:19

Morocco to Manchester then onwards to Staffordshire.

What part of staffs ? We're south staffs and the met office keeps changing it to snow/sleet so not sure what to expect ! But it isn't due to start until 9pm here

notimagain · 03/01/2025 16:29

As far as Manchester airport goes, it is way too early for the tailored aviation forecast for Sunday but ATM the BBC has a forecast for the airport on Sunday of no colder than +3 Celsius and so are forecasting rain rather than snow, but it’s on the cusp, so it needs watching, the forecast may change.

Looks like your overland journey, especially if you are planning to go over high ground might be interesting…..

Good Luck.

BG2015 · 03/01/2025 17:12

Staffordshire Moorlands so North Staffs/Stoke.

We can go down the M6 rather than through Wilmslow round Alderly Edge.

Our issue is the flight coming out from Manchester at 10.30am Sunday morning, if that can't leave we may be stuck.

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notimagain · 03/01/2025 17:41

Our issue is the flight coming out from Manchester at 10.30am Sunday morning, if that can't leave we may be stuck.

Ah ok, BBC is showing a mix of rain and snow overnight Sat/Sun and +1 Celsius…

I’m holding myself hostage to fortune by predicting anything but if forced I’d say my gut feeling is if that forecast holds there will probably be a least a few delayed flights due to de-icing but hopefully not many cancellations.

notimagain · 04/01/2025 08:10

I’m not sure if this info is going to help or not but I’m afraid it’s turned out the aviation forecasters have produced a much more pessimistic forecast for Manchester airport overnight tonight than the BBC came up with.

The aviation forecast is for periods of heavy snow and drifting snow in a very strong easterly wind for Manchester airport from this evening into tomorrow AM up until noon with the addition of some Freezing rain…

The BBC version of events is still much more benign, so hopefully for your travel plans the aviation version is being unduly pessimistic.

Hope it all works out OK for you.

BG2015 · 04/01/2025 08:28

Thanks, that's helpful.

How do you know this? Do you work for the airport?

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BG2015 · 04/01/2025 08:33

We tend to look at the Met office before the BBC

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Cynic17 · 04/01/2025 08:36

"Panicking" achieves nothing, OP. Plan for all eventualities, as far as poss, and then just wait and see.

Bjorkdidit · 04/01/2025 08:56

This is a situation where some calm thinking through of likely outcomes is a lot more productive than 'panicking'.

One scenario is that the outward flight is cancelled but your airline is still required to get you home.

They should have aircraft based in Europe that they can use instead so that might be an option especially if the weather isn't as bad later in the day.

If your flight is cancelled or significantly delayed you'll have to see what they offer.

They might say 'we'll bring you back on Monday', so then you just have to make arrangements re work, school etc.

If you're arriving in Manchester on Sunday afternoon or evening can you ask a friend or relative for an update about how your drive home will look and whether you should attempt it or get a hotel and go home Monday morning.

If they cancel the flight and totally abandon you, look up your rights and alternative ways of getting home.

Use Skyscanner to look at alternatives, even if indirect, but don't book anything against instructions from your airline as it will be harder to get your money back.

Hopefully you have a credit card or money to pay for any extra expenses until you are reimbursed by the airline or your insurers.

Good luck.

notimagain · 04/01/2025 09:06

BG2015 · 04/01/2025 08:28

Thanks, that's helpful.

How do you know this? Do you work for the airport?

I flew for a living for several decades so have been involved in this sort of thing a few times over the years…

Also on the basis of once a geek, always a geek, I still keep an eye on the aviation forecasts.

BG2015 · 04/01/2025 09:32

@Bjorkdidit what will be, will be! If we can't get back I'm not really bothered to be honest.

Our holiday is booked through Jet2 and is a package so we will follow their lead. Certainly not paying anything extra for a flight home.

We are seasoned travellers and have cash and credit cards.

If anything it will be an adventure.

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Bjorkdidit · 04/01/2025 10:37

Ah, that's good. I feared you were flight only with Easyjet which would be an entirely different story.

BG2015 · 06/01/2025 06:26

5 hour delay

Got into bed at 2.30am and now woke up to snow!

Just great

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