Manchester Airport Pick-up

[LucyBnotG]

Does anyone have any experience/recommendations for picking up a friend from Manchester airport this evening? I've not yet confirmed the Terminal but I will hopefully get this info soon. Is there a designated waiting area for pick up? Am I better off waiting elsewhere and driving in when I know they have landed?

Thanks in advance.

From what I know, it’s a pigging nightmare. There’s no free pickup area (but a free drop off area with shuttle bus to the terminal that doesn’t take passengers back there, go figure). The pick up areas all cost quite a bit and only valid for 15 to 30 mins. I’d be tempted to leave it until they land if you are close by. We are far enough away where that’s not really possible, when DS flew in a few weeks ago, he was going to get the train but there was a problem on the tracks. He ended up getting the tram to Sale Water Park as it’s close to the M60 and DH picked them up from there.

Get the tram! Driving is a mare.

Thanks for the input! 🙂

It’s easy but don’t approach the airport until they let you know they’re almost at the pick up area. You only get a few minutes so it’s almost a drive past type collection!

Pay within 24 hrs online I think

If you're coming in on the Airport Relief Road, so coming from the East, park up at Handforth Dean Retail Park just off the Relief Road. Then leave for the terminal when you get the call that they've landed, got bags, gone through passport check etc.

It’s easy, I do it regularly, do as this poster suggests - you can register in advance for automatic payment or pay within 24 hours.

This is great advice!

This is super helpful. Thank you!

You're welcome, that's how we do pick ups every time. It's still utter daylight robbery, what they charge for driving in and out though!

And better that the person getting collected waits a few minutes than the person collecting!

@OnePithyPamplemousse Thank you for your suggestion. It worked quite well and I will be doing this again if I'm asked to pick up. The barriers to the car park were down as it was 1am but I drove around the area/stopped at the petrol station to pass time. I'd much rather do that than pay extra at the airport!

@LucyBnotGJohn Lewis (when open) is another good location to do similar

Ahhh, never thought about what time the flight arrived! We always have daytime flights so never an issue with the car park. Glad it helped though!