1.1 million passengers set to travel through Manchester Airport during festive fortnight

Manchester Airport is gearing up for 1.1 million passengers to travel through its terminals over the festive season from Friday 20th December 2024 to Friday 3rd January 2025.

The most popular destinations over the festive period are set to be Amsterdam, Dublin and Dubai, with Friday 20th December anticipated to be the busiest single day of the season, and Manchester Airport is anticipating to serve 70,000 to 90,000 passengers each day over the two-week period.

With nearly as many passengers flying from Manchester each day as during the peak summer holiday season, airport bosses have provided their top tips for smooth travel through the airport.

Jennifer Byrne-Smith, Manchester Airport’s Customer Operations Director, said:

“Christmas is a special time at Manchester Airport – we’re really proud to play our part in bringing families together to celebrate the season and helping people fly off for exciting festive adventures all over the world.

“We’ve got extra staff in place over the next few weeks – including people who will be working to look after the 25,000 people due to fly on Christmas Day itself – so we’re confident that anyone coming through Manchester will be able to start their holidays as they mean to go on.

“But we do also have a few tips for passengers so that they can make sure they get a great experience at the airport and avoid any upsets.“

Manchester Airport’s top festive travel tips are:

• Plan your travel to the airport – and your travel home at the end of your trip. Traffic can be heavy at this time of year and there are works planned on various rail lines. Check your route to the airport before you set out and make sure you allow plenty of time. The same applies when you get home too
• Check that your passport is valid and that you have all your documents ready. If your passport even has a small rip in it or is damaged then you may be refused permission to board your flight
• Pack for the weather at your destination – but make sure you have suitable clothes for your journey home as well. It may be inconvenient to pack a coat but you will need it when you get back
• Avoid charges at check-in by making sure your bags are in line with your airline’s regulations. Both cabin and hold bags may need to be a certain size and weight – measure and weigh your bags before you arrive at the airport. Different airlines have different rules so make sure you are not caught out as the fees can be significant
• Remember what you can and cannot take through security. No liquids of more than 100mls, no sharp objects like penknives or multi-tools, you can only take one lighter, when travelling with a baby, you’re allowed to take enough baby food, baby milk, and sterilised water for the journey, even if it’s more than 100ml – for the whole trip. You can learn more here.   
• Prepare for security – make sure you take off your coat, belt and shoes if they come above your ankle. Take anything metallic out of any pockets and take any electronic items out of your bags so that you are ready to put your belongings in a tray and go through security. Put any small containers of liquids, like travel toothpaste, in a clear plastic bag outside your hand baggage. Doing this helps make sure queues so not develop
• If you are travelling from Terminal 3 you can use our new TimeSlot passes that let you book a time to go through security based on your specific flight, helping you get to the departure lounge more quickly. Find out more here.
• All three of Manchester Airport’s terminals have bars, cafes and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes but there is far more to do besides eat and drink –  did you know Terminal 1 has a Gaming Point featuring consoles, PCs, virtual reality games and more? And Terminal 1 also has a Santa’s Grotto in its new Little Flyers Zone for children. In Terminal 3 there is a ‘secret’ quiet seating area upstairs with some of the best views of the airfield. And viral Italian eatery Pasta Evangelists has its only restaurant outside London in Terminal 2
• Do your Christmas shopping in the airport. Shops in every terminal offer substantial discounts compared to the High Street, including World Duty Free where you can pick up perfume, aftershave, cosmetics, fine spirits, chocolate and more for far less than you would pay in town – and without the queues and crowds. Just make sure you have room in your bags on your way home 
• You can enjoy live choirs and music groups in our terminals at this time of year – keep an eye out for singers and musicians from schools and community groups based near the airport as you are checking in