Rediscover your love for travel as restrictions ease: Valentine’s and Half-Term getaways from Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is once again gearing up for a busy February Half-Term, with most Covid-19 restrictions dropped for fully-vaccinated travellers from Friday 11 February, and some fantastic deals with airlines serving the Northern hub.

More than 600,000 passengers are set to fly through during the school holidays*, with passengers reminded to check the rules for the country they are going to, and be prepared for their airport journey.

Whether you’re a family looking for some winter sun or a couple seeking out a romantic Valentine’s break, there’s plenty on offer to spark your love for travel once again.

Family getaway

All prices are indicative and subject to change

Alicante – One of Spain’s oldest coastal resort cities, Alicante offers not only long stretches of white sand beaches but plenty of culture as well. The winding streets of its old town, with its towering Moorish-era castle, capture the imagination of young and old alike. Return flights over February Half Term start from just £63pp with easyJet, based on a 7-night stay departing on Tuesday 15^th February.

Tenerife – Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, bills itself as the ‘Island of a Thousand Experiences’. Beyond its famous beaches and crystal clear waters, the Teide National Park is the most visited park in Europe. Family-friendly activities include the impressive Loro Parque aquarium.

Direct return flights with Ryanair from Manchester to Tenerife start from only £40.88pp, based on a 3-night stay departing on Monday 14^th February.

Madeira – This sun soaked Atlantic island boasts everything from hiking to sailing and scuba diving to paragliding, as well as volcanic black sand beaches. Let the kids adventure whilst you take some time to make the most of the sun.

Fly return to Madeira’s capital Funchal with Tui from £90pp, based on a 7-night stay departing on Monday 14^th February.

Enfidha – Enfidha is the gateway to Tunisia’s famed coastal resorts, which offer some of the finest beaches on the Mediterranean. Camel rides into the Sahara offer an unforgettable family experience.

You can bag return flights from Manchester to Enfidha with Tui from £253pp, based on a 7-night trip departing on Friday 18^th February.

Orlando – The ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida is a Mecca for thrill-seekers, with an abundance of family activities to suit all ages. Orlando itself is home to no fewer than four theme parks, with plenty to keep visitors occupied.

A direct return trip to Orlando this Half Term is available from only £442pp with Aer Lingus, when staying for 7 nights departing Tuesday 15^th February.

Romantic break

All prices are indicative, based on a three-night break departing on Friday 11^th February, and subject to change

Venice – Venice has been the epitome of a romantic destination for centuries. Its weaving canals, the love locks of the Rialto bridge and its stunning architecture provide the perfect backdrop for a Valentine’s weekend getaway and Verona, the setting for Romeo and Juliet, is within easy reach for a day trip.

Fly return to Venice for only £99p with Jet2.com. Based on two adults travelling between 11^th-14^th February

Paris – The ‘City of Light’ is one of Europe’s most popular spots for a romantic getaway and it’s easy to see why. Stroll the boulevards, take a champagne cruise along the Seine and when it comes to finding a romantic dinner venue afterwards, you will be spoilt for choice.

Visit for just £47.78pp return with Ryanair this Valentine’s weekend.

Barcelona – The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region might not be the first option that jumps to mind when looking for a romantic break, but it offers a wealth of historic gems, inspiring art, designer shops and vibrant nightlife.

Fly return for only £65pp with Ryanair.

New York – The ‘City that Never Sleeps’ offers everything from ice skating to intimate dining venues with incredible views. For an alternative romantic NYC experience, check out Harlem’s laid-back jazz bar scene.

Fly direct to the Big Apple over Valentine’s weekend from £608pp with Virgin Atlantic.

Prague – The Czech capital’s cobbled streets, stunning castle and beautiful outdoor spaces make it perfect for a Valentine’s weekend stroll. It is also increasingly gaining prominence for its culinary offering, and its bar scene is world-renowned.

Jet2.com offers a generous 22kg baggage allowance to Prague from Manchester Airport.

Return flights start from £149 including taxes.

Karen Smart, Managing Director of Manchester Airport, said: “After nearly two years of restrictions on travel, couples and families alike are finally free to take a holiday abroad without having to worry about expensive tests or the risk of getting stuck in another country. We anticipate a very busy Half-Term, but we are excited to welcome so many people back to our airport.

“We are also aware that for many of those travelling through Manchester Airport, it will be the first time they’ve done so since before the pandemic, so we encourage passengers to make sure they’re fully prepared.”

If you are heading off for a break this Half-Term there are a number of things you can do to ensure your journey goes smoothly;

-          Ensure products in your hand luggage containing liquids, gels or pastes are in a clear, resealable bag and don’t exceed 100ml each. This includes, among other things, perfume, aftershave, make-up, beverages and condiments such as jams and butter

-          If in doubt about any particular items, pack them in your checked hold luggage, rather than in hand luggage

-          Take off coats / jackets and other winter wear before reaching security to help save time

-          If you or someone in your party has reduced mobility, book any airline assistance you require in advance to avoid delays

-          Have all your required documentation to hand and ensure that you have read all relevant government travel advice before your journey.

-          When returning to the UK, ensure you have all relevant documentation to hand required at the border, including your passenger locator form. If you are not fully vaccinated you may also need to provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test and a booked post-arrival PCR test.

For more travel inspiration see www.manchesterairport.co.uk   

News of a bumper getaway for Manchester Airport comes after the gateway announced a major recruitment drive.

To check out the jobs on offer, visit https://careers.magairports.com/

*Due to the size of the airport’s catchment area, different counties have different weeks in February for their half term.