Travelling for business from Manchester Airport? Here are nine things you need to know

More than three million passengers travel through Manchester Airport for business each year. The UK’s global gateway in the North boasts an unrivalled route network of more than 200 destinations across four continents – which gives business travellers from Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield and beyond access to almost anywhere in the world, including major markets in North America and Asia. 

Business travel is very different to leisure travel, however, and if you’ve got an upcoming business trip from Manchester Airport your thoughts are probably already moving towards what you need to pack, how you’ll get through the airport quickly and smoothly, and the best quiet spots for an hour or two of relaxation ahead of your flight, where you can perhaps fire off a few emails.  

In our guide to travelling for business from Manchester Airport, we’ll unpack all of this and more – so wherever you’re going, you can be assured of arriving well rested and well prepared. 

What to pack 

Beyond the obvious travel essentials (you won’t be going anywhere if you forget to pack your passport!) you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed a mix of formal and informal wear, so you’re well set for client meetings and conferences but also any down time you’re hoping to get. Don’t forget chargers for all of your electronic devices (phones, laptops and tablets) as well as a travel adaptor and power bank, so you can boot up your documents on the go wherever you are – and consider bringing some earplugs with you so you can assure yourself of a good night’s sleep. 

Which class of ticket is best for me? 

Business class got its name for a reason – it affords you the space, comfort and flexibility to work if you want to – but if you’re only travelling a short distance you might find you don’t need it and can save some money by flying on a standard ticket. A flight to Amsterdam, for example, will only take just over an hour from Manchester, so by the time you’ve booted up your laptop to start reviewing your presentation, you won’t get that long to look at it before it’ll be time to put your tray table up again!  

If you’re travelling long-haul, though, you might find a first-class ticket actually offers you the best value for money. Priority check-in, security and boarding are usually included, so you can get settled in while others are still taking their seats – and lounge access will normally be thrown in too, ensuring a relaxed and convenient journey through the airport with a guaranteed quiet spot to sit pre-flight. With many airlines, your first class seat is in a private booth or cabin and folds into a fully flat bed, so you can arrive well rested if you’re flying overnight. It’s worth being aware that different airlines categorise their classes differently – so some may not offer something called ‘first-class’ but will offer an enhanced business-class, while others may offer a premium version of their standard class tickets that include some extras that could be useful to a business traveller.  

Parking 

When you’re booking parking for a business trip, your primary consideration is likely to be convenience. Manchester Airport offers a range of official parking products – and the Meet & Greet option allows you to drop your car at the terminal you’re flying from, where it will be valet parked for you and returned to you to collect when you arrive back. If you’d prefer to keep hold of your keys, the multi-storey car parks at each of the three terminals are just a couple of minutes’ walk from check-in. 

Airport lounges 

If you’re travelling business-class or first-class you’ll likely find that your lounge booking is already taken care of, but if not, access to the lounges at Manchester Airport can be booked separately. All three terminals at Manchester Airport offer an Escape Lounge, from £31.99 per person – accessible up to three hours before your flight departure. Escape gives you cosy corners if you want to sit back and relax, social areas if you want to chat, or private spaces if you want to plug in and work. It also boasts a complimentary bar and buffet food service. The 1903 lounge in Terminal 2 offers a more opulent experience, with food cooked to order or a premium buffet and self-service drinks selection, and sweeping airfield views. 1903 can be booked from just £50.99 per person. 

Aether – Manchester Airport’s new private terminal 

If you’re looking to start your trip as smoothly as possible, and with a touch of luxury, look no further than Aether – Manchester Airport’s private terminal. Opened last year, Aether unpicks the airport journey and redesigns it to deliver an experience that is uncomplicated, seamless and enjoyable. After arriving and checking into a private lounge, you can enjoy a menu crafted by award-winning chef, Adam Reid, and when your flight is ready to board, you’ll be called forward and escorted through a private security check with no queuing necessary. You’ll then be chauffeur-driven across the airfield to your aircraft. Aether packages start from £90 per person. 

TimeSlot and Fast Track 

If you’re travelling from Terminal 3, you now have a user-friendly way to expedite your journey through the airport. TimeSlot takes the stress out of airport security by allowing you to pre-book a 15-minute slot, giving you peace of mind that you’ll get through to the departure lounge in good time ahead of your flight. Better still, unless you’re booking at certain peak times, the TimeSlot service is free of charge. 

Another option to get through the security process quickly and smoothly is Fast Track, which allows you to use a dedicated VIP lane and starts from £5.50 per person. A Fast Track lane is also available for passport control on your return journey, from £15 per person. 

Pre-booking taxis 

When you return from your business trip, you’ll probably have either some work or some sleep to catch up on – or both! If you got a taxi to the airport, consider pre-booking a taxi for your return trip to ensure a speedy getaway. Street Cars operates an official taxi service at Manchester Airport, and monitors flight times, which means no need to worry if you’re delayed – your booking will be adjusted accordingly, at no extra charge. 

Airport hotels 

If you’re arriving back late, or travelling out early, you might want to stay over at one of the airport hotels. The Radisson Blu is conveniently located for Terminal 2, accessed directly via the ‘SkyLink’ bridge between the terminal and the airport train station. The Holiday Inn and ibis budget are also directly opposite Terminal 2. The Clayton Hotel, Crowne Plaza and DoubleTree by Hilton are all walking distance from Terminals 1 and 3.