Manchester Airport travel tips from our drivers

Our drivers spend more time at Manchester Airport than anywhere else. They see the trips that go smoothly and the ones that don't, and the difference is nearly always a few small things done before the day. Here are the tips they would give a friend.

Check your terminal, then check it again

Manchester now runs mainly from Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, after Terminal 1 closed. Your airline's app or your booking will show which terminal you are using. Airlines do sometimes move, so if you booked a long time ago, look again the week before you fly.

Put your flight number in your booking with us. We check it before the day and the driver will take you to the right place.

Work back from bag drop, not take-off

The time that matters most is when bag drop closes, not when the plane leaves. Many airlines suggest arriving around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul, but check what yours says. Then add the drive and a buffer for traffic. When you book, we suggest a pickup time based on your address and the time of day.

Early mornings in the school holidays are the busiest times at the airport. If you are flying then, give yourself extra time for security.

Keep the important things with you

The most common last-minute panic we see is a passport packed in a case that is already in the boot. Before you leave the house, put these in a bag that stays on your lap:

• passports and any visas or travel documents
• boarding passes, printed or on your phone
• phone, charger and a power bank
• medicines you need on the journey
• house keys for when you get back

Pack with the car in mind

Tell us how many people and suitcases there are when you book. Count everything: cabin bags, pushchairs, golf bags and car seats as well as big cases. The booking form only shows the cars that fit, but it can only do that if the numbers are right.

As a rough guide, allow one large case and one small bag per person. A saloon is fine for one or two people. Families usually need an estate or a people carrier. Groups can book our 8 seater or 16 seater buses.

Book child seats in advance

Child seats, baby seats and booster seats are free with us. Add them when you book and tell us the children's ages. The driver will bring the right ones and fit them before you get in. Count every child in your passenger number too.

Be ready when the driver arrives

Our drivers aim to arrive a few minutes before the booked time. Have the cases by the door and your coat on. On an early-morning airport run, five minutes lost at the start can feel like a lot at the security queue.

If your house is hard to find in the dark, or the driver needs to know about parking, gates or a shared driveway, put a note in the booking.

On the way home: keep your phone on

When you land, turn your phone on straight away. The driver may call or message to say where they are. If there is a long queue at passport control or your bags are slow, a quick message helps the driver plan.

We follow your flight, so you don't need to tell us if it is early or late. But we can't see how long the queues are inside the terminal.

Think about meet & greet

Drivers can't wait at the kerb outside arrivals at Manchester. Without meet & greet, they wait in a car park and you walk to them. With meet & greet (£5), the driver comes into the arrivals hall with a name board and helps you to the car.

It is worth it if you have young children, lots of luggage, older passengers, a late-night landing, or you just don't want to work out where to go when you are tired.

Book the return at the same time

Choose a return journey when you book and add both flights. It is one less thing to think about on holiday, and you know the car is sorted before you go. If your plans change while you are away, contact us with your booking reference and we will move it.

Know how you are paying

We take card only. You pay online by card when you book, and Apple Pay and Google Pay work too. We don't take cash, so there is no need to keep any back for the trip home.

Book early in busy periods

Online bookings need at least eight hours' notice. In the summer holidays, at Easter, at half term and around Christmas, we get busy weeks ahead, especially for early mornings and minibuses. Book as soon as you have your flights.

Ready to book?

Enter your address and flight details and you will see a fixed price straight away. It won't change on the day unless you change the trip. Book your Manchester Airport transfer, or call us on 0161 660 4006.