Manchester airport - fast track??
Discussion
Is it still necessary / sensible to purchase security and/or passport control fast track and manchester airport? Or was this really something which was only valuable when they didn't have sufficient staff and the queues were really long? The last couple of times I have travelled (admittedly T2) it has been OK?
You might be able to buy the Fast-Track online once you've seen the queues.
Also, not all fast-tracks are the same, some places it gets you to the front of the main queue and others it is a queue for a separate set of scanners.
I'm not sure I'd pay for it. As a freebie as part of your normal ticket (eg. going BA Premium Economy at Gatwick is enough to be such a VIP) then you can't go wrong.
Also, not all fast-tracks are the same, some places it gets you to the front of the main queue and others it is a queue for a separate set of scanners.
I'm not sure I'd pay for it. As a freebie as part of your normal ticket (eg. going BA Premium Economy at Gatwick is enough to be such a VIP) then you can't go wrong.
Blown2CV said:
fair play. It's a work trip so it would have been someone else's money but i don't think it would have made any different at all the last couple of flights i've taken. Probs better to use the money to purchase the lounge and then get to the airport relatively early or something.
I'll often tick the box and get it - price of a pint, and especially when its on expenses anyway. ]Travelling with work, hand luggage, all checked in online and on a mission, i have won a few times by avoiding a long wait that would maybe give issues with boarding / arriving to the gate to late for the flight.
maccboy said:
The next time I go, I'm taking a folding walking stick and using that. My mum got fast-tracked with hers! Look like you're struggling a bit and you'll get looked after.
Had the same thing when we were in America a few years ago. There was a MASSIVE queue for passport control when a family of UK fatties (parents and 20 something daughter) were wheeled past the queue in wheelchairs waving their dole poles and saying "I would walk if I could"
A question for those who were claiming it on "expenses".....
In my experience I either put in a fixed amount for Travel & expenses (in which case it's effectively ME paying for the fasttrack) or I get a day rate plus expenses (in which case I'd be required to provide receipts and the client isn't likely to reimburse anything that wasn't previously agreed). I couldn't imagine a client paying for "extras" such as fasttrack unless it was previously agreed.
maybe my clients have just been tightarses
In my experience I either put in a fixed amount for Travel & expenses (in which case it's effectively ME paying for the fasttrack) or I get a day rate plus expenses (in which case I'd be required to provide receipts and the client isn't likely to reimburse anything that wasn't previously agreed). I couldn't imagine a client paying for "extras" such as fasttrack unless it was previously agreed.
maybe my clients have just been tightarses
I have paid it, but it must just be me, I cannot see the rush to get to another point in a boring place quicker is worth it.
Same with express boarding, sitting on a seat for longer, it is not going to take off any quicker, checked bags are not going to arrive any quicker, prefer to give the legs some work.
Big business creating paid for convenience yet again.
Thats how the fatties get fat
Same with express boarding, sitting on a seat for longer, it is not going to take off any quicker, checked bags are not going to arrive any quicker, prefer to give the legs some work.
Big business creating paid for convenience yet again.
Thats how the fatties get fat
Countdown said:
A question for those who were claiming it on "expenses".....
In my experience I either put in a fixed amount for Travel & expenses (in which case it's effectively ME paying for the fasttrack) or I get a day rate plus expenses (in which case I'd be required to provide receipts and the client isn't likely to reimburse anything that wasn't previously agreed). I couldn't imagine a client paying for "extras" such as fasttrack unless it was previously agreed.
maybe my clients have just been tightarses
depends what your arrangement is. I've claimed it numerous times and these days i don't have an expense approver anyway so it's up to me! In my experience I either put in a fixed amount for Travel & expenses (in which case it's effectively ME paying for the fasttrack) or I get a day rate plus expenses (in which case I'd be required to provide receipts and the client isn't likely to reimburse anything that wasn't previously agreed). I couldn't imagine a client paying for "extras" such as fasttrack unless it was previously agreed.
maybe my clients have just been tightarses
anyoldcardave said:
I have paid it, but it must just be me, I cannot see the rush to get to another point in a boring place quicker is worth it.
Same with express boarding, sitting on a seat for longer, it is not going to take off any quicker, checked bags are not going to arrive any quicker, prefer to give the legs some work.
Big business creating paid for convenience yet again.
Thats how the fatties get fat
YMMV - I'm a spirited 1h40m from Manchester airport. If I have an 8:30 flight or so with Hand luggage and can get through the airport in an Hour, not the boggo 'allow for two hours' - it makes my day easier.Same with express boarding, sitting on a seat for longer, it is not going to take off any quicker, checked bags are not going to arrive any quicker, prefer to give the legs some work.
Big business creating paid for convenience yet again.
Thats how the fatties get fat
I agree on speedy boarding - that pish, by then I am at the Gate and assured to be on the plane.
I do note though that many are saying 'no queues these days' too, and maybe it is defunct.
I used it as insurance to not get in a one hour security queue and miss a flight.
<dominate the jetway>
PushedDover said:
anyoldcardave said:
I have paid it, but it must just be me, I cannot see the rush to get to another point in a boring place quicker is worth it.
Same with express boarding, sitting on a seat for longer, it is not going to take off any quicker, checked bags are not going to arrive any quicker, prefer to give the legs some work.
Big business creating paid for convenience yet again.
Thats how the fatties get fat
YMMV - I'm a spirited 1h40m from Manchester airport. If I have an 8:30 flight or so with Hand luggage and can get through the airport in an Hour, not the boggo 'allow for two hours' - it makes my day easier.Same with express boarding, sitting on a seat for longer, it is not going to take off any quicker, checked bags are not going to arrive any quicker, prefer to give the legs some work.
Big business creating paid for convenience yet again.
Thats how the fatties get fat
I agree on speedy boarding - that pish, by then I am at the Gate and assured to be on the plane.
I do note though that many are saying 'no queues these days' too, and maybe it is defunct.
I used it as insurance to not get in a one hour security queue and miss a flight.
<dominate the jetway>
Then I realised cutting tight timings was more stressful than a queue, Stanstead is very busy early doors, but cannot ever remember an hour at security, maybe 30 mins max.
I just find leaving earlier and chilling in queues works for me and is completely stress free. keep moving via the pub, for breakfast
and last on the plane.Gassing Station | Holidays & Travel | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff