Not many new Filipino partners!

Since KLM started then stopped again flying from Liverpool in 2012 I've flown exclusively from Manchester, I've flown Emirates and KLM no one else.

Back in 2012 KLM were based in Terminal 3 which wasn't too bad getting there was reasonable by taxi and there was a decent drop off area, now the drop offs at all airports seem to be pretty frantic as the airports are charging the taxi drivers extortionate amounts for just a couple of minutes of being stopped. Terminal 3 has a Rotunda food court/bar area which I found to be ok but the drink prices were extortionate even back in 2012, I don't think I ever tried the food.

These days I fly from Terminal 2 which is KLMs terminal, Emirates are in Terminal 1 I beleive, it's been a few years since I flew Emirates. Terminal 2 was renovated a couple of years back and some of the check-in areas are quite nice now but it is almost always absolutely packed with people.

If flying through any of the Manchester Terminals I would recommend paying for the fast track security, the security queues before departure lounges can be utterly horrendous think a 150 metre line folded 4 times before you get to the scanners, from memory last time they have finally got new 3D imaging scanners which means that the liquid restrictions have been eased and you can leave your laptop and stuff in your bag rather than emptying everything out, be warned that if they divert your carry on luggage for any reason they will do drug swabs as well as a complete unpack and inspection of everything, they've stopped me several times it's getting tiresome. Fast Track for a little more than a fiver is worth it.

In Terminal 2 after you get through security you head left to go through the duty free nonsense and then go looking for somewhere to sit down I like the San Carlo restaurant/bar got a nice view out the window.







Last time through Terminal 2 I got this lounge which was pretty poor to be honest it was either the Escape Lounge or the Aspire lounge I can't remember now (just checked some pictures KLM were using the Escape Lounge) it wasn't worth it, I got breakfast and a drink and that was about it, I left after a bit and went back up to San Carlo's. I certainly wouldn't pay hard cash for the Escape lounge)



For me the worst thing about Terminal 2 is that the flights seem to mostly depart from the new far west pier and it's something like a half kilometer walk and half the time the two travelators are broken.

It's big, it's too busy, the travelators rarely work and I need those as I'm getting older, but I've rarely been delayed as long as you use the Fast Track security it's bearable and they've never lost my luggage.

It's also worth getting the Fast Track Passport control for the way back although the walk is much longer to that immigration desk but at least you get a human being checking you.

Birmingham I've never flown from so can't comment, Liverpool airport for the short time it was possible to fly from there to AMS then connect to MNL was nicer smaller and easier and cheaper to get to for me.

Yeah I realised that, just when in a new airport I like to look around.

Saying that I've just been looking at it on Google Earth and it is freaking enormous nearly 5 miles from one end of the north west runways to the south west runways.

I've checked arrivals from Manchester though and they seem to come in to Terminal 2E and the Manila flight departs from the same terminal, and if it's a MAN->AMS->CDG connection it's Terminal 2F which is still in the same building so it does not look too bad, there's a nice looking fairly new SkyTeam lounge at the centre of Terminal 2F and it looks pretty good by contrast the one at 2E K Gates looks awful

I tried the train a couple of times from where I live, first time I used the train it was a commuter train and it was absolutely awful stopped everywhere was packed and I had to change trains in Manchester.

Second time I got the train from Preston, paid for a fairly cheap first class ticket and got the entire carriage to myself that was quite nice but the walk from there to the terminal via the sky bridge was a pain.

My first ever flight to the Philippines was via Manchester go the train down from Glasgow to Carlisle and then my friend drove me down to Manchester I flew Emirates that time and got a full three empty seats to sleep on, Dubai airport that time was an eye opener incredible place.

Online, it's on the Manchester airport site, I'll find a link for you, it costs £5.50.

edit:

Manchester Airport FastTrack | Skip the Security Queues

edit: I have felt a bit silly a couple of times when I turned up and the airport was empty anyway but better safe than sorry, those queues are a killer, I think most airports have these fast track things these days.

First time I flew on an A380 I was in that seat or the one behind it (your second pic)

edit: ah no it was 44K the row in front back in 2018, just checked my FlightRadar24 flight diary they were good seats.

Personal preference is for front seats in one of the Economy Comfort classes, better seat pitch I've never really had issues with people kicking the back of my seat except maybe once or twice.

Check SeatGuru Airline Seat Maps, Flights shopping and Flight information- Best Airplane Seats - SeatGuru put in your Airline, the flight date and flight number then check the variant of the plane ans see what the seat reviews are like.

A bassinet seat?

If the wean is screaming all night you'll hear it in the whole cabin even if you are 10 or 15 rows back in the same cabin segment.

Usually these bassinet seat are in the middle front row, if it's a 3-4-3 layout, not sure but I might have I've seen them on either side as well although I've often chosen that kind of seat up front for the extra legroom.

I try not to get seated near the loos but it does happen sometimes I've never found it to be a really major issue but then again I always go for a window seat, I'm probably more of a nuisance to the folk sitting next to me on the odd occasion I want to get up for the loo myself.

On the very few occasions I fly somewhere, I usually get an aisle seat. Quicker to get out, and I do not mind is the other 2 passengers need to get up from time to time. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs too