What’s happening with the MAN terminalsA move from T3 is much needed
British Airways has a long history with the building now known as Terminal 3. At one point that terminal was known as “Terminal 3 – British Airways and Domestic”. BA even used to run international flights from MAN. A lot has changed since then, but nothing much has happened to Terminal 3. It’s old, with an odd layout. Its one saving grace that you don’t have to walk through Duty-Free after security.
What’s happening with the MAN terminals
MAN is consolidating its terminals, closing Terminal 1 and moving those flights to the brand new T2. That terminal opened over three years ago and the second phase is due to open in Summer 2025.
Terminal 3, where BA plus their codeshare partners Loganair and Aurigny fly from, is due to remain open. It’s highly likely that BA will be moving to T2. That would make T3 predominantly, or if Loganair and Aurigny move to T2, wholly, a Ryanair terminal.
T3 would become a budget airline terminal, which makes sense given its age and facilities. The terminal lacks shops, and the dining options are low-end. It would also mean that the airport could consolidate or expand its three lounge spaces (two of which are currently in use).
Perhaps having a regular and a slightly more premium lounge offering to squeeze a few more pounds from travellers. Or adding in an Aspire lounge (or similar).
The old BA lounge at T3, which occupied a large footprint, was briefly turned into a public space that anyone could access. It wasn’t easy to find, and so it wasn’t well used, which is a shame as the main terminal floor could get very busy. That space is now closed with construction work taking place. This suggests that MAN is getting something ready for early 2025.
BA ended up using the Escape Lounge (small, leisure heavy and quite often packed) and then the main BA lounge at Manchester is currently the old 1903 lounge, which was even smaller and quite regularly packed.
When will BA move to Terminal 2 at Manchester?
There is no definitive date yet, but it would make sense that it coincided with the opening of Tier 2. As all of BA’s flights to MAN are from within the UK, you don’t have to pass through security when you land, but that also means you need a route through the terminal (whether departing or arriving) different from other passengers. That requires a domestic arrivals channel. Work on this is underway, and it’s possible it could open earlier than the Summer.
Will it be better for BA at Terminal 2?
T2 is a nice terminal with lots of food options (more opening in the Summer). The check-in area is far better than T3, and when MAN activate the new “keep your eletronics and liquids in your bags” scanners, it should make getting through security a breeze. T2 is much, much better than T3 in every way.
For those staying overnight, T2 is much closer to the in-terminal airport (Radisson Blu) and there are more parking options closer to T2. Of course, you can fly BA and miss out on the terminal completely by using the new private terminal at Manchester Airport.
What does this mean for lounges at T2?
Right now, there’s no change to the lounges in T2. That means that the mega terminal has just three: the 1903 Lounge, Escape Lounge and Aspire. The first two are run by MAG themselves, and the 1903 is the “premium” lounge where most airlines send their business class or status passengers.
It is not true premium. It’s a nice lounge that can get very busy during peak times. It will get even busier as more flights move across.
The 1903 lounge also has paid-for access, so there’s always a question mark over who is most important: the premium passenger on an airline or just someone who’s willing to pay cash straight to MAN. Both will get the same service, which – on my last visit – was fine but not exactly outstanding. It was understaffed, and that showed in the level of service.
Will Manchester get a oneworld lounge?
A while back, I talked about how a oneworld lounge at Manchester would make sense. There has been no official announcement, but based on chatter, I would say it’s more likely than not right now. That lounge would sweep up travellers for BA, Qatar, Finnair, Aer Lingus and Iberia flights.
On a typical day the flights are spread out, Qatar run three flights daily with the first in the morning, a second flight just after lunch and then a final flight of the day in the late evening.
BA’s flights to LHR run throughout the day and Iberia has just one flight per day in the morning. Aer Lingus flights run into double figures, and are also spread out throughout the day. Loganair and Aurigny would add three extra flights per day.
There’s also daily Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian flights.
WIth so many flights leaving each day, it may be that a single lounge would struggle to cope with so many oneworld passengers. The upcoming changes to the BA Executive Club (now just The Club) would help alleviate that, with fewer Silvers and Golds who can access the lounge.
What could a oneworld lounge look like?
There are not that many oneworld lounges. Amsterdam and Seoul have them, Los Angeles has a lounge for oneworld airlines that isn’t officially a oneworld lounge. If Manchester was to become the smallest airport so far to get an OW lounge then the design would follow Amsterdam and Seoul. You can see imagery of the stunning AMS lounge in the gallery below.
If the new lounge looked anything like the above, it would be the most premium lounge at MAN. It’s a low bar to reach, but as someone who travels through MAN a lot with BA, it would make a big difference to the journey if the lounge was decent.
