eating at the airport - opening times

dug123

Last summer we flew from Manchester T1 on an early flight (about 6:20 I think) and when we arrived there was nowhere open to buy sandwiches and pop as we wanted to take some on the flight, the shops etc started opening just after 5:00 and by about 5:30 about half of them were open.

sal-ad_daze

dug123 wrote: »

Last summer we flew from Manchester T1 on an early flight (about 6:20 I think) and when we arrived there was nowhere open to buy sandwiches and pop as we wanted to take some on the flight, the shops etc started opening just after 5:00 and by about 5:30 about half of them were open.

Thanks for that. I find it crazy that people are booking in from around 3am and have to hang around for 2 hours before being able to spend any money!!!! Think of all the revenue they're losing.
I've looked at the menu for the plane and we can get bacon baguette, pizza, chunky chips etc so we can eat it'll just be microwaved to within an inch of it's life rather than fresh cooked but at least my oh can eat something!

zagfles

Most people won't check in at 3am!! The check-ins probably won't even be open. Do you really need to get there that early?

dickydonkin

Geoggy wrote: »

I think soup in a flask would count as liquid and not be allowed through security.

You are allowed to take food through security with you and if you take a couple of freezer blocks/chillerz packs it would keep cool till then.

The freezer blocks/chiller packs are also filled with liquids which could result in confiscation as well.

awacko

On a similar note, we've also got a 6am flight soon from Glasgow Airport so are looking for recomendations for the cheapest/best place to get tea/coffee and something to eat from Glasgow Airport. We used to use Greggs but I've heard that its no longer there:(. thanks

sal-ad_daze

zagfles wrote: »

Most people won't check in at 3am!! The check-ins probably won't even be open. Do you really need to get there that early?

It's not a European flight and the paperwork says check in 3 hours before for non-european and 2 hours before for european.
We aim to get there early to avoid queues as my oh can't stand for long periods so we're normally there as check in opens so for a 6am flight that's 3am.

totallybored

sal-ad_daze wrote: »

Thanks for that. I find it crazy that people are booking in from around 3am and have to hang around for 2 hours before being able to spend any money!!!! Think of all the revenue they're losing.

Heathrow is just as bad. I had a 6am flight from T2 and checked in at 4am (I'd rather be early and wait than worry about not leaving enough time). Check in desks open at 4 but then security through to departures didn't open until 4.30am which resulted in a queue of rather annoyed and complaining business travellers. Got through security and only Pret was open, everything slowly started opening after 5am. WH Smith was open but they didn't put the newspapers out until nearly 5.30.

zagfles

sal-ad_daze wrote: »

It's not a European flight and the paperwork says check in 3 hours before for non-european and 2 hours before for european.
We aim to get there early to avoid queues as my oh can't stand for long periods so we're normally there as check in opens so for a 6am flight that's 3am.

That's probably a general recommendation rather than when you have to be there by. Last time we flew intercontinetal from Manchester we arrived about 90 mins before and were fine, no queues at all. Check-ins are usually open till 45-60 mins before depature - the airline website will tell you.

Think it's the airports that make the 3-hour recommendation because they want you to have loads of spare time to wonder round the shops - except that it doesn't apply at 3am because most shops won't be open, as they know hardly anyone will be there that early!!

Magnolia

We always take our own food and buy a drink from W H Smiths on 'the other side'. Never had a problem with taking a couple of butties and some crisps etc.

claire16c

sal-ad_daze wrote: »

It's not a European flight and the paperwork says check in 3 hours before for non-european and 2 hours before for european.
We aim to get there early to avoid queues as my oh can't stand for long periods so we're normally there as check in opens so for a 6am flight that's 3am.

I dont think the queues will be too bad at 3am I wouldnt get there that early.

Sometimes Ive got to the airport 3 hours ahead of flights to the US when theyve been doing extra security searches, or at say 8-10am when the airport can be packed, but I certainly woudnt bother at that time! Also if you check in online, then youd only need to go to the bag drop anyway, so you wouldnt need more than 2 hours max.

Just bring some food with you if youre worried or just buy it just before you get on the plane.

Or, stay at an airport hotel the night before so you dont have to be awake the whole night.