As Manchester Airport is beset with long queues, passengers have praised Liverpool John Lennon Airport for its comparative ease of access.
Passengers at Manchester Airport have been met with chaos in recent weeks, with queues spiralling out of control due to staff shortages. Baggage handlers have said they are ‘under more stress than ever’ due to ‘unexpected’ demand over the last few weeks.
The airport was slammed as an "absolute shambles" by former ECHO journalist James Pearce as Liverpool FC fans flying from Manchester to Lisbon for tonight's Champions League clash with Benfica were met with huge queues yesterday. Fans reported waiting times of up to two hours to get through security, while one passenger told the ECHO that the queues led to flights being delayed.
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Manchester Airport said last month that passengers could face long queues for "several weeks" as a result of the staff shortages. However, Liverpool John Lennon Airport does not appear to have suffered from such problems.
Users of the Speke airport have been fulsome in their praise, highlighting a lack of queues and the ease of getting though security. Responding to criticism of queues at Manchester Airport and posting a picture of a gin and tonic, Twitter user @mackin_john said: "From leaving the house in Chester, via cab to Liverpool Airport, through security to ... this .. exactly one hour."
Replying to a Manchester Evening News story about passengers being stuck in a plane for an hour, @PHL3755 tweeted: "Breezed through Liverpool Airport in last few days - tempted to make this my preferred route after recent experiences at Mcr Airport".
Posting a photo of an empty looking check-in at John Lennon Airport, @kirstie_pelling said: "So no problems at Liverpool airport last night. So much better than flying from Manchester." @SouthworthFiona had a similar experience, saying: "Liverpool airport spot on! Busy but no queues!"
Liverpool Airport itself has also made reference to the struggles seen down the M62. The airport's account today tweeted: "Great to welcome Liverpool fans flying out to Lisbon yesterday on this Sport Options Enter Air charter. No long queues, an easy passage through our terminal and on to the Portuguese capital for the game!"
It is not the first time that John Lennon Airport has aimed at Manchester Airport for its waiting times. The airport tweeted a video on March 17 which showed the journey from the airport's car park, through security, and to the departure gate.
It was accompanied with the caption: "Today, 11:57am - car park to departures in just 6 minutes, 33 seconds! 3-hour security queues not for you? Fly from Liverpool - the North West's Faster, Easier, Friendlier Airport."
