Manchester Airport Security Queues: The Best and Worst Times to Fly
We analysed the best and worst times to fly in relation to security queues at MAN in September 2025.
Planning a trip from Manchester Airport (MAN) and hoping to sidestep the notorious security queues? You're in the right place! We’ve analysed extensive data on security queue wait times for September to reveal the best and worst times to travel. In this post, we’ll walk you through the optimal days and times to fly from Manchester Airport between 3 am and 9 pm, ensuring a smoother start to your journey. Let's take a look at the data and uncover the secrets to a stress-free airport experience.
Our analysis is based on wait time data from September 2025, focusing on the hours between 3 am and 9 pm. Please remember that your experience may differ.
The Best and Worst Days to Fly
Based on our analysis of security queue wait times at Manchester Airport, we've ranked the days of the week from the shortest to the longest average wait times:
Wednesday: The best day to fly with an average wait time of 5 minutes and 4 seconds.
Tuesday: The second-best day with an average wait time of 5 minutes and 12 seconds.
Thursday: The third-best day with an average wait time of 5 minutes and 11 seconds.
Saturday: The fourth-best day with an average wait time of 5 minutes and 28 seconds.
Monday: The fifth-best day with an average wait time of 6 minutes and 12 seconds.
Sunday: The sixth-best day with an average wait time of 6 minutes and 23 seconds.
Friday: The worst day to fly with the longest average wait time of 7 minutes and 3 seconds.
More live and historical wait times.
It’s clear that mid-week travel is your best bet for avoiding long queues, while Fridays are best avoided if possible.
Below, we will explore the best and worst times to go through security at Manchester. Additionally, we will provide you with some tips to have a smooth airport experience.
The Best and Worst Times to Go Through Security
Now, let's explore the best and worst times of the day to fly from Manchester Airport based on our analysis:
The Best Time: The quietest period is in the evening, from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM, where you can expect to wait only around 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
The Worst Time: The busiest time is in the early morning, from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM, with average wait times reaching up to 11 minutes and 49 seconds. The afternoon, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, is also a peak period with waits of around 8 to 9 minutes.
Low Wait Times: You can also find relatively low wait times during the late morning and early afternoon, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with waits ranging from 6 to 7 minutes.
Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience:
To make your journey through Manchester Airport as smooth as possible, consider these helpful tips:
Book Special Assistance in Advance: If you or someone you're travelling with requires special assistance, make sure to book it with your airline at least 48 hours before you fly.
Pre-book security fastrack or timeslot: The airport offers 2 services to help expedite security screening, FastTrack and Timeslot. FastTrack affords you the use of a special FastTrack lane, whilst Timeslot allows you to pass through security at a pre-arranged time. FastTrack costs £5.49 per person, whilst Timeslot is free.
Arrive at the Right Time: Manchester Airport advises arriving two hours before your flight. Arriving too early can contribute to unnecessary queues.
Prepare for Security: Have your boarding pass ready. Laptops and other large electrical items should be removed from your hand luggage, and liquids under 100ml must be in a clear, resealable bag.
Stay Informed: Keep an eye on the airport's social media channels and website for the latest updates and travel advice.
Pre-book Your Parking: To save money and guarantee a space, pre-book your car parking online.
By using our analysis of security queue wait times at Manchester Airport, you can strategically plan your travel to avoid the busiest periods. Choosing the right day and time to fly can significantly improve your airport experience. With these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared for a seamless start to your trip.
Find more detail live and historical wait times for Manchester Airport on Qsensor
Happy travels!