flying into manchester?

Anyone have any experience flying into Manchester?  I am going first week of Jan and have only ever flown into Heathrow before.  I am hoping immigration is easier there, but keep getting conflicting info on what terminal i'll be arriving in.  I am taking a BMI flight direct from Chicago and DF is meeting me there.  Any advice on getting through the airport easily, good places to shop around there?  After he picks me up, we'll be heading  back to his place near Nottingham, but wanted to maybe spend some time in manchester the day i get there.

thanks!

I've flown in there several times, and never had any problems. It wasn't quite as crowded as London. What part of Manchester will you be in? There is the Trafford center (like a mall) but I have no clue where that is in relation to the airport. You could alway shop in the city center too...Deansgate etc. area have some great shops!

I really don't know where we'll be, we won't be staying in Manchester, just sort of flying in and passing through.  The city center sounds great, maybe we'll check that out.  thanks !

Hi, we often pick folks up at Manchester Airport and often fly to the US from there - it is a very pleasant airport - never had any immigration queues or hassles.  See www.manaiport.co.uk for info.

From the airport, there is a regular train service into the city centre - it's quicker than driving and takes you right into the centre.  There are some good museums and art galleries, plus lots of good shops and cafes etc, etc .... head to the Cathedral Square area - see www.visitmanchester.com for ideas and info.

Have a good time in Manchester!

Hi, we often pick folks up at Manchester Airport and often fly to the US from there - it is a very pleasant airport - never had any immigration queues or hassles.  See www.manaiport.co.uk for info. 

I've always flown into/out of Manchester coming/going from the USA.  Agree with Yorkshire/Virginia's post.  Haven't really spent time in Manchester, other than passing through the airport - so can't help you on sightseeing or shopping etc in that city.

I have had no problems at the airport.  Everyone was very friendly

That's good to hear, didn't really have any trouble in heathrow except finding the right platform to get the heathrow express to paddington, and i think i am just stupid about those things sometimes.  I am looking forward to flying into a different city, getting to see a bit more of the UK while i am there, last trip was straight from the airport to Nottingham and nothing else in between.  Thanks for the links and suggestions for shopping, i'll definitely have to check those out!

I commute using MAN  so am there several times a month flying in and out. It's a good airport, especially since they've re-done terminal 2. Very easy to manuever. Immigration is *usually* fairly quick unless you get behind some people who don't have their cards filled out! I think you'll find it a breeze

atlcollie:
This may be a stupid question, but i keep seeing conflicting info about what terminal my flight is going to come into.  Do all international arrivals come into the same terminal?  In one place i look it tells me terminal 3, in another terminal 1. I don't have a clue what the airport looks like and its hard for me to tell from their website, just wanting to make sure DF and I meet up in the right place

HI--I've sent you a PM!