I've flown from UK's 'best' and 'worst' airports — one is a complete nightmare to get to

The UK's "best" and "worst" airports have been named in a new study by consumer champion Which?, which asked 7,000 people to rate airports on 11 different aspects, including seating, staff, toilets, queues at check-in, bag drop, passport control and security.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport clinched the top spot with an impressive customer score of 81%. Travellers appreciated the swift and straightforward experience, while the passenger lounge received commendation for its relaxed atmosphere.

On the other hand, nearby Manchester Airport found itself at the bottom of the rankings. Older guests, in particular, criticised the airport for its lengthy walks and insufficient seating, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Manchester Airport told Which? that its own passenger surveys painted a much rosier picture of the airport and that it was currently investing £1.3bn in improvements.

As a frequent flyer from both airports, I find the results surprising for various reasons. Liverpool John Lennon Airport continues to be one of my favourites due to its uncomplicated layout and compact size. While Manchester does have its shortcomings, I don't believe it's as terrible as the reviews suggest. As a seasoned traveller, I've got a few thoughts to share on both.

The journey to the airport

Getting to any airport can be a bit of a drag. My heart goes out to anyone who has to rely on public transport for this. The trip to Liverpool John Lennon's Airport isn't the worst, it's just a bit dull. You'll pass through various towns until you hit the final stretch of the A561 road.

You'll know you're there when you see barren land and wire fencing. There's one car park where you can stop and pay a fee, but there's another smaller one to the far right of the airport that offers a quick drop-off and go system. I've never had an issue with getting to Liverpool, except when I've left my headphones behind.

On the other hand, getting to Manchester is a total nightmare. With three terminals, there's plenty of room for mistakes, and the lack of clear signage doesn't help. Every time I drive to Manchester, I end up going round in circles because I've missed my turn-off. And believe me, I try my best to get there without any hiccups.

I've driven past the nearby Radisson Hotel countless times simply because it's the only landmark in an otherwise confusing layout. If you're planning to leave your car at one of the long-stay car parks, there's a handy shuttle bus that will drop you off right outside the terminal. So, once you've actually made it there, it's not too bad.

Terminals

Having a single terminal at an airport is a boon for travellers. There's only one place you need to be, you know exactly where it is, and you how to get there. Liverpool has one terminal whereas Manchester boasts three.

The downside is that fewer terminals limit potential destinations. Because of this, I find myself flying from Manchester more often than Liverpool despite being a Merseyside resident. There's little room for error when visiting Liverpool's lone terminal. You navigate through the building and arrive at your destination without fear of a wrong turn.

If you're flying from Manchester and discover you're at terminal 1 when you should be at 3, your entire holiday could be in jeopardy. Just hope you arrive early enough so you can dash to your correct location.

The aesthetic differences between airports are staggering. Manchester's terminal 1 and 3, along with the entirety of LJLA, feel dated.

In some areas such as the check-in desks, it can almost feel run down. You'll navigate through bland surroundings to be met with a few shops, cafes and restaurants at the other end. It's dreary even for those who don't mind the airport experience.

Manchester's Terminal 2 is a whole different ball game, thanks to an ambitious revamp project set to be completed in 2025. It's light and contemporary with a vast check-in desk that feels plush compared to the rest. The project has ushered in new tech, extensions and a brighter atmosphere.

You have the option to check your own bags and drop them off at the kiosks if you wish, and there are staff on hand to assist if needed. This alone makes jetting off from Manchester's Terminal 2 the best passenger experience possible.

Going through security

Both Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) and Manchester Airport (MAN) offer similar security experiences. You place your bags, shoes and personal items into a plastic tray and collect them at the other end.

When I flew from Manchester in March, the airport had done away with the need to remove liquids from your bag due to a new scanning system. This welcome trial put Manchester ahead of the pack in what felt like an outdated security system still in use at Liverpool. Beyond the aesthetic experience, there are few differences between the two airports.

The departure lounges

Once again, Manchester's Terminal 2 sets the bar high. The transformation project extends all the way to the farthest reaches of the departure lounge, and every step of the journey is modern, bright and sleek.

In 'true' Mancunian style, the central staircase is illuminated by neon hexagonal panels overhead, symbolising the city's iconic bee.

The lounge is kept spacious with floor-to-ceiling windows and a scattered seating plan. Everything from the stylish decor to the subtle overhead lights helps to alleviate the stress of flying. A variety of shops offer everything you need, from snacks to in-flight reading materials. I absolutely love flying from terminal 2.

Liverpool's departure lounge may not have the same modern interiors, but it still provides a very pleasant experience. Its compact size and single corridor layout make it easy to navigate. Once you've passed security, you're right in the middle of the departure lounge, with gates lining the far ends of the hall. Liverpool's departure lounge doesn't try to be innovative.

It's a fantastic example of how to deliver an impressive experience in a tidy package. Manchester's terminals 1 and 3 are let down by their age. There's nothing inherently wrong with them, they just need a bit of sprucing up. The notion that they're terrible compared to terminal 2 should be taken with a grain of salt. They're not bad at all, except for the lack of seating options. They have all the facilities you could possibly need from a departure lounge, so you won't be left wanting.

My personal experiences

Jetting off from Liverpool's John Lennon Airport is a breeze, with its hassle-free vibe and speedy process whisking you to the departure gate in no time. It's no wonder LJLA is racking up five-star reviews it's simply flawless.

Every flight I've taken from Liverpool has been nothing short of delightful, setting the bar high for future trips. And I'm confident this stellar streak isn't ending anytime soon.

Manchester Airport, on the other hand, is hit or miss. The trek to get there and its sprawling size can dampen the holiday spirit for many. But the airport's bad rap might be a tad unfair.

Sure, the recent IT glitches and horrendous queues have spawned a slew of negative feedback, but these incidents aren't the norm. From my own travels, Manchester feels like a touch of opulence compared to other UK airports. Yet, for me, Liverpool stands head and shoulders above the rest.

How the airports responded to the survey

Reacting to the Which? survey findings, Liverpool John Lennon Airport's John Irving expressed his pride: "To be named as the UK's number one airport by travellers is a tremendous accolade once again for the Airport and something all who work here are incredibly proud of, with all the hard work put in by our staff, alongside our dedicated third-party operators, paying dividends.

"Everyone who works here understands the importance of our Faster, Easier, Friendlier ethos, focused on giving our passengers a great airport experience. To hear such positive feedback from our customers and gain this recognition for the second consecutive year, is testament to the commitment from all our colleagues day in day out at the airport.

"As ever, we know we can't rest on our laurels. We are back to pre-pandemic levels of passenger numbers and set to see further increases in passenger numbers next year, so will need to continue to improve facilities and maintain the friendly, relaxed experience that this airport is renowned for."

A Manchester Airport spokesperson said: "Manchester Airport is proud to give people in all parts of the North easy and affordable access to nearly 200 different destinations across the world. We know our nearly 30m passengers value the fact we make it possible for them to fly directly to places they otherwise wouldn't be able to, whether that is for business or leisure, to study or visit friends and family.

"We also know they value an experience that caters for all needs, tastes and budgets, and through our £1.3bn Manchester Airport transformation programme we are creating world-class facilities that give them just that. Due for completion next year, it is already winning awards and receiving high levels of customer satisfaction.

"We understand not every experience is perfect and want all passengers to feel able to raise their concerns directly with us. That is why we speak to them on a daily basis, surveying hundreds of people a month to get in-the-moment feedback from a full range of perspectives. That is in stark contrast to Which? , which conducted a tiny and unrepresentative survey of its members six months ago, asking them to recollect airport experiences that could have been as far back in time as April 2023."