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I just recieved an email from Manchester Airport advising that they will charge £1 (non refundable) for the use of a trolley from April 10th 2012.
http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/trolleys
Any comments? - I feel this is a total disgrace and no justification against an aged fleet of trolley or what ever reasons given could possible pacify passengers when they roll up to find they must pay.
What a way to treat customers.
Sadly someone had to do this I am just surpised it was not BAA. It is something I find utterly infuriating and is common in the USA. Sydney however stopped charging on arrival if I recall correctly and now only on departure.
In part the airlines must take some responsibility for this. This is something that would or should be dicussed at AOC meetings. The Manchester AOC should be standing up for the passenger and this change reflects badly on them and their influence at the airport.
Don't pay, complain or better still avoid Manchester.
BAA are waiting for a slot that takes £2 coins to be developed!
Not a bad idea really just stops people from leaving them stranded all over the car park like in supermarkets or on the kerbs besides most people have wheels on bags so less demand for them xx
According to the page above the trolleys will be charged at £1, or €2.
I had no idea the £/€ exchange rate had risen risen so much in recent months...
BAA are waiting for the widespread adoption of contactless payment cards, then they can build a card reader into each trolley and program it with whatever charge they like.
Bucksnet why bother they can use a simple text a number system like you get in some car parks xx
Bucksnet - you are right and you will be billed per minute of use and also by the weight of the bags on the trolley and a further penalty charge if you do not park it neatly in an approved bay once finished with it. To help keep utilisation up, all but one lift will be disabled in each car park and the only return bay will be on the top floor in the furthest corner from the lift. I'll stop before I give them any more ideas!
Becky babes, it was a joke in reply to the £2 coin slot post.
I cannot imagine how the system you describe for car parks would work for individual trolleys. At least a small payment card reader chip could be built into the trolley, and an electronic brake released enabling the trolley to move.
Oh no, now I've done it. Someone from BAA is reading this now and is starting to work on a plan.
EDIT: LPPS, I was working on this post when you posted the above. Your idea is a little more complicated, and would require weight sensors and a GPS chip. You're right, better stop before they get ideas.
BeckyBoop - It won't change anything as it's a non refundable £1 so doubt people would like to pay for use and return although that'd be great! :)
Do you guys really carry that much luggage on business trips that you seriously need a trolley? Binman has a family so i can understand why he complains ;o)..lol. Like i said before to most people have baggage with wheels and a retractable handle. I never travel with more than 2 pieces 1 checked and 1 hand luggage (hand bag inc a laptop) if on business xx
"Do you guys really carry that much luggage on business trips that you seriously need a trolley?"
One pair of underpants, one string vest, one shirt, one collar and packet of Daz.
Don't need a trolley for that.
Sort of agree with £1 charge, but not really in favour since foreigners coming to Britain most likely will not have change and this just inconveniences them.
But charge should be refundable, if not people will just leave the trolley everywhere and anywhere like they do now.
The trolleys at Heathrow are well passed their sell by date. If its not the users who pay for the replacements who else will.
Perhaps BAA could charge passengers a bag supplement.............each bag bought into the terminal is charged £1.00 but you do get a shiny new trolley to borrow.
They tried this a number of years back in Dublin Airport and despite lasting a fair few years it was still a spectacular failure and resulted in a lot of negative feedback (and despite the €1 being refundable on returning the trolley to the correct location) for the airport which was already suffering a very public image problem. Fortunately it was not something that lasted nor has shown its ugly head again post recession and T2!
They do it at BHX too. A couple of quid I think (I use my valet instead, of course ;-)).
I know it's racked a few people off, as has the short stay car parking extortion they also implement.
I still work closely with BHX professionally (well I will until they read this!) and their argument is the "need to separate BHX as an airport from BHX as a business."
I'm not sure I agree as I don't think they are divisible. Views?
Simon
Thanks for your kind comments and support in another thread Simon.
Your point here is a good one, and worthy I think of a separate thread/discussion. Over to you, it was your idea;-)
I think and airport is a business. It needs to earn money to pay for and provide the facilities for both passengers and airlines. It's how it does this that is crucial.
They provide a public service and if the public see themselves as being ripped off they will find alternatives and the airport will get a bad name. LHR being a good example.
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