Flying easyJet from Manchester to Marrakech: our family journey

What is the journey from Manchester Airport to Marrakech actually like with easyJet? On this trip, my wife, our two boys and I travelled with small bags that fitted under the seats. I filmed the route through the airport, our time on board and our arrival in Marrakech so you can see the experience, not just read a list of rules.

At Manchester Airport: straight to security

We followed the signs upstairs to departures. Because we had already checked in and had no hold bags to drop off, we could head for security rather than queue at a check-in desk. We had our boarding passes on our phones, scanned them at the entrance and went through the usual security process. It was fairly quiet on our travel day, but I would not count on a short queue every time.

Before security, we tried our bags in the airline’s size checker. Each one fitted. This mattered because we had booked around the small under-seat bag allowance, not the larger overhead cabin bag. On board, I initially put mine under the seat the wrong way and turned it to fit properly.

Manchester Airport says that travellers who have checked in online and have hand baggage only can go straight to security. Its security guidance also gives the current rules for liquids and other items. Check again near departure, particularly when travelling with children or special items.

A stop at the lounge, then boarding

After security, we visited the Escape Lounge for the first time and had something to eat. That was an extra stop on our journey, not a standard part of an easyJet ticket. From the lounge we checked the departure board, found our gate and walked out across the apron to board the aircraft by steps. Your gate and boarding arrangement may be different.

Our seats and the space on board

We had not paid to pick four specific seats, so I was pleased that the allocated seats still kept us close. Three of us were together on one side of the aisle and my wife was across it. Later, when seats beside her were empty, I moved over. That was our experience on this flight; it does not guarantee the same result on another one.

easyJet says its system aims to seat people on the same booking together when seats are automatically allocated, but availability affects the result. If sitting next to particular family members matters to you, check the seat selection options and your assignments before travel.

I also filmed the legroom and how my bag fitted below the seat. It is a useful reminder to think about what you need during the flight: anything stored under the seat takes some of the space around your feet. Keep essential documents, medication and your device easy to reach.

Food, entertainment and the little practical details

On our flight, crew brought a trolley through the cabin with food and drinks for sale. I had downloaded something to watch on my phone beforehand, which made the journey more comfortable. If you plan to buy refreshments on board, check the airline’s current menu; if you bring your own snacks, check airport security rules for anything liquid.

The video also shows the aircraft toilet. It was compact, with a small sink, soap, mirror and a fold-down baby changing area. That may be helpful to know if you are flying with a younger child.

Arriving in Marrakech

We landed without a delay on this trip. There had been a little turbulence, but it was mild compared with another flight I had taken. The warmer air greeted us as we left the plane, and we walked into Marrakech Menara Airport. This was our second visit to the city, and I was struck again by the terminal’s architecture.

The arrivals area was not especially busy when we passed through. That is one of those things you cannot judge from a single trip: allow time for the arrival formalities and make sure you have checked the entry documents that apply to every person travelling in your party.

What I would remember for this route

• Travel light only if it works for your whole trip. Four small bags worked for us, but measure each bag and check what your booking includes.
• Save your boarding passes where you can reach them. We used our phones; having them ready made the route to security simpler.
• Decide whether seats together are essential. Our allocation worked out well, but check the seating options instead of relying on luck.
• Prepare your own entertainment. Download videos or programmes before travelling and charge your device.
• Allow for changing airport conditions. Our security and arrivals queues were short that day; yours might not be.

Our Manchester-to-Marrakech journey was straightforward, and the flight ran smoothly for us. The best preparation was simple: know the baggage allowance, keep everyone’s travel documents handy, and plan the small comforts you will want on board.