The island of Crete is 1816 miles away from the Manchester city. One of the first questions that comes to mind while travelling to Crete is how long is the flight from Manchester to Crete? Don’t worry, as we’ll provide you with the details of the flight duration and the factors that can affect your flight hours. So, let’s get started!
Flight Duration from Manchester to Crete
If you are fortunate enough to have a seamless direct flight, you can reach there in approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes. The shortest route is from Manchester International Airport (MAN) to Crete’s Heraklion International Airport (HER). So, adopting this route will help you get there early.
However, the type of flight you book is the primary thing that affects your flight time. Direct flights help you reach there in the minimum possible time. But if you book a flight with layovers, the course of every layover will decide your arrival time. So, consider these factors in mind while planning your trip to Crete.
Factors Influencing Flight Duration
The following factors also contribute to your flight time. So, before booking your flight from Manchester to Crete, double-check them.
Distance and Route
The distance between the departure and arrival airports directly influences your flight time. Generally, they have a direct relation. It means the greater the distance between airports, the longer the flight. This is because aircraft take more time to cover longer distances extending your flight’s duration.
Layovers or Connecting Flights
If you are flying through indirect flight, the course of every stop will decide how long is the flight from Manchester to Crete. At every international layover, customs, immigration, and other necessary procedures take at least two hours. Eventually, it will delay your arrival time.
Weather conditions
One of the significant reasons for flight delays is extreme weather conditions. Due to thunderstorms, turbulence, and crosswinds, airlines either hold the flight or force pilots to alter the routes. As per the necessary action, pilots then increase or decrease the altitude for the safety of passengers. At last, it leads to the extension of flight duration.
Airline Efficiency
Different airlines take different times for operating procedures. Some airlines are better at getting you on the plane, refueling, and maintenance. They can even get your luggage on the plane quickly. But, if an airline takes longer for these protocols, your trip will take longer, too.
Air Traffic Delays
You may face air traffic delays on your flight to Crete that can take longer than usual. It can happen due to airport congestion, strikes, or technical issues. These delays usually have no connection with weather conditions.
Immigration and Customs
For boarding your flight to Crete from Manchester, you must go through immigration and customs. You must navigate these processes both at the time of departure and arrival. It can take a long time because you must wait in line, show your papers, and check your things through custom inspections. It results in time-consuming delays.
Manchester to Crete Journey: Flight Routes and Options
As per the convenience of the passengers, various flight routes have been introduced from Manchester to Crete. One popular course for direct flights is from Manchester International Airport to Heraklion International Airport. Whereas indirect flights have stopovers in different major cities of Europe like Athens or Istanbul. It is an excellent option to explore new cities before reaching your destination. Connecting flights are also cost-effective. Therefore, if getting Crete at the earliest is not your goal, you should book an indirect flight to save some money.
Popular Airlines for This Route
Various airlines offer flights between Manchester and Crete. You can choose different airlines, schedules, and flight paths according to your preferences. The following airlines ensure a smooth and pleasant journey on this route:
- Air France
- Austrian Airlines
- British Airlines
- Cathy Pacific
- Eurowings
- Easy Jet
- Emirates
- KLM
- Lufthansa
- Swiss International Airlines
- Vueling Airlines
On a Final Note
Once your flight is booked, it is time to plan your trip. Whether travelling for business or planning a holiday, make sure your stay in Crete is worthwhile. Visit the historic palace of Knossos, try authentic Greek cuisine, and enjoy scenic views of Crete’s beaches. So, stop worrying about how long is the flight from Manchester to Crete and start focusing on planning your trip there.
