Seeing as the LJLA thread is closed I will reply in this new thread. I am a frequent flyer (19 flights since November 2004) and travel to the Liverpool area quite often. I will only use LHR and MAN at a last resort. Flying from Toronto to Manchester via Heathrow is a nightmare. On arrival at Heathrow one has to collect ones baggage then take to the the domestic terminal. I usually walk rather than take the bus, which sometimes takes forever. On arrival at the check-in desk I am assigned a seat and my bags are tagged for MAN. I am then subject to another security screening and, quite often, have to run to catch my flight to MAN. On arrival at MAN I have to purchase abus ticket for the ride, on National Bus, to Norton Street. Contrary to, constantly stated, information on this forum, it is not a hourly bus service or for that matter, train service. I have waited more than three hours at times for a bus to Liverpool. Bus scheds as train or airline scheds are subject to availability of equipment. If, for example, the MAN-Liverpool bus arrives at Manchester bus terminal and the Manchester-Birmingham bus, with a full load, has gone belly-up, then the MAN-Liverpool bus, with a smaller load, will commandered for the Brum route.
Most pax from the Greater Liverpool area will have private means of transport to and from MAN. Unfortunately most overseas visitors will not. I believe this will be a major problem for visitors in 2008. My usual experience between LHR and MAN will deter future visitors, I'm sure. If Henshaw, Storey et al wish to eliminate problems before 2008 they will surely demand a LPL-LHR link.
Most pax from the Greater Liverpool area will have private means of transport to and from MAN. Unfortunately most overseas visitors will not. I believe this will be a major problem for visitors in 2008. My usual experience between LHR and MAN will deter future visitors, I'm sure. If Henshaw, Storey et al wish to eliminate problems before 2008 they will surely demand a LPL-LHR link.