The Airlink Bus to Liverpool Airport and my Very Short Flight to the Isle of Man.

I arrived at Liverpool South Parkway railway and bus interchange station to see what the Airlink service was like in terms of connectivity, price and ease of use. It was an interesting way of getting to the airport though I didn't quite get what I was expecting.
This was followed by a beautiful flight to the Isle of Man which was over too quickly really but enjoyable none-the-less.
Please have a look at the video and let me know what you think. Have you travelled to Liverpool John Lennon via public transport? Or do you find it easier to arrive by car and park up for a few days?
As always guys, your support is very much appreciated. Likes, comments and subs are all very welcome and thank you very much for taking the time to watch my content.
Cheers for now.
Mark
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#liverpool 🎲 #random 🚍#arriva #airlink #letsmakeatrip ✈️ #easyjet #isleofman
📖Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
00:55 - Liverpool South Parkway
02:49 - The Airlink Bus
07:39 - Liverpool John Lennon Airport
09:02 - Take Off
13:34 - Arriving on the Isle of Man
14:55 - Summary
Picture Credits:
Route Map: OpenStreetMap (route added)
Liverpool South Parkway: mattbuck (no changes made) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Fi...
South Liverpool FC: Jamesie (no changes made) en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ho...
Merseytravel Service 80A Route Map: Merseytravel (no changes made) www.merseytravel.gov.uk/timet...
Flight Details: FlightRadar24 (no changes made) www.flightradar24.com
www.openstreetmap.org/

[@stephenmcculley7]

There is a 500 which is a Limited Stop Airport service which runs from the City Centre. There was at one point a 501 which was fast from South Parkway to the Airport but this was withdrawn quite a few years ago.

[@jackharrison6771]

Another interesting trip thanks. I take what you mean about dedicated Airport links. But it all looks like a simple journey to make.

[@stephenmcculley7]

Liverpool South Parkway brings together two stations - Allerton (on the main line) and Garston (on Merseyrail).

[@erik_griswold]

Airports need this type of bus too so workers can access their job sites.

[@ashtonpope79]

Did you not notice the Everton FC owner Bill Kenwright standing behind you, sitting in the seat Infront of you? A very rich fella,who regularly uses easyJet even if he could have his own jet. Brilliant video once again. Keep it up.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Ashton. I thought Bill had spent all his money on the new ground? 😂

[@ashtonpope79]

@@LetsMakeaTrip That's very true, I'd still like to be a pound behind him. Lol

[@Codshead]

WHO 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@barriegannon3572]

Farhad Moshiri owns Everton, not fat Bill.

[@MickCampin-jp9kb]

I wonder if he got the Airlink bus too

[@baseballfan99]

Great trip. I went there on a School trip back in 1989. We flew on a BAE 146 from Blackpool airport, the plane having began its journey from Jersey. For the return trip it was an ATP to Liverpool Airport. Beautiful Island with very changeable weather. Before LSP opened, when coming from the east, there was a general service bus from Nearby Hunts Cross station or a direct bus from Manchester which the airport subsidised.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That must’ve been a short flight from Blackpool! Forgot about that airport tbh but I guess there’s not much happening there these days ☹️ My first time on the IoM, really enjoyed it and I’ll be putting out a couple more videos soon with some of the transport options for getting around the island. Cheers mate😊👍

[@steve-marsh]

Fantastic journey mate, one I'd like to do at some point, but in the meantime, thanks for taking us along :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Steve, yep Heysham’s probably best for you if you want to do the ferry one way. I came back on the fast ferry to Liverpool - that was one of the roughest crossings of my life! Fortunately, I managed to film it so will be out in a couple of weeks 😂

[@simonwhitlock9189]

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year, take care and I look forward to seeing more of you in '23, cheers.

[@davidcritchley3509]

I've used the station. Do not use the "hi tech" toilet there! When I tried to use it once, last year. The floor flooded with water and there was no toilet paper or other way of cleaning. The number 89 bus, as he says, stops at every lamp-post. It twists and turns about the place to pick up as many passengers as it can. Going the other way as well towards St Helens. I've caught it and had the same experience. The opposite of an "express" service.

[@xanpagebrown]

It was £2 for the bus because the £2 fare cap is still in operation across the UK until October this year, it will then be £2.50 until November 2024

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes, I’ve posted these details a while back on both my community page and Twitter account.

[@davidwilliams3743]

They used to run the 500 bus as a quick bus from the city centre but slowly even that’s turned into a slow bus to the airport.

[@simonkenny3497]

Love watching these videos. Nice one.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Simon, I appreciate your support mate 😊👍

[@grayhalf1854]

I'd definitely be requesting at least one hot meal and a snack from the cabin crew on that flight. And cabin slippers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

And a Cuban cigar too!

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

Another good vid and I must agree the IoM is somewhere I'd like to go to check out all their different modes of transport - so very much looking forward to follow-on videos 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes mate, definitely lots to do transport-wise. There were one or two things closed when we went as we were just out of season. But much quieter in October I would imagine.

[@Timstravels01]

Cracking vid and that approach to IOM is stunning. I’ve never flown from Liverpool John Lennon - another one added to the list to try.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, yep the weather helped. Tbh, after doing this video, I’ll probably do more flights from LPL now I’ve figured out how easy it is to get to. Just need a bit more choice 👍

[@dazzlingdaz187]

Excellent. I would definitely travel that way, looks like a convenient bus service and always cheaper and to an extent less stressful than parking at the airport. Looking forward to your travels around the Isle of Man. I loved travelling around there

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Daz, plenty of IoM content coming up. The bus from South Parkway was fine, it’s just not a dedicated airlink service and I can see why as it just wouldn’t be used by enough passengers.

[@seancoleman8528]

LOVE THE IDEA OF FLYING I WATCHED THE VIDEO OF THE FERRY AND ID RATHER FLY THANKS FOR THE CONTENT

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Sean, thanks for watching 😊

[@flyingmyles]

A great video as always! 2 of my favourites Liverpool airport and The Isle of Man! Liverpool used to have a dedicated airlink bus, the 500, it wasn't heavily used and they kept changing the route to make it work I think (around the time of the capital of culture).

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Myles. Yep the 500 thing, others have said similar so I guess it’s just a demand thing. I do like LPL, much less hassle than MAN but, for me, BHX still trumps both atm. Cheers mate 😊👍

[@simonwhitlock9189]

I love the Isle of Man found it peaceful and scenic and I would like to retire there some day, hope you have a good stay and thanks, stay safe and cheers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon, good luck with the retirement plans, it is a nice place. Make sure you take lots of money though - it ‘ain’t cheap!

[@helenparker3642]

❤ love your videos

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thank you Helen 😊

[@stogieguy7]

Looks like a nice journey! As I know next to nothing about the Isle of Man, I eagerly await your upcoming videos about what’s there. Cheers from the USA!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers SG7! My first time on the IoM and I really enjoyed it. Loads to do transport-wise and I’ll be posting-up a couple of videos shortly on some of the heritage stuff I used. Happy Xmas!

[@stogieguy7]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@pedrorubiotejero_aka_prt]

Why don't National Rail or Merseylink build a extension to go directly into or to going under Liverpool Airport?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Don’t know Pedro, cost probably.

[@drdoolittle5724]

Thank you for a good illustration of one of our connections, if all goes well it is the best/quickest and once at Parkway it is very quick to anywhere by train as you know! Come back in May/June and enjoy out TT, 'BEST BIKE SHOW IN THE WORLD'

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Dr D. I’ll definitely come back, would love to do the TT but I bet accommodation is all booked up and really expensive that time of the year.

[@kevanhubbard9673]

It wasn't just Allerton there was another station, can't remember it's name maybe Garston?, which was combined to form this station.I think that the low level Merseyrail bit is one and the Liverpool to Manchester mainline bit the other?They still effectively operate as separate stations as you have to go through barriers to get from the mainline bit to the low level part.Lime Street is similar where the Merseyrail bit is cut off from the rest.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Kevan, yep I didn't go as far as the Merseyrail part but it was definitely the other side of the barriers we came through.

[@uingaeoc3905]

Only a spur Merseyrail from the Northern Line from SLP along the WCML then across the fields to arrive from the East at the JLA. That would add to the connectivity with the entire region. Frankly, only Peel Group can afford to provide it. Longer between SLP and JLA than the flight takes!

[@binflynn1]

I’ll be using it on Monday coming ,good thing you said it stopped at all them stops thanks 🙏

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh, only takes about 15 mins from South Parkway Paul so you should be ok. I’ll definitely use it again 👍

[@binflynn1]

@@LetsMakeaTrip great good to know can’t wait

[@fredjones2819]

Nice video - would have been handy to itemize what you paid for a flight as opposed going SeaCat from Heysham - think the last time I took a flight to the Isle of Man was by Vickers Viscount - that was fast too 😂

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Fred, I’m off to Heysham this weekend hopefully (on the new Manxman) so I hope you can give that a watch when it comes out 👍

[@roberttaylor6295]

Hi! I was once marketing manager for firstly Spacegrand who flew a 9-seater from BLK to IOM which eventually became JEA and finally Flybe with a European network before moving to consultancy work for Servisair. So I was most interested to in the evocative LPL-IOM flight. Happy memories of time on the mysterious island steeped in myth and legend, Rob

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Rob, thanks for the reply and I’m glad I brought back good memories. Never heard of Spacegrand tbh, sounds like that was a tiny plane as well!

[@enricomonti156]

When I visited Liverpool with a couple of friends in 2019 we had travelled from Manchester to Liverpool South Parkway as we stayed at the Hampton by Hilton just in front of Liverpool Airport (I was employed at Hilton Malta back then and with the staff rate we stayed at £35 per night breakfast included). Our train fare, as such, included the Airlink 500 bus and the other routes (which to my opinion are not Airlink at all too, I have travelled on Airlink-like services, among others, in Bologna, before they opened the Marconi Express, Milan, Stansted Airport (Terravision, until they were allowed within the airport premises), and even Malta has one, the TD2, which connects the Airport to St Julian's without stopping, and then goes back with a few stops in Sliema, even though there was also TD3 until 2020, which went as far as bugibba only stopping at 3 calling points) As for the rest, the Isle of Man is definitely on my bucket list

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Enrico and yes, you can’t go far wrong at £35 inc breakfast! I’m going to post-up another couple of IoM videos next as there’s loads to do there transport-wise. It was a bit out of season when we went so a couple of things were closed but it was a lot less crowded. Definitely recommend 👍

[@johnychis97.]

South Liverpool played next to Aigburth train station mate and yes they play in the northwest counties league these days

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Johny 😊👍

[@johnychis97.]

@@LetsMakeaTrip your welcome mate .love the blogs .especially on the boat back from the isle of man. I'd of been so sick lol

[@RushfanUK]

Last time I flew out of Liverpool was 1989, it was like a garden shed compared to now, they should have done like Newcastle did with the Metro and ran a line out to the airport.

[@samscragg5956]

Love the video :). There is the 500 from the city centre every 30 mins to the airport which is limited stop so more of a conventional airport shuttle also operated by arriva :)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Sam, is the price still £2 do you know?

[@jacobiscool144]

@@LetsMakeaTrip 2 pound yes

[@UnbelievableEricthegiraffe]

@@LetsMakeaTrip The price of any Bus journey in England is capped until March 2023, In Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, It'll be £2 at least till the end of October 2023. If the People of Yorkshire had there way it'd be 99p for any journey under two hours , And they'd expect Complimentary Hot & Cold drinks and a Pie at least.

[@raybarber5662]

Plus Merseyside

[@liamkennedy8864]

The bus network in Liverpool is indeed quite different to other cities I think. Instead of having dedicated non-stop services to the Airport from Liverpool City Centre/South Parkway, connections are integrated into the normal network. There used to be two AirLink services ran by Arriva with branded buses: 500 (initially operated by Selwyns under their own branding) and 501. They ran between the City Centre and the Airport, and Liverpool South Parkway and the Airport, respectively. The 501 is why it is insinuated that there’s a dedicated link between LSP and JLA, as this did run in the past, but I guess they decided not to remove the AirLink signage, as the current connections (80A and 86A) are still technically AirLink services, albeit part of the normal network. Unfortunately the 501 was eventually withdrawn as it became financially unviable due to low passenger numbers. The 500 has also went through numerous changes over the years as well, especially in the City Centre (even running as far as Birkenhead at one point). It was eventually cut down in 2015 to only serve Liverpool One in the City Centre (instead of performing a loop around it) so it could start at the Airport, run to Liverpool One, and head straight back again, therefore becoming more ‘express’ in nature. At the same time it was rerouted to serve Liverpool South Parkway, reviving the ‘dedicated’ AirLink feel, with three rebranded Gemini 2s being dedicated to the route and being retrofitted with luggage racks and an audio-visual announcement system. But then, once again a decision was made to change the service and merge it with the 82A (Liverpool-Runcorn) service, maintaining its promotion as a link to the airport, but instead as a full stopping service with dedicated single deck gas buses operated from the Runcorn depot (subsequently retrofitted with luggage racks aswell). The reason Runcorn didn’t and still doesn’t have double decker buses is due to the low bridges on the busway network in Runcorn. But inevitably, Arriva realised it was a bad idea, as the new 500 became constantly overcrowded with regular commuters and tourists being crammed into a single deck bus. So in 2021, the decision was reversed so that there would be a separate 82A to Runcorn and a rebranded double deck, express 500 service to the Airport. This time the 500 route was modified to serve Liverpool Lime Street station instead of Liverpool South Parkway, via a new smaller loop round the City Centre. And that about brings us to where we are today. The 82A does still serve the Airport as it originally did, but not promoted like the 500 is. It is also worth noting that the 500 and 82A run from the same stand at the Airport (but not at Liverpool One) and are strategically timed so that there is roughly an every 15 minute service from JLA to Liverpool One via Aigburth Road. And the fare structure on the 500 remains in line with every other local bus: £2 flat fare singles, and all season and concessionary passes accepted on the 500. I appreciate that this is a *very* long comment and I’ve went off on a tangent there, but it was too late to stop when I realised! I hope this info is of some use to someone either way. If there are any corrections to be made to anything I’ve mentioned please let me know!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Liam, wow, an amazingly in-depth comment here and can I assure you, I did read it all! I certainly don’t have the knowledge to correct anything you said but I would say the information provides a real insight into how the operation of the airport buses has changed/adapted over the years and I guess it’s an ever-changing process depending on airport passenger numbers and where they see is their catchment area. Flight-wise, there’s always going to be better connectivity from Manchester which is a shame really as I detest that airport! Cheers for the comment 😊👍

[@armchaircritic5605]

Thanks Liam for taking the time to post such a detailed explanation and update.

[@liamkennedy8864]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Hi Mark, sorry only just saw your reply - though better late than never! (MAN’s operational motto incidentally 😒) While the sparkly new T2 at Manchester is a massive improvement, sadly it’s no consolation for the majority of passengers on low cost and package holiday airlines through T1&3 as I’m sure you’ve witnessed many times over!! But yeah a big factor in favour of Manchester is obviously it’s influence as a bigger city and airport, and having a much bigger range of destinations. Hopefully with the arrival of more carriers into LPL, the councils and public transport operators will crack some heads together to improve connectivity to LPL, because like you I also feel some level of dread going through MAN - it’s like a domino effect there, when something goes wrong the whole airport seems to go into meltdown. I know the benefit of smoother transitioning from check in to plane is probably in large part due to its lower demand, but I just feel like LPL is more organised, especially with modernisation and expansion currently in progress. Hopefully we could see a revival of bus services to LPL from Manchester (and surrounding areas) at some point, such as the well-gone AirLink 700 that Arriva used to run from Manchester Piccadilly to LPL? Even a little promotion (and some strengthening) of the existing rail/bus links via South Parkway could go a long way. Appreciate you taking the time to reply Mark all the best 😊👍

[@liamkennedy8864]

@@armchaircritic5605Sorry for taking so long to reply!! But not a problem - when I have knowledge of something I have a tendency of not being able to refrain myself from commenting!! All the best😊👍

[@paulhellander2791]

Luvved that video, too. Especially the landing shots at Ronaldsway. A lot easier than the Liverpool - Douglas catamaran! A bit different from my 1970 trip from Blackpool Squire's Gate in a slow BA prop aircraft. Good to see the JL Airport connection too. Yea, why not take a local bus. I would! Last flew out of LPL in '19 to Cork then back to LPL from Dublin. Nice airport, though the outside 'passenger pens' could do with a bit of smartening up ... Paul in Oz [ex Preston]

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh cheers Paul, now I’ve tried the bus link to LPL, I’ll use it a bit more. Trouble is, Manchester has much better connectivity, even though the airport sucks.

[@elliott142]

There is the route 500 as the dedicated air link express from Liverpool City Centre - Airport, there used to be a different route the 501 from South Parkway - Airport however it wasn’t used enough, just leaving the 80A & 86A to link the two

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Elliott, yes others have commented on this and I reckon it’s pretty-much down to demand like you say. Cheers 👍

[@elliott142]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Not a problem, enjoyed the watch as usual!☺️

[@jimcrawford5039]

When I flew to the IOM from Liverpool it was Speke Airport! Long time ago, eh? Cheers from Australia.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, even I remember it as Speke but like you say, it was a long time ago! Cheers Jim.

[@theunholyprince8682]

Firstly Mark great video, as a resident of this beautiful city I find there is always something to do in Liverpool! Will there be anymore National Express/Megabus/Flixbus adventures coming up anytime soon? 🙂 There is actually a bus service called the 500 which takes you to the Airport from Liverpool One Bus Station, surprisingly even though it's designated as a Limited Stop service it doesn't actually call at Liverpool South Parkway, it seems to rely going up towards Aigburth via Jericho Lane near Otterspool Promenade and then on towards the main road linking up to the airport, I am unsure of Arriva's logic behind this route to be honest if it doesn't call at South Parkway, it could be because it already has the 80A and 86A to help with getting passengers to the Airport, the only thing I could think of is possibly the 500 is more for the Coach Passengers changing at Liverpool One for the Airport? It would help if the 500 did call at South Parkway to add an extra service for the station however even if we got that bus it wouldn't make the journey any quicker than the 80A or 86A due to the route in question. Did you know there used to be a bus that connected Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Manchester City Centre & Airport? I believe this was a good 15 to 20 years ago and was also operated by Arriva, the route 700 it was called, why they chose to get rid of it though I have absolutely no idea and it's very rarely talked about these days, low passenger numbers possibly? This I believe may very well be the Airlink Bus that you are referring to. I really wish they didn't get rid of it as it would seem it was a very useful route to connect two of the North West's biggest cities together as while there are plenty of trains connecting the two cities together if you're a Bus Pass user like myself? Then to get between the two the more *unconventional* way, I would get a train to Newton Le Willows, A bus from Newton Le Willows to Leigh and finally the V1 Vantage bus from Leigh to Manchester, takes a little while however can save a few £££ if just looking to do something for the day haha. If there is one thing about the Liverpool John Lennon Airport which is a big disadvantage is that especially for the flights going out early in the morning, the 86A stops after 12:30am and doesn't start up again until 04:17am I believe? Say you get to the airport for 5am it doesn't exactly give you enough time for check in and passing through security if you're getting a 6am flight. The 86A used to be a 24/7 bus and as such it was proudly advertised by Arriva and StageCoach for such a service, in my opinion why advertise it still if you no longer offer it? Also if there was another few things you might have noticed at Liverpool John Lennon Airport? Firstly no Train/Tram service, it is so overdue I really hope the Liverpool Council and MerseyTravel/MerseyRail authorities come up with something, a train route might very well be unlikely due to Logistical reasons, A Tram Link possibly? I believe they attempted this back nearly 15 to 20 years ago and for some reason they just stopped it.... And also? No Coaches! No National Express coaches, Megabus coaches or Flixbus coaches whatsoever! Completely mystified by that to be honest. For example the other week I caught a National Express Coach at about 3am which went from Liverpool One to Leeds via Manchester Airport, for me personally this is a very useful link for getting off at the Airport, the Route 170 I think? It only cost about £3.50 one way which to be honest with you considering it takes only an hour I find to be absolutely more than reasonable, what I don't understand is why the coach companies can't or won't fill in the gaps at that time in the morning to help those that need the earlier flights from Liverpool John Lennon Airport, getting there early in the morning it would seem is actually more tricky than getting to Manchester Airport! Controversial I think personally!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi TUP and thanks for this very extensive and interesting comment. Firstly, yes there will be lots more bus and coach videos coming next year. I’m going to do a few different routes and different operators (Oxford Tube, Citylink and Bus Eireann for example). I’ve also got a JOGLE idea incorporating two long coach trips in the middle. Now Liverpool Airport well, in short, I would use it a lot more for flying on budget airlines if it had better transport links. But having said that, the 80A suited me just fine. I agree, why doesn’t the 500 stop at South Parkway too - just seems daft!? LPL is always going to be in the shadow of MAN in terms of connectivity both airside and landside but like I said, for the cheaper options, I’ll still put both airports into Google Flights and pick the cheapest and most practical regardless of origin. Being in Shrewsbury though BHX trumps both because it easier to get to and you can be off the train and airside in 10-15 minutes! Horses for courses and all that. Ultimately, I can see myself travelling from all three airports but for different reasons. Cheers for the comment and have a great Xmas! Mark 😊👍

[@mikefish8226]

The 500 is not very limited stop, it used to be but now stops at almost every stop. The 500 used to stop at South Parkway. They changed the route to reduce the number of buses required.

[@alanshelly7068]

A very good Saturday evening buddy from Alan in Lowestoft

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

God evening to you Alan (well, good morning now). Have a great weekend!

[@spriggy40]

boss vid mark 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate, appreciated 😊👍

[@andrewjones-productions]

Most people who watch this and have commented are fully aware, but for those that do not know what is and isn't the United Kingdom, the Isle of Mann 🇮🇲 is not in the UK. It is somewhere I have never been and would like to go.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Well worth going Andrew. I hope you get there 😊👍

[@brianmadden9754]

There is a limited stop Airlink service (500) that operates from Liverpool One directly to the airport but it doesn't call at Liverpool South Parkway. Hours of operation are 04.00 till 01.00.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Brian. Others have mentioned the 500 too and I guess my only question really is ‘why doesn’t it call at South Parkway’. Cheers 😊👍

[@merseydave1]

Yes well done! Liverpool South Park Way is on the old football groud of South Liverpool F.C. Holly Park, and the new Train Bus Station does incorparate the old Allerton Train Station ... One last point ... any single bus journey costs just £1-00 now!.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers David, didn’t realise it’s now £1 - that’s gotta be decent value there!

[@merseydave1]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Yep!

[@TheCoopsvids]

Thanks for posting this mate … I had an awful flight home from Lanzarote in Jan this year one aborted landing then a really sketchy landing the second time round …..I was terrified and have told the boss I ain’t flying again …looking at this short flight and the prices like £23 each way think I,m gonna do a flight over to see if I can break how scared I am of flying again ..will let you know how I get on Atb Coops 👍🏻

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

That’s a great idea Coops - get back on the horse so to speak. I wish you all the best!

[@terrylalley]

My first ever flight Speke to Douglas.. on a Dak

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Terry, that sounds great! Never flown in one tbh but must’ve been a memorable experience 👍

[@garymorgan9977]

What no shout out 😮. Can’t believe you forgot to mention me, dragging you to the football match while waiting for our connection. Thanks mostly goes to the steward who advised us that the match was free to get in. In those days our pocket money would only go so far so we jumped at the chance. If I remember we only stayed for one half before catching the train to Liverpool Lime Street.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Good times mate and great memories of that day! It’s certainly changed round there and I would never have guessed I was standing where the pitch would’ve been until I researched it. Happy Xmas btw 😊👍

[@studebaker4217]

Top marks for calling Liverpool South Parkway a RAILWAY STATION, and not a train station (a hideous and incorrect Americanism). Hard to believe it's based on Allerton Station - I grew up near West Allerton, the next station towards Lime Street.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Oh yes, if I ever unintentionally make that mistake in one of my videos, please feel free to pull me up on it 👍

[@carlbarton772]

Happy Christmas

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Same to you Carl 👍

[@carlbarton772]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Thanks for the videos.

[@218colin1]

Great video. Did you make a video on the ferry to northern Spain.?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Colin. Yes there will be a video on the Santander trip. It was on Brittany Ferries Galicia btw.

[@218colin1]

@@LetsMakeaTrip can’t wait.

[@OliverG20]

God video

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks 😊

[@jplj7013]

Great video? How early should I get to Liverpool airport for this flight?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Easyjet would tell you this when booking. Cheers 👍

[@adrianbenn7250]

There is a direct express bus from the city centre the 500 bus

[@davidsankey30]

Great video there is a much faster bus service you can get from Liverpool City centre to the airport which only stops at certain stops

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

David, thanks for the comment. Do you know what this other bus service is called? I’d be interested to know for next time. Cheers 😊

[@davidsankey30]

@@LetsMakeaTrip it's the 500 and it goes from Liverpool one every 30 mins

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@davidsankey30 cheers mate 😊👍

[@fgrion]

if you started your journey from central Liverpool you would have spent more time on the bus than on the plane :) I reckon those short flights are by far more convenient than getting a ferry so i reckon they are pretty busy too. About not being a direct bus, i reckon because the Parkway is more of a park and ride for the city centre rather than the airport?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, all this is correct and tbh, I’d probably fly next time too (though from BHX just because it’s slightly easier for me).

[@theleedsbusdriver]

This wasn't obviously this week.. No snow haha

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Tell you what TLBD, if I was there this week, I’d be heading for warmer climes for sure. Hate the cold ☹️

[@peterwhitaker4038]

interesting as always my mate. that photo @ 1:24 of Holly park (south Liverpool F.C.) drew my attention to little known facts. nearby to South Liverpool Parkway station is a long stretch of road called Brodie avenue. well this is named after local man John Brodie who invented Football nets after seeing his beloved Everton denied a goal because of the crowd in the goalmouth against Accrington. local history says nets were first ever used at Holly park but that's not true. the truth is the first ever permanent floodlights were used at South Liverpool F.C in late 1940,s so the trains passing through The Parkway are passing through football History area. also mate i think £2 on the bus to the airport is a steal you would spend more than that on a packet of chewing gum in an airport. keep the vids coming...good stuff mate! happy Christmas

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Love little factoids like this Peter, great stuff! I think when I was there probably early - mid 80’s Allerton train depot was nearby? All a bit hazy now tbh but we were definitely hanging around on the platform and you could see the game from there. Agree, £2 is great and it did me. I’d definitely use it again rather than take the car. Cheers mate and happy Xmas to you too. 😊👍

[@briocheoleary5043]

Do those flaps on the engine have a purpose other than slowing the aircraft? Love the blog as always

[@patrikmatousek6246]

They increase the area of the wing during take-off so that the plane can get in the air at a slower speed. They can also increase the drag during landing, so that the plane can land at much lower speeds, allowing the aircraft to stop without overrunning the runway.

[@gazza1858]

Lovely island go every year for TT .

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

My first time, really enjoyed it. I bet it’s rammed for the TT, I’d love to go and see it but I bet lots of stuff gets booked-up a long time in advance.

[@gazza1858]

@@LetsMakeaTrip population of island doubles in size .

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@gazza1858 I bet!!

[@sarahillingworth2718]

I've been here when I stayed in garston a few years ago 👍. If I had money I'd go to isle of man 👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

You should Sarah - I really enjoyed it. Getting there's not expensive but staying over can be, depending on the time of year.

[@sarahillingworth2718]

@@LetsMakeaTrip ah ok 👍

[@greglewis8843]

Always use the normal bus for hotels at Heathrow hoppa is a rip off that Liverpool service would suit me fine thanks

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, £2 Greg, perfectly fine for me too. Sure that Heathrow bus used to be free as well but Heathrow being Heathrow these days, it’s one more charge to levy.

[@derisleybrittain]

Excellent 🥇🥇🥇🥇🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Derisley 😊😊😊🚌🚌🚌🚍🚍✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️

[@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ]

In fairness to the South Parkway buses, they are local buses. Every attempt at a traditional 'Airlink' bus from there has had dismal passenger numbers and given there are 6 normal local buses per hour on the 80A and 86A, it would be daft to duplicate over these for one or two people per trip, if that. This way of working means the bus fares are cheaper, buses are more frequent and you still get where you are going in reasonable time. With regards to buses to/from Liverpool City Centre, of all of the buses between Liverpool and the Airport, the 80A takes the longest so it's not a fair comparison that you have made. The 500 (Mainly an Airlink bus but does do a small bit of 'local bus' to provide a service to Riverside Drive which otherwise wouldn't have a bus. The bus would go this way anyway though so makes sense to provide a bus to the locals. This takes 30-40 minutes and calls at upto 30 stops (though about 10 of these you will never, ever stop at). The 82A takes 40-50 minutes and calls at 38 stops. This would likely be the more uncomfortable journey though being a single decker on a busy bus corridor and this bus links onwards to Widnes and Runcorn so more potential passengers. The 86A takes 50-60 minutes each way and calls at 43 stops. Very busy bus corridor and you will stop a lot on the 86. Then, finally, the 80A. 50-60 minutes and calls at, trusting your word, 50 stops. Not as busy of a route but certainly the slowest, feels like the slowest. Between South Parkway and the Airport, it's the slowest bus as well as it goes around the industrial estate.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers for the info UserUCK….etc etc. The 80A was the first one to turn up. It was either that or the 86A from South Parkway. Totally agree that it’s a waste of money trying to run an airlink service from here. But if you’re saying the 500 is ‘mainly an airlink bus’ well it either is or it isn’t and if it’s got the potential to call at 30 stops along the way, I’d argue it isn’t. Like I said in the video, I like the 80A for what it is because it’s cheap and perfectly fine for what I wanted. I wasn’t taking it from the city centre so I’m not sure what you mean by ‘not a fair comparison’? You don’t mention the frequency or price of the 500 but, if it’s similar to the others then yes, going to the airport on that service compared to the others is obviously preferable. All the best 😊👍

[@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ]

​@@LetsMakeaTrip All buses within Merseyside are £2 flat fare single. That includes the 80A, 82A, 86A and 500. As for whether it is or isn't an airlink bus. The local bus network has gone through various ways to have a fast bus from the Airport and get buses through Brunswick. That as well as keeping the bus part of the local bus network for all people to make use of and so this kind of hybrid model came about of it being the fast bus to the airport as well as providing a bus for an area which otherwise would have no service. It has no time penalty since the bus rarely stops in the area and it's the same route which the bus would take anyway. The 500 runs every 30 minutes for 20 hours of the day (Depending on which way you are travelling, the buses are between 4am-midnight or 5am-1am. The 500 does a loop around south of the city and so a number of stops happen there. This is in line with what you say about serving key interchanges and key destinations. 13 of the bus stops, buses have never stopped or extremely rarely stop. The 500 also stops at a few stops in the business park to facilitate employment links for these workers. The not fair comparison is when you were commenting on around 5:58.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I think the kind of hybrid model you describe suits the city and the airport, taking into account current operations and the number of flights per day. And I guess that’s another subject in terms of how much business an airport like LPL can attract with its size and connectivity. Too close to MAN? Anyway, discussion for another day. Appreciate the input and thanks for sharing your knowledge of the area. Have a good Xmas 😊👍

[@brettc1169]

Great video, what was the ticket cost out of interest?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

£38 for the flight, £2 for the bus.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

You will be pleased to know that in summer 2023 Lufthansa will be increasing flight frequency LPL-FRA.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I heard that Alex. I keep meaning to try it, just haven’t found the time yet. Quite fancy another go on a CRJ-900 👍

[@railnut21]

There used to be an express bus from south parkway to the airport (starting at the same place as the bus you caught) but various reasons saw this altered to the 'semi-fast' stopper (all for a loss of 4 minutes as the fast one used to take 10 minutes traffic dependant)

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Ah cheers David, useful info mate 😊👍

[@tomjones7593]

Thanks- I like Liverpool Airport as it is small and approachable and the nearest to me BUT the road signage for car drivers from North Wales at least is bloody awful- in addition the train from Holyhead (The only one we have ) does not link; where the hell is South Parkway ?? Given the unreliability and cost of trains I would never risk losing a fishing break in Ireland by using public transport, I regret to say. I hope someone in authority at the airport/Liverpool Council is watching. You may say 'well what do you expect if you live in North Wales ?' but we are about 500 K people on the airport doorstep- surely something can be done ?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep the north wales area should be a big catchment for LPL, but then it’s just as easy (if not easier) to go to MAN. If you do need to get to South Parkway, change at Crewe 👍

[@GWAYGWAY1]

Nice flight , pity about the announcements in Swahili .

[@erik_griswold]

If you had one, you could have paid for your trip to John Lennon Airport with the Walrus Card. Related, the British tendency to use the term “Pot Plant” always gives me a giggle.

[@martf8014]

What is Easy's shortest flight, I always assumed it was LPL to IOM

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I believe it’s Belfast International to Isle of Man.

[@jackmaher9296]

All buses in Liverpool are £2 now . Not matter if one stop or until the end of the journey.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Jack, good to know. Here’s an interesting one: what do you reckon is the longest single journey you can make for £2?

[@jackmaher9296]

@@LetsMakeaTripossibly the X2 to Preston from Liverpool but don’t know if it stops in Southport now. But probably Liverpool - Southport , Liverpool - Banks or Liverpool- Chester or even Liverpool- St Helens. Takes forever because it goes through every side road you can think of after passing Prescot

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@jackmaher9296 not bad for £2 though. Probably worth staying on it for a warm!

[@armchaircritic5605]

I think that £2 fare is just the temporary one. At the moment most bus routes in England are charging £2 a ride. I believe this Government subsidises initiative runs to March 23.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@armchaircritic5605 been extended now until the end of June.

[@cannyexplorer5357]

Seems there is nowhere to put suitcases on the bus.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi CE, yep, this bus was fairly quiet tbh and we had hand luggage but yeh, it could become cramped if busier and if there’s wheelchair users present the issue would be further exacerbated. Cheers.

[@flybobbie1449]

Light aircraft pilots, don't fly into Liverpool, it used to be cheap. Last flight i did with friend, £170 landing fee!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Bobbie, I guess there must be cheaper airfields about. Hawarden?

[@sleepyjones1]

That airport looks a lot like a Tesco.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Haha, it does doesn’t it! Thought it reminded me of something 😂

[@JohnTaylor-bf6ll]

The only drawback for domestic flights is that by the time you've negociated the airports at either end of your journey, any time saving factor is greatly reduced, compared to the alternative surface transport. The only exception to this of-course is to Ireland or the Channel Islands. When I went to the Isle of Man, I went by ferry from Liverpool.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I came back by ferry John - that was a journey and a half I can tell you! Very rough crossing! Let’s just say, it made for a very interesting video but yep, ultimately it drops you right in the centre of Liverpool pretty-much, which is great.

[@Ian_Livesey]

When was this filmed?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

October 22

[@Ian_Livesey]

@@LetsMakeaTripand still going on about Covid. Shame on EasyJet.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@Ian_Livesey ah yeh, nice spot 👍

[@ricgsy7825]

Yes I noticed it too. Can't believe there still banging on about Covid. Im surprised they didn't make you wear a mask. Move on Easyjet.

[@silentauditor9513]

How much was the flight?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

£38 o/w.

[@silentauditor9513]

@@LetsMakeaTrip cheers dude!

[@topumpire1]

South Liverpool have reformed after disbanding due to excesive vandalism of their ground

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Didn't know about the vandalism - cheers Alan.

[@za121]

Who were you with?

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

One of my many travelling acquaintances 😊

[@za121]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Do you mean it was your wife?

[@TheCraigaberdeen]

Bargain £2 Airport bus. Glasgow Airport Express is £8.50 one way for a 15 minute trip.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

£8.50! Wow! Edinburgh Airlink is not too bad at £4.50 and this is even better. I’ll definitely use LPL via bus again 👍

[@liamphilbin7256]

eeeeeeeeeeeee🌄

[@barrycrombie1690]

Use Liverpool Airport and South Parkway a lot...there is no airlink..there is a local Speke bus that goes to the airport with no consideration for who is getting on and the luggage. Been left stranded here before as bus service not great and a poor taxi service. It is a real shame to be honest

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yes I reckon if loads of people with luggage got on, it would be struggling. Probably end up in the wheelchair space which is not ideal tbh.

[@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ]

There has been airlink buses in various shapes and forms over the years. These generally ran empty though and didn't justify the cost of sending them there. The 80A and 86A provide 6 buses per hour between them to the Airport from South Parkway so an additional bus is simply unnecessary. Luggage space could be an issue but generally speaking, the amount of people using these buses between the Airport and South Parkway is minimal. If the airlink buses were used previously, they would still be there now!

[@barrycrombie1690]

@@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ that is fair enough but the South Parkway experience, and I use it relatively frequently, is sub-par and reduces the attractiveness of the airport. I travel by public transport and am used to better service to airports than this

[@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ]

@@barrycrombie1690 so the solution is for Merseyside taxpayers to cough up what would be £300,000 per year for a service which is used by less than 50 people per day. A direct bus wouldn't be much quicker, wouldn't be as frequent and would be more expensive. Sounds like a great idea. Wasting taxpayers money, whoopee.

[@barrycrombie1690]

@@UserUCKANAOD8SlYguEhbCkUdlMQ why so sarcastic? I am just saying that the public transport service to Liverpool Airport is pretty poor and not well adapted for people using an airport. If that is the decision then fine. I choose Manchester if I can because of this

[@jonjohnson2844]

I prefer to drive and park at the airport and pay 10 times the cost of the flight for the privilege.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Tbf to LPL, I’ve found it to be one of the cheaper airport parking locations.

[@jonjohnson2844]

@@LetsMakeaTrip yeah was a bad joke! I was thinking of the time I went from East Mids to Berlin for £4 return but the parking was £29 for one day!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@jonjohnson2844 oh tell me about it! I came back from Santander last week, spent more than the cost of the flight in McDonalds on the way to the airport! Cheers mate 😊👍

[@jonjohnson2844]

@@LetsMakeaTrip ha ha, typical, have a good Christmas mate!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@jonjohnson2844 and you sir!

[@davidwilliams3743]

Liverpool airport 21st century and no tram or train to the airport. 😏

[@buzzinadventures4217]

Having lived on the Isle of Man and worked there on and off over the last 17 years - have to say I found Sleazyjet the worst airline to fly on and I have flown on all of them over that period - Euromanx, Citywing, Manx2, Flybe, Aer Arran, BA, etc. etc.