There really is no alternative is there to Manchester with its silly-priced handling? Barton is unsuitable for my aircraft.
Depends where your ultimate destination is.
Have you considered:
- Liverpool
- Leeds
- Hawarden
Yes but unfortunately the destination is Manchester city centre.
I hoped you wouldn't say that. Oh well.
Your choice then is to pay the expensive handling at Manchester or to go somewhere less convenient and spend money on transport.
Or you could do a cheeky drop-in at Woodford. 
Is Woodford still open? I used to go in there 12 years ago...
No, it closed two years ago.
Which is why I suggested that dropping in there might be cheeky. 
