Originally Posted by
Nakata77
1. The trains are ludicrously expensive these days and you're lucky if you get a seat unless you book first class or super early.
2. Flybe operate largely a monopoly from a lot of their bases.
Given these two points how can they still be loss making?
I guess it depends on what you define as super early and 'ludicrously expensive'. Most train companies don't release trains for sale more than 12 weeks in advance, with promotional fares being more like 8-10 weeks in advance, I agree the experience on CrossCounty isn't great.
MAN-SOU on the 13th of December, returning on the 14th, flyBe is about £115 return, the train 227.00 (cheaper fares are available at different times, the cheapest trains are ~£115). The flight takes an hour, plus commute to/from airports, the train 4h15m for the direct options. I don't think there is much in it from a time or convenience point of view - these will vary depending on actual endpoints. It is interesting that one of the poorer intercity train companies can command a higher fare relative to air travel.