Flybe - returns cheaper than one way?

[jabird]

Looking into flights up to Scotland for New Year from Birmingham, Flybe had a fare for £31 out to Edinburgh, and the same going back, but when I tried to book it as two separate legs (had the possibility of a lift back from Edinburgh, but otherwise would have preferred to fly back from Glasgow), it was quoting £71 for the same outbound flight. I know no-frills airlines like to offer tempting outbound fares to European destinations, with the return leg often being much more expensive, but are Flybe the only ones to play the trick of charging significantly more if you try and book in just one direction? I thought this sort of pricing was only still used by the dinosaur airlines and train companies?

At least these prices are much lower than the same time last year, when they were £100+ each way, excluding taxes. Would this be down to the efficiencies gained by operating Q400's on this route, or are they gearing up for competition from baby - even BA had a fare of £120 return, including taxes.

Also, will anyone ever lay on a bus between Edinburgh airport and Glasgow. There must be enough routes available from Edinburgh which are different to Glasgow's offerings (if I can say so without starting another EDI v GLA war!), combined with people wanting to visit both cities, but being unable to get an open jaw type booking, or simply people taking advantage of times when prices at Edinburgh are lower. I know it is often the other way round, but there has always been a bus service from Edinburgh to Glasgow airport, but not vice versa, despite Edinburgh airport being between the two cities. I know they're planning on building a rail interchange under the terminal, and I know you can change to City Link at the Maybury roundabout, just wondering if any bus company had looked at putting a service on?

[Tandemrotor]

Actually jabird

I've just been on www.ba.com, and if you choose your dates carefully in Jan, you can get a BHX-EDI-BHX ticket for £55 INC TAXES!!

The moral of the story is this: Don't assume that just because BA has the best 'back up' (and probably best level of service, of any UK airline) it can't compete purely on price. Particularly from the regions.

Those days are over!

[Avman]

With airlines stiil practising these archaic fare policies, simply buy the return and throw away the return part (after you used the outbound. This is what most people do - hence the reason for a higher-than-average rate of no-shows in Y cabins these days!

[johnwalton]

I've just been on www.ba.com, and if you choose your dates carefully in Jan, you can get a BHX-EDI-BHX ticket for £55 INC TAXES!!

Yep, but BA's cheapest fares restrict you to taking 6kg of hand-baggage -- you have to pay extra (or 'increase the flexibility of your ticket') if you are taking hold luggage. On the plus side though, there is a CHOICE of complimentary newspaper for all ticket types! Worth all of 30p. Wow.

[jabird]

Tandemrotor,

I was referring to flights over the new year period. I never assume any particular airline (or alternative means of transport) will be the cheapest for any particular route, unless they are the only operator. BA have had offers of £39 to EDI & GLA all in, and £49 to CDG all in, so I know they are competitive. Free roll & drinks too.

John Walton,

Are you sure you can't check in anything in for the cheapest fare? I thought only Ryanair were talking about doing that.

Avman,

Faced with a choice between the backseat of a car and paying petrol money, or using the return portion and being home in a couple of hours, it is a fairly simple option, but I'm sure lots of people do waste those tickets. But surely FR have an even higher no show rate with all those £1 tickets - I still don't understand why they don't overbook?

[johnwalton]

When you go to book a flight on their website, it says:

Fare conditions
Changes: Bookings may not be changed.
Refunds: If you cancel there is no refund.

Included in your fare:

- Operated by British Airways
- Complimentary food and drink to suit the time of day
- Easier check-in online or using Self-Service Check-in kiosks
- Seat selection available at check-in
- 1 piece of handbaggage maximum 6Kg
- Choice of complimentary newspaper available
- This fare is ineligible for Executive Club Tier Points


So unless i'm missing something (which could well be the case!) theres no mention of having a hold luggage allowance...

[juan who nose?]

BA's website shows the same comment re handbaggage allowance regardless of fare level.

Elsewhere on the site it clearly states that UK domestic checked baggage allowance is one item max 32kg.

Clearly BA can offer good value - the golden rule is to compare all options and not to assume that the low fare carrier will always have the lowest fare!

[Tandemrotor]

johnwalton

I always find sarcasm is so much more enjoyable when based (even loosely) in fact!

And while we are at it, can someone remind me how much I paid for my sandwich, hot drink, and alcohol on that noisy turboprop up to EDI with BE?

[jabird]

juan who nose?

The max free baggage allowance is 20kg, but no single item may be more than 32kg (I think that is an international standard for all airlines).

Confused? Basically, if your bag weighs between 20kg and 32kg, you may be liable for excess. Above 32kg, you'll have to start removing things. AFAIK, a couple would have a combined 40kg allowance, but still no single item above 32kg. I saw a couple have to unpack their bags on a JER to CVT flight earlier this year - no idea how they had so much luggage for a short break!

[surely not]

the 32kgs restriction has been brought in since the advent of the wheeled and towable wardrobes that some people call suitcases!! The passenger cannot carry them and it probably never tcrosses their that some poor blighter will have to lift the bag!