FlyBe - 6

[El Bunto]

BEE416 20 mins late departing EGBB last night due to delays 'loading bags from a connecting flight'.

'Connecting flight' with FlyBE? I hadn't thought it was possible but their website does make reference to 'through fare':

means a single ticket for a passenger’s continuous journey that involves connecting transportation on two or more flights, where baggage is checked in at departure and only collected at the ultimate destination.

Perhaps the AFR code-share offers this service.

[EcamSurprise]

Tonyq

I flew with Flybe regularly between Paris and Sou and I genuinely can't remember when I left on time.

[Hotel Tango]

I flew with Flybe regularly between Paris and Sou and I genuinely can't remember when I left on time.

That may depend on what criteria you use. I'm still amazed at how many passengers judge timing according to the take-off time and not, as should be, the off-blocks time.

[Tonyq]

Isn't it actual arrival time, versus scheduled arrival time, which is the core measure of OTP?

[Hotel Tango]

Isn't it actual arrival time, versus scheduled arrival time, which is the core measure of OTP?

Something like that yes, but again, the arrival time is calculated as the time the a/c blocks on. However, I was refering to the average passenger's perception of running late being based on the take-off time.

[LN-KGL]

Times for my short flight yesterday:
STD 16:55 UTC
Push started 16:41 UTC
TO 16:54 UTC
TD 17:35 UTC
STA 17:50 UTC
On blocks 17:39 UTC
Checked in baggage received 17:45 UTC
In taxi 17:47 UTC
At destination 17:59 UTC

I have to add to this, the 737 I flew with landed (TD) 16:21 UTC and on blocks at gate 18 16:23 UTC at the airport I flew from. Now you can start guessing the airline I flew with.

PS. The flight wasn't to or from a British airport

[El Bunto]

Thanks WingoWango, I hadn't realised that about FlyBE.

I learned a new thing!

Actually I think they should promote that more on their website, it is a definite advantage over the single-sector-only bookings of The Others.

[EcamSurprise]

Something like that yes, but again, the arrival time is calculated as the time the a/c blocks on. However, I was refering to the average passenger's perception of running late being based on the take-off time.

As a crew member for another airline, I am well accustomed to chocks time.. and they were still late every time.

Indeed, on most occasions, boarding only started a few minutes prior to planned off blocks time, and whilst arrival was usually back on schedule, the passenger experience of sitting in an airport prior to departure at horrible times of the day with no information is pretty disappointing and is a sure way of loosing clients, even if the OTP would be calculated by arrival times.

The customer service was always pretty poor too and it really became a last resort option for me, which is a shame, as it was by far the most convenient connection which should speak volumes.

[Capetonian]

I gave up on Flybe years ago and for travel to and from the Channel Islands I now use the 'Day of the Condor' option. I spend a pleasant day on the ferry, read the newspapers, chat, eat, snooze, and I know what time I'm arriving. Bliss!

[Hotel Tango]

Indeed, on most occasions, boarding only started a few minutes prior to planned off blocks time, and whilst arrival was usually back on schedule

So, if they "usually" arrive on time, what exactly is your problem? My experience with other carriers is also that relatively short delays in boarding (i.e. +/- 15 mins) remain un-announced. I'm not pro FLYBE but I just don't understand your argument, sorry.

By the way, as a crew member, you should be aware that the lack of information is often down to the handling agents and not directly with the airline.

[dantheflyboy]

I see Lord SM is still as negative as ever towards certain airlines, has been for years and probably always will be. I find the best thing is to just ignore his comments as he likes nothing more than to whip up a stormy debate.
As has been said many times before this is a rumour network not a public space to slag off all that makes you annoyed in life. Have a good day Folks!

[cornishsimon]

Is there anything further on the proposed LCY routes ?

[lfc84]

I see the 6060 gurantee only applies for flights up to end of may. see here for confirmation of the promotion period: 60:60 on-time guarantee - Terms & Conditions | Flybe | Cheap flights & budget flights

I'm happy to report i submitted a claim today and got an instant success.

[GCILover]

I have been informed by a flybe insider, that there is a high possibility of BA dropping several routes out of LCY and these being the routes that Flybe will be picking up. The routes in question were not mentioned.

[Jet Set Willie]

With 3 new aircraft arriving at LCY over the next couple of months, expansion is the only thing on BAs mind. The only route I could ever see going to someone else would be the IOM if people don't use it!!!

[El Bunto]

If anyone is concerned about flybes OTP just dig out the stats and compare them to other airlines. End of debate.

Averages are great after the fact.

But it's anecdotes that give an airline a reputation; every FlyBE flight out of Belfast City today has departed after its scheduled time, according to the airport's own flight info board.

When intending passengers look up and see DELAYED or ESTIMATED against every BEE code, that's what creates perception.

Delays currently on the board range from 7 minutes to 41.

I'm not dissing the airline or its staff. But as a passenger myself, it's hard to reconcile OTP stats with experiences like that.

[dantheflyboy]

OTD is pushback or release or a/c brakes, Screens show actual take off times. There is therefore always difference between the two as there is variable waiting times at the holding point. So if you look at the screen info only nearly all flights of all airlines at city look late. Obviously with a 25 min turnaround including a clean of a/c unless you arrive early you never get out ontime however like all airlines extra sector time is built into schedule to accommodate this and then most flights arrive within the 15 min industry standard of an ontime arrival.

[eastern wiseguy]

OTD is pushback or release or a/c brakes, Screens show actual take off times.

Not quite. I recall at BFS a flight was shown as departed as soon as it pushed back i.e. it was "in flight" by the legal definition.

Anecdotally it always seemed that Flybe were mentioned as being delayed more than other airlines on the morning drive to work. There was more than a few occasions when I pitched up at EGAA to see a DH8 or two on the apron implying that they were late in to EGAC.

Just my perception of course.

[Cloud1]

I think people forget just how many flights these aircraft operate. It is very easy to pick up delays on the ground - I flew with Flybe only the other week and we were on time boarding and pushing back but held up 15 minutes during taxi and holding for departure. If that happens a few times in a day that's an hour delay for those on the aircrafts last sector of the day.

Easyjet and Ryanair aircraft spend more time in the air and therefore pick up marginal delays which seem unnoticeable. Flybe is in and out of airports all the time - this also means minor mechanical faults develop.

It's like driving your car every day for hundreds of miles compared to someone who drives theirs for a few miles. The most used vehicle will need servicing or repairs much more frequently

[dantheflyboy]

Yawn! Oh and why am I little Dan? Don't bother answering that Spandex as I don't want to be seen as defensive. End of Topic. Next please!