European holiday using Turboprop
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European holiday using Turboprop
For a change of plan next year I fancy going somewhere by turboprop instead of an Easy Airbus.
Ideally to the south of France of Spain or similar 'warm' destination from a London regional airport.
Which airline/route would guarantee a flight in an ATR, Dash 8, Saab etc?
Ideally to the south of France of Spain or similar 'warm' destination from a London regional airport.
Which airline/route would guarantee a flight in an ATR, Dash 8, Saab etc?
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From the UK, I'd imagine Flybe would be the best option on a Q400.
If you can find the routes flown, Hop and Air Nostrum use ATR72-600's should you fancy connecting once out there.
If you can find the routes flown, Hop and Air Nostrum use ATR72-600's should you fancy connecting once out there.
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SOU might be considered a London regional airport, with an airport rail station and just 1hr 45mins from Waterloo, not sure what may have gone on as a result of the Flybe restructuring but SOU did have some interesting turboprop routes
Yes from SOU you can go on a Dash 8 Q400 to Menorca on a charter flight (booking a TUI package holiday) or to Verona for Lake Garda and the Dolomite's (Hols via Inghams Holidays)
https://www.southamptonairport.com/destinations/
There a few nice French destinations too, including Perpignan - you will have to check if they are all on a Q400 - most are...
Flybe have canned quite a few other leisure routes from SOU for next summer but Virgin may rethink that....
https://www.southamptonairport.com/destinations/
There a few nice French destinations too, including Perpignan - you will have to check if they are all on a Q400 - most are...
Flybe have canned quite a few other leisure routes from SOU for next summer but Virgin may rethink that....
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Having endured the misery of the Dash 8 far more than I’d wish to, I cannot imagine why the OP would want to do so out of choice, and on a long(ish) flight, and for pleasure. Add the possibility of being subjected to Flybe’s appalling customer service and ritual humiliation, and I’d be staying at home. The ATR is slightly better, but neither is anywhere near as ‘comfortable’ (and I use that word cautiously) as easyJet.
I've flown the Trinidad - Tobago shuttle in a Dash 8 and Warsaw - Goleniow (Szczecin) in an ATR 72 and I have to say the latter type was more prefereable.
London to NQY on a Dash 8 then connect to take a Twin Otter to the Scilly's?
A bit harsh on turboprops, not flown Dash 8 but most of the others inc twotters in regular service around the Caribbean and really like the sensation of flying as the props change pitch and spool up for take off. Also a great view as mostly high wing. watching the landing gear deploy/retract is interesting too. But it is horses for courses and they aren't made for long trips
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A bit harsh on turboprops, not flown Dash 8 but most of the others inc twotters in regular service around the Caribbean and really like the sensation of flying as the props change pitch and spool up for take off. Also a great view as mostly high wing. watching the landing gear deploy/retract is interesting too. But it is horses for courses and they aren't made for long trips
My last turboprop sojourn was last summer on a BE Q400 from SOU - VRN to go to Lake Garda for my Hols.
Flight time was 2h 20m and my ''prop'' threshold was being definitely reached lol
I had front row with extra leg room - comfort was acceptable I suppose, but in-flight service was lacking. Flight was full, bar 1 empty seat next to me, 77 pax.
Previously my long turboprop flights was an all-nighter in 1981 from LPL to Palma on a BMA Viscount - 4h 45m (it was free - I worked for BMA)
Came home 2 weeks later on a Laker DC-10, back row 3 seats to myself.
Flight time was 2h 20m and my ''prop'' threshold was being definitely reached lol
I had front row with extra leg room - comfort was acceptable I suppose, but in-flight service was lacking. Flight was full, bar 1 empty seat next to me, 77 pax.
Previously my long turboprop flights was an all-nighter in 1981 from LPL to Palma on a BMA Viscount - 4h 45m (it was free - I worked for BMA)
Came home 2 weeks later on a Laker DC-10, back row 3 seats to myself.
OK, I'll be the first to bite - where on earth is FSS ?
I suppose that after 2hrs, the small cabin and higher noise of the Q400 would become tiring (by modern standards), so UK-Italy/Spain et al would be the limit. Even 2-3hrs on a regional jet can be a bind comfort-wise, and you don't have the noise levels to deal with. I have to say I do enjoy flying on turboprop aircraft as the lower speeds and altitude give the impression that you're flying rather than the usual. Also the embarkation/disembarkation process somehow makes the experience different/connected.
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Some good info here, thanks for the prompts. I know noisy prop aircraft aren't luxurious but never looked out the window to see spinny things in a flight before. ATR floats my boat I think.
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I suppose that after 2hrs, the small cabin and higher noise of the Q400 would become tiring (by modern standards), so UK-Italy/Spain et al would be the limit. Even 2-3hrs on a regional jet can be a bind comfort-wise, and you don't have the noise levels to deal with. I have to say I do enjoy flying on turboprop aircraft as the lower speeds and altitude give the impression that you're flying rather than the usual. Also the embarkation/disembarkation process somehow makes the experience different/connected.
I once did Heathrow - Warsaw in an Emb 195 and it was very pleasant. Although narrow body (2 + 2 abreast) it seemed very roomy due to the huge windows making it very light inside.
Flight time was 2h 20m and my ''prop'' threshold was being definitely reached lol
I had front row with extra leg room - comfort was acceptable I suppose,
I had front row with extra leg room - comfort was acceptable I suppose,