Even the budget airlines are now beginning to offer real frequencies on busy routes. But what happens if you arrive at an airport in time to catch an earlier flight. ABTN investigates
ABTN required to go to Edinburgh last week. What was the easiest route and how much would it cost? In fact the choice turned out to be relatively easy. A mid-afternoon flight with easyJet from Luton started at £13.99. By the time all the so-called taxes and handling charges (including £1.50 for the use of a debit card - it is £5 for a credit card now) the charge was "26.50 single. Heathrow and London City could not compete and from London”s West End Luton seemed easier. The Stansted train service is slow, and the flying time from Gatwick longer.
easyJet has an internet pre-check-in facility not to be recommended. Boarding is by groups. The A race, B race, C race or D race. Check-in by computer, help the airline and you go automatically into group C. Bad news.
What ”easy” does offer now is a special boarding facility when you book. For just £5 you can go into category SB which not only puts you in the front of the queue but, at Luton at least, offers a seat whilst waiting at the gate, a real luxury.
Kings Cross Thameslink to Luton is just 32 minutes if you catch the fast train, in fact quicker than the Gatwick Express and much cheaper. From there it is five minutes in a free bus to the terminal. (And by the way the new dual carriageway from the M1 is coming along fine). Whilst sitting comfortably on the train ABTN realised that a timely arrival might offer the possibility of getting an earlier aircraft. Mobile phones are magic. ”No problem,” said the helpful girl at the other end. ”It”s a courtesy service from easyJet. If you want to take an earlier flight, just go to the ticket desk and they will revalidate if there is space”. ABTN asked about the specific flight. ”You are in luck, 20 seats left.”
Into the airport with 10 minutes to spare before the check-in closed and a quick visit to the easyJet counter. Again ”no problem.” And the £5 special boarding charge is transferable too! Security was quick. Not really enough time to grab a sandwich but with service like that the airline”s trolley seemed attractive. Sandwiches £3.50. Perhaps a bit steep and nothing like the selection at Pret a Manger in the departures lounge. A double gin and tonic £3.70. But ABTN was on the aircraft with no rush and very relaxed. The flight even arrived early. A pity the stand was not ready!”
We have now spoken to the other airlines who offer frequent services.
With British Airways if you have a fully flexible ticket the choice of flight is really up to you, space permitting. However if you are on some kind of bargain fare the answer is no. Regardless of how many seats are available. It is similar with other carriers typically bmi with a fully flexible ticket on its short haul business class, advance seat selection for premium economy purchasers, but no chance of changing flights, nor for those in economy or the ”tiny” offering.
Ryanair sells a priority boarding charge of just £2 when an internet booking is made. However don”t bother to rush for an earlier flight. The fee payable at the airport sales desk is ”30 plus the difference in the fare paid and the current fare. No matter how many spare seats, Ryanair has its rules.
This week Flybe announced that with its proposed take-over of BA Connect it plans to offer a shuttle style service from Birmingham to Edinburgh and Glasgow. The low cost service will provide up to 10 flights a day between Scotland's two biggest cities and the Midlands. The sale has not actually taken place yet. But assuming it does what will be the Flybe policy if you turn up early and there is room on a flight yet to depart?
Given this situation the airline can generate real goodwill, but even more important saleable space on the later flight. At a premium price too.
Well done easyJet. ABTN was impressed. Other airlines please note.