Through check-in will now be available from Flybe, allowing passengers to connect for the first time using partner airlines.
The facility ” available immediately ” will be valid for services using British Airways and Brussels Airlines across their respective networks.
Passengers will now be able to check-in with bags at departure airports through to a final destination. ”This latest service will be of great benefit for connecting passengers,” said Flybe chief commercial officer Mike Rutter.
”We are always looking for ways to minimise hassle and improve efficiency for our passengers, as well as demonstrate ongoing commitment to our partners. This latest announcement is testament to this.”
The news is something of a departure for low-fares airlines, which have traditionally shied away from passengers connecting through their networks.
However, the sheer proliferation of routes has led the sector to compete effectively with established legacy carriers, particularly within Europe, while carriers such as Flybe and easyJet often use the gateway airports traditionally associated with flagship airlines.
Both Flybe and easyJet are enthusiastically pursuing the business travel sector, with the former having the first low-cost loyalty scheme and the latter recently launching a GDS scheme for corporates.