Flybe: Brussels to Isle Of Man

The carrier: Flybe

Upside
Recently expanded network has yielded impressive destination list.

Downside
With all bases in the UK, airline not (yet) all-purpose. Booking over the phone extremely expensive. In general, there are many hidden fees and charges.

About
Flybe has emerged as a budget airline to watch. Flybe is now Europe’s largest regional low-cost airline. The UK-based low-cost carrier acquired most of British Airways' BA Connect routes in 2007, and currently operates a dense route map in and out of the UK, with especially good connections to destinations in France, with ten airports.

Flybe's base in Southampton makes it the premiere low-cost airline in the south of England. Most notable about Flybe: its connections to out-of-the-way corners of the British Isles that don't get a lot of low-cost air traffic, like Guernsey, the Isle of Man, and Jersey.
Flybe operates out of more UK airports than any other airline.

Baggage
* Carry-on: Up to 10 kg of hand luggage.
* Checked: Depending on your class (economy, economy plus), you are allowed between 20-30 kg of stuff. Anything over this is charged €9 per kilo.

Seating
You can pre-book seats at the time of your on-line booking or by calling customer service. A fee applies to bulkhead and exit row seats.

Fun Fact
If you have a few minutes, read through Flybe's frequently asked questions regarding baggage. We loved, "Can I travel with a life-jacked used for yachting?"
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Departure: Brussels, Belgium - National (BRU)

Brussels International Airport, not to be confused with Brussels Charleroi Airport, is Belgium's most important airport. Brussels International is mostly served by flag carrier and "conventional" airlines, though easyJet, Clickair, Sterling, SkyEurope, and some charter airlines also fly in and out of the airport. Brussels International Airport was formerly known as "Brussel Nationaal/Bruxelles-National" (Brussels National).

Location: The Brussels International Airport is located in Zaventem, near Brussels, Belgium.

Transport:

- Rail: The airport train station is located below the terminal (basement level-1). Up to 4 trains an hour connect the airport to Brussels North, Brussels Central, and Brussels Midi stations. Moreover there are direct train services to the East, South and West of Belgium. Information on the schedules of all Belgian and international train services can be found on the Belgian Railways website.

- Bus: The bus station is located on level 0, one floor down from the arrivals hall, and can be easily reached by using the escalators or elevators. Centrally located on the bus station there are three platforms, each with its specific use. There are several buses available for travelers. The most common, De Lijn, operates express bus services and departs from platform A. For more information consult their official website for specific rates and times. Another bus service available is the MIVB/STIB which leaves from platform C. For more information view the MIVB/STIB official website. Other options include the Antwerp Express and the Brussels Airport express. Specific rates and times can be found on their official website.

- Taxi: Taxis with a taximeter are permanently available in front of the arrivals hall. Licensed taxis can be recognized by the blue and yellow emblem. Travellers are advised to avoid unlicensed taxis.

Service: Services within the Brussels Airport include baggage lockers, information desks, a pharmacy, money exchanges, telecoms, places of worship, as well as various shops and restaurants.

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Arrival: Isle Of Man, United Kingdom - Isle of Man (IOM)

Isle of Man Airport, also known as Ronaldsway Airport, is the main airport on the island. The airport offers regular service to various parts of the UK, Ireland and the Channel Islands.

Location: The Isle of Man Airport is located 11 km (six miles) southwest of Douglas, the island's capital.

Transport:

- Bus: The main bus route (route 1) operates between the airport and the towns of Douglas, Port Erin, and Castletown. The buses run every half hour (every hour at non-peak times). For more information on schedules and rates, look online.

- Taxi: A taxi rank is located outside the entrance of the main terminal building. Taxis generally adhere to flight schedules and fares are usually fixed. There is also a London taxi service available as well.

Service: An information desk can be found in the Main Hall. The desk also provides tourist information and postal service. ATMs are located in the main lobby. Public telephones are located throughout the airport. Wireless internet access is available at certain points in the departure lounge. There are a few shops and restaurants as well as parent and baby rooms and baby changing facilities.
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