Flybe: Brussels to Belfast

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 - Charleroi (CRL)

Brussels South Charleroi Airport in Wallonia, Belgium has just opened a new terminal in January 2008 which has the capacity to serve of up to 5 million passengers a year and is a host to sever budget carriers.

Location: South Charleroi Airport is located 4 miles (7kilometres) north of Charleroi, 46km (28.75 miles) from central Brussels, in Wallonia (Belgium).

Transport:

- Rail: From any railway station in Belgium, you can reach Charleroi Brussels South airport by asking for a "bulk-Charleroi airport" ticket at the railway station you start from. When you arrive at Charleroi South station, you only need to take the A bus line to reach the airport passenger terminal in a few minutes. The "bulk" ticket price includes both rail and bus rides. Similarly, when you land at the airport, you can buy the same "bulk" ticket at the airport ticket desk. From Charleroi station, you can take a train to any railway station in Belgium. For specific rates and times consult the railway timetable website.

- Bus: Shuttles are available to and from South Charleroi Airport and the Charleroi bus station using line A. For specific rates and times consult the bus timetable website.

- Taxi: Taxi cabs are always available outside the passenger terminal. Do not hesitate to ask taxi drivers about offering a fixed price to your destination. This will often be an option.

Service: Airport amenities include automated teller machines, internet hotspots, telephone booths, massage seats, baggage storage, a restaurant and bar, newsstand and pharmacy. more...

Arrival: Belfast, United Kingdom - Belfast City Apt (BHD)

George Best Belfast City Airport was formerly known as Belfast City Airport until 2006 when it was named after George Best, the famous footballer associated with East Belfast. The airport is currently a major base for the low-cost carrier Flybe. Flybe began operations at the airport in 1993 and as of now is the largest operate at Belfast City.

Location: George Best Belfast City Airport is located three km (two miles) east of Belfast.

Transport:
- Rail: A shuttle bus service operates between the airport and the adjacent rail station at Sydenham. The Translink service operates twice hourly to Central and Vicetoria street (Mon-Fri). The service is hourly after 6 p.m. and on (Sat-Sun). Connections are available from Central Station to the rest of the rail network in Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic. For detailed information on the schedule and corresponding rates consult the Northern Ireland Railway Website.

- Bus: Flexibus, which is part of Translink, operates the Airlink that runs every 20 minutes from the Airport terminal to the Belfast Europa Bus Center located in the city center. For more information consult the Translink Website. Also, the "Airporter" service operates daily to Londonderry. Consult the Airporter Official Website for more information.

- Taxi: Taxis can be found at the taxi rank which is located outside the main terminal building.

Service: In the airport there are a few cafes, restaurants, and shops. ATMs and wireless internet can be found throughout the airport. Other facilities include a currency exchange, parenting room, and first aid.
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