Flybe: Geneva to Edinburgh

The carrier: Flybe

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.

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.

Upside

Recently expanded network has yielded impressive destination list. Lots of new airplanes.

Downside

Booking over the phone is extremely expensive. In general, there are many hidden fees and charges.  Some of these include a booking fee of €5, as well as a credit card supplement (€1.50), and a charge for seating.  All tickets are non-refundable. 

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 €14 per kilo for the first three kilos and then €17 for between 4-6 kilos.  After that the charge is €23. 

* Please visit Flybe’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You can pre-book seats up to 24 hours before the flight departs. You may pre-assign your seat for €8 per flight per sector and €22 for bulkhead and exit row seats.  Once seats have pre-booked and paid for the charges are non-refundable.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available at most airports from 36 hours to 1 hour before departure. 

Departure: Geneva, Switzerland - Geneva Cointrin International (GVA)

Geneva Cointrin International Airport can be accessed from both Switzerland and France. It serves as an EU freight hub (despite it not being an EU member). Location: Geneva Cointrin International Airport is located 4 km (2 miles) from the Geneva city center. Transport: - Rail: Geneva railway station is located about 300 meters from the Departures and Arrivals floors. All trains stop at central Geneva-Cornavin, in the city center. Direct long-distance trains are also available with destinations throughout greater Europe. - Bus: The bus stop is outside the Departures and Arrivals Halls. In Switzerland, Unireso bus #10 runs to central Geneva, and bus #28 to the United Nations. Bus #23 connects the airport with Tours de Carouge and Fret. - Taxi: Taxis can be found outside the main terminal building. Separate French and Swiss taxis are available. Service: At the airport, there are multiple information desks. Note: The French sector has independent services and there are tourist and airport information services in both sectors. In addition, travelers will find banks, currency exchange, ATMs, a post office, and Internet access available in all public areas. There are restaurants, shops (including duty-free), and other facilities such as a pharmacy, medical center, nursery, and public showers.

Arrival: Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Edinburgh International (Turnhouse) (EDI)

Edinburgh Airport, sometimes referred to as "Turnhouse", was the busiest airport in Scotland in 2007 and is a hub for easyJet, flyglobespan and Ryanair. Location: Edinburgh Airport is located 12 km (eight miles) west of Edinburgh. Transport: - Rail: Most train services operate from Edinburgh Haymarket station which is found on the main bus route between the airport and city center. - Bus: Public bus services stop outside the Arrivals Halls. More information on both Lothian Bus services can be found at the flybybus company's Website. Also, the express service operates daily. - Taxi: At Edinburgh Airport there are three taxi ranks available. One of them operates solely based on pre-booked reservations while the other two are for companies that serve the airport. Usually, a journey to and from the city center and airport takes roughly 25 minutes. The 'black cab' rank is available by the coach stations while others are available outside the Arrivals Hall. Service: In the airport there are numerous shops and restaurants. Several internet stations are available. In addition, there are play areas for children, entertainment facilities, and baby changing rooms.