Flybe: Guernsey to La Rochelle

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: Guernsey, United Kingdom - Guernsey (GCI)

Guernsey Airport is the only airport on the island of Guernsey. Location: Guernsey Airport is located in a parish called the Forest on the island of Guernsey. Transport: - Bus: Island Coachways operates a service from the Terminal to destinations all over the island. - Taxi: Taxis are available outside the airport's main terminal and are operated by the Delta Taxis and Island Taxis companies. Pre-booking is not necessary but recommended. Service: Airport services include a tourist desk, shops (including duty free), and a few restaurants. more...

Arrival: La Rochelle, France - Île de Ré (LRH)

La Rochelle - Île de Ré Airport serves La Rochelle as well as Île de Ré, which is accessible via a bridge from La Rochelle.

Location

La Rochelle - Île de Ré Airport is located 4 kilometers (3 miles) northwest of La Rochelle, a commune of the département of Charente-Maritime in France.

Transport

• Bus: Buses run on a rather confusing schedule between the airport and the center of La Rochelle. For more information on times, days the buses run and prices, visit the bus line’s official Web site.
• Taxi: Transportation by taxi is an option at La Rochelle, although you may need to call the company to schedule a pick-up.

Service

There are car hire desks, an information desk offering tourist information, a duty-free shop and a restaurant, which is open daily.