Flybe: Isle Of Man 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: 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. 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.