Flybe: Jersey to Cardiff

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: Jersey, United Kingdom - Jersey (JER)

Jersey Airport is currently in the process of strengthening its runways and airport facilities to allow for better service. Location: Jersey Airport is located in Saint Peter parish on the island of Jersey, which is part of the Channel Islands. Transport: - Bus: Airport shuttle buses can be found in front of the arrivals hall. A regular bus service is available between the airport and the St. Helier bus station. For schedules and timetables consult the bus company's Website. - Taxi: The taxi rank is located near the arrivals hall. Fixed taxi rates apply depending on the time of day. Note that there is no supplement or baggage charge at the airport. Pre-booked taxis can be found in the central parking area next to the rank. Generally, charges for booked cabs are slightly higher than for a rank taxi. Service: There is an information desk next to the check-in area in the departures hall. The information desk also offers currency exchange and postal service. Throughout the airport there are multiple ATMs and free Wi-Fi. The airport contains a few shops, restaurants, and cafes. There are also baby changing rooms, first-aid facilities, and a small chapel. more...

Arrival: Cardiff, United Kingdom - Cardiff Wales (CWL)

Cardiff International Airport or "Maes Awyr Rhyngwladol Caerdydd" is Wales' main airport which services Cardiff, South Wales, and West Wales. Location: Cardiff International Airport is located in Rhoose, 20 km (12 miles) west of Cardiff city center. Transport: - Rail: A free shuttle bus (as long as travelers have a valid train ticket) connects the airport to the Cardiff Central Station. The shuttle leaves every 10 minutes. Trains run every hour in each direction between Cardiff Central Station and Rhoose Cardiff International Station. A rail link also connects Rhoose Cardiff International Airport to Bridgend. - Bus: The Cardiff Bus service runs between Cardiff Central Station and the airport hourly. EST Transport operates every hour in the evening between Cardiff Central Station and Cardiff International Airport via Barry and Dinas Powys. Cardiff Airbus Xpress service X91 operates between Cardiff Central station and Cardiff International Airport hourly as well. - Taxi: Checker Cars, the taxi company providing 24 hour service to the airport, can be found outside the Arrivals Hall. A taxi booking office is located outside the Arrivals Hall as well. Service: There are several options in the airport when it comes to eating and shopping. For convenience there are also ATMs throughout the airport. The currency exchange is found on the first floor by the baggage claim. Other facilities include a baby care lounge, play center, and two games zones equipped with arcade machines. more...