Flybe: Milan 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: Milan, Italy - Malpensa (MXP)

Malpensa International Airport is one of three international airports in the Milan area.

Location: Malpensa International Airport is located 45 kilometers (29 miles) north west of Milan in the province of Varese.

Transport:

- Rail: Trains run from Terminal 1 to Milano Cadorna Station every 30 minutes Monday-Friday. Schedules for both the Malpensa Express and Tren Italia are both found online.

- Bus: Between the two terminals a free shuttle bus is available every 15 minutes for twenty four hours a day. Buses run from both terminals to Milano Centrale Station, and to Linate Airport, Sesto and Torino. The Malpensa Shuttle runs from both terminals to Milano Centrale Station. The schedule for buses from Malpensa are found online. It is possible to reach Malpensa airport by bus from: Milano, Torino, Lugano, Chiasso, Genova, Novara, Como, Menaggio, Lago Maggiore, Domodossola, Gallarate, Castelnovate, Brescia, Bergamo, Bologna and Verona.

- Taxi: Taxis are available from outside Arrivals.

Service: Bars, a cocktail lounge and restaurants are located in the airport. There are also several shops selling a wide range of goods, including duty free. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, a chapel, and chemists. The First Aid and health offices are available in both terminals. 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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