Flybe: Milan to Manchester

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: 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.

Arrival: Manchester, United Kingdom - Manchester Intl (MAN)

Manchester Airport, previously known as Ringway Airport, is the largest UK airport outside London. Location: Manchester Airport is located 17 km (10 miles) southwest of Manchester. Transport: - Rail: The Skylink moving walkway system connects The Station, which is Manchester Airport's rail, bus and coach interchange. Trains serving Manchester Airport run to and from various destinations in the Midlands and Northern England. For more information on schedules and fares consult the National Rail Website. - Bus: Many local and express buses serve the Manchester airport. For information on local routes consult the travel information Website. The National Express Website has more information on buses from Manchester Airport to various destinations all over the UK. - Taxi: Taxis are available outside the arrivals halls of each terminal. Service: Information desks can be found in all terminals as well as Internet stations and ATMs. Banking services are available as well as currency exchange, and Wi-Fi Internet access. All terminals have numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes. Other airport amenities include baby changing facilities, a children's play area, medical center, and prayer rooms. more...