Flybe: Nantes to Inverness

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: Nantes, France - Nantes Atlantique (NTE)

Nantes Atlantique Airport or "Aéroport Nantes Atlantique," formerly known as "Aéroport Château Bougon," is an international airport serving Nantes and is the largest airport in the west of France.

Location: Nantes Atlantique Airport is located 9 kilometers (6 miles) southwest of the city of Nantes in Bouguenais.

Transport:

- Bus: The TAN Air Shuttle links the center of Nantes to the airport. Also, a bus stops outside of Hall 1 and goes to La Neustrie terminus on the tramway line. Travelers are then brought very close to Place du Commerce, located in the heart of the city.

- Taxi: A taxi rank is located on the esplanade in front of hall 1. Fares into the city usually range from €25 to €30.

Services: Telephones are available throughout the airport along with Wi-Fi access. There are many shops, a bakery and a few bars for travelers to relax in. Other airport facilities include first aid, a currency exchange, a baby change facility and a photo booth. The information desks are located in halls on the ground floor.

Arrival: Inverness, United Kingdom - Inverness (INV)

Inverness Airport serves as the main gateway for travelers going to the northern part of Scotland. Services include various destinations in the UK and Ireland, with limited flights into other countries in Europe. Location: The Inverness Airport is located 14km (9 miles) east of the Inverness city center. Transport: - Bus: The Jet Bus company operates service to and from the Inverness Airport and the Inverness City Center with other stops including Ardesier, Nairn, and the Inverness Retail Park. For more information consult the company's Website. Buses can be found outside the main terminal building. - Taxi: Taxis are available outside the main airport terminal. Service: Airport amenities include an information desk, a few shops and a restaurant/bar. Other services include an ATM and first-aid. If you like taking pictures try the airport's very own photo booth. more...