jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Posted (10 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 5275 times:
Flybe, LGW-BHD-GLA-BHD-LGW E-195/Dash8 Q400
Introduction
Route Map
This weekends trip started out some months ago. Originally I had planned to take a BMI regional flight to ABZ using my VS flying club miles so I could log an E145. I had looked up the taxes/fees on the BMI website and they came to a reasonable £57. So I called the VS flying club to book, and everything went to plan until it came to the payment. As BD had only given VS their fully flexible tickets, the taxes and fees were in the higher bracket. I can't remember the exact amount of money, but I didn't think it was very good value considering the amount of miles they wanted and I decided to leave it. I still quite fancied a trip to Scotland though, as I had never been, and studied other options. As it turned out, Flybe came through with an interesting option. An E195 from LGW to BHD and a Q400 between BHD and GLA. Both types were new to me and I had never been on a prop before. Plus I’d very briefly get to visit Northern Ireland for the first time. Prices seemed similar to BA, but I got 2 extra flights thrown in, so in my mind this was better value! Without taking much time to think, my card was coming out of my wallet and the flights were being booked for a couple of quid under £150.
Cant say I’ve ever seen so many adverts on an air ticket
Next came a hotel. The Ibis looked like a good location, got good reviews on trip advisor and for booking so far in advance I managed to secure a good advanced rate.
As the flight would be departing at 08:50, it meant taking the 05:53 train. I prebooked my tickets for £25.
And whilst I was in the mood for booking things online, I booked a return on the number 500 bus from Glasgow airport to the city for a pretty expensive £7.50. Although its still cheaper than the coach that goes from my local station to Heathrow.
36 hours before my first flight was due to leave, I reluctantly decided to check in online. I'd heard that you just get randomly assigned seats but thought I’d try my luck anyway as in my mind I could just cancel the operation if I wasn't assigned a seat I wanted. As it turned out that wasn't an option to do that. You’re greeted with a list of your flights and a check box to select each one you want to check in for. The next screen is your boarding pass with a print screen automatically coming up. No other options. Very simple, but for my other 3 flights I decided not to play 'window seat roulette', and checked in at the airport.
Saturday
At 05:30, I set off for the station.
As expected the train was virtually empty at this time of the morning
My second train of the morning had a few more people on it and considering most had suitcases it was fair to assume they were headed for Gatwick too. I spent my time on the train catching up with the news on my ipad and also took a look at flight radar24 - and yet again I saw that LGW arrivals and departures were to the East - that’s now 8 trips in a row, dating back to 2002 where I’ve missed out on 26L! After around 50 mins or so the train pulled up at Gatwick station and it was off to check in for my BHD-GLA sector. The self-serve kiosk seemed to have a few problems with this, so I headed over to see an actual person and they managed to sort it for me.
I then made my way round to security via the VS check in area and they seemed to have a bit of a celebration going on for their inaugural flight to Cancun. The flights had actually started a few weeks previously but today was the official launch.
Gatwick Check In overview
After that it was through security. I spotted a free lane at the far end so I headed for that. Unfortunately the 'I've never flown before and I don't know the rules' family spotted it a second quicker than I did and I got slightly held up. It still only took a couple of minutes though. Once through I went off to get some breakfast. After the poor showing by my favorite spotting location airside on my previous visit, I decided to try out Franky and Bennys. Slightly better attempt than The Bridge Bar, but the view wasn't as good where I was seated. That's where the Bridge Bar has and advantage - being a pub you choose where you sit rather than relying on somebody to choose for you.
I still managed to get some decent shots though. And the service was quick. A bit too quick for my liking. It filled a hole though.
Unusual to see the door open on the upper deck
It was then off for a quick wonder as boarding was due to begin at 8:20. The FID showed that the gate would open at 08:10, however I knew that this probably wouldn't be the case. In the end it opened at 08:15, so not bad by LGW's standards!
Today's flight would be departing from gate 6 - I hadn't departed from this pier before so was interested to see what it was like.
Taken en route
I wasn't left with the best impression. The ground staff wanted everybody to join one LONG queue to get through. There were quite a few people complaining about this but in the end it only took around 10 minutes or so to reach the holding pen.
BE962
LGW-BHD
7 July 2012
E-195 - G-FBEG
Off Stand: 08:53
On Stand:10:07
Shortly afterwards, boarding was called by row number. Being initially seated in 8a I was amount the last to board. It seemed like there was a load of around 80% or so. I had a seatmate but noticed row 4 was free so I made the decision it wouldn't be free after take off! The female captain came on the PA and announced a flying time of just under an hour.
A bit tight, but it will do for this short hop.
We pushed back slightly behind schedule and made our way down to 08R for a damp take off. On the way down I spotted yet another new VS A330 - G-VNYC this time. As it was over the other side of the plane, no photo this time. Take off was just before 09:10 local. One thing I did notice was that we taxied out with just the one engine running. As we reached the end of the runway, the air conditioning went off and the other engine was started.
After take off, I made my move to row 4 just after the seat once the seatbelt sign had gone off. Just shame the lovely British summer we've been having prevented any decent photo opportunities. There were some good cloud formations though.
The crew then came through the cabin offering food or drink for sale. Not for me this time though.
Cabin Overview
Jodrell Bank, near Manchester
Isle of Man
After half an hours flying time the captain was on the PA again saying that we're making good progress, giving a weather update for Belfast and that we would shortly be starting our descent. No sooner had she hung up the phone, the engines spooled back and we were indeed heading back towards solid ground.
Landing was a cloudy, wet and bumpy affair. We arrived on stand just ahead of schedule though.
Then it was time to wait for my next flight. Upon checking the fids, I noticed here was a 25-minute delay. It seemed like most flights were delayed today - maybe due to the bad weather in the UK? My flight had one of the shortest delays - others were up to 2 hours.
That left me 3 hours to wait around at BHD, and the fact the weather was so bad, it meant I didn't much feel like taking a walk outside either. I did manage to check in for my flight home tomorrow while I was waiting though.
Once the weather cleared up a bit, I took a brief walk outside I spotted the aircraft that brought me to BHD sat quietly in a corner all alone.
At around 11:30 I headed through security. This took quite a while as there was only 1 lane open. I got some amusement though - 2 lads in front had either been living under a rock for the last few years or thought all the publications/signs/ whatever saying no liquids over 100ml didn't apply to them. Either way they had to leave what seemed like the entire contents of Tesco’s styling aisle behind.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 1, posted (10 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 5264 times:
Then it was up to departures
After a brief look at what BHD had to offer airside (not a lot), I found somewhere to grab a cake and coffee and watch what was going on outside (not a lot).
Relying on our favorite Finn for some entertainment
And that's where I remained. Yet another delay flashed up. Estimated departure time was now 13:30 - 45 minutes behind schedule. At 13:05 G-ECOG landed and pulled on to stand. I came to the conclusion that I would be on this one as the only other aircraft around was the BA/BMI A319.
BE133
BHD-GLA
7 July 2012
Q400 - G-ECOG
Off Stand: 13:39
On Stand: 14:12
Boarding started at 13:25, although I just happened to notice this by chance as no announcement was made. Good thing too as I was pretty fed up with waiting around by then!
I took my seat onboard and the flight seemed reasonably full. I still had the seat next to me free though. The legroom seemed better than in the E195 from earlier.
Flight time was given as 30 minutes. We made a brisk taxi out to the runway and a pretty powerful takeoff to the West at 13:45.
Almost immediately after takeoff the crew started their service. I guess there wasn't anytime to mess about on his short flight. At 13:58 the 10 minutes to landing notification was given - this certainly was a quick hop! The only thing that made an appearance through the clouds was this small island.
Upon arrival at GLA it was a pretty quick taxi on to stand and I disembarked via the rear stairs.
Then it was a quick walk through to arrivals with a few pics along the way:
I headed outside and got straight on to a packed number 500 bus for the city.
Once in the city, I headed for the nearest subway station as I wanted to visit the riverside museum:
Seemed quite old fashioned to me, but I read that it was in the process of being upgraded. The museum was very interesting, although it wasn't too big. Could of done with an aviation section though as they seemed to have every other form of transport covered.
One of the more interesting parts
Pub in 1890’s style
Once finished I headed back into the city to have a look what was on offer.
Then it was on to my favorite - TGI Fridays for dinner!
After dinner I made my way to the hotel as I was feeling a bit tired. It was about a mile away so walked off dinner nicely.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (10 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 5258 times:
Sunday
Sunday started fairly early as I felt I hadn't really seen all I had wanted to around the city, and I wanted to be back at the airport by around 9:30. I checked out of my hotel just before 7:30 and took a walk.
Glasgow Cathedral – reason for the black colour is soot build up
I’m Famous!
At 9:00 I took the bus back to the airport. Shortly after I had arrived.
I headed off to check in and get my boarding passes, but according to the machine, I had already checked it - I wasn't aware of that, but it said I had seat 2a so I was pleased.
Check in overview
Sad sight
There didn't seem to be too much landside so I got in a long ish queue for security. It took around 10 minutes or so to get through, then it was straight into a duty free shop that I had no interest in
With over an hour or so to kill, I decided to treat myself to a full weatherspoons breakfast
Then it was off to check out the views
I was quite impressed with Glasgow airport - lots of natural light, and very spacious feel to it considering it's not one of the bigger airports.
BE128
GLA-BHD
8 July 2012
Q400 - G-JECX
Off Stand: 11:40
On Stand: 12:14
At exactly 10:55 gate 14 was announced and I made my way down, through a last ditch effort to sell me stuff I don't want, to find G-JECX waiting.
Boarding commenced at 11:28. There was a slight delay - I overheard the ground crew that they were still waiting for something. I'd seen Flybe claim that they were the most punctual low cost airline... Hmm I was having my doubts.
A very friendly flight attendant - addressing every passenger by name, greeted me onboard. There seemed to be a bit more legroom at the front of this dash8. During boarding I noticed that all the other passengers were being directed towards the back of the aircraft. As it turned out the only other person forward of row 10 other than myself (and sat in row 2d) was a young girl.
Boarding was completed at 11:36. We made a taxi out to the runway and during which I got spotted by the crew taking pictures/filming and asked to stop - doh! This made a bit of a mess of my takeoff video, but what I did manage to get can be seen below.
Take off was at 11:49 so all being well arrival should be at 12:19, as the crew had earlier mentioned that it would be a flight of 30 minutes. It was quite a bumpy crossing as it was entirely in the clouds.
Cabin overview
Gotta love how my phone cam cant handle the props!
Felt brave enough to get my proper camera out now
At 12:03 the engines spooled back and the 10 minutes to landing call was given. So in reality it was less than 30 minutes. The cloud base seemed a bit higher than yesterday so that allowed some better views - due to my camera ban though, you'll just have to take my word for it!
As we were pulling onto stand, the forward crew member started making the usual arrival talk. I thought to myself she couldn’t possibly tell me off again now we've landed...
Wrong. She stuttered in her speech before adding on "and may we remind you that all electronic devices must remain OFF until inside the terminal".
Once inside the terminal, I figured I was probably safe so took a pic
Wrong again. A ground crew member said "you're not allowed to take pictures chap". Seriously... I've been taking pictures in and around airports for years with no problems and I've now been told off three times in about half an hour!
I made my way through arrivals and headed for the flybe customer service desk to try and bribe my way into the lounge... £12 poorer I was given a pass.
Before I headed through security, with my confidence in tatters, I snuck a pic of the new BA check in desk:
Looks a bit different to how Gabriel saw it a few weeks ago
Then I headed through security. I did everything the same as I had done previously, had all the same things in my bag (apart from some butter tablet I'd brought) and yet for some reason, the alarm went off on the X-ray machine and my bag (and myself) was taken off into the naughty corner. The security agent unpacked a few bits then took my phone and charger out... My phone seemed to be getting me into a lot of trouble this morning. Without much more trouble I was let on my way and I headed up to the lounge.
The same young lady that I saw on the service desk yesterday greeted me. Finally a friendly face! The lounge was very quiet - infact apart from me, there were only 2 other people in the lounge.
The offerings were about as much as I'd expected. Sti
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (10 months 2 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 5253 times:
The offerings were about as much as I'd expected. Still, with flybe being a low cost carrier the fact there's a lounge at all is a bonus. I waited here until my flight was called. Whilst waiting I saw the plane that brought me in depart to Inverness
Todays token ‘non BE’ flight.
BE969
BHD-LGW
8 July 2012
E-195 - G-FBEF
Off Stand: 14:37
On Stand:15:44
Boarding was called at 14:15 on to a wet Belfast Tarmac.
The female captain welcomed everybody on board and gave a flight time of around an hour or so, and our routing. Interestingly enough, this was the same captain from yesterday’s flight. The load was around 95% or so, however boarding was completed pretty quickly and we pushed back a minute early. Due to the heavy load I had a seatmate and there wasn't any real opportunity to move either. This didn't matter to me though as my seatmate was a very attractive blonde girl.
The cabin crew did the safety demonstration to a pre-recorded tape and we made a short taxi out to the runway. Luckily this time, due to being seated in the middle of the cabin I could film and take as many pictures as I liked! Unfortunately the weather had deteriorated in the couple of hours or so id spend in Belfast so there wasn't much of a view to be had. The runway had also switched direction. Takeoff was at 47 minutes past the hour.
The flight was quite bumpy on the way up and there was quite a bit of cloud around however once this had cleared it was a comfortable flight over to London - other than the fact the cabin was very hot.
One thing I did notice on both E195 flights was that the windows in all rows didn't seem to line up all that well with the seats. I'm assuming this was down to the reduced seat pitch onboard the flybe jets.
At 15:11 the engines spooled back, the plane took a very definite nose down attitude, and things started to get very bumpy again. Infact I'd never been on a plane that had done such a nosedive before - Shame it didn't really come out on camera all that well as it was quite something. I'm assuming descent was started a bit late - or even TCAS had taken over, although I'd imagine this scenario was unlikely at cruising altitude.
Shortly after the captain came over the pa to give us an update. She said that barring any inbound delays we should be on stand 10 minutes ahead of schedule at 15:50. And that there were a few rain bearing clouds around. Surprise surprise. Then the seatbelt sight came on as the captain was expecting some turbulence. And boy did show up just a few moments later!
The rest of the descent mostly involved dodging some aggressive looking clouds
Then during short finals I noticed that we were crossing the M23 - so that would mean that after a good few years I'd finally be using 26L! Touchdown was smooth enough but I think it might of been a bit late due to some very hard braking action and leaving the runway while still travelling at some speed.
After pulling up at the domestic pier there was a bit of a wait while somebody could be found to operate the jet bridge.
I was happy to let everybody else go before me, and when I reached the front I asked for a flight deck visit, which was granted.
I asked the captain if she was on my flight yesterday but she said it wouldn't of been her as she was off, and therefore the flight wouldn't of been as smooth - guess its good to have a captain confident in their capabilities. I was also amazed at how small the e-series flight deck was. When I said it was a flight deck visit, it was more a case of them opening the door as there wasn't enough room for 3 of us in there! I also noticed that they were now using iPads instead - they said flybe had been using the, for around 8 months now. The jet-powered aircraft have 2, the props have 1. The first officer also mentioned that the E-series was planned to become the backbone of the fleet as the Dash-8’s were becoming unreliable. Apparently they will be phased out over then next few years? I did question him, but he seemed fairly confident. We shall see… I felt like I had a dispatcher breathing down my neck, so bid farewell and went on my way.
Guess this areas not been used for a few years now
Downside of being the last off
The reason for the queue was for a security check, and everybody had their picture taken and a card handed to them. The dispatcher who was waiting for me obviously had enough by this point and told me to let the people at the other end that I was the last passenger so they could shut the door. If only I could get the customer to do my job for me…
Then it was a case of following the signs to the exit.
The exit was in zone B of the departure hall. I had wondered what became of this area since Aer Lingus had moved out - turns out Air Transat had taken it over.
The final leg of my journey would be by train
At a reasonable 17:30 I arrived back where I started almost exactly 36 hours earlier.
In conclusion flybe wasn't too bad. The online check in system could be better and considering they're meant to be a low cost carrier they weren't particularly low cost. Although I'm of the opinion that none of them are really. The E195 was a little cramped compared to some other airlines, but the dash 8 more than made up for it. My recommendation is to try and get row 2 on the a side - a lot more room than the rest of the plane, just don't expect to be able to take any pictures on takeoff or landing! The lounge in BHD was worth the money I felt too if you have a long layover. Glasgow reminded me of Frankfurt in a way - plenty to do if you like shopping but didn't seem to be a huge amount in the way of landmarks.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 13 Reply 4, posted (10 months 2 weeks 15 hours ago) and read 5062 times:
Ha, i'm in the final stages of writing my GLA-BHD-LGW flights.....I might give it a week or so now!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): As it turned out, Flybe came through with an interesting option. An E195 from LGW to BHD and a Q400 between BHD and GLA. Both types were new to me and I had never been on a prop before. Plus I’d very briefly get to visit Northern Ireland for the first time. Prices seemed similar to BA, but I got 2 extra flights thrown in, so in my mind this was better value! Without taking much time to think, my card was coming out of my wallet and the flights were being booked for a couple of quid under £150.
Pricey - my one way flight was only £42
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter):
36 hours before my first flight was due to leave, I reluctantly decided to check in online. I'd heard that you just get randomly assigned seats but thought I’d try my luck anyway as in my mind I could just cancel the operation if I wasn't assigned a seat I wanted. As it turned out that wasn't an option to do that. You’re greeted with a list of your flights and a check box to select each one you want to check in for. The next screen is your boarding pass with a print screen automatically coming up. No other options. Very simple, but for my other 3 flights I decided not to play 'window seat roulette', and checked in at the airport.
I know, their OLCI is rather wierd. They should ofer you the chance to pay to change your seat at least before they produce the bps
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter):
That left me 3 hours to wait around at BHD, and the fact the weather was so bad, it meant I didn't much feel like taking a walk outside either.
Ooh, thats rather a long time in BHD
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter):
Wrong again. A ground crew member said "you're not allowed to take pictures chap".
I was told the same thing!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): I did everything the same as I had done previously, had all the same things in my bag (apart from some butter tablet I'd brought) and yet for some reason, the alarm went off on the X-ray machine and my bag (and myself) was taken off into the naughty corner. The security agent unpacked a few bits then took my phone and charger out... My phone seemed to be getting me into a lot of trouble this morning. Without much more trouble I was let on my way and I headed up to the lounge.
Again, same thing happened to me...I'm not a fan of the security team in BHD
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 3): The offerings were about as much as I'd expected. Still, with flybe being a low cost carrier the fact there's a lounge at all is a bonus
Were there spirits in the lounge? Beer? I was going to pay to use the lounge, but I didn't realise you had to pay at check in, and payment at the lounge itself wasn't possible.
MSS658 From Belgium, joined Oct 2010, 2212 posts, RR: 14 Reply 5, posted (10 months 2 weeks 14 hours ago) and read 4989 times:
HI James
Great report, thanks for sharing! Nice you where able to catch the Q400.
The avis advertising looks a bit strange on the seat cover.
Thanks for showing us around GLA as well
Yeah it's annoying the fact I booked mine about a week before those sale prices came out. Although if I hadn't booked it, I wouldn't of got one of their many promotional emails!
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 4): know, their OLCI is rather wierd. They should ofer you the chance to pay to change your seat at least before they produce the bps
That was one thing that let them down in my opinion.
Strange how I only had problems on my return. Same as any other airport on Saturday when I passed through.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 4): Were there spirits in the lounge? Beer? I was going to pay to use the lounge, but I didn't realise you had to pay at check in, and payment at the lounge itself wasn't possible.
Didn't see any spirits, but there was wine and beer. The pass was kind of strange - just an old paper ticket with your name and flight details written on it.
Quoting MSS658 (Reply 5): Great report, thanks for sharing! Nice you where able to catch the Q400.
The avis advertising looks a bit strange on the seat cover.
Thanks for showing us around GLA as well
Thanks Marc,
One of the main reasons I chose Flybe was to get the Q400. There did seem to be a lot of advertising on the Q400 compared to the E195.
sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1178 posts, RR: 29 Reply 8, posted (10 months 2 weeks 5 hours ago) and read 4656 times:
Hi James,
What a pretty nice story you got there! FlyBE is quite an OK airline, I sampled them myself last year, flying the same types as you did (well, it's not like they have many other types around ) A big downside is indeed that stupid seat selection thing when doing OLCI. The only way to get the seat you want is at the 'human operated checkin' - kinda annoying.
Also that photo taking issue you had their is bollocks to me. There really is no apparent reason why you would not be allowed to take photos. During takeoff and landing, I might understand (distraction ICE) but otherwise . Two thumbs down for that!
OA260 From Ireland, joined Nov 2006, 24897 posts, RR: 60 Reply 10, posted (10 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 4483 times:
Hi James ,
Nice photos the not taking pics issue didnt ruin the report too much . Shame the Irish weather didnt play ball but its been terrible the last few weeks. BE lounge exactly as I remember it . Nice views.
Regards
Philip
OLYMPIC AIR - ΟΛΥΜΠΙΑΚΗ "Η ΕΛΛΑΔΑ ΨΗΛΑ" "GREECE FLYING HIGH"
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 11, posted (10 months 2 weeks 2 hours ago) and read 4485 times:
Hi there great report,
Sorry to see that BHD kicked off about your photo taking. I had a similar experience in BFS, security over here goes by the books with no signs of easing off the cameras, I guess their view of cameras are no different to guns, they both snap and shoot!
Flybe impressed me with their legroom on their Dash Q400's but clearly looks like they are not continuing the trend on their e jets, shame legroom makes any seat significantly more pleasant.
BHD has potential to be a great airport but unfortunately the local residence oppose any development which is a shame.
Hope you get to see the true sights of N.I when or if the sun comes back!
Happy Flying
- James M
United Ireland Emirates, Founded:01APR13, Base BFS, Fleet 3 x 787-8 dest: DXB, JFK & YYZ, Partners AA , AC & EK
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 12, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 17 hours ago) and read 4230 times:
Quoting richcandy (Reply 6): After security at BHD there are great views of the runway, unfortunately there is never that much to see.
I agree with that - now WW has moved out, it was a constant stream of BE dash 8's, apart from one BD/BA A319 on Saturday and the Manx2 on Sunday.
Quoting sultanils (Reply 8): Also that photo taking issue you had their is bollocks to me. There really is no apparent reason why you would not be allowed to take photos. During takeoff and landing, I might understand (distraction ICE) but otherwise . Two thumbs down for that!
Agreed. If the flight crew can use iPads without any sort of interference then a camera shouldn't cause any problems either.
Quoting starrymarkb (Reply 9): I haven't had a problem filming on board with Flybe
I didn't have any problems on my other 3 flights. Just the fact i was sat at the front and a heavy handed crew member more than anything. managed to get a couple in while she went off to do the onboard service though.
Quoting OA260 (Reply 10): Nice photos the not taking pics issue didnt ruin the report too much .
Managed to get a few on Saturday with no problem at all. Yet on Sunday they were all over me! Once i was in the safe haven of the lounge i was left alone.
Quoting Jambost (Reply 11): Hope you get to see the true sights of N.I when or if the sun comes back!
It's being planned! I'm sure i can work that Manx2 i saw into a trip that will also combine the new BA service from LCY.
Jambost From Ireland, joined Jun 2010, 205 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (10 months 1 week 6 days 11 hours ago) and read 4101 times:
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 12): It's being planned! I'm sure i can work that Manx2 i saw into a trip that will also combine the new BA service from LCY.
Excellent I hope it works out for you weather wise, NM and BA combined sounds like a mighty fine TR!
Happy Flying!
United Ireland Emirates, Founded:01APR13, Base BFS, Fleet 3 x 787-8 dest: DXB, JFK & YYZ, Partners AA , AC & EK
roberts87 From Netherlands, joined Dec 2011, 660 posts, RR: 0 Reply 15, posted (10 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 3676 times:
Nice little report. FlyBE is an okay airline. I'm still amazed by the fast number of destinations they have in the UK, and the nummerous connection options. They are on the expensive side though, especially with all the extra's.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 16, posted (10 months 1 week 4 days 2 hours ago) and read 3667 times:
Hi James,
A very nice TR thanks, and a good little trip you had too. Happy to see you heading for Scotland.
The flights all looked good, and most importantly between you and Gabriel, fairly consistent. You had some nice planes at LGW too.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): Seemed quite old fashioned to me, but I read that it was in the process of being upgraded.
Ah yes - the clock-work orange. I think Glaswegians are a little reluctant to overhaul it, as it is an extremely old system and has that place in our hearts. It's a far cry from the London ones! Almost toy-like.
A frequent student thing we did for birthdays was a 'Sub-Crawl' where you get a pint at each of the 20 or so stations throughout the day. Needless to say it takes you to some eye-opening parts of Glasgow.
Glasgow is a tricky one to capture photographically. I noted that it looked quiet and dull. I think Glasgow still suffers alot from that perception, though often the highlights are the more intangible things. Thank's for visiting!
You had the VS 747 in at GLA in one of the photos. I would love to see this arrive one day.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 17, posted (10 months 1 week 3 days 23 hours ago) and read 3614 times:
Thanks for the additional comments,
Quoting roberts87 (Reply 15): They are on the expensive side though, especially with all the extra's.
Yeah they were no cheaper than BA, but as i mentioned, i got an extra 2 flights thrown in on new types plus a (brief) visit to Belfast so thats what swayed it.
Yep, and no doubt i'll be returning at some point!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): Ah yes - the clock-work orange. I think Glaswegians are a little reluctant to overhaul it, as it is an extremely old system and has that place in our hearts. It's a far cry from the London ones! Almost toy-like.
It did remind me of the London Underground Circa 1990! Even the upgraded station didn't seem all that different - in fact on my outbound journey i didn't notice anything special about it - it was only reading a poster on the return that i made a point to look out for it and noticed it was a bit brighter/cleaner than the other stations.
The pics from Sunday were taken between about 7:30 and 9:00. Must admit it seemed a little odd walking around a major city and being the only person in sight!
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 16): You had the VS 747 in at GLA in one of the photos. I would love to see this arrive one day.
Wish i'd waited to see it depart now - it was only after i'd ordered my breakfast that i realised it was only a few minutes from leaving.
lukeyboy95 From Papua New Guinea, joined Apr 2008, 951 posts, RR: 35 Reply 18, posted (10 months 1 week 3 days 7 hours ago) and read 3499 times:
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 17): It did remind me of the London Underground Circa 1990!
yes. It's a gritty transport system for a gritty city! Good you took a run on it though... Also, Clydeside (where you were) is set to be redeveloped.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 17): The pics from Sunday were taken between about 7:30 and 9:00.
Yes, that would explain it. Glasgow's devided into either those nursing a massive hangover, or those going to Church. It is really quiet on a Sun morning!
Quoting jwhite9185 (Reply 17): Wish i'd waited to see it depart now - it was only after i'd ordered my breakfast that i realised it was only a few minutes from leaving.
Yes, I was surprised to not see it from your terminal photos. No-one knows quite how that seasonal service does, but it is good to have her call. Between her, Air Transat, EK and the occassional Thomson flight GLA has a few widebodies visit.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 19, posted (10 months 1 week 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 3460 times:
Quoting lukeyboy95 (Reply 18): Yes, I was surprised to not see it from your terminal photos. No-one knows quite how that seasonal service does, but it is good to have her call. Between her, Air Transat, EK and the occassional Thomson flight GLA has a few widebodies visit.
Well this was about the best shot of it I could manage. I actually saw this one depart from LGW on the Saturday morning as i was heading down for boarding.
Also saw this widebody inn to which is something I've not seen before. Should of included it in the original really:
Seemed like quite a mixture of nations with the Portuguese and Canadian flags on.
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6190 posts, RR: 79 Reply 20, posted (10 months 6 days 5 hours ago) and read 3264 times:
Hi James,
interesting report with nice pictures! I made a Scotland tour in June, but visited Glasgow only shortly, so it was good to see your pictures. I also flew BE on that trip - got the E175 and liked it.
Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter): The flights had actually started a few weeks previously but today was the official launch.
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 21, posted (10 months 5 days 16 hours ago) and read 3159 times:
Hi PH,
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): interesting report with nice pictures! I made a Scotland tour in June, but visited Glasgow only shortly, so it was good to see your pictures.
It was a nice city - ask I said it was mostly shopping from what I could see, but i'd like to go back as I felt I didn't really see as much as id liked.
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 20): Quoting jwhite9185 (Thread starter):
The flights had actually started a few weeks previously but today was the official launch.
That's odd!
I thought that too - apparently it was due to Richard Branson being unavailable on the actual inaugural.
signol From United Kingdom, joined Oct 2007, 2948 posts, RR: 7 Reply 22, posted (10 months 5 days 4 hours ago) and read 3077 times:
Hi James,
excellent in-depth report on Flybe, the biggest airline at my local airport (NWI) though I've not flown them in a few years!
Overall service looks ok, shame you didn't try the on-board muffin test, or the on-board beer test
A shame about the pictures, it seems that different staff are told different things about what rules there are about photography. Still the pictures you had were overall very good. I actually like the effects of the prop on your phone picture - very surreal!
jwhite9185 From United Kingdom, joined May 2007, 720 posts, RR: 0 Reply 23, posted (10 months 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 3018 times:
Quoting signol (Reply 22): Overall service looks ok, shame you didn't try the on-board muffin test, or the on-board beer test
I had planned to try out the onboard service, but when I saw the prices (£6.30 far a sandwich and Coke) I didn't think it was brilliant value. The drink selection was same as in the lounge though.
Quoting signol (Reply 22): I actually like the effects of the prop on your phone picture - very surreal!
Must of just been my phone as my slr had no problems, even with a slow shutter speed. What little I managed to film on the GLA-BHD sector had some strange effects too.
Ps76 From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 24, posted (10 months 4 days 18 hours ago) and read 2989 times:
Hi!
Many thanks for the trip report. Some very nice cloud formations in the inflight shots. I have done day trips from Gatwick to Belfast City and also Glasgow quite a few times so it brought back some good memories. Some very nice pictures of Glasgow with it's picturesque buildings. I wish I had gone to that museum when I was there though. Belfast is also a really nice city which to me always seemed suprisingly modern and affluent considering it's reputation. It is also so easy to get to the city from Belfast city airport by bus, it really is only 5-10min at most.
It really put me in the mood to get back into flying places!
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