FlyDirect is shortly to launch its Summer 2025 programme. Next year we will be operating our biggest programme yet with 170 flights on 15 separate routes from the Isle of Man, Guernsey & Jersey with at least one flight every week of the year. As we prepare to go on sale, I thought it would be helpful to answer some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) I receive with regards to FlyDirect.
Why don’t you fly to more new destinations?
This is probably the most frequently asked question. Many islanders would love to be able to fly direct to new destinations each year. It’s not a straightforward question to answer, but there are two key factors involved in the decisions we take as to where to fly.
Island Population
* The fact that each island has a finite population, that varies between 65,000 in Guernsey, 75,000 in the Isle of Man to 100,000 in Jersey. To put that into context, Southampton has a population of around 250,000 which is greater than the three islands combined.
Aircraft Availability and Operational Logistics
* The availability of the right type of aircraft in the right locations on the right day of the week and the ability to operate in and out of the islands plays a key role.
For FlyDirect routes to make commercial sense, there needs to be sufficient demand to fill several flights to the same destination. The more routes we add, the more thinly demand will be spread and with a limited number of people in each island this is a key issue.
As those that have flown with us in the summer months will know, we use a British Airways 98-seat aircraft which is an ideal capacity – as well as offering great legroom. It means we can fill the aircraft to a satisfactory level and provide weekly departures throughout the summer. In the winter, we use a bigger aircraft which can fly non-stop from both Jersey & the Isle of Man to the Canary Islands (unfortunately Guernsey’s operating requirements prevent us from currently operating there in the winter).
We do listen to feedback from both our clients and those who have yet to fly with us. We do try to offer new options for islanders every year, but there will always be some limitations to the range of destinations we can provide.
Why are some of your flight times so early (or late)?
It is true that the timetable for some of our flights requires an early rise or occasionally a late arrival in your holiday destination. This can be a bit annoying for some clients. We do our best to secure the most favourable times, but this is not always possible, primarily due to the way that ‘slot’ times (the time at which a flight is allocated to land or take-off) is allocated. This is especially an issue in the summer months, when airports are operating at capacity and premium times are in such demand.
All of our flights operate at weekends (Friday, Saturday or Sunday) as we know these are the most popular days to travel. However, slots are in even more demand at weekends, so it is just not possible to always offer the best schedule.
Having said all that, 8 out of our 11 summer routes have departure times between 10am & 4pm either outbound and/or on the return. Our winter routes to Tenerife & Lanzarote have flying times of around 3 & ½ hours, so in order to be able to operate return flights on the same day, these have to leave from the Canaries earlier in the morning.
Whilst the flight timetables are not always ideal, we do find that the majority of our clients accept an earlier departure time as it means that they are not hanging around on their return day, waiting for a later flight, when they know they will be home at a reasonable hour and can start the post-holiday unpacking and washing!
Why would I book an inclusive holiday with FlyDirect? I’ll be in a hotel with loads of fellow islanders.
It always amazes me how many of our clients make this statement when asked whether they wish to book a hotel with their flight. It is, of course, a complete myth as the chance of bumping into a someone you would rather avoid around the poolside of your hotel, are tiny.
In each destination we fly to, we try to offer the widest range of hotels and apartments that we can. The benefits of booking an inclusive holiday that includes not just your flights, but accommodation and private transfers, are amongst others:
* We provide financial protection for all elements of your holiday through our ABTA Bond
* You can speak to us to tailor your holiday to your specific needs.
* We offer savings from bundled flights, accommodation, and transfers.
* We provide assistance available during your trip for any emergencies.
* You can opt to pay in instalments, spreading the cost of your holiday over several weeks or months.
Of course, there will be other reasons why you only wish to book flights with us, but if you do need accommodation, then please bear in mind these benefits and contact us for more details and prices.
Why do you not discount your prices closer to departure? Surely it is better to fill every seat, even at a lower price.
This is always a difficult one to answer, but we think it is important to reassure our clients that if they book early, then they will benefit from the lowest prices, as well as their first choice of travel dates and duration. If we started offering last-minute discounts, it would undermine this promise. So, we try to set our prices at a level that will ensure we can sell the maximum number of seats, and that way avoid having to reduce prices later on.
A related question is why some departure dates are more expensive than others. Like all retailers, we do match our pricing to demand for our product and this does mean that some very popular dates and durations are more expensive than others.
However, we do always try to offer pricing that is competitive. For example, virtually every date we sell, offers discounts for children of between £50 & £100. Also, please remember that our flight prices include a hold bag (between 18kg & 20kg depending upon route) and cabin bag (between 5kg & 10kg). This could save you upwards of £100 per suitcase if travelling via the UK.
I hope the information here helps to answer some of the questions we get asked most frequently. If there is something else you would like to know, then contact us via our social media channels or email us at enquiries@flydirect.co.uk .
I also hope that we will be able to welcome you, your family and friends on board one of our flights in the coming months.
Robert
