Flybe » User reviews

steveyp flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (09/11/2011 14:58)

I am a regular Flybe consumer and have flown with them from Norwich to Manchester many times and have overall had a very good experience with them.

I arrived an hour early for my flight from Norwich on Sunday 23rd to Manchester to be greeted at the desk by a check in member who informed me that the flight was to be delayed an hr and a half.

Unfortunately, this is maybe the third time in a year this has been the case, however norwich airport has a good pub in the departure lounge so that eases the dissapointment somewhat!

After almost two hours we were told via tannoy that it was technical problems with our aircraft but its ready for boarding. The staff were very apologetic and the pilot was also welcoming and sorry for the delay.

The seats on the B Q400 are ok. I am 6ft 4 so i'm not short but for the 45 min journey, it was comfortable enough. I am very familiar and comfortable with the aircraft however, and i assume due to the "technical issue", the take off from norwich was extremely loud and there was severe vibration and buzzing coming from all around

The staff remained pleasant and happy to help throughout the flight despite them being on shift for an extra two hours, hopefully the get overtime, or they should for how polite they were.

I would happily continue flying with flybe and would happily remain loyal to the company if a competition airline would fly the route, they just need to focus on punctuality a tad more.

It's also worth mentioning, it is very cheap. The flight are actually not a lot more than a few quid, its just airport tax that hikes the price up so they are extremely good value. The aircraft is usually very well kept and the look inside is modern.

Overall, a very good low cost airline.

ConstantFlyer1 flew Flybe Economy, on a Embraer 195 (30/10/2011 15:31)

I was flying from Southampton to Newcastle accompanying an elderly disabled passenger. Check-in at Southampton was smooth, polite and efficient. My co-traveller was provided with a wheelchair, and we were whisked through security and on to the gate. All very smooth. The scheduled Dash 8Q400 arrived on time and we looked forward to early boarding; however the aircraft soon went tech, and a long delay ensued.

We were provided with refreshment vouchers and went upstairs to enjoy a nice meal. Some hour and three quarters after the original departure time, we were called to the gate, as the Newcastle flight had been combined with the Leeds/Bradford on an Embraer 195. We went out to the aircraft first and were lifted onto the aircraft by ambulift vehicle. Although it was cold, we were given all the time we needed to board the aircraft. The crew were caring and considerate, introducing themselves to my blind co-traveller so she knew who was talking to her. We were seated near the back. The seats were very comfortable, and we were soon on our way.

The flight was smooth and the crew efficiently served refreshments. The aircraft was clean and looked very new. The landing came all too soon, as we were starting to enjoy ourselves. The Newcastle passengers disembarked, while those travelling on to Leeds/Bradford stayed on board. The crew did a security check of the cabin while we waited for the lift-off. We were soon en route with a ground staff member pushing the wheelchair round to baggage collection. Our suitcase and my companion's walking aid were just arriving, and we were soon in our taxi and on our way home.

It was the first time I'd travelled with a disabled passenger, and was very impressed with the service we received both on the ground and in the air. Well done flybe and the ground handlers.

TominScotland flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (20/10/2011 18:25)

This review refers to a day return Glasgow - Belfast. This is a 30 minute hop so expectations are minimal - a reliable bus service is what is required!!

Arrived in plenty of time for the 08.35 flight to see "Next announcement at 08.30" on the screen - ominous to say the least. Went to the gate and asked the question...Flybe HQ had switched the Belfast aircraft to Birmingham as that aircraft had gone technical - higher load factor to Birmingham, maybe? However, we could watch engineers busy on an aircraft right by the gate and soon saw a thumbs up to the flight deck.

Boarding, therefore, was only 30 minutes late and a very short flight time meant arrival only 15 minutes behind schedule. The plane was only about 50% full so we were able to move seats etc for extra space.

In spite of the short flight, cabin crew managed to come round with snacks, sandwiches, hot drinks and gift items, all for sale, although up-take was minimal. George Best International is a great place to arrive for city meetings so was at my destination in no time.

The return was routine - we pushed back 5 minutes early with only about 30% of seats occupied. The Q400 is fine in calm weather - I always dread this crossing when the wind is up as I am green by the time we land. Luckily, both flights today were very smooth. Arrival in Glasgow was a little early and I was away in my car within 10 minutes of landing.

All in all, a good commuter service but there is always a sense of the uncertain because of flybe's poor reputation for reliability......

ZoeHW15 flew Flybe Economy, on a Embraer 195 (12/10/2011 10:07)

The flight was slightly delayed however that was due to issues with the cleaners, nothing due to FlyBe, the seat comfort, pitch and width was comparable to Premium Economy on Virgin Atlantic, the staff were helpful and accommodating and the captain kept us updated, we landed 20 minutes early and I was through security with my baggage collected before we were due to land.

Charles-P flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (08/09/2011 13:58)

Late afternoon flight from Brussels to Manchester.

A difficult on-line check in procedure that seems designed around extracting money rather than offering a check in service. I gave up and decided to check-in at the airport. The ground handling service is supplied by Aviapartner and was pleasant enough, I was offered a couple of seat choices.

Some five minutes before departure there was an announcement that the flight was delayed for "Technical Reasons" and we were on board twenty minutes late.

The Q400 with its 2/2 set up is small but fine for a short flight (90 minutes). A few drinks and snacks were offered but they were expensive so most people declined. As might be expected there was no IFE but the FlyBe magazine was interesting enough.
The crew did what they could to make up time but we landed in Manchester 10 minutes late.

Luggage came through after a short delay and we were in a taxi ten minutes after landing. The FlyBe rules regarding luggage seem designed to try and catch people out and make them pay more however they were not in any way enforced at check in which I suppose is some sort of compensation.

In conclusion a reasonable service at a cheap price, the seats are somewhat cramped (they claim 30" pitch but it feels smaller) and any extras (luggage, food drink) are expensive as we have come to expect with budget airlines but as has been said before, "you get what you pay for".

Jameskk10 flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (24/08/2011 15:30)

It was a bit bumpy on the way up but that wasn't the aircrafts fault. all in all, it was a very good flight!

Jameskk10 flew Flybe Economy, on a Embraer 195 (24/08/2011 15:26)

It was Great! Turbulance wasn't felt at all on the way up and on the way down.

whitleyboo flew Flybe Economy, on a Saab 340 (10/08/2011 15:44)

Aircraft is looking tired inside,
very little bin space on one side of the aircraft,
the noise in-flight is awful,
the Flight attendant was nice but a very small cup of coffee offered in-flight with no food offered is not what you want on a launch time flight.

When you pay over £180 (on average) for a flight you do expect more. You do get an baggage allowance of 20kg on economy as standard or 30kg flying plus and a tea or coffee that's it.

herrybirch flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (05/03/2011 11:40)

LBA to LGW. Definitely the most modern and quietest turbo prop I have been on although when you sit next to the wing the vibrations can be quite severe and noisy but clean, modern cabin with good legroom and OK service.

DanThurstan flew Flybe Economy, on a Embraer 195 (18/08/2010 22:41)

Recently flew Manchester to Milan (Malpensa) and return a few days later. Checked in on line. Staff at Manchester friendly, efficient, attentive and courteous. Baggage handover quick and efficient. Boarding a little delayed by minor technical glitch on the aircraft but we were kept well informed. Embraer 195 is a lovely aircraft and seats have ample room for my 6ft, 18 stone frame! I just wish the seats on some of the holiday companies medium/long haul jets were half as good!! Everybody seems to like the 2 each side seating arrangement. Aircraft fairly new and interior in excellent condition and clean and tidy. Possible exception was the in house magazine which was dog eared and well thumbed. Issued bi-monthly it should have been replaced at least monthly.

Again, cannot speak too highly of the cabin crew, who did their job efficiently and unobtrusively, but always with a smile and time for the passenger. Food choice is inevitably not wonderful and somewhat overpriced, (but not as much so as some other airlines). It is however adequate for a two hour flight. Arrival in Milan was a mere 5 minutes late having left Manchester some 40 minutes late.

Returned 5 days later on the same aircraft. Again checked in on line the day before. Staff in Milan all fine and again the whole process including boarding being handled smoothly. Had different seats to the trip out but same comments re magazine apply! Different flight and cabin crew, but just as efficient as the ones going out. We were warned that it would be very bumpy between roughly Paris and London and it was! Cruising speed had to be considerably reduced, so we were informed by the Captain. Nevertheless arrival in Manchester was on time, on what I suspect is a fairly easy schedule for this type of aircraft.

I had some rather poor experiences of FlyBe just after they took over from BA. I suspect that in the early days they had bitten off rather more than they could chew! However, in the last twelve months they really seem to have got their act together and I am pleased to be able to report that I consider this most recent trip to have been a most satisfactory experience for a flight of this nature.

DanThurstan flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (18/08/2010 21:50)

I have flown on one of these aircraft several times and on two occasions have been allocated a seat exactly in line with the propellers.

The noise and vibration level is horrendous and in my book these seats are to be avoided at all costs on all but the shortest flight. Other seats are better from the point of view of noise and vibration, but not a lot.

If these aircraft are 'state of the art' then give me a jet every time. OK for an hour but putting this aircraft on longer flights (Milan) is not really acceptable.

luv2travel flew Flybe Economy, on a Bombardier Q400 (05/05/2010 18:59)

Flew with Flybe from Edinburgh to Cardiff last April. Their Bombardier Q400 series plane was three quarters full. The UK airports recently opened just the day before and I assumed other travelers were jittery and decided to forgo their travel plans.

Check in was fast. The short flight was surprisingly smooth, though and I saw passengers looking nervously outside periodically, as if they are concerned about the ashfalls. As usual for low cost airlines food on board was for sale.

Prices were ok compared to other UK airlines. Flight crew very attentive. Seat pitch was ok and good legroom. The Q400's lived up to their reputation as they're a bit quieter than other turboprops.

Overall product is a bit better than other low cost like Easyjet and Ryanair. Flight arrived 10 minutes ahead of schedule.

andyjames flew Flybe Economy, on a Embraer 195 (15/10/2009 15:20)

Flying from BHX to Alghero and back on the Embraer 195, was the best holiday flight that I have ever had. Good seat pitch and clean aircraft.Great crew and on time flights.

What more can you ask for ?

Congratulations Flybe, there is nothing I can moan about.