Aviation Discussion

[freetoview33]

Well, well, well. I've heard suggestions over the years that easyJet or Norwegian would serve Frankfurt am Main Airport but Ryanair beat them to it .

I don't see it being anything major to shout about yet! But if they do well then maybe

 

[WestCoast]

I don't see it being anything major to shout about yet! But if they do well then maybe

It's interesting when you consider that Frankfurt Airport is the third busiest airport in Europe and up to now has had very little low cost traffic unlike other top 10 hubs such as Paris CDG, Amsterdam and Madrid despite there being capacity at Frankfurt (unlike Heathrow). Traffic up to now has been pushed out to the infamous 'Frankfurt' Hahn.

 

[AndyW33]

Could be handy for the Motor Show next year - any idea where they will be flying out of ?

Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Faro.

 

[Butts]

Palma, Alicante, Malaga, Faro.

Oh dear i thought it was from the UK to Frankfurt.

 

[anme]

Oh dear i thought it was from the UK to Frankfurt.

Don't worry. There are lots of flights from the UK to Frankfurt. Lufthansa and British Airways offer a regular service, and possibly other airlines too. You won't have a problem getting there.

 

[ld0595]

British Airways has announced today that their 777s will be going 10 abreast in economy from 2018. Further changes include an extra 12 seats on their A320 and an extra 13 on A321 planes. Here's what the new plan will look like.

I guess it was only a matter of time since most other 777 operators seem to be doing this, but it's a disappointment nonetheless!

 

[anme]

British Airways has announced today that their 777s will be going 10 abreast in economy from 2018. Further changes include an extra 12 seats on their A320 and an extra 13 on A321 planes. Here's what the new plan will look like.

I guess it was only a matter of time since most other 777 operators seem to be doing this, but it's a disappointment nonetheless!

This is a pity. I was on a ten-abreast 777 flight recently and it was a grim experience.

 

[WestCoast]

Oh dear i thought it was from the UK to Frankfurt.

They do fly from Edinburgh to Hahn, about a 90 minute coach ride from Frankfurt. Alternatively there's Lufthansa.

 

[Butts]

They do fly from Edinburgh to Hahn, about a 90 minute coach ride from Frankfurt. Alternatively there's Lufthansa.

Yes thanks, it's a year away so I've got plenty of time.

 

[dcsprior]

British Airways has announced today that their 777s will be going 10 abreast in economy from 2018. Further changes include an extra 12 seats on their A320 and an extra 13 on A321 planes. Here's what the new plan will look like.

A good summary of the other changes is on the headforpoints site here, and the full presentation is on the IAG website here.

One interesting change is the (re-)introduction of Club Europe on UK Domestic flights

 

[Butts]

A good summary of the other changes is on the headforpoints site here, and the full presentation is on the IAG website here.

One interesting change is the (re-)introduction of Club Europe on UK Domestic flights

Aimed at the Premium Feeder Passengers can't expect them to go without freebies
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

They do fly from Edinburgh to Hahn, about a 90 minute coach ride from Frankfurt. Alternatively there's Lufthansa.

Indeed they have some quite reasonable fares from BHX (where I meet up with my Son) and a "day return" is feasible - to frankfurt main as well

 

[ld0595]

They do fly from Edinburgh to Hahn, about a 90 minute coach ride from Frankfurt. Alternatively there's Lufthansa.

For a flight Westward, Lufthansa from Edinburgh isn't too great. Only two flights a day from Edinburgh, the first of which arrives into Frankfurt at 1530 which makes it too late for most US bound flights! A shame really for me because they would be the only carrier to Philadelphia avoiding Heathrow! I'd also like to take the 747-800 to Newark too but unless they add an earlier flight, that won't be happening any time soon!

 

[me123]

For a flight Westward, Lufthansa from Edinburgh isn't too great. Only two flights a day from Edinburgh, the first of which arrives into Frankfurt at 1530 which makes it too late for most US bound flights! A shame really for me because they would be the only carrier to Philadelphia avoiding Heathrow!

American Airlines operate a daily flight from Glasgow to Philadelphia during the Summer. Admittedly it is a seasonal flight only, but certainly would be a good option for you. As long as you're happy in a 757 across the pond.

I agree that a morning Edinburgh to Frankfurt flight would be nice, but do bear in mind that a very early flight leaves Aberdeen at about 05:30 in the morning (certainly it used to wake me up!) which would get into Germany in plenty of time for connections. If the Aberdonians ever stop whinging about the AWPR, you won't even have the ordeal of driving through Aberdeen to worry about.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

For a flight Westward, Lufthansa from Edinburgh isn't too great. Only two flights a day from Edinburgh, the first of which arrives into Frankfurt at 1530 which makes it too late for most US bound flights! A shame really for me because they would be the only carrier to Philadelphia avoiding Heathrow! I'd also like to take the 747-800 to Newark too but unless they add an earlier flight, that won't be happening any time soon!

(my bold)

If you don't mind two stop options there are routeings with KLM/Delta via AMS/JFK. Depends how price/time sensitive you are compared with BA via LHR.

 

[me123]

^ Again, Edinburgh to JFK has plenty of choice (DL and AA), and Glasgow's about to get DL on board as well too. Both Central Belt airports also offer United to EWR, which connects to Amtrak for service to Pennsylvania. Icelandair (who serve Glasgow) will also soon be launching a Keflavik-Philadelphia service, offering a connection opportunity in Iceland.

Heathrow is far from your only choice, and would actually be quite far down my list if I'm honest!

 

[HMS Ark Royal]

I have no idea what is going on, but there is a lot of very low level flying by pilots on the standard approach to Humberside over Hull lately - in fact, I was so disturbed by the flying of one pilot, I filed a report with the CAA!

Does anybody know if the weekly Manchester - Moscow flight runs still?

 

[ld0595]

Okay I probably should've been a bit more concise! I usually fly there in both the summer and winter periods - summer is OK because there is the Glasgow to Philadelphia flight although I flew an AA 757 domestically and I wouldn't want to do it for a 7 hour flight - they are pretty cramped and in a dire need of a refresh. I would agree however, that I do have plenty of options in the summer.

For winter however, my only solutions if I want to fly to Philly are with BA/AA or LH! The Delta flights from Edinburgh don't run during the winter and even then, the connection at JFK would be so long that I wouldn't arrive until 11pm local/4am my time! The next best thing is the United flight from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Newark but I find that is usually significantly more expensive and it would still be a 2.5 hour drive to where I want to go rather than 30 minutes. And while I could take 2 connections, one is stressful enough for me!

 

[anme]

Okay I probably should've been a bit more concise! I usually fly there in both the summer and winter periods - summer is OK because there is the Glasgow to Philadelphia flight although I flew an AA 757 domestically and I wouldn't want to do it for a 7 hour flight - they are pretty cramped and in a dire need of a refresh. I would agree however, that I do have plenty of options in the summer.

For winter however, my only solutions if I want to fly to Philly are with BA/AA or LH! The Delta flights from Edinburgh don't run during the winter and even then, the connection at JFK would be so long that I wouldn't arrive until 11pm local/4am my time! The next best thing is the United flight from Glasgow/Edinburgh to Newark but I find that is usually significantly more expensive and it would still be a 2.5 hour drive to where I want to go rather than 30 minutes. And while I could take 2 connections, one is stressful enough for me!

 

[Butts]

Indeed they have some quite reasonable fares from BHX (where I meet up with my Son) and a "day return" is feasible - to frankfurt main as well

Seems I spoke to soon Frankfurt Am Main seems to be a "legacy destination". Unless you stay a night the fares virtually double.

Unlike Paris where a "day return" is a viable option on a daytrip from Birmingham or anywhere else in the UK.

 

[me123]

Does anybody know if the weekly Manchester - Moscow flight runs still?

The easyJet route between Manchester and Moscow has been withdrawn for over a year now, and no other airline has picked it up. The website (admittedly Russian, ergo biased) states low demand due to the political situation.

 

[HMS Ark Royal]

The easyJet route between Manchester and Moscow has been withdrawn for over a year now, and no other airline has picked it up. The website (admittedly Russian, ergo biased) states low demand due to the political situation.

Not pax - the big cargo flight that runs/ran on Thursdays

 

[me123]

^Ahh... then I'll have to pass on that one.

 

[anme]

The easyJet route between Manchester and Moscow has been withdrawn for over a year now, and no other airline has picked it up. The website (admittedly Russian, ergo biased) states low demand due to the political situation.

Have Easyjet completely withdrawn from Moscow? If so, that must be very embarrassing for them. They put a lot of effort into getting the rights.

I get the sense that things aren't going very well for them these days.

 

[me123]

They have completely withdrawn from Moscow, but stated that they are "constantly reviewing the situation" so it may well come back if things look more promising. Again, poor demand for travel between the UK and Russia in the current political climate is cited as the reason.

There were murmurs from Virgin about taking easyJet's rights and operating the route, but I very much doubt that'll come to anything. I can't imagine that they'll manage any better TBH.

 

[Butts]

Seems I spoke to soon Frankfurt Am Main seems to be a "legacy destination". Unless you stay a night the fares virtually double.

Unlike Paris where a "day return" is a viable option on a daytrip from Birmingham or anywhere else in the UK.

Well I'll be off to Frankfurt next September for the Motor Show I've bitten the bullet and coughed up

Cost me about £95 notes each return going out early on the Saturday (0615) and late back on Sunday about 2100 from BHX. Maximum downtime to explore the area as well as attend the main event. I can't believe I am moaning about paying £95 on a full service carrier Luftwaffe..whoops I mean ..hansa still have a drink and a snack - mind you so did BA when I booked Geneva's show in March next year.

One bonus Premier Inn are opening right by where the show is held next year and I got a room there a lot cheaper than contemporary establish ments.

Really looking forward to Frankfurt as by all accounts it is the "big daddy" compared to Paris and Geneva.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

The easyJet route between Manchester and Moscow has been withdrawn for over a year now, and no other airline has picked it up. The website (admittedly Russian, ergo biased) states low demand due to the political situation.

The political situation is certainly part of the story as it is a clear disincentive to casual tourism. Also bear in mind that UK passport holders require a visa: this must be applied for in person and has a minimum cost of £88.40 plus £9.80 for secure return delivery. Processing needs 5 working days. It requires a little planning to consider making such a trip and there are so many similar places to visit with much less fuss and expense. A shame as Russia would be a very interesting place to visit.

 

[Butts]

The political situation is certainly part of the story as it is a clear disincentive to casual tourism. Also bear in mind that UK passport holders require a visa: this must be applied for in person and has a minimum cost of £88.40 plus £9.80 for secure return delivery. Processing needs 5 working days. It requires a little planning to consider making such a trip and there are so many similar places to visit with much less fuss and expense. A shame as Russia would be a very interesting place to visit.

If you are on an organised Cruise Excursion you get a little free visa to use - mind you an expensive way of getting there.

 

[tony_mac]

Then indeed LHR looks like a good bet. I'm no fan of Heathrow either but it's not nearly as bad as many claim. Certainly it's not worth inconveniencing yourself or paying significantly more to avoid it.

At least in the outward direction, I'm quite happy with it. No need for security checks, just straight into the departure lounge.
I usually visit Pret before taking a stroll down to the B gates - fewer shops, but it's also much quieter and more spacious - which is all I really want from a connection!

 

[atillathehunn]

Have Easyjet completely withdrawn from Moscow? If so, that must be very embarrassing for them. They put a lot of effort into getting the rights.

I get the sense that things aren't going very well for them these days.

They made a loss of £24m in the first half of this year against a half-year profit of £7m the year before. Not brilliant, but by no means a disaster yet.
I would also contend that the dropping of the Moscow routes should be way at the back of your mind for factors influencing their profits. The drop off in tourism to Egypt and Turkey should be paramount.

Moscow is a tough route for everybody. The Rouble being roughly worth a pebble, economic problems and sanctions are pretty damning factors meaning no airline is doing terribly well. BA are running smaller planes, Aeroflop are running smaller planes etc.

As for the cargo... more specific? Who? What time of day?

 

[Techniquest]

In just under 165 hours time (well, 164 hours UK time) I'll have finished my first ever BA flight. BA2658 for the flight number if anyone fancies following it next Monday, and BA2659 for the return a week on Thursday. Wish me luck all, I hope I won't spend the whole journey wishing I was on Ryanair...I am optimistic that I'll be trying to get on another BA flight sharpish!

I find it odd I can't check in online until 24 hours in advance. Thankfully I have the BA app on my phone ready...