Aviation Discussion

[NathanPrior]

Does anyone know if 1hr 45mins connection time at Frankfurt within Terminal 1 is do-able? Landing there from Heathrow then a connection to Miami (can finally tick the A380 off). Both flights are with Lufthansa, so I'm assuming it's fine, but that depends on if there's any extra security along the way.

 

[Techniquest]

I would imagine it to be doable, based on how even just a 60 minute transfer between Etihad flights at Abu Dhabi is doable. If you're off the plane fairly quickly it helps of course, and I'd be prepared to get your feet moving quickly, but if it can be done at Abu Dhabi then Frankfurt should be a piece of cake.

 

[NathanPrior]

I would imagine it to be doable, based on how even just a 60 minute transfer between Etihad flights at Abu Dhabi is doable. If you're off the plane fairly quickly it helps of course, and I'd be prepared to get your feet moving quickly, but if it can be done at Abu Dhabi then Frankfurt should be a piece of cake.

Well if Lufthansa advertise and sell it as doable then it should be. Might pay the 119 Euro fee and book someone to escort me through the short cuts at Frankfurt from gate to gate.

 

[YorkshireBear]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47771212

EasyJet has warned that customer demand for ticket sales for the next six months - which includes the peak summer season - is unexpectedly weak.

The airline blamed uncertainty over the global economy and Brexit for the slowdown in forward bookings.

As a result, EasyJet said it was now more cautious over its outlook for the second half of its financial year.

The airline has already said it expects to make a loss of around £275m for the first half of the year.

EasyJet's shares fell almost 8% in early trading following the release of its trading update, which had originally been due for release on Friday.

EasyJet warning on weak sales due to various things, but citing BREXIT uncertainty. Whether or not that is the reason is irrelevant it adds to a long list of airlines claiming there may be no profits this year.

 

[atillathehunn]

Well if Lufthansa advertise and sell it as doable then it should be. Might pay the 119 Euro fee and book someone to escort me through the short cuts at Frankfurt from gate to gate.

If you're throwing away €119 just transfer it to me, and I'll tell you how to go to your gate. 100000% not worth it, unless you are mobility impaired, in which case use the free service.

1hr45 is more than enough time to get to your next gate. Frankfurt has a fair bit of walking to do, but it's an efficient process. As Tech said, they wouldn't sell you the ticket if you weren't going to make it. If your inbound is late, they'll stick you on the next one.

 

[atillathehunn]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-47771212

EasyJet warning on weak sales due to various things, but citing BREXIT uncertainty. Whether or not that is the reason is irrelevant it adds to a long list of airlines claiming there may be no profits this year.

Incidentally, there is a banner a the top of their website today saying something along the lines of regardless of the outcome, we will still fly. Clearly they are trying to reassure people in light of falling sales. Sadly, they did not get money from me today, though they did from my partner. She is EU flying to the UK, and we are not too concerned at the moment.

 

[Techniquest]

Well if Lufthansa advertise and sell it as doable then it should be. Might pay the 119 Euro fee and book someone to escort me through the short cuts at Frankfurt from gate to gate.

That seems like an insane waste of money! As I alluded to this morning, I had similar concerns at Abu Dhabi last month, as there was only 2.5 hours between arriving from Manchester and taking off for Brisbane. It's not a small airport, and with a delay of around 30 minutes coming in and a 10 minute journey from where we parked to the gate I really was concerned it wouldn't be made. Given by now boarding was due to start in only around an hour, I was concerned.

However, even with following the signs to flight transfers, and passing security which didn't take long (they're clearly used to getting people through a hub airport efficiently) to get into the departures area. The gate was still a fair walk from there, but even with escorting a fellow passenger to the gate there was still 40 minutes or so to kill before boarding commenced. If I'd been walking at my usual rate I'd have had 50 minutes!

Bearing in mind I had no experience of the airport, I managed just fine and I would highly recommend you don't waste the money!

Another example of how it would be a waste is transferring from international to domestic at Brisbane. Again, about 2.5 hours between arriving and departure, I was a little concerned I'd not make it, especially since I had to deal with baggage reclaim and customs too.

Granted, it helped I was near the front of my 787 but I also escorted the same passenger I'd met in Abu Dhabi through the same process, and no previous experience of the airport. Even with then checking in my case for the domestic flight and the transfer bus, I still had an hour before boarding was due to commence.

So if I can do it at large airports, I'm sure your 1h45m connection will be fine. If it was somewhere like LAX or JFK, I'd understand the concern as they are huge places. Same if it was arriving at say T5 at Heathrow and needing to transfer to say T3 on a 1h45m connection. However, I severely doubt Frankfurt is going to be too much of an issue to navigate.

My recommendation is to sit near the front if possible, but don't panic. If there's a big enough delay on the first flight to miss the second one Lufthansa will sort you out, I really don't think you need to waste €119.

Incidentally, there is a banner a the top of their website today saying something along the lines of regardless of the outcome, we will still fly. Clearly they are trying to reassure people in light of falling sales. Sadly, they did not get money from me today, though they did from my partner. She is EU flying to the UK, and we are not too concerned at the moment.

I saw that or similar the other day, when I was pre-planning a mini adventure. Certainly helped put the mind at ease. I've not booked the trip though, as I've temporarily changed tactics to instead focus on clearing the magic plastic more. Which has been a good call as I've now paid off a third of my flights to Australia, and given a bit more restraint (and more extra hours at work) I'll hopefully have the majority of it cleared by the autumn. The sooner the better really, as I want to be in a position to book New Zealand ASAP!

 

[robk23oxf]

Incidentally, there is a banner a the top of their website today saying something along the lines of regardless of the outcome, we will still fly. Clearly they are trying to reassure people in light of falling sales. Sadly, they did not get money from me today, though they did from my partner. She is EU flying to the UK, and we are not too concerned at the moment.

For the first time in years the British Airways app on my phone is showing no upcoming flights. I'm waiting to see what happens before I book anything.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Exeter-based airline has confirmed it is undertaking a 'base restructuring' after reports this morning that all jet-plane flights from Exeter, Cardiff and Doncaster are to be scrapped.

In a statement on the reason 27 Flybe flights were cancelled this morning the airline confirmed that 'base restructuring' is part of the reason.

Pilots and cabin crews are believed to have been called into meetings since 4am this morning to be told the news, which has added to the delays.

According to UK Aviation News pilots have been told the decisions comes after a “critical review of the business performance”.

Reports Flybe is to close bases and cut flights - live updates
If true it means jet flights will cease operating from Exeter this summer, leaving the company to operate just Dash 8 Q400 planes - the type that makes shorter journeys such as Exeter to London.

Flybe this morning confirmed 'base restructuring' was under way, and said that is part of the reason a number of flights were cancelled on Wednesday.

UK Aviation News says the move could be 'potentially devastating' for Exeter Airport.

Flybe cancels dozens of flights for 'operational reasons'
It also says pilots will not be made redundant while cabin crew will.

It comes the day after Ryanair launch the first of its three new routes from Exeter Airport.

We have asked Exeter Airport for comment.

A Flybe spokesman said: "W e are doing our best to mitigate the impact of the current situation that has arisen due to a combination of factors including seasonality, pilots’ end of leave year, Easter holidays, base restructuring and the shortage of pilots across the industry that Flybe has highlighted over recent months."

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/flybe-confirms-base-restructuring-could-2715437

Devon Live have more details on the BBC article regarding flight cancellations this morning for FlyBe.

 

[Bletchleyite]

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/flybe-confirms-base-restructuring-could-2715437

Devon Live have more details on the BBC article regarding flight cancellations this morning for FlyBe.

Now that is the act of a truly shoddy (or near-bankrupt) company - cancelling passengers' flights at short notice so they could do that.

 

[YorkshireBear]

Now that is the act of a truly shoddy (or near-bankrupt) company - cancelling passengers' flights at short notice so they could do that.

Aye, the information coming out today does not shine them in glory at all. I've always enjoyed my flights with them but if they are now cancelling at short notice I think I'll avoid them for now.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Aye, the information coming out today does not shine them in glory at all. I've always enjoyed my flights with them but if they are now cancelling at short notice I think I'll avoid them for now.

A lousy, badly-managed company with excellent front-line staff and interesting aircraft (for those bored of a standard diet of B737 and A318-21) is probably a decent sum-up of them.

To be fair, when the Brum operations were part of BA they weren't much good either. I used to fly Brum-Schiphol with KLM of a Monday morning for a few months about 10 years ago, and near enough every week there would be *something* cancelled.

 

[YorkshireBear]

A lousy, badly-managed company with excellent front-line staff and interesting aircraft (for those bored of a standard diet of B737 and A318-21) is probably a decent sum-up of them.

To be fair, when the Brum operations were part of BA they weren't much good either. I used to fly Brum-Schiphol with KLM of a Monday morning for a few months about 10 years ago, and near enough every week there would be *something* cancelled.

In fairness I do love the embraer aircraft so that is one of the reasons I like them so that definition rings true.

 

[158756]

Now that is the act of a truly shoddy (or near-bankrupt) company - cancelling passengers' flights at short notice so they could do that.

The rumour (the winter schedules reported to be appearing today still haven't so far) is that the bases are closing in October. Most cancellations today are at bases unaffected by any reports of cuts in the public domain. There is no indication (other than Flybe's general abysmal reliability) that the full schedule won't run tomorrow or for the rest of the summer season.

 

[Butts]

Having a number of flights booked between Cardiff and Glasgow/Edinburgh on Flybe over the next few weeks I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

All the E175's I have been on between Wales and Scotland over the last few weeks have been full or nearly full !!

 

[YorkshireBear]

Having a number of flights booked between Cardiff and Glasgow/Edinburgh on Flybe over the next few weeks I'm just keeping my fingers crossed.

All the E175's I have been on between Wales and Scotland over the last few weeks have been full or nearly full !!

Every jet i have been on is full/near full too. So i wonder if it is simply just the cost of them compared to the props? Or maybe we both fly at popular times

 

[stut]

Every jet i have been on is full/near full too. So i wonder if it is simply just the cost of them compared to the props? Or maybe we both fly at popular times

Full doesn't mean profitable, of course. If you've got a 100-seater and can only fill 50 seats with high-yielding passengers, you may as well sell the rest relatively cheaply. If you've got a 50-seater, however...

Plus, if passengers are increasingly passing on ancillaries, that really doesn't help counter-balance low yields.

 

[Butts]

Full doesn't mean profitable, of course. If you've got a 100-seater and can only fill 50 seats with high-yielding passengers, you may as well sell the rest relatively cheaply. If you've got a 50-seater, however...

Plus, if passengers are increasingly passing on ancillaries, that really doesn't help counter-balance low yields.

I did notice they are clamping down on carry on luggage a lot more recently - just about every bag is "sent to the sizer" - however maybe just because the flights have been pretty full.

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

For those of you who enjoy flying on Embraers with Flybe you need to make the most of them as a significant part of Flybe's recovery plan is ditching all the jets. TBF this has been on the cards for some time; a lot of jets were unloaded earlier due to relatively high leasing costs but now it's the operating costs that are under scrutiny. Given the length of most Flybe routes there is little to be gained from the faster cruising speed of a jet over a turboprop so in future it'll be a solid diet of Dash-8s.

 

[robk23oxf]

For those of you who enjoy flying on Embraers with Flybe you need to make the most of them as a significant part of Flybe's recovery plan is ditching all the jets. TBF this has been on the cards for some time; a lot of jets were unloaded earlier due to relatively high leasing costs but now it's the operating costs that are under scrutiny. Given the length of most Flybe routes there is little to be gained from the faster cruising speed of a jet over a turboprop so in future it'll be a solid diet of Dash-8s.

I knew they were getting rid of the E195s but I thought they still had some E175s on order or are they now not taking those?

 

[Butts]

For those of you who enjoy flying on Embraers with Flybe you need to make the most of them as a significant part of Flybe's recovery plan is ditching all the jets. TBF this has been on the cards for some time; a lot of jets were unloaded earlier due to relatively high leasing costs but now it's the operating costs that are under scrutiny. Given the length of most Flybe routes there is little to be gained from the faster cruising speed of a jet over a turboprop so in future it'll be a solid diet of Dash-8s.

Dash 8's are cramped compared to E175's or the even better E195 (have they got any of them left ?)

Overhead Cabin Lockers in the Dash are also significantly smaller, this may create problems.

Have never understood why you get the Rolls Royce Embraer on Cardiff / Scotland and mainly crappy Dash offerings on Birmingham to Scotland !!

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

I knew they were getting rid of the E195s but I thought they still had some E175s on order or are they now not taking those?

Some useful information can be found here: https://ukaviation.news/flybe-to-close-cardiff-doncaster-and-exeter-bases/

In particular from the CEO herself:

In another communication to staff, Ms Ourmières-Widener confirmed to staff that Flybe was handing back its remaining E-Jets and had cancelled the 4 remaining orders for Embraer E175 aircraft.

Dash 8's are cramped compared to E175's or the even better E195 (have they got any of them left ?)

Overhead Cabin Lockers in the Dash are also significantly smaller, this may create problems.

Have never understood why you get the Rolls Royce Embraer on Cardiff / Scotland and mainly crappy Dash offerings on Birmingham to Scotland !!

I would guess the difference in route length is the reason.

 

[Butts]

Some useful information can be found here: https://ukaviation.news/flybe-to-close-cardiff-doncaster-and-exeter-bases/

In particular from the CEO herself:




I would guess the difference in route length is the reason.

If so why have they got a Dash on Heathrow to Aberdeen ?

 

[Shaw S Hunter]

If so why have they got a Dash on Heathrow to Aberdeen ?

As I said I was guessing!

 

[Butts]

As I said I was guessing!

Indeed

Replacing an Embraer with a Dash is a bit like replacing an HST with a Hitachi 800 who would be stupid enough to do that

 

[Bletchleyite]

Indeed

Replacing an Embraer with a Dash is a bit like replacing an HST with a Hitachi 800 who would be stupid enough to do that

I have never been on an aircraft with such awful seats as the Class 800, for what it's worth. Some of the more modern seats I find excellent despite being designed for thinness and fire retardence.

 

[Bald Rick]

I have never been on an aircraft with such awful seats as the Class 800, for what it's worth. Some of the more modern seats I find excellent despite being designed for thinness and fire retardence.

Really? I find Ryanair’s old seats particularly uncomfotable.

 

[Bletchleyite]

Really? I find Ryanair’s old seats particularly uncomfotable.

I'd take any of Grammer's products over them, but I don't find them bad other than the pitch being a bit tight.

 

[Bald Rick]

I'd take any of Grammer's products over them, but I don't find them bad other than the pitch being a bit tight.

Pitch... and the plastic. Oh and the airline generally.

 

[Techniquest]

Pitch... and the plastic. Oh and the airline generally.

Comment of the day

In seriousness though, I've never had a problem with legroom on Ryanair. New or old interior. The newer seats are less comfortable, granted, but on a short flight (3 hours or less) it's not super noticeable to me.

However, I have to side with you good sir on the Ryanair thing, ever since they screwed me over with my hold luggage. 25 flights and 24 with no significant issues. A landmark number with them, and they significantly damaged my hard-shell case. Will they compensate? No, because it's 3 years old. Was I satisfied with any of my customer service from them? No. Will I fly them again? Except for an emergency move (escaping a natural disaster kind of thing), with no other choice, no! It's poor business practice to screw over a fan of 7 years, and while they won't care about that kind of thing I'm taking my business elsewhere!

Anyway, onto discussing Flybe. I saw news popping up from the Flybe Twitter team about bases closing, that is sad news for all involved. Getting rid of all their Embraer craft, considering they're in a financial hole, is sensible but also a shame as they are awesome craft to fly. I like Dash 8s though, so it's not the end of the world for me. I haven't flown Flybe for a good while, August 2017 from Prague to London Southend, but I do have good memories of decent craft, nice interiors and good crews. I'd use them more often, but they don't generally fly where I want to go these days.