Flybe (based at Exeter) and domestic air travel - ongoing discussion (merged topic)

[whole diary]

[TaplowGreen]

Newquay - Heathrow flights (re)started today.

https://www.independent.co.uk/travel/news-and-advice/cornwall-newquay-airport-heathrow-flights-subsidised-flybe-planes-trains-a8847866.html

Incredibly good news for the region, especially for business.

[Thatcham Crossing]

Incredibly good news for the region, especially for business.

Indeed it is, but social media also suggests some not happy at loosing connectivity with the huge Easyjet European network and the BA^» (British Airways - about) and Virgin "beach fleets" at LGW.

One of those situations where you're not going to please everyone.

[LiskeardRich]

Lots of cancellations this morning for operational reasons.

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/flybe-cancels-dozens-flights-operational-2714841

[Thatcham Crossing]

Aviation forum chatter suggests it's down to crew shortages.

Can't blame people for having jumped ship (especially when plenty of other airlines are hiring) following the recent uncertainty around whether the airline would survive/be bought/restructured etc.

Hard to make a plan until you know the outcome is likely to be.

Although that is now clearer, it could take a while for this to pan out and most airlines need more crews in the Summer (the Summer season for airlines started last weekend).

[LiskeardRich]

Larger than usual annual leave now being quoted. So crew using up annual leave prior to the end of the business year?

[ChrisB]

Possibly been told by the new owner that they can't carry it across into a new holiday year

[grahame]

FlyBE are saying:

Flybe sincerely apologises to all our customers and partners affected by the current flight cancellations. Whilst 95% of Flybe flights are operating as per normal, we do recognize the impact of today’s cancellations.

We 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.

We have already identified several mitigation actions and will be issuing further updates throughout the day.

All those affected have been emailed and advised they can re-book for travel on an alternative flight or apply for a full refund.

Customers are advised to regularly check our website for more details.

[IndustryInsider]

Tough times for the airline industry.

[MVR S&T]

looks like the end for FlyBe then?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51746564

website down too.

[grahame]

looks like the end for FlyBe then?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-51746564

website down too.

From @GWRHelp on Twitter

We’re sorry to hear about the collapse of  @flybe. We’d like to help those affected by allowing them free travel today on any @firstgroupplc train, by producing evidence of their Flybe booking. This includes  @GWRHelp, @AvantiWestCoast, @SW_Railway & @Hull_Trains. #Flybecollapse

And from @SOU_Airport

Replying to @PaulCliftonBBC Hi Paul, it's devastating for its passengers and staff. We're already speaking to other airlines about taking on its routes. Our advice to passengers due to travel with Flybe is not to travel to the airport and to visit the CAA^» (Civil Aviation Authority - about)’s website for advice http://www.caa.co.uk/news

and from that CAA link:

Flybe, which operated regional services from airports across the United Kingdom, has entered administration.

All Flybe flights, and those operated by Stobart Air, are cancelled. Therefore, please do not go to the airport as your flight will not be operating.

Flybe customers are therefore urged to make their own alternative travel arrangements via other airlines, rail or coach operators.

For flights operated by Flybe franchise partners (Eastern Airways, and Blue Islands) passengers should make contact with that airline to confirm your travel arrangements.

The UK^▸ (United Kingdom) Civil Aviation Authority will provide advice and information to consumers, so please check our website and Twitter feed @UK_CAA for more information.

Commenting, Richard Moriarty Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “This is a sad day for UK aviation and we know that Flybe's decision to stop trading will be very distressing for all of its employees and customers.

“We urge passengers planning to fly with this airline not to go to the airport as all Flybe flights are cancelled.  For the latest advice, Flybe customers should visit the CAA website or the CAA's Twitter feed for more information.

“Flybe also operated a number of codeshare partnerships with international airlines.  If you have an international ticket you should make contact with that airline to confirm your travel arrangements.”

Booked flight with credit or debit card

If you booked directly with Flybe and paid by credit card you may be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and should contact your card issuer for further information.  Similarly, if you paid by debit or charge card you should contact your card issuer for advice as you may be able to make a claim under their charge back rules.

If you purchased travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure, known as SAFI, you should contact your insurer. If you did not book directly with Flybe and purchased your tickets through a third party, you should contact your booking or travel agent in the first instance.

Negative response letter

Passengers who booked directly with the company via either a credit, charge or debit card may alternatively be able to make a claim through their card provider. Some card providers will ask for a negative response letter confirming the position. Passengers may also be able to make a claim against their travel insurer.  (This letter will be published on this page shortly) 

Direct booking with an airline

If you paid the airline directly by credit card you might be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You should check with your card issuer for further advice. You may have similar cover if you paid by Visa debit card and should check with your bank.

Booked through an Airline Ticket Agent

If you booked your ticket through an airline ticket agent you should speak to the agent in the first instance; they may have provided travel insurance that includes Scheduled Airline Failure cover.

Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)

Some airlines and airline ticket agents will offer customers either a specific Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) policy or include similar protection within a broader travel insurance product. The type of protection provided may vary depending on the type of policy taken out. A policy may simply cover the cost of the original tickets purchased or any unused portion, or the additional cost of purchasing new flights, such as new tickets for travel back to the UK.

Booked with an ATOL holder (Package Holiday)

If you have booked a trip that includes flights and hotels with a travel firm that holds an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) and received confirmation that you are ATOL protected, the travel firm is responsible for your flight arrangements and must either make alternative flights available for you so that your trip can continue or provide a full refund. If you are abroad, it should make arrangements to bring you home at the end of your trip. Contact the ATOL travel firm for more information.

Notes to editors

The Civil Aviation Authority believes that very few Flybe passengers are ATOL protected and those people should make arrangements through their travel agent, who are responsible for providing alternative arrangements. The government has not commissioned the CAA to organise any repatriation flights as there is capacity in the market for people to travel via alternative airlines, rail and coach operations.

[JayMac]

Excellent offer of free travel for Flybe ticket holders from First Group TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company).

https://twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/1235483794335031296?s=19

EDIT: Ah, I see grahame quoted a similar tweet. As you were.

[Timmer]

I know that air travel isn’t everyone’s thing on this forum but a sad day nonetheless. Thoughts with passengers and staff at this difficult time.

[TonyK]

Wrong airline!  It is FlyBMI that has gone into Administration

Right second time.

[bobm]

Excellent offer of free travel for Flybe ticket holders from First Group TOCs^▸ (Train Operating Company).

https://twitter.com/GWRHelp/status/1235483794335031296?s=19

EDIT: Ah, I see grahame quoted a similar tweet. As you were.

LNER^» (London North Eastern Railway - about) allowing travel too - and their offer includes former airline staff as well.

[grahame]

Wrong airline!  It is FlyBMI that has gone into Administration

Right second time.

This thread is a mess!  FlyBMI and now FlyBE ... I will see if I can tidy up subject lines!