Flybe Vs Emerald Airlines: Two Airlines, Two Hugely Contrasting Flights! Who’s Best?

[@bowman4275]

Love the Dash 8. Very handsome aircraft. And the ATR 72 too. I think I have a thing for Turbo props.

[@simonwhitlock9189]

If Flybe keeps treating their passengers with disdain, they might find themselves back on the ground again, I flew with them from Bristol to the Isle of Man back in 2012 and while the flight was fine the crew had a very nonchalant attitude towards the people on board. Nice to see that at least one of your flights was on time and enjoyable, thank you for an enjoyable video and stay safe. Cheers.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Simon, as always. Yep Flybe I had a good experience with them in the old days, certainly nothing to moan about as I recall. I was a bit surprised tbh as I thought both airlines would be fairly similar. Definitely recommend Emerald Airlines though - they were really good 👍

[@devon896]

Ok so I watched the full video and want to brief you on some things. Flybe have brought back aircraft that have been out of service for 2 years with little to no maintenance prior to returning to service, before that the old Flybe was running them into the ground a bit so they're getting a load of defects popping up it's going to take a year or two to get the Q400s back into top condition as the more they're flown the more faults are popping up (I should point out these faults are minor and not critical to flight safety). Flybe are also struggling with spare aircraft at the moment due to late delivery of more Q400s they should actually have 8 in the fleet by now and they only have 5. Seats in rows 1-5 are premium seats and you need to pay £7 extra on booking or pay the Flybe Smart fare not the Flybe Lite fare to get these seats (The flight attendant probably saw that you were stressed and didn't want to piss you off any further). The Emerald Airlines ATRs are Ex Stobart Air and Virgin Australia they're younger and also have been flown constantly even during the pandemic so they're in a much better state and because of that having less technical problems. I hope that gives you an idea of why you're experiences were so different and I would urge you to give Flybe a second change in 6 months time.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi NVA, many thanks for the detailed info - really appreciate it when someone does this as it gives me (and others) a valuable insight into some of the reasons I had a poor experience with particular aspects of the flight. I have flown Flybe several times before in their previous incarnation and never really had any issues. So yes, no doubt this is somewhat related to their return - do you think they were rushed back into service? The FA thing, yep I would say that this was a polite and calm request - as is my nature. I’ve seen too many people behaving like idiots on flights. She’d already explained to me that is was unlikely and given me a reason and if that had been that, fine. Just mildly irritating when people don’t do what they say they’re going to. Maybe she just forgot so I guess I could give her the benefit of the doubt. Anyway, I will fly with Flybe again. I always give a poor experience a second-chance (see my latest a Megabus video) because I think it’s only fair. Watch this space and thanks again for the comment. All the best, Mark.

[@devon896]

@@LetsMakeaTrip I don't think they were rushed into service if anything Flybe are not happy that they are taking a very long time to get back into service. This is because most of the Dash 8's ARC (Airworthiness Review Certificate) have expired along with having little to no maintenance for 2 years, some of them are stored in Maastricht with no props or engine so it's taking a while to source parts for them (Just like everywhere in aviation right now). In 6 months time I've been told by a source in Flybe they expect that problem to be solved as more Dash 8s become available and they've reduced their ambitious winter schedule so they don't have as many delays or cancellations. My own personal view is that their biggest mistake was starting with only 2 aircraft and expecting them to work 10 sectors a day, when the only Flybe they would have worked 4-6.

[@Timstravels01]

A great compare and contrast video. I always found Flybe to be decent enough in their previous existence. Now that they’ve returned to INV I’ll need to try them again. I feel that all we want as passengers is to be kept informed of what’s going on. Surely that’s not too much to ask.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

My flight last night with Croatia Airlines was like ‘we apologise for the late arrival of this flight which was due to it’s late departure from Zagreb’. Er, yeh I presumed that was probably why 🙄

[@aviationintheair]

Watching this back now is really interesting after the sad news of their second collapse this morning. This time around, they had something that Flybe 1.0 never had. Competition. Before, this route was only operated by Flybe, so passengers were given no choice. Now, Flybe’s routes to the Channel Islands had competition from Blue Islands, Northern Ireland routes like yours, with Emerald Airways, and everywhere else with BA, easyJet, Eastern Airways and most importantly, Loganair, with a high share of the market. So looking at this now, your video is the perfect some up of why Flybe collapsed, and shows it should have been predicted a long time ago.. Besides that shpeel though, great video!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers mate. Yep, I couldn’t help thinking back about this video this morning when I saw the news. Being harsh, they seemed like they were struggling with quite a few routes but not many aircraft and the consequent knock-on affect of delays. It just didn’t seem very organised! And like you said, there is more competition out there now on the same routes. Really not surprised about this but good luck to the staff I hope they get re-employed with better airlines.

[@JohnnyHooverTravels]

As an Exeter boy, I’ve had many trips with FlyBe. Service used to be pretty good in the morning but became worse as the day went on and they picked up delays. The late Manchester to Exeter flight was always delayed which was never welcome at the end of a long working day. So it seems their old moniker of “FlyMayBe” still has some mileage!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

It certainly does! Yep I get the feeling that the later in the day your flight is, the more likely you’re gonna have a delay (and a longer one at that). I’ve never flown into Exeter btw, I was supposed to last year with Loganair or Blue Islands (same thing I guess) but that was cancelled completely! Just seems to be how things are now 😐

[@davideck]

Security at BHX can be a nightmare. A horrible airport. My experience was totally different to yours.

[@melglobus]

Ha! The wonders of regional flying. Here in Australia it’s a nice surprise if our regional flights are NOT an hour late! I feel there’s just not as much redundancy as with mainline flights.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Most of the time, it’s great (see Loganair) I just think Flybe I dunno maybe they’re trying too hard? Too many segments, knock-on effects of that? I hope they improve I really do - just for the extra options if nothing else!

[@6yjjk]

I would've gone onto Belfast City's website, which promises to "keep you up to date on your departure time and departure gate" - although when I check it now, I see no departure gates, even for the flight which is boarding right now.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, not something I use much - airport websites. Doesn’t seem that reliable judging by your comment 👍

[@theglobalpeasant]

Interesting way to get to Manchester! I ran into multiple delayed flights this summer. Flew on a couple Q400s as well. None of which has any aquatic additions. Cheers!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh, I can’t say many of these domestic routes have improved that much since covid. There again, choice of operator on some is increasing and I guess we ought to be grateful for that. It was easier to route back to Manchester than BHX on that day,either airport’s normally good for me in relation to where I live (prefer BHX though tbh 😊).

[@craig.bryant]

Great video, totally noticed the antibacterial gel taking over water in plane toilets recently. Good to see Flybe back but they need to improve, especially communication at the gate when there’s a delay, no need or excuse for poor communication!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Craig. I’m glad someone else has noticed that! Beginning to think I was just unlucky. And yes, some communication at the gate would have helped tbh. 👍

[@kevanhubbard9673]

I'd imagine that most people going to Belfast aren't connecting with other flights but they might be going onwards by bus or train and they could miss the last one.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yep, very true!

[@ciudad-del-mar]

A very informative video as always. Flybe's lessors have been unable to provide the contracted aircraft over the summer which has led to quite a lot of delays on the ground, but things are looking to pick up with the first of a few newer ex-LOT Q400s having entered service this week. I may be a little biased as a hardcore "Flybe fanboy" but would urge you to try them again at some point over the winter! Emerald look to be providing a very high standard of service themselves, though I imagine they've been helped quite a lot by their use of Aer Lingus' infrastructure, particularly the ability to sell their tickets through EI's website.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Hi Sabandeño and thanks for the info - very useful. Yes somebody else pointed out the reasons for delays and it’s great that people can come on here, read these comments and learn from them (like myself). Didn’t know they were getting ex-LOT aircraft either. I will try them again - I try to do that if I’ve had a negative experience with anyone (see my latest Megabus video for that) because it could’ve just been a one off and it’s good to give a second chance I feel. Watch this space and I’ll surely be on another one soon! All the best, Mark 😊👍

[@Rocky-lh4od]

Great video mark and nice view of the queen Victoria departing the docks I think 10:49

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Rocky - I’ll bow to your greater knowledge on that one mate but I’ll have to have another look now as I totally missed that on the edit!

[@VisualApproach]

Funnily enough I had the same situation a few years back... flying BRS-BHD-LGW for fun. Anyway the first flight was very late and I barely made the "connection". Luckily back then, not sure if it's the same set up but I stayed in the downstairs airside gate area and made the flight by the skin of my teeth.

[@VisualApproach]

You earnt a sub by the way!

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers VA! Yes I think if I’d have seen any monitors with my return flight on or had anyone to ask I would’ve stayed in that airside bit. Bit of a drama really going back through departures but turned out ok in the end. Cheers for the sub btw, much appreciated 😊👍

[@colinbodger321]

Had a few to many tight connections on flights and rail. Closed was at Liverpool John Lennon. Incoming from Stipol was well delayed. Of course landed at International. Connecting flight Liverpool to Heathrow was domestic. Got through gate and ran. Got on board Domestic seconds before the doors closed

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Interesting that domestic flight from LPL to LHR. Who was that with?

[@dazzlingdaz187]

Used to like Flybe when they were based at Exeter. Not the same company in my opinion. Would definitely look at Emerald in the future. Cheers

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Daz, yep funny is t it ‘cos I had a right game with Stobart Air a few years back and always enjoyed Flybe. Times change I guess.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Daz, yep funny is t it ‘cos I had a right game with Stobart Air a few years back and always enjoyed Flybe. Times change I guess.

[@MattNav]

Awesome video and a great comparison 👍🏻 Definitely also leaning towards Emerald Airlines. I'll be flying them in October from Dublin to Leeds for the first time and glad this gave me a taste of what's to come for me

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Matt, hope you enjoy the flight 😊👍

[@grassytramtracks]

On the old flybe, I found them always late, and they were stricter than other airlines about luggage sizes. The staff clearly took great delight telling you your bag was one gram or 1cm over the limit, even when the airline couldn't do their job of being on time. we only took them because they flew a convenient route we took every year to see family in France. I had a very good experience with flybe just under a month ago, and I hope that becomes their precedent because the old airline treated their passengers with absolute disdain and contempt

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

I will try them again I think when they’re properly resourced. Could be a few months yet though to get away from this ‘hit and miss’ effort.

[@damianwalls1262]

That was a long day!

[@JackJackProductions]

I had some flights booked with KLM in August, both of my flights got cancelled due to the capacity cap at Schiphol Airport, KLM didn't even email me saying my flights were cancelled I only saw that they were cancelled and I was rebooked onto inconvenient flights, but 20 mins on the phone to KLM saw me rebooked onto AirFrance via Paris

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Flybe we’re flying to AMS at one point. Not sure if they still are but tbh, I’d choose KLM every day. Always had a good experience with them though granted I’ve not used them a lot compared to BA for example.

[@enricomonti156]

I've never tried Flybe, but I've flown across a couple of regional carriers in Europe, such as DAT Airways between Catania and Lampedusa and between Lampedusa and Palermo (and I had two bus connections to get to my flight to Malta from Trapani Airport), and Air Dolomiti between Bologna and Munich a couple of times. Regional carriers may need to improve their overall service, but they are a really interesting reality, and flights to smaller islands are often operated with a legal mandate not to cancel them due to essential connectivity to the mainland. In any case, it seems you've had quite an adventure over there. And Flybe seems to have a mixed approach between that of a regional carrier to that of a low cost one

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

DAT Airways - must admit I’ve never heard of them. Thing is with the regional airlines, there’s probably an alternative if the worst comes to the worst. If I’d missed the flight well, I’d have profound my way to the ferry port and sailed back overnight. So it’s not always a big issue I guess some do it well (Loganair) and some need to improve. All good fun though and normally a few nice little interesting aircraft to fly in 😊👍

[@enricomonti156]

@@LetsMakeaTrip DAT is a Danish carrier which also has regional flights in Scandinavia, but was awarded the contract for flights between Sicily and the minor islands of Lampedusa and Pantelleria, because of an Italian law that there must be an ensured connectivity between the mainland, Sardinia, and smaller islands, whose residents get good discounted fares. And you are ensured those flights don't get cancelled due to that law 😁

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@enricomonti156 similar to Loganair flights out to the Scottish islands by the sounds of it 👍

[@zacktong8105]

Apparently this wasthe only domestic carrier of short hops which probably isn't costeffective.

[@simondlatham5939]

Shame neither fly from Gatwick. Love the Dash-8, and never tried an ATR aircraft

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Loganair, Blue Islands, Emerald Airlines Simon if you want to have a go on the ATR-72. But yeh not sure LGW is your best option for that!

[@johnridpeath1728]

Enjoyable video keep em coming.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks John, glad you liked it 😊👍

[@hoof2001]

Old Flybe were always delayed with no info on the ground. Seems their successors are keeping up the tradition 🤣

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Flymaybe 🤣

[@hoof2001]

@@LetsMakeaTrip Indeed it was. Long nights at Edinburgh and Leeds Bradford. Newcastle and Norwich weren’t too bad.

[@MrMichae26]

Excellent video keep up the great work

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Cheers Michael, appreciate your comment 😊👍

[@briocheoleary5043]

When was this photo taken, the fields. Look pretty green and reservoirs full….I love these Everyman videos, especially the grump bus ones.. the devil in me would love to see how you get on in a real third world bus. Lol..

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

About May time I think. I’m sure I could rustle up another grumpy bus video given time but I’ve quite enjoyed my recent experiences I’ve gotta be honest.

[@MostlyPlanes747]

I love aer lingus (emerald airlines)

[@Zuuu40]

Another fantastic video

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@danielplayfair3596]

A lot of issues from what I’ve found out, they don’t have enough planes, their lessors have been quite bad for delays with soo many delays, from April to July for a certain aircraft and May to hopefully now

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Daniel, I hope things improve, I really do as it’s another option - especially out of BHX. Needs to be a reliable one though and atm, I’d be reluctant to book again if there’s a comparable alternative price-wise. Shame though as I like the dash-8.

[@danielplayfair3596]

@@LetsMakeaTrip thankfully I use them because our buses to the airport make easyjet no longer affordable just because bus and taxi fares to the international are far too high compared to the city

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

@@danielplayfair3596 yeh that puts me off going to Belfast International too. Just so much easier at BHD. I caught the train last time, short walk, simple.

[@olivermcconnell1627]

Amazing video! 😊

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Thanks Oliver 😊👍

[@NonstopEurotrip]

What a palava mate 🤣

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Yeh, palava - great word 👍

[@valuetraveler2026]

Yes the corporates cut off the water on a long distance bus I was traveling on recently - not cool

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Seems to be quite a few 'water shortages' on transport these days.

[@PanglossDr]

FlyBe sound like they have picked up where British Midland left off.

[@jonjohnson2844]

Think I'd still rather give my money to the British airline though to be honest, the economy needs all the help it can get.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

Admirable Jon but still a risk…

[@Tropic101x]

ATR72 will always be superior than Dash8Q400 -- then when it comes to the service side of things, FlyBE isn't that great, so any wonder why FlyBE is gone, yet again?

[@realman6ft6]

A separate booking for an onward flight is not a connection.

[@westyham1]

Stayed airside

[@derisleybrittain]

🥇🥇🥇🥇👍👍👍👍👍

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️✈️🍿🍿🍿🍺

[@j3ojos]

And now Flybe have failed… again. Not a shock really.

[@LetsMakeaTrip]

No, definitely not a shock!