On the final day of our London mini-break in June 2018 we had to leave our passports at the China Visa Centre, and then return a few days later to collect them again. Rather than going home in between, we decided to go to Devon for a couple of days.  Flybe, a smart and friendly British low cost regional airline flies to Exeter (“EXT”) from London City Airport (“LCY”) using turbo-propped Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft.  Their all-economy fares are lower than the train (1st class), but their only flight from EXT to LCY is at 7am so we came home at a more reasonable hour by train.

The westward flight leaves LCY at 17:25, so we checked in at about 4pm. LCY doesn’t have any airline or frequent flyer lounges, so we grabbed the last seat at the bar area with views of the apron and runway. The airport terminal was very busy at that time, ferrying business people home to Europe after a day’s work in The City.  And the business of the airport seemed to create a few small delays for the planes negotiating the tight taxiway conditions at LCY.

We boarded our brightly coloured Bombardier Q400, registration G-JEDT, at 17:25, by walking across the ramp (there aren’t any airbridges at LCY). The plane takes about 80 passengers, but it appeared a third of the seats were empty.  I’d pre-booked our seats, for a fee, so we had 3A and 3B near the pointy end in the 2-2 layout, but it transpired that most of the other passengers were seated from row 10 upwards, so all the empty seats were immediately behind us.  I believe the ‘general allocation’ of seats in this way is to do with weight distribution and aircraft centre of gravity.  Once airborne this is less critical and one can usually move seats, with the FA’s consent.  We chose to spread out a bit so Mr. A moved to 3D, the window seat on the other side of the cabin from me.

Although Flybe is all economy, the blue leather seats were comfortable, with perfectly adequate leg room for the short journeys this airline flies.  It was about the same as on BA (including Club Europe business class).  The seats don’t recline, so your leg space is maintained throughout the flight.

The doors closed at 17:35, ten minutes behind schedule, and we took off at 17:46 on runway 09 towards the East.  With Flybe being a low cost carrier, all onboard catering has to be paid for.  The senior FA made a very amusing announcement prior to service, highlighting her favourites on the menu (chocolate and Prosecco!).  I chose a coffee and a snickers bar for £3.50.  Our amusing FA was a great example of the warmth and friendliness Flybe is known for.  I would happily fly more with Flybe if they had more flights from my local airport, Gatwick.

After a gentle flight along the south coast of England in clear blue skies, we made a somewhat fast and heavy landing at EXT at 18:38 and parked up outside the tiny terminal building just ten minutes later than scheduled.

This flight with Flybe was very enjoyable and comfortable. Including seat pre-selection and one hold bag, it cost just £101 for two people, one way. FYI our return journey to London on the train was £146.50 for two, first class.  9/10