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AIR SOUTHWEST Passenger Reviews and Passenger Trip Reports |
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AIR SOUTHWEST review : 7 May 2008 : by C Lee
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Customer Rating : 5/5 |  |
LGW-NQY. Arrived in with BA from Salzburg, and transfered to Air Southwest evening flight to
Newquay. There is no agreement for codesharing at the moment, but there is on domestic to domestic
flights - so I had to recheck in. Crew seemed chatty as I boarded. Very loud take off as ever on the
Dash 8. Cabin snack service shortly after take off, well priced cup of tea and flapjack for only £2.
Air Southwest review by R Curtis
16 April 2008 Customer Trip Rating : 
Have flown several times MAN-BRS and back, and never had any real problems. On two occasions I've
booked for the Saturday 10:00 departure on Friday night, and apart from the check-in staff having to
'phone someone else to check another computer, this has not been a problem. Manchester is an
interesting airport - they don't seem keen on allocating gates until aircraft are on the ground, so
sometimes the quoted boarding time comes and goes with no word, and announcements can be a bit
sparse, but this seems to be common for all flights out of Terminal 3. The last time I went down,
there was a delay of approx. 20 minutes at Manchester - the incoming flight was late - and we were
only told after going to the gate. I'm not sure if the staff at MAN are Air Southwest, or employed
by some third party, but more information would be nice. Otherwise, every flight has been fine - the
staff are always pleasant, and the journey is quick. BRS is ok - check-in and ground services are
supplied by British Airways - and being a smaller airport arriving is very easy, and departing is
pretty simple too. I notice other people have had problems with cancellations and serious delays,
and from the comments Air Southwest sound pretty much like every other airline in those situations,
but hopefully they'll continue the service level I've been able to experience so far.
Air Southwest review by J Williams
25 February 2008 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
LBA-NQY cancelled due to fog and rebooked at no charge on a later flight. The flights departed and
arrived on time and cabin crew were professional. Being a turboprop plane, the flight is noisy.
I have travelled with Air Southwest to Newquay 4 times in the past 12 months and other than several
slight delays departing Newquay - the airport cannot handle any more than 2 flights leaving
simultaneously - recommend them.
Air Southwest review by Christian Hodson
24 February 2008 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
I make frequent trips to Bristol from MAN to visit family and in the past have had to endure tedious
journeys by train via Birmingham and even more horrendous journeys by road. As long as you are able
to book in advance and make use of the £29.99 one way fares this is the way to travel. Check-in at
MAN is advertised as opening 2 hours before the flight departure, but I was able to check in earlier
than this for my last flight. The flight takes about 50 minutes and for such a short trip the
service is friendly, professional and onboard drinks / snacks reasonably priced. I would agree with
previous comments that the ride could be a little white knuckle if the weather is not great but I
have been fortunate to have had clear skies and a nice view over the South West of England on the
approach into Bristol. The only downside is that if you have to book a last minute ticket the prices
are extortionate, regardless of how busy the flight is.
Air Southwest review by Andrew Wilson
15 August 2007 Customer Trip Rating : n/a
LBA-NQY-LBA flight a couple of times now and can recommend this airline. It beats the 5 or 6 hour slog
on the motorways. The aircraft are ageing but appear well cared for with spotlessly clean cabins and
comfy leather-look seats. Legroom not a problem. Cabin staff are pleasant and efficient. Only caveat -
if you don't like turbulence this may not be for you - have had one or two white knuckle
approaches/landings to Bristol and LBS!
Air Southwest review by Brenda McMillan
7 November 2006
This morning I arrived at the Southwest check in desk in Manchester
Terminal 3 at 08.13 for the 08.45 flight Cardiff to find there was no
one to check me in. The sign above the desk still said check in here
for CARDIFF. I knew it was tight in timing, but there had been an
accident on the M56 that delayed me and according to my E-confirmation
my final check in time was 30 minutes before the flight left. On
checking with the desks next to Air Southwest they said the lady had
left the Southwest desk 10 minutes earlier. They kindly called someone
who said the flight had not yet closed. They then made a further call
and relayed that while I could go to the Southwest office in Terminal 1
and try to check in there Southwest where about to close the flight and
I would be too late to get on it. This is the most bizarre concept of
customer service I have heard of. The staff at the adjoining desks
where all friendly and supportive and seemed embarrassed by the
information they were relaying to me. I travel on business two or three
times a week and this is the only time I have come across such a
situation. I work for a large Bank and have already been assured that my
organisation will get a refund for the ticket but would that be the case
if I was an independent traveller? I have used Southwest several times
before and had some measure of goodwill towards them - which has
evaporated over this incident.
Air Southwest review by Gavin Stewart
12 October 2006
FA's great. Friendly, relaxed, happy. Feel a bit sorry for them
sometimes. Increasingly, seems to be just one FA on some legs juggling
many duties. Really quite entertaining, watching the poor girl sprint
back and forth, yet still with great attitude. Come on Air Southwest,
fares are not exactly super-cheap - stump up and put some more FA's on!
Never had a problem, usually on time, cabin seats very comfy.
Air Southwest review by Glen Rennie
27 September 2006
Air Southwest 12:45 hrs departure from London Gatwick to Plymouth City
on 23rd Sept 06 (returning the next day). Arrived in good time (two
hours before departure) and proceeded to check-in which after a twenty
minute queue was completed by friendly and chirpy British Airways staff.
Continued through security and into departures area for something to
eat. I kept watching the flight screens as my departure time came - and
went - without any gate number or information and just as it reached my
departure time it changed to "delayed to 13:45" (one hour delay). So
back to the bar I went until 13:15 when I checked the screen again and
it now said "delayed to 14:10" (one hour and twenty minutes delay). So
back to the bar once again. At 13:50 I checked once again and this time
it said "Will board gate 55" so off I went to the gate where we were
called to board at 14:15 with no apology or information about the reason
for the delay. The aircraft was clean and tidy and while I couldn't
spend more than an hour or so in one I have no problems with the seats
on Dash 8 aircraft. The captain made his announcement with a welcome,
an apology and some route/weather information which was clear and
concise. However, no real reason was given for the delays and he then
dropped another delay on passengers by telling us of a "slight change of
plan" for the flight! It was meant to fly Gatwick - Plymouth - Newquay
but for reasons that he could not or would not tell us we were to fly
Gatwick - Newquay - Plymouth adding further delay to my arrival in
Plymouth. The flight itself was smooth enough and (as always) the cabin
crew were friendly, efficient and welcoming. Air Southwest usually
charge for refreshments but because of the delay one free drink was
being offered - a nice gesture but I would rather have been on time! I
finally arrived in Plymouth at 16:00 (two hours and fifteen minutes
late) having taken the scenic route via newquay and not actually been
told why! The whole journey from check-in to arrival took over five
hours by which time I could have been there by train at half the price!
This airline started well (see the first ever Air Southwest post - made
by myself in 2004) but recent experience has proved that they are
loosing it! The staff are great but the time keeping and customer
information is appalling! In my first post I said "I just hope that
they can maintain this high level of service as they expand and grow in
the future" - it would appear that they could not!
Air Southwest review by John Fricker
22 September 2006
Newquay to Cardiff (continues to Manchester). The airline's Bombardier
Q300 used on the outward flight seemed noisier than the Flybe Q400 I had
previously flown in. The return flight was quieter. These are,
however, cosy little planes with good legroom. Delays had accumulated
throughout the day to delay the return flight by an hour, but this was
only displayed about 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time. The
06:30 departure and 20:55 return to Newquay during the week make a day
trip to Cardiff or Manchester possible.
Air Southwest review by Andrew Bryant
6 September 2006
Have used this airline several times, MAN-BRS and LBA-BRS... used to be
an excellent service, but standards have slipped or they just don't care
when things go wrong. Cancelled flight from LBA-BRS in March
(apparently due to weather problems, but other flights to/from LBA/BRS
and NQY were flying OK!), and that was after the flight showing as on
time only 50 mins before it was due to depart. Offered a seat on the
next "available" flight, 24 hours later (how nice!), or a eventually a
seat in a taxi to Bristol after about 2 hours of non-communication and
no issue of refreshment vouchers. Declined the taxi (regular user of
Leeds taxis and would never get one that far!), got the on-time
excellent service of the train the next morning. Needless to say Air
Southwest refused anything but a refund on the original air ticket
(which took about 6 weeks!). Gave them one more chance and had a flight
from MAN-BRS booked in July, turned up at MAN an hour early only to be
told it was cancelled with NO explanation, but we could go on the later
flight (3 hour delay), but we had to go immediately to departures. Have
a feeling they cancelled due to underbooking (approx 10 pax). I will
NEVER fly with them again, whats the point - I flew to save 2-3 hours
but can't take the risk of being late and out of pocket again! The on
board staff are good, but the LBA and MAN ground staff do not have a
clue, nor do their Customer Service who quite frankly need to learn to
read complaint letters properly also.
Air Southwest review by Tim Key
26 August 2006
Bristol to Norwich, and have nothing to complain about, flight left on
time, comfortable seats, friendly crew and a good all round service. It
sure beats a 4 to 5 hour drive.
Air Southwest review by Mike Kendall
1 July 2006
BRS-LBA-BRS. What a gem of a local airline this is!! No queue at
check-in in either direction (flights handled by BA at BRS) and prompt
baggage collection both ends. Comfortable leather seating with masses of
legroom (more than Flybe). Flight attendants are cheerful, polite and
professional. Older Dash-8 aircraft but very clean and well looked
after, would recommend last four rows 10-14 for quieter flight - row 11
has legroom of BA euro club proportions as its an emergency exit! All
this for UKL 38 return! They also serve Plymouth gin which is a
recommendation in itself! Long may they prosper.
Air Southwest review by John Davies
18 June 2006
Instead of taking the train from Penzance I flew on business for the
first time to Leeds/Bradford on Monday June 5th and returned on 7th
June. I'm mailing to say that I welcomed the high standard of care and
attention provided by the cabin staff to passengers, and in particular
to elderly people travelling on their own. This, I know, is no small
thing because I have on a number of occasions travelled with my (just
short of ninety year old) mother-in-law on airlines that are much less
helpful and welcoming. Helping old people retain their dignity in
whatever context is a worthwhile thing!
Air Southwest review by Stuart Rudrum
12 June 2006
Norwich to Bristol return. Both flights left on time, comfortable with plenty of leg-room. The plane was about just over half
full in both directions. There was little waiting to check-in and hold luggage was quick to arrive
for collection both ends. Flight Attendant was very professional, cheerful and helpful. We will
certainly fly Air Southwest again. It was very convenient, journey time was about 50 minutes,(driving would have taken 4- 5 hours)
reasonably priced and the aircraft was clean.
Air Southwest review by Anthony Hending
15 May 2006
31 March. Arrived Newquay Airport at 06:25 for 07:20 departure to London
Gatwick. One minute after being told to go to departure area, the flight
was totally cancelled with no offer of a later flight. My wife and I had
to endure a stressful road journey to Gatwick in a Transit van "with
windows", along with nine other disgruntled passengers. The five hour
delay meant we had to stay overnight in London at a cost of over two
hundred pounds, including extra travel etc. Air Southwest reluctantly
offered us a £26 refund each ( which took four weeks to get ) but
charged us £30 each from the remaining air fare price for the transport
to Gatwick. Would we use them again? What do you think?
Air Southwest review by Anthony Matthews
6 May 2006
Cardiff - Newquay. My first time on this new service from Cardiff.
Inbound flight from Manchester 90 minutes late (blamed on air traffic
and ground crew problems) - a further delay at Cardiff (blamed on ground
crew). Arrived at Newquay 2 hours late for a rather special occasion.
Not a good introduction. The Dash 8 was very noisy on take off, but very
comfortable leather seats with plenty of leg room. Great views en -
route. Return flight on same day 30 minutes late leaving Newquay.
Pleasant cabin crew. Not impressed with the delays in both directions -
I'll probably give them a second chance, but they must be able to
provide a reliable service, or they'll go the way of many others and
lose customers if delays like mine are repeated.
Air Southwest review by Steve Robinson
6 May 2006
Bristol to Norwich - excellent service. Only about 19 people on the
flight so loads of room. Back from Norwich - plane left 20 mins late due
to late inward arrival from Bristol. Ground crew at Norwich didnt seem
bothered and didnt make an announcement, but apart from this minor
problem everything was excellent. Crew very pleasant and seemed to take
a pride in their work. Beats 5 hours on a train with a journey across
London.
Air Southwest review by Keith Wood
2 May 2006
Plymouth - Manchester. Check in easy and swift - Plane left and arrived on time.
Ground/cabin crew pleasant and helpful. Plenty of legroom. Would certainly recommend to friends.
Quicker and cheaper than the train. A throughly enjoyable experience
Air Southwest review by Martine Brangan
2 May 2006
Dublin - Newquay return April 2006, with elderly disabled mother in
wheelchair. Do take the assistance offered when boarding as Dash 8 has
very difficult first step. The aircraft, although a bit noisy, is
extremely comfortable and roomy and has lovely panoramic windows. The
most wonderful thing about this low cost airline is the staff, who are
the most friendly of any airline I have travelled. We had a very
unpleasant encounter with the heavy security in Newquay Airport, and Air
SouthWest staff upset at how passengers were treated and gave us a
complaint form to fill out. They gave us a pack of goodies to take home
for the trouble of filling out this form. The attention to safety is
great too, and done with the utmost courtesy.
Air Southwest review by Steve Hart
30 March 2006
I travel Airsouthwest about twice a month and my partner does the same.
The flights are from Manchester to Newquay and vice versa. The aircraft
usually take off late but do arrive on time, but, the last 4 flights
have been appalling. Flights cancelled, in one case a coach from Newquay
to Manchester, flights delayed, 4 hours being the longest in March. I
appreciate that these things happen but Airsouthwest seem to have a
communication problem, with departure boards showing no information and
staff seemingly unaware of what is going on. During this coming summer
BmiBaby are doing the same route and we have booked some of those to see
if they are any better. Get your act together Airsouthwest.
Air Southwest review by Joe Tompkins
9 March 2006
Newquay-Gatwick and back the next day in early January and found the whole experience
fantastic. The flight crew keep you well informed, the cabin crew are well trained and look
positively happy to be doing their job. I would very very happily fly with them again, and hope they continue to provide this excellent
service for the people of the Southwest.
Air Southwest review by Mark Lewarne
26 February 2006
Manchester to Newquay flight, excellent service of both cabin crew and
ground agents. Flight stopped at Bristol and had to change planes which
went very smoothly - bus to transfer passengers to the other plane for
the onward hop to Newquay. Dash 8 was noisy, seats were comfortable with
plenty of legroom - only criticism would be the prices of food onboard.
All in all it was an Excellent Flight.
Air Southwest review by Brian Shipman
15 February 2006
I use Air Southwest NQY-LGW and their other services many times a year
but have only been prompted to write after suffering the truly squalid
experience of the Ryanair 'alternative' NQY-STAN. Air Southwest is an
absolute gem, aircraft are relatively slow but very comfortable, clean
and reliable, the staff are excellent - air and ground - and if things
do go wrong they are there to help.
Air Southwest review by Richard Williams
8 November 2005
PLH to LGW via NQY, and return LGW to PLH. Fantastic Regional Service, saves hours getting to the Gatwick/Heathrow if like me you live in the
southwest. Aircraft is quite noisy but they do go the extra mile for you, if you require a taxi at
either Plymouth or Newquay they would give you a voucher for a prefered Taxi service and there would
be a taxi waiting for you. The snacks are a little pricey but I didn't mind paying it if it helps my
local airline. There is lots of legroom although the seats are a little uncomfortable. But good
product
Air Southwest review by Nigel Gorski
8 October 2005
Leeds - Bristol return. Would echo the comments of other users and my
previous comments on this airline. Flights and check in smooth in both
directions. One word of caution - Air Soutwest actually swap aircraft
and crews at Bristol - ie the Newquay - Leeds aircraft changes at
Bristol and the crew moves aircraft - ie same crew - different aircraft!
The timeliness of the Leeds flight is therefore dependant on the
Manchester inbound flight which allows only 20 minutes - this caused
the Leeds flight to be delayed by 15 minutes. This sort of scheduling
could become an issue in the winter when Newquay and Leeds airports do
occasionally suffer from fog.
Air Southwest review by Maureen Selby
2 October 2005
Nothing but praise for your service on flights from LBA to Newquay it
was first class both ways and
a special thank you to your stewardess Wendy on the 9.30AM flight from
LBA on the 21/09/05 and the
16.05pm flight from Newquay to LBA on the 26/09/05
Air Southwest review by Nigel Best
2 October 2005
Flew from Manchester to Bristol to attend a meeting ( same day return),
both flights on time, and the service excellent, the check in staff at
Manchester were great and BA provided the same level of service at
Bristol, would never use the train again.
Air Southwest review by Derek Rule
13 September 2005
Compare this airline with Ryanair ?. Fares may be a little higher, but
there is no fight for a seat (allocated at checkin), staff are friendly
and polite and, unlike Ryanair staff, have obviously done the smiling
course. The aircraft can be noisy, but you expect this with small
turboprop. On the plus side, the seats are comfortable and because of
the lower cruising height there are often good views. On one occasion a
few months ago, whilst approaching Newquay, the captain even flew
round a small thunderstorm to make it more comfortable for the
passengers.
Air Southwest review by Nigel Gorski
24
August 2005
Leeds - Newquay 15/8 returning 19/8. Agree with comments of other passengers - very
enthusiastic crew both directions. Dash 8 Aircraft (potentially ex Sabena?) clean, good leg
room with leather seats. Slightly noisy take off but this soon settles. Check in and bag
reclaim highly efficient in both directions. On the other hand, BA handling at Bristol - this
flight stops at Bristol in both directions to allow passengers to change for Plymouth /
Manchester - this sees the 2 aircraft park side by side and passengers disembark at Bristol,
remain seated or move from one flight to another. BA Staff were pretty non plus (waited for
coaches 5-10 minutes on each occasion to remote stand after door opened) and took a fairly non
urgent attitude (forgot load sheet and had to return to terminal). If I were Air South West I'd
be keeping an eye on BA as this sort of thing loses critical minutes and potentially slots which
could adversely affect interchangeability of this sort of flight operation.
Air Southwest review by Kevin J Cleary
3
August 2005
What a delightful airline. London - Plymouth return yesterday. Polite staff,
interested in their job, arranging taxis for passengers. Good inflight service,
Plymouth Gin and tonics highly recommended and I admit I am fussy.
Air Southwest review by Colin Telford
1
August 2005
The daily service from Newquay to Dublin saves me several days of travel. I can leave
West Penwith at 10.30am and easily be installed in my Hotel in Dublin at 3pm.
This is absolutely incredible and means that I can now consider some business
projects which have been unrealistic until now. The planes (clean and functional)
have always been on time or even early and I hope that the service
will long continue or even expand (what about Cork or Waterford?)
Air Southwest review by Declan Warde
1
August 2005
Have used the Air Southwest's Dublin - Newquay (and return) service 3 times since it
was launched earlier this year. No complaints whatsoever.
Air Southwest review by Nick Wallace
21
July 2005
Good quality service for the price and routes are comparable with BA. Plymouth is not
a good airport for weather and flights will often be late and or delayed due to
diversions. Last time I tried to fly all morning flights were cancelled due to
weather bar the one I was getting ...and that was cancelled due to technical
problems. Very much like BA was getting at the end. Investment in some new aircraft
may help matters. These Dash 8s are getting on an are starting to look feel and sound
it. Still the flight costs only 60% of 1st Class rail to Bristol so I suppose we
should not complain.
Air Southwest review by Mike Byatt
8
October 2004
Gatwick to Plymouth on a clear autumn day. Superb views of south & southwest coast all
along. Staff pleasant, aircraft clean although it did 'rattle' a little but as it is a turbo-prop that can't
be helped. Often cheaper than going by train and certainly more comfortable and far quicker.
Air Southwest review by J N Whipp
9
September 2004
I would like too see the Manchester service extended to Newquay. surely ther must be a need for this
if only at weekend. There is a direct rail link in summer only at weekends and this is 98% fully
booked. I have used the Plymouth service and would certainly welcome a
Newquay /Manchester link
Air Southwest review by Peter Harrington
26
July 2004
Flew this week on the LGW to Plymouth service. Departure from Gatwick was delayed on arrival at
Gatwick due to (as I found out later) the previous night's flight not being able to land at Plymouth
because of poor weather conditions. Although the delay was initially 40 minutes, we eventually took
off about 20 mins late after a quick aircraft turnaround.
The Dash 8 plane is noisy because of the propellers and my outward journey was slightly
uncomfortable (in row 7) because of vibrations (presumably from the effect the props have on the
fuselage. Return journey in row 10 was less of an issue on this point. Flight time of around 50
minutes to Plymouth and longer on the way back as flight is via Newquay.
Both attendants on the outbound and return journeys were friendly, relaxed and informal, which is
quite refreshing in today's age of plastic smiles.
Restricted inflight menu - mainly a choice of 4 types of sandwiches and cakes etc. and tea and
coffee at a cost of about £5, so not too bad.
Overall a pretty good flight well worth if as a substitute to the train or car.
Air Southwest review by Peter Sutcliffe
18
July 2004
Manchester service is nothing short of a godsend - in only 45 minutes,
compared with at least 4 hours on the road or by train. Price is comparable with the train too.
Yes the Dash-8 is noisy and uncomfortable, but on such a short flight who cares?
Air Southwest review by Neil Robinson
13
April 2004
I flew last week on Air Southwest on the new MAN-BRS service, and i agree with the previous
reviewer that the Dash 8 was noisy when on the climb (headache inducing) but the flights were on
time and the service and price were very good. Well worth taking instead of a long train trip.
Air Southwest review by Glen Rennie
15
March 2004
Flew on the recently launched Air Southwest from London Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Plymouth City
Airport (PLH) and return. Check in on both flights was quick and efficient, and the cabin crew were
attentive and very friendly on both flights. The aircraft itself was comfortable and in good
repair, although as with most Dash 8's of this age it was a little noisy even at cruise altitude.
We departed dead on time from LGW and arrived 15 minutes early in PLH. On the return flight we
departed PLH 30 minutes late but landed at LGW only 10 minutes behind schedule.
This new airline has taken over some routes previously operated by British Airways CitiExpress and
to be honest, there isn't that much difference in the level of service received between Air
Southwest and British Airways CitiExpress - it's excellent.
The only thing I miss is the online check in offered by British Airways as 99% of the time I could
guarantee my preferred seat. Although, as I always arrive at the airport a couple of hours before I
need to - I managed to get allocated my favourite seat on both flights anyway.
All in all a great experience from this new airline, I just hope that they can maintain this high
level of service as they expand and grow in the future.
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