Flights from Southend

In the hustle and bustle of the world of aviation today, what a refreshing thing it is that we on the East Side of London have Southend Airport. Last return from Alicante was to Southend, with an airplane seat to train seat in 15 minutes. Similarly, we recently used the airport for a short trip to Jersey and it was a joy. So, if you have the chance or inclination use Southend over Stansted/Gatwick

Some of us moved from Shoeburyness to Clacton - looks like it was a bad move!! Stansted is still our nearest airport...... but, after the sale, we are expecting great things! I live in hope!!

and the wife wants to move from Hornchurch to Wickford area. Could fall out of bed into the airport from there.

Glyn wrote:In the hustle and bustle of the world of aviation today, what a refreshing thing it is that we on the East Side of London have Southend Airport. Last return from Alicante was to Southend, with an airplane seat to train seat in 15 minutes. Similarly, we recently used the airport for a short trip to Jersey and it was a joy. So, if you have the chance or inclination use Southend over Stansted/Gatwick

...and I bet your flights are cheaper than Gatwick too Glyn. Our flights have had a massive hike up from this September. Monarch have been pretty good up to now and has kept price rises to a minimum but the last flights we booked for September were the highest yet, even higher than the Summer holiday prices when I checked. Easy Jet are generally even higher though, when one gets past the deceiving 'front page' price. At least with Monarch the price is what you see, unless you want the 'add-ons'.

I've just booked Easyjet/Stansted for September. They have just introduced a new fare scale called Flexi. The flexi price includes a hold case; speedy boarding; and no debit/credit card charge. I had to flick backwards and forwards between standard charge (with the add ons) and flexi (all inclusive). If you didn't need to put anything in the hold the standard charge (at least for the times that I was going) was cheaper - but I have ended up by getting a Flexi - as am still taking the kitchen sink!!! I think "minimum" until I start to pack!!

My gripe is that I can't find flights at a decent time. The flights are seem to be either 6am or about 10pm (from Stansted). I have opted for the 6am one - as not fair on people who give me a lift otherwise), but it means leaving home at 3am - and the return taxi fare is £110 - which is certainly an "add-on"!:x

We always liked the 6am Stansted flight. There by 9ish, a borrow of milk from next door, cup of tea, quick nap and the day's yours. Less chance of delays and a sherbert at 03:30ish.

Monarch has just done a similar scheme Sandra - They are called 'Air-packs' and there are two 'add-ons' if wanted, called Essentials pack & Extras pack but the ordinary fare price is still there for those with just a 'carry on' cabin bag (like us).
Our adult children are coming out in September and I booked them the 'extras pack' as they have hold luggage and like to pre-book the extra leg-room seats, but if I had checked properly it was £10 cheaper to have the Essentials pack and add on the Extra Leg room seats as extras. The extra £10 covers a 3kg extra weight in the hold luggage which they don't need. They only take smallish cases as we have lots of things they need & use at the house, so that was a bit of waste!

It looks like early October for us now Jan. So the reunioun at yours may be out of the question - work committments unfortunately

I can't remember arranging anything at mine but it's a shame you can't be there Glyn. Anyway, it wouldn't be the same without you, so we will put it on hold until next time we are all there at the same time.

It will be better to hold it at yours though, your garden is much bigger than ours and living in a small select community, you don't have as many neighbours to annoy as us!

Can be arranged. When all the passing ships are in dock