plr

OMG. I have to use this airlines (tickets already purchased) to get from Manchester to Kirkwall in the Orkney Islands. I will have one 26" checked luggage, and a carryon backpack that is about 18"X15"X7".....I also have a piece of medical equipment that is 14"X6"X6".

Was astonished to learn that regardless of the medical equipment, only one item is allowed onboard. So since I HAVE to take the medical item onboard, I will apparently have to check my usual carryon backpack.as an extra bag in luggage.

Does anyone have any idea whether Flybe sticks rigidly to this standard on these short flights? I just can't yet imagine how to work this out, since I have never had such tight constraints with any other small short-flight airlines.

jamikins

Have you tried calling their customer service? Its best to talk to them about options - even if someone here said it was fine when they flew that doesnt mean that you will have the same experience.

KayF

You could look at this forum to get a feel for what travellers think of Flybe but it won't really answer your question. It will probably depend on the staff on the day. Other cheap airline travellers report inconsistencies with rules so I don't see why Flybe would be any different.

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/flybe-1.htm

Kay

alihutch

As you are flying to Orkney then I should think it's quite a wee plane, so they probably will restrict you to one item. How about putting your medical equipment inside your carryon and then you'll still be able to carry a few items in the rucksack as well.
I don't rally consider Flybe a 'cheap airline' They offer seat selection and target themselves at business travelers and they aren't that cheap.

hetismij

Flybe use smaller jets and turbo-props which is why the carry-on baggage is so limited.
You can make a payment when you hand over your hold baggage which will double the compensation value for those bags, provided you do this at least 2 hours before departure. I think it cost 25 GBP to do this.
They are, as I recall, strict on dimensions and weight of carry-on.

If you can put your medical equipment (EPAP?) inside your carry-on, and carry only what you really need on the flight in addition to it.

Ackislander

Does anyone know if you check your backpack/second carryon at the counter outside security or do you check it at the gate before boarding as you do on many US commuter planes?

If the latter, there is certainly no worry about it getting lost on a non-stop flight. Chances are, you will be walking across the loading zone at both ends of the flight and will see it go onto and come off the baggage cart.

I have to travel with a CPAP and on the many occasions when I have taken USAirways Express or similar commuter/regional flights, I put my meds, passport,digital audio player, book, netbook, and electronics into my CPAP bag and check everything else (change of clothes, toiletries, other papers, etc).

Never a problem.

Nonconformist

They were certainly strict when I travelled with them.

However, it might be worth looking at this page which talks about needing assistance with medical equipment:

http://www.flybe.com/assistance/

There's an e-mail address and phone number to ring as well.

alanRow

AFAIK Flybe don't fly to Kirkwall from anywhere, let alone Manchester - it's likely therefore it'll be two flights via a Scottish airport and both flights will be on turboprops

plr

Thanks to everyone for your helpful comments. I will call the airlines later today, but am doubtful they will be able to say anything different than the official rules I have read online. Yes, I neglected to specify that part of the trip is by Loganair. I have spent hours online and am completely unable to find an underseat bag with or without wheels that fits the required max size of 15 X 13 X 7 inches. And I was stunned at the extra cost of my now having to check my 2nd bag which is my usual carryon (total for 2 bags is 43 GBP = $70 USD). Argh!