I would like to find a flight to fly one way from London to Nice in July. Unfortunately it seems that all the "bargain" airlines go out of Luton or Stansted, which seems so inconvenient and distant from central London.<BR>The flights from either Heathrow or Gatwick are so much more expensive. Or will there be other specials from those airports later for the summer? Easy Jet apparently has flights from Gatwick to Nice, but the website seems to indicate that those are not available in summer, or else they don't yet know if they will be.<BR>Are there any other airlines to check with?<BR>Go is only out of Stansted, which seems so inconvenient. I hate to take Virgin Express which is cheap, but with a layover in Brussels, it doesn't make much sense timewise.

My understanding about Easyjet is that the Gatwick service is new to Nice and some other airports and that they won't be selling those seats until after March.

Susan - I'm a bit confused as to why you are so dead against travelling from Luton to Nice via EasyJet. It's only 45 minutes on the train from London Kings Cross station via Thameslink rail services and believe me it would take just as long (if not more) to get to Heathrow or Gatwick. As any Londoner will tell you the key issue is time when travelling to airports not distance<BR><BR>

Now I'm really confused. I did a search and read a couple of posts about transportation to Luton. Although there were several suggestions, it looked very complicated with several transfers and I thought up to two hours to get there from Central London -- total. Normally I take a car service to Heathrow and it is about an hour, but when I looked at the car service prices and times on a website, I got the impression to Luton was double in price and nearly two hours. Is the ThamesLink train direct to the airport at Luton or do I have to change? I'm not very keen on our hauling luggage (two women and yes, we will have a fair amount) if it involves much walking or transfering. I wouldn't mind taking a taxi to King's Cross if the train then goes directly to Luton Airport. Does it? Or would a car service to Luton take less than an hour and a half and cost less than maybe 50 pounds for the two of us? We pay 25 pounds to Heathrow.

Susan, sounds like you are following my itinerary. We have already booked with Easy Jet to fly from London Luton to Nice on Saturday, July 6. The cost was 32 pounds (I believe), but now I see it has already jumped to 70 pounds, (for the same mid day flight). Thanks to the Fodorites who said it is cheaper the earlier you book it.<BR>I always use Swiss Cottage Cars from Heathrow and they charge 25 pounds for that -- a couple of pounds less for the return to Heathrow. I called them regarding taking us from our rental flat in Covent Garden to Luton Airport, and they quoted me 35 pounds (for two of us, I would definitely prefer that to the taxi plus trains to Luton, pretty sure you have to change to get to the airport, but not positive). They told me that to be safe we should allow an hour and a half to get from Covent Garden to Luton Airport -- but we are going on a Saturday. I'm not sure if it would be a little slower during the week.

Susan - Sorry we've confused you over the train situation. Yes you can get a direct train link from Kings Cross Thameslink station to Luton Airport Parkway station - this takes 30 minutes there is then a shuttle bus to take you to the airport terminal should only take you 15 minutes maximum. Have a look at www.thameslink.co.uk for more information or even do a search on "luton airport parkway" for more info on this. If however this seems too daunting then I suggest the price that Patrick mentioned for a cab does not seem unreasonable - reason they say allow 2 hours is because the motorway (freeway) to Luton (the M1) is notorious for bad traffic jams at the "rush hour" after work 5.30pm - 6.30pm. I hope that whatever choice you make you have a great trip<BR><BR>Regards<BR>Andrew

To Patrick:<BR><BR>If you happen to read this again, I was wondering if you can share the agency you used to get your rental flat? We are looking for rental places around Covent Garden.Thanks.<BR><BR>Joy

Susan, I'd look again at the EasyJet site. I have booked flights from Gatwick to Edinburgh on it before the service started without problem, and they are now advertising the service widely in the UK so I'd give it another go.<BR><BR>As for Luton, I'd recommend the Thameslink too but avoid peak times (7.30 - 10 and 4.30 - 6.30) as the trains tend to be standing room only if you're lucky. If at all possible, don't go by road - the M1 can be completely unpredictable (I have done exactly the same journey twice within two weeks - the first time it took me 3.5 hours, the next took 1.5!)

Joy, This summer will be our fifth or sixth stay (I lost track) in the same flat in Covent Garden. It is a privately owned flat -- the owners are horse breeders out in Somerset who keep it for their stays in London and lease it out otherwise through Farnum and Christ, an agency in the US. You can call them at 1-800-366-2048. This is the only flat they have in Covent Garden, I believe. Most of their others are in Kensington or Sloane Square. "Our" flat is on Floral Street, a little cobble stoned limited traffic street of upscale shops, between Leicester Square and Covent Garden Market. It is a second floor (third to us) walk-up, no lift. Huge living room/dining room with lots of windows, small complete kitchen, bedroom with double bed, large double sink bathroom, and a separate small bathroom with a walk-in (phone booth) shower. We pay about $200 per night on a week basis.<BR>Farnum and Christ has a website (but not much on it, you really need to call them to discuss your needs) at www.farnum-christ.com

Thanks for the quick reply Patrick. I will try them out. BTW, we will be staying at your "recommended" hotel in Paris (6Arr, rue dauphine) and I'm sure we will have a wonderful time.<BR>Thanks again.