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Scheduled Flights
Schedule Flights differ
from Charter Flights because they are, by definition, "Scheduled"
to fly on that particular day, at that time, to that airport - even
if there is only 1 passenger on the whole aircraft! Many people mistakenly
think that Schedule Flights are always more expensive than Charter (package
holiday) Flights but this isn't always the case.
Many UK companies provide reasonably priced Scheduled Flights and generally,
if you book a fair bit in advance (say a few months before you fly)
you can usually get good prices and choose your seats - and it could
even work out cheaper than a Charter Flight depending on when you want
to travel.
Scheduled Flights often offer more leg room and more baggage allowance
than Charter Flights, and if you are limited to the days or the dates
you can fly (because of work commitments etc) a Schedule Flight is usually
the best option.
You should also consider booking a schedule flight if it's of vital
importance you get to your destination on a specific day because charter
flights can often be cancelled or re-timetabled - all they need to give
passengers is 10 days notice. this is why business travellers will always
book a scheduled flight - because they need to be in their destination
and can't take a chance that the flights departure may be put back a
couple of days or even cancelled altogether. This problem with charter
flights isn't just restricted to business travellers. Even most holidaymakers
need to book particular days and dates off work so a delay in getting
to your destination by even just one or two days can really eat in to
your holiday time.
Probably the best thing about a schedule flight is if it gets cancelled
or can't fly for any reason (airport delays, bad weather etc). In all
cases the schedule airline will make every attempt to get you on the
next available flight they have to your destinnation. Don't expect a
charter airline to do this - they may well tell you to go home and come
back next week at the same time!
I personally have no preference on whether I book a schedule flight
or a charter flight when I go on holiday. I find both have their advantages
and disadvantages (schedule flights can be more expensive and might
not fly directly to your destination, but they are usually superior
quality with more leg room and baggage allowance so get you there more
comfortably and in more style). Charter flights on the other hand are
usually really inexpensive (I like inexpensive!) and will fly you directly
to your destination with no stop-overs - only drawback is that you may
find it a bit cramped for space, and don't do too much holiday shopping,
because the baggage allowance isn't too much and it could end up costing
you for excess baggage on your return journey. you'll kick yourself
if you find out later that you could have travelled in style on a schedule
flight just as cheaply after you factor in the excess baggage charges!
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