Cost of couple’s £853 return flight to Glasgow almost halved after applying discount
Andrew Hirst
Loganair has refunded a couple almost half of the £853 they were charged for a return flight to Glasgow – after applying the air discount scheme.
Maggie Bigland, of Mossbank, thought she had already applied to discount when booking the flight last week.
At the time she said the airline’s charges were “unbelievable”.
But after Loganair investigated the booking, the airline noticed Mrs Bigland had not used the discount and offered to apply it retrospectively.
Loganair said it had since provided the couple with a £384 refund.
The airline said in a statement to The Shetland Times: “The air discount scheme (ADS) was established to deliver lower air fares for residents of Scotland’s most remote communities travelling to and from the country’s key population centres.
“We’d encourage eligible customers using their ADS details to book flights to get in touch if their fares don’t appear to reflect the discount.
“As a regional airline, we provide crucial connectivity all year round by flying smaller more efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft appropriate to the size of the market we are serving.
“However, we have the same regulatory requirements as all airlines, even those operating with 300 seats where they are able to spread their cost base over a greater number of passengers. Our fares ensure we are sustainable, and communities can depend on us all year round.”
The flight is scheduled to depart from Sumburgh on 23rd September, returning on 7th October.
Loganair had previously said the cost was due to high demand during a peak travel period – there is a Glasgow council public service holiday on 22nd and 25th September.
The “Queen of Country Pop”, Shania Twain, is also performing in Glasgow that weekend, which has been highlighted on social media as one cause of the high demand for flights into the city.
This story has been updated to reflect that the refund had been paid.
David Lloyd
It must harm Shetland tourism with prices so high. You can fly most places in Europe for under £50 each way but not Shetland. I’ve taken many holidays around Europe and visited Shetland for holiday twice in the last three years and the Shetland trip has always cost three times what I pay to go abroad. Shetland is a special place but I’m sure you would attract more visitors if the price was right
Kristina Marshall
I have used Loganair on a couple of occasions and thier flights are rarely on time. My flight from Newcastle to Southampton was cancelled last December. They said it was because of “bad weather ” It wasn’t and I’m still over £120 out of pocket which they are refusing to refund. I would like to say that I will never use Loganair again but sadly they are the only company that fly to and from Southampton and Newcastle!!!
Roy Thomson
It is school holidays which drive fare fluctuations. Their outbound date is the September weekend – a popular Friday to Monday break, particularly in Glasgow. Their return is more than a week prior to the October half-term week, so should be cheaper.
Brinder Singh Saigal
Silly article. Has the airline forced the couple to fly with them?? Equally stupid are these lunatics who have bought the ticket and are now complaining!