In August we saw the headline “Emirates opens NQY to the world” announcing a new codeshare agreement between Flybe and Emirates, but what does this really mean for the Cornwall based traveller? In this blog, Cornwall Airport Newquay answer some common questions and try to explain just how flexible and realistic flying worldwide from right here in Cornwall really is.
What do the terms Codeshare and Interlining actually mean?
A codeshare agreement means that two or more airlines share the same flight, they publish and promote that flight under their own airline designator and flight number as part of their own flight schedule, but it is operated by just one of these airlines. So, in the example of the Flybe and Emirates codeshare agreement, this means that you can now book your ticket with Emirates from Cornwall Airport Newquay to anywhere on the Emirates network, on a single Emirates ticket, even though the airline operating the first leg from Newquay will be Flybe.
Interlining is a voluntary commercial agreement between airlines to handle passengers travelling on a route that involves multiple individual airlines. A single interline e-ticket can be issued for a route that involves travelling on multiple airlines, assuming the issuing airline has an interline agreement with each of the individual carriers involved.
What are the benefits to booking your entire journey on one ticket?
When booking your travel on a single ticket, either by way of a codeshare or interline agreement, you’ll get the baggage allowance of the international carrier all the way from Cornwall and your bags will be checked through to your final destination.
By booking your travel this way you also enjoy full protection from the airline, so if you miss one of your connections due to a problem with an earlier leg of your flight you are the airline’s responsibility and they will get you to your final destination.
And finally, it can be the quickest and most cost-effective option. When compared to driving to London or Manchester for example to catch your international flight, parking and maybe even staying overnight…. Booking one ticket all the way from Cornwall will often be the cheapest, quickest and easiest option. And probably the most stress-free!
Where can I fly to from Cornwall Airport Newquay?
These connectivity options mean that the destinations you can fly to from Cornwall are more or less endless.
Emirates routes alone connect over 145 destinations across six continents in 84 countries, via either London Gatwick, Manchester or Birmingham and Dubai.
The Newquay to Manchester route provides easy year round onward connectivity to Ireland and Scotland including Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Belfast as well as the Isle of Man.
How do I find and book the best routes and deals?
Flybe has introduced a great online tool in conjunction with Skyscanner called “One Stop to the World”. It allows you to explore the travel options available from Newquay to any UK, European or Worldwide destination using the Flybe codeshare network. Once you’ve found the best option for you, you can then click out and complete your flight purchase on the codeshare carrier’s website.
Local agent The Kernow Travel Company can also search and book the best flight only deals to meet your requirements or indeed put together an entire package for you, travelling from your local airport. Through tickets for onward connections with Flybe’s interline partners can only be booked via a travel agent and not from the international carrier directly.
Which International Airlines have Codeshare or Interline agreements with Flybe?
Aer Lingus, Air France, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, Etihad, Finnair and KLM all have codeshare agreements with Flybe. Interline agreements with airlines such as Virgin Atlantic and Brussels Airlines also open up various routes from Cornwall with much the same benefits.
Keeping Cornwall Connected…
As you can see, the connectivity available through these codeshare and interline agreements really are keeping Cornwall connected for both the business and the leisure traveller… Whether your travels take you to destinations in the UK, Europe or further afield.
