What has happened to the 'once lovable airline', Aurigny?
I RECENTLY took a trip back to Guernsey, my birthplace, to visit my sick father and see my family and friends. My flight trip started from Cape Town, South Africa, which is where I live now. I travelled the over nine hours to Dubai, then the seven hours from Dubai to Gatwick. It was only when I landed at Gatwick at 7.20 in the morning I realised that I had to wait until 11.45 for my departure to my birth home. I had made this long layover just in case there were delays somewhere down the line.
After I passed through passport control and caught the five-minute monorail train from the north terminal to the south terminal, I walked my weary way towards the Aurigny ticket desk, getting there just about 8.30am.
I then asked one of the ladies behind the Aurigny desk was there any chance on getting on an earlier fight to Guernsey, as my flight didn't leave for another few hours.
She looked at me and smiled, 'yes, of course sir, that'll be a further £137 please.' 'What?' I said, 'but I've already paid for my ticket, and you have space on the flight, so why should I have to pay once again?' The answer she gave was mind boggling, 'administration costs sir, sorry'.
I had also brought my golf clubs with me from Cape Town to Dubai, from Dubai to Gatwick and these golf clubs travelled free of charge. But from Gatwick to Guernsey I had to pay £70 to get my golf clubs on board. Seventy pounds for a 35-minute flight trip. Oh, sorry, that was return to Gatwick as well, but £70.
What has happened to this once lovable airline, where the staff were courteous and always helpful, always willing to lend a hand, get you to your destination?
I remember the countless occasions flying on the Trislanders to Jersey or Alderney and other flights to Gatwick. The staff were excellent and the aircraft were kept in amazing condition.
I think I am right in saying that the Trislanders had one of the best flight records in the world. But the staff would always try and put you on an earlier flight if there was room. But it wasn't to be this time around. This is why I spent the next three hours in Costa Coffee.
Once I had finally arrived in Guernsey I saw that Aurigny airlines were in the Press most days, I was not surprised at all. I couldn't believe that in such a short space of time since I've left this beautiful island, this wonderful destination is struggling again on the tourism front due to spiralling flight costs. I've spoken to quite a few English/European people recently here in South Africa and they too have mentioned how much it costs now to get to Guernsey now.
C'mon Aurigny please do something about this.
C'mon Guernsey, get more airlines involved in flying to this beautiful destination.
More competition will do wonders for your lovely island. Just look how many destinations Jersey fly to. If they can do it, then so should you.
Guernsey will always be close to my heart, with fantastic memories, lovely people and wonderful scenery throughout the year. Shame it's got so expensive.
A Donkey at heart.
Name and address withheld.
