Islanders cannot support unwell loved ones due to air fares
ON THE subject of our costs to get off this beautiful island (maybe not recent, but always in the news as a concern), I have to travel to Southampton hospital in August for treatment. I will return the following day. Sadly I have to travel alone because although my transport is paid for by the States of Guernsey, to book my husband on the same flights comes up at £299 plus he would need a hotel for the night. Yet, if we are flexible we could enjoy two weeks in the Balearics or Canary Islands, all inclusive, from Gatwick, for £249.
I recently booked flights with British Airways from Gatwick to Malaga return for £349pp, just £50 more.
How absolutely ridiculous is this? I want answers, how is this cost justified? No hold baggage, return within 28 hours? For a medical appointment.
I would be devastated to think that the airlines (Flybe/Blue Islands) were losing profits but should there not be a policy of a set cost price for people accompanying their loved ones to a hospital appointment? I don’t require physical help, but moral support and company is just as important when islanders have to travel off-island for treatment.
I don’t want to go on my own, but what choice do I have with these exorbitant costs?
I know in advance that the airlines will have all kinds of fancy talk to explain these charges, but come on. We are an island community and our island community, be it business or otherwise, should be trying to help and care for each other.
Shame on you, airlines.
DIANE POOLE
Editor’s footnote: Tom Barrasin, Blue Islands’ chief commercial officer, replies: Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your reader’s letter.
Fares on Blue Islands operated Guernsey-Southampton services are available from £39.99 one-way. Lower fares need to be offset by higher fares when a flight is fuller to try and achieve a viable overall average fare. From the subsequent information provided (outbound 12 August and inbound 13 August), lower fares on both the return date and specific flight the correspondent’s companion wishes to travel on have sold out. For example, the following day, the return flight is available from £67.99 one-way.
Blue Islands works with the States of Guernsey’s Employment and Social Security department to provide special set fares for medical travel. The good news for the correspondent is that Blue Islands and the ESS have recognised that it can be important for patients to have someone to accompany them when travelling for hospital appointments. That’s why the special set fare is also extended to a companion who can purchase a seat to travel with the patient. (Please note the extended fare is only available when patient travel is already being covered by ESS). We urge the correspondent and other patients wishing to travel with a companion to contact the ESS to discuss future travel requirements.