Since late March 2020 we’ve all been confined to our homes and localities, but as things start to open back up again one of the many questions people are asking is whether this will affect the way in which you travel. I flew with Loganair on their new route between Inverness and Belfast to find out what we can expect when travelling in the near future.
I would like to emphasize the importance of following the Scottish Government guidelines on travelling within the UK and adhering to the measures put in place to ensure your safety as well as the safety of those around you. All organizations mentioned in the below article have taken appropriate steps to prevent the spread of Coronavirus COVID-19.
Following the collapse of UK based airline, Flybe, Loganair have picked up several of their former routes – including the popular Inverness-Belfast. From Inverness you can travel to a variety of destinations in the Loganair network including (although not currently operating at the time of writing) Dublin, and so the continued air link with Belfast compliments this.
Parking can sometimes be difficult at airports, however, with the current decline in passenger numbers, you will have no trouble finding a parking space at Inverness Airport! Normally, you do not need to worry about how you enter the terminal building, but the first CV-19 change you will notice is a one-way system. Passengers must go to the entrance nearest the new Courtyard Hotel, where they may need to queue before being called forward into the building. Following Scottish Government guidelines, face coverings must be worn at all times.
So, with my face mask donned, off I went! Upon entering the building, I was greeted by a friendly member of airport staff who asked me to sanitize my hands before following the one-way system to check in. The check-in process has not changed; however, you are encouraged to swiftly make your way through security and on to the gate area. With the security check, there was no queue and I was through within minutes. You are asked to lower your mask when passing through the scanner and trays must be left on the table to be sanitized after use; there is a hand sanitizer dispenser before transiting to the departure lounge.
When travelling during the height of the Summer Holidays, you sometimes struggle to find seating in a departure lounge (London Gatwick last August is an experience I will not forget!), today however, there was ample seating for passengers to be comfortably spaced throughout. The airside bar is open, however, the Aspire Lounge and the other vendors are still closed.
Loganair flight LM85 to Belfast is currently scheduled as a 50 seat Embraer ERJ145 aircraft operated by an Aberdeen based crew; since the aircraft does originate in Aberdeen, stopping in Inverness before continuing on to Belfast. The introduction of the Embraer Regional Jet aircraft to Loganair’s fleet has had a positive impact on customer experience. With a maximum cruise speed of just under 600mph, the fast jet aircraft has reduced flight times significantly. The two rear mounted turbofan engines help to reduce overall cabin noise, and a spacious cabin with 50 seats all contribute to a more pleasant in-flight experience.
Shortly before the scheduled departure time of my flight, the aircraft (G-SAJF) arrived on stand and boarding commenced. Passengers formed a queue for their boarding passes to be scanned at the gate before making their way out to the aircraft. Luckily the aircraft was not far away as the weather did take a turn and it was a rather wet walk.
The cabin on the ERJ 145 is configured in 18 rows of 3 abreast seating; with a double seat on the starboard side and a single seat on the port side of the aircraft. With very comfortable, leather reclining seats, this spacious cabin configuration provides ample leg room and stowage space for your carry-on items. Now to answer the question I get asked the most, will you be sitting next to someone; from my experience travelling with Loganair to Belfast all passengers are required to wear a face covering at all times and passengers were reasonably spaced throughout the cabin. This may change depending on the number of passengers onboard, however, there is nothing to worry about.
The turnaround was speedy and efficient with passengers and bags loaded. The winds were calm so we backtracked the runway for a departure from Runway 23. The fast climb rate of the ERJ meant we had reached our cruise altitude of 24,000 feet in around 15 minutes. With thick cloud throughout the climb stage of the flight, you didn’t get to view the stunning scenery normally seen when flying south over the Cairngorm National Park. The flight plan from Inverness to Belfast is very nice on a clear day; making a left turn out of runway 23 for Daviot, South over the Cairngorms, tracking West past the Trossachs, over Arran and into Belfast. Once at cruise altitude, and above the clouds, today, we were cruising at just over 400mph giving a flight time of 50 minutes.
Like all airlines, there is currently no inflight service provided; you’ll have to manage the short 50 minute flight without a Tunnocks Wafer! The crew, however, are still on hand should you need assistance and there is 1 lavatory onboard, located at the rear of the cabin, for your comfort.
It wasn’t long into the cruise that we descended through the clouds and entered a downwind for the runway at Belfast. We lined up on the Runway 04 approach which gives fantastic views of the city and the famous Docks. Although the weather was similar to what I had left in Inverness, it was just a short walk to the terminal building.
The experience overall was very pleasant. The clear signage and helpful staff at Inverness Airport were fantastic and the Loganair crew were very friendly. I highly recommend the Belfast route with Loganair; outside of Coronavirus this is a superb link for weekend breaks and longer trips. Belfast is a thriving centre for culture and history; hopefully a destination I can return to in the future.