Getting from Manchester to the airport is relatively straight forward, trains run frequently from Piccadilly station. When I arrived the next service was shown due on platform 13, this turned out to be about the furthest platform from the concourse (worth remembering if you’ve got loads of bags or cases) and I ended up just missing the train. Luckily the next train was only 5 mins later, again from platform 13. A rather scruffy old Northern Rail train arrived and took about 20 mins to get to the airport station. T3 was takes about 5-10 mins to walk from the station. Went to the Flybe check in area and used one of the self service machines to collect my boarding pass. Short walk to security where it took about 10 mins to get through. Interesting to note they checked boarding pass but did not ask for any photo ID. Had about half hour in the departure lounge, which was fairly busy but plenty of room to sit down and relax with a coffee. Went to the Gate about 20 mins before scheduled departure time, boarding commenced shortly after. Photo ID checked for the first time at boarding gate. Aircraft was about half full but on boarding asked cabin crew if I could move to a window seat but told that everyone had to sit in their allocated seats. Only a short flight so not a problem. Pushed back from the gate on time at 1715, quite a few other aircraft in front of us and take off was about 1735. Flight time was a mere 35 mins during which there was a trolley selling drinks & snacks; compared to other budget airlines quite reasonably priced. Very smooth and comfortable flight for a small aircraft. Landed at Southampton at 1810 and arrived at the gate less than 5 minutes later. Aircraft doors opened fairly quickly, as I had no luggage straight through arrivals and was on the platform at railway station by 1820 waiting for train to Eastleigh.
Overall fairly impressed with Flybe and would use them again, only complaint was the charge to select your seat, even at check in.
