News / Eyebrows raised as family faced with paying £1k for return flights to Sumburgh
Loganair says higher fares when planes are near full capacity are ‘standard across the industry’
A FAMILY is said to have been left “gobsmacked” after return flights from Glasgow to Shetland for two adults and an infant were priced at more than £1,000.
The flights in question were for a flight from Glasgow to Sumburgh on 27 June, with the return on 1 July.
A screenshot of the ticket prices were put on social media by local man Andrew Simpson.
Here’s the 2 options for the cost of 2 friends and their 7 month old baby traveling to #shetland by plane with #loganair in 8 weeks time. 🤬🤯 Absolutely scandalous! #promoteshetland @scotgov @FlyLoganair pic.twitter.com/iYu4V2qKyP
— Andrew Simpson (@als692003) April 26, 2022
He said two friends of his were wanting to visit Shetland with their seven-month old child.
In response, Loganair said on Twitter that the price of tickets rises as flights fill up.
“Our flights are on sale on a 10-month rolling pattern,” a representative said.
“Customers do book in advance as soon as flights go on sale and these flights are already busy hence the costs.
“This is the first week of school holidays so also a peak travel period.
“The basic premise though is always to book in advance to secure a good fare.”
A media spokesperson for Loganair said: “These flights, which take place during the peak school holiday period, are almost at full capacity resulting in higher fares.
“This is standard across the industry. Flying out with school holidays and/or booking early reduces the cost substantially. For example there are return flights in July that are over £300 less than the price shown here. There is also an option to fly from another airport for example, if possible.
“Our Aberdeen to Sumburgh route is a cheaper alternative option.”
Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart said it is a simple thing in life to want to visit family and friends, and the time of year should not mean that flight costs spiral to “eye-watering” sums.
“Islanders rely on these flights while many of us have heard family and friends say they won’t come north to visit because it costs too much.
“Tourism can also be stifled if seasonable costs are unmanageable.
“Passengers want a reliable and affordable service.”
People living in Shetland, and other Scottish island communities as well some remoter parts of the Scottish mainland can get 50 per cent off the fares through the government-subsidised Air Discount Scheme.
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