As we predicted earlier this year (see Online news, April 6) Easyjet has decided to compete with former incumbent BA Connect on the Bristol-Paris route.
It's good news for travellers living in the Bristol area, as flights are now more affordable – especially when booked within a few weeks of departure.
BA Connect continues to operate this route up to five times a day with 49-seater Embraer commuter jets. But although BA's value-for-money brand provides convenient schedules, its fares are high unless passengers are prepared to book many weeks ahead.
By contrast, Easyjet's single daily flight, which started last weekend, may not be so convenient. But Easyjet's larger and more efficient 150-seater Airbus A319 enables the carrier to offer better prices.
When Business Traveller checked the cost of a return BA Connect flight from Bristol travelling out at 0645 on November 13 (booked two weeks in advance) and returning the following day at 1855, we were quoted an online price of £428. By comparison, Easyjet was asking for £83 return.
BA Connect flies five times a day to Paris between 0645 and 1715 returning between 0955 and 2015. Easyjet single flight departs Bristol at 1115 returning from CDG at 1555.
For more information go to www.easyjet.com, www.ba.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter