Bmibaby

Europe Based Discount Carrier

Bmibaby flies to around 30 destinations within central Europe; mainly the UK, Spain and France. They too charge extra for checked baggage and on-board refreshments, but set themselves aside from the main discount carriers by providing seat allocation during check-in – no fighting the mob to sit together.

The airline also has a ‘pick and choose’ option for business travellers, providing lounge access, flexibility to change to an earlier flight for free and the ability to earn loyalty points. At a price, of course.

Established in 2002, bmibaby had a great start, pleasing most of its customers. However, it seems to have become the Marmite of discount carriers – you either love it or hate it. When it works, it works well. However, they seem to have a habit of cancelling or rescheduling flights by email or on the day, and if the new timings don’t suit, the refund is minus any credit card charge. Search!