Flight to jersey from Heathrow or exeter?

OP, Blue Island are lovely. They are everything that budget airlines are not. They have nice staff, and proper customer services and don't get arsey about luggage or try to fleece you if you want to sit together or have a problem with checking in on-line.. They are SO much easier to deal with.

I've flown to Guernsey & Jersey with Blue Island and prefer them to any other airline.

Have a lovely time OP (I am biased as I have ancestors born there!!)

Our DDs' first flight was EXT to Guernsey in a Q400 Dash 8 prop plane with Flybe (they were brilliant!). The flight lasted 40 minutes during which time they had a J20 each and a small pack of Pringles. They didn't want to get off!

Since then, they have flown in all sorts from 747s (BA/Virgin) to a Cessna 172 with Daddy the pilot and been very happy.

I second the watching videos to help your anxiety. I'm not a massive fan of turbulence but watching Big Jet TV on YouTube has massively increased my confidence in the ability of the crew to deal with situations. Mentour Pilot mentioned earlier is also excellent. Have a fab holiday.

Well done!
BTW if you fly with Blue Islands on one of the ATR-72s - they really aren't that noisy.

Be prepared for them landing very short, so it feels like very strong braking when you land. It's perfectly safe and normal, just feels more forceful than the longer landing you'd get on a jet.

You can also book assistance as your daughter has additional needs which usually means you can fast track through security ,checking in and board plane first. Different airport ( I have found ) have slightly different procedures.

Also on jersey there is an adaptive boat for wheel Chairs uses but is for those with additional needs and their families can also go for a ride on .there is also surfing ( healing waves) that those with disabilities and families can do surfing together. I did both last year and highly recommend them if that is something you both might like.book in advance.

I wouldn't book the fastcat, it can be like roller coaster in poor weather and cancelled more easily than the slow boat.
The Clipper from Portsmouth is usually pretty stable, but it takes a long time 9-5 ish daytime going over and 9pm-6am night time on return.
We used to do the Clipper, booked a superior cabin even in the daytime with a DVD player and my DDs were set for the journey. These days DH takes the car and luggage on the Clipper and DD2 and I fly out a few days later.

however I understand those are small planes (with about 40 seats).
A quick google suggests they replaced the ATR 42s (46 seats) with 72s (72 seaters) in 2022, so you'd be on a larger, albeit still propeller plane.

There are ferries from Portsmouth and Poole to St Helier if that's easier

The zoo is v.good but pricey. (We are members)
Walking out on the causeway to Corbiere lighthouse is fun and free.
The Maritime museum in St Helier is interactive.

However as it is only 3 days and you are based in St Brelades and you like beaches then you may find you don't need to move at all.

Hi OP, I think going from Exeter to Jersey will be nicer. You'll probably take off, gain height, then descend as the flight is so short.

Do you have the time/money/inclination to complete a fear of flying course? I have a close friend who has severe OCD, anxiety, panic attacks and all the rest of it, and has cancelled holidays at the last moment (leaving me in the lurch, lol) because she couldn't handle flying. A few years ago she did a course with either BA or Virgin, I can't remember which, but not long after she was jetting off on holiday a few times a year. She even flew from Heathrow to Australia by herself! She still gets nervous, but she doesn't have such a terrible time anymore. I would highly recommend it :) https://flyingwithconfidence.com/

Jersey isn't just a beach holiday, there is loads to do there. Lots of history, castles, nice places to eat, good shopping, walking, cycling, watersports (right in front of the hotel you've booked) and a parkrun! Your DP would find plenty to do that doesn't involve the beach. I don't like beach holidays either and am bored after 10 minutes on a beach.

When I have been to jersey and guernsey from LGW they have been turbo prop planes, they are noisy and they do feel the turbulence. Not to scare you op but just so you are aware.

However, there may be no turbulence at all.

Heathrow is a huge busy airport, I've not flown from Exeter but the regionals I have used have been a far calmer experience. Add to the extra travel and I think Exeter would be far more sensible.
I've been on a 777 and had several turbulence, and been on small props with nothing at all. It's a quick hop you're doing and just luck if it's bumpy at all. Watch a few YouTube videos, I recommend Mentour Pilot, about turbulence and how it's nothing to worry about.

I did Bham to Jersey on Blue Island last year, as a nervous flyer , first time in years.

It was probably the best flight I've ever had.

It was very well organised on and off, very little waiting around, the staff were very friendly (very chatty pilot who was also v funny)

No turbulence at all.

Jersey airport has the new scanners (no fluid restrictions) so coming back even easier

Yes but you have to go from Poole or Portsmouth, which are a long way from Exeter, they take a minimum of 4 hours and are not very reliable anyway. And if the Channel is rough...

We used to go by ferry until we discovered how easy it was to fly from Southampton and use the buses once there.

Oh I forgot to say, the Blue Islands planes have about 19 rows of seats with 4 seats each, so they are bigger than you think they are.

Is there a ferry boat instead ?

The only time I didn't have a panic attack was when I flew in a 40 seater in the Caribbean. I hope this helps.