Small plane to Channel Islands

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Has anyone been on the small (72 seat) plane from UK to Jersey/Guernsey? Not from Gatwick, as that's a bigger plane. Going abroad for first time in 5 years and didn't realise how small it is. Does it feel really small and is there loads of turbulence?

We go to the CI from Southampton on a plane that size. It's fine and nicer than the slow boat or the fastcat.
I don't think of the CI as 'abroad' though! Which island are you going to? Guernsey has nice beaches and walks, but there is more to 'do' in Jersey. Love it.

I'd fly on anything to avoid the sea crossing. 10 hours, overnight feeling sooo sick really spoilt the holiday - just the thought of having to go back again. The fast car wasn't much better.

I find the Clipper from Portsmouth to be fine. Go over in the day time, and back overnight. However DD isn't such a good sailor and doesn't like the fumes.
I only did the fastcat once or twice and it is much worse than the Clipper in bad weather - more like a roller coaster, plus it is more likely to be cancelled.

These days DH goes over early on the Clipper with the car and bags etc, and DD & I fly. From Southampton we are only in the air for 45mins or less. By the time we've got up to height it is time to descend again!

We caught the turbo-prop from Southampton to Guernsey. It was fine. They generally fly lower, less problem with your ears popping, no turbulence and it's a very short flight.

My ds was 11 at the time and loved it. And the airports are small so very relaxed. 😊

I used to occasionally go on a business charter 8 seater from Southampton to Eindhoven. Now that was a small plane!

Is it from Southampton?

I’m from Guernsey although have lived in the UK for 10 years and have done countless flights through my life, can genuinely think of 2 times I’ve been scared of the turbulence (but I made it!). I’m not a nervous flyer, but it really will be fine and if not then it’s such a quick flight you basically go up and straight back down!

The plane doesn’t feel too small when you’re in it.

Guernsey is so beautiful 😊. Jersey too but in my opinion Guernsey is more special (I am bias though)!

Southampton to Guernsey is a great flight. Its such a short hop that you never get too high. Plus parking at Southampton is close and easy.
The overhead bins are small so check hand luggage limits.

The worst thing about the little planes are the steps up which are narrow and steep. And uncovered when it's raining

The OP is flying from Gatwick

(Sorry OP for mentioning S'oton and confusing people).

The OP says it's not from Gatwick, but there are several other options other than Gatwick or Southampton. (definitely Bournemouth)

I've taken this flight a few times. I don’t remember any unusual turbulence.

Thanks all. No, am flying from Birmingham so the same plane as from Soton but a longer flight. ( Says 1 hour 15)

Yes Channel Islands probably don't count as abroad, but I've not left these shores in many years so they are about as exotic as I could manage! Basically have become afraid of so many things but small spaces, flying and travel sickness are some!

A 72 seater will be fine. We went from Soton on a tiny plane, maybe 12 seats - that was an experience! Not bumpy, but just a but surreal. The saftey demo basically comprised the pilot turning around and looking through the gap between the cockpit and the cabin and pointing out the door at the back (the only door, that we'd all just used) and the box of life jackets.
We could see out of the front window as the cockpit wasn't enclosed - it was just a driver's seat with a half-hearted curtain arrangement!

It doesn't feel any different really to say being in a train carriage?

I get claustrophobic and I'm ok these planes.

I've done Guernsey and sane plane type to Orkney lots of time.

I wouldn't say there was much turbulence but you do know about it if the weather is windy!!

I’ve flown to and from Channel Islands a couple of times. It was fine. Does your local airport do any sort of flight phobia day courses?

Yes I've flown on one from Doncaster to Jersey. It was fine. A plus point is that there isn't a huge queue to board and once they start to take the baggage off it doesn't take long!

Hello! I live in Jersey so have done this many, many times and I've even been so far as Zurich and Malaga on a turbo-prop.

The only real difference is they're louder, so good headphones and something to listen to might help?

If it's especially windy it might be a bit bumpy, but I actually find bumps better on a smaller plane, as it feels more natural that they should be affected by the weather somehow.

Have a great time, even if you're going to Guernsey

My apologies. Sorry.

If you like lobster or crab you'll love Guernsey!