Passengers have hailed the success of an air travel discount for people making emergency flights to deal with family bereavement or critical illness.
Loganair introduced its compassionate fare last year following campaigning by islanders who rely on the lifeline service.
The policy is available on 19 of the airline’s routes and provide a 50% discount to customers in times of family emergency, while also offering increased flexibility if bookings need to be amended or even cancelled.
Among the passengers who made use of the scheme was Richard Gibb, 39, from Neath in Wales who had to arrange a flight at short notice in December last year to Shetland for his grandmother’s funeral in Yell.
Offshore worker Mr Gibb said: “Given the reason for the flight I was making a booking at short notice, so flight costs were obviously higher. I looked at driving up and getting the ferry, but with petrol, possible overnight accommodation, ferry costs and food, it was working out nearly the same and would’ve taken a lot of time and been a lot of hassle.
“My uncle told me about the compassionate fare option and I called the ADS phone number. I called and manager to get all of us booked and saved around £500 all in from the original cost.
“This was a real help as I had to consider going up on my own as taking the family was too expensive. My parents hadn’t seen the kids for six months, and it was obviously a particularly difficult time for them and the kids being there was probably a comfort.”
Loganair said that 400 passengers had made use of the discount in its first six months, with approximately 49% flying to or from Shetland, 18% to Orkney and 33% to the Hebrides.
The airline’s chief executive Stewart Adams said: “We believe Loganair was the first commercial airline in the UK to introduce such an inclusive compassionate fare policy for its customers, and we are proud of this achievement.
“It is also greatly encouraging to know that many of our customers have benefited from both the discounted fares and greater flexibility – particularly during what must be very difficult times for them and their families.”
Former Shetland funeral director and social media campaigner Scott Preston had called for the introduction of the fare and has worked with Logainair on its introduction.
He said: “As a result of the island communities in Scotland raising their voices through the campaign and working with Stewart Adams and his team, this innovative and vital scheme was introduced.
“Six months later and the impact can be seen through the hundreds of individuals who have benefited from the generous reductions when people need them the most.”
He added: “I am grateful to Loganair for their generosity in agreeing to introduce this scheme and I hope it will continue to serve islanders and their families for many years to come.”
