Excel Airways

Paul Williams · Post by **Paul Williams** » Wed May 10, 2006 3:07 pm

I see on both Golden Carribean and Meridian Travel websites that no Excel flights to Tobago (plus Grenada and St Kitts) are available after October 28th.
Does anyone know if this means that they are withdrawing from these routes.
Regards
Paul

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed May 10, 2006 3:13 pm

No, Paul - it just means that they haven't finalised the Winter schedules yet. To be honest, the delay doesn't surprise me. The FCO Advisory has scared some tour operators and the airlines are panicking a bit.

I can confirm that Excel WILL be flying to Tobago next week. At least I hope so - I spoke to their MD only two days ago over arrangements for their very generous upgrade offer for the coming myTobago competition (to be launched this weekend).

Paul Williams · Post by **Paul Williams** » Wed May 10, 2006 3:48 pm

Thanks for the prompt reply Steve
Thats good news as I find their service to be very good and above all excellent value for money.
Might be able to squeeze in 7 days next year after all.
Regards
Paul

Andrew Melling · Post by **Andrew Melling** » Wed May 10, 2006 5:32 pm

From searching on the website, the prices seem to vary considerably depending on how soon one can travel. Does anyone have any advice as to the best time ie how many weeks in advance, it is best to book to take advantage of the best prices? Obviously without running the risk of all flights selling out

Planning a trip for October this year

Thanks in advance

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed May 10, 2006 5:45 pm

Hi Andrew

If you're talking about Excel, the price is not dependent upon how long you book in advance (although they do sometimes have discounted short-term special offers on their website). The price varies depending upon the popularity of the dates and is fixed many months in advance.

I would personally recommend booking directly with Golden Caribbean (especially if you fancy a chance of winning an upgrade in our Competition), but you could have a look at http://www.westernair.co.uk/chartertobago.html where I noticed a full listing of the dates and prices earlier today.

Andrew Melling · Post by **Andrew Melling** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:04 pm

Thanks Steve

It was Golden Caribbean whose site I had searched and noticed some great deals for travel in the next month or so. In your, or indeed, anyone else's experience, is this a common occurence outside of the busy seasons. ie for travel in October?

Similarly, is accomodation pretty full during October?

(Sorry for all the questions

)

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:11 pm

I can't say how often they have these special offers, but I imagine they only tend to have good deals for the low season - like now. However, I regularly hear of people getting really special deals by ringing Golden Caribbean and seeing if there's any cancellations/availability during the next week or two. Yes, there's a possibility you could get a really great deal by waiting until September/October. There's also a chance you might have to spend your holiday in Blackpool.

You should have no problem picking up short-term accommodation in Tobago for October. In fact you can ALWAYS get accommodation there as the bed stock far exceeds the number of visitors on-island at any time - but naturally all the 'good' places tend to get booked well in advance.

Andrew Melling · Post by **Andrew Melling** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:22 pm

Steve Wooler wrote:I can't say how often they have these special offers, but I imagine they only tend to have good deals for the low season - like now. However, I regularly hear of people getting really special deals by ringing Golden Caribbean and seeing if there's any cancellations/availability during the next week or two. Yes, there's a possibility you could get a really great deal by waiting until September/October. There's also a chance you might have to spend your holiday in Blackpool.

You should have no problem picking up short-term accommodation in Tobago for October. In fact you can ALWAYS get accommodation there as the bed stock far exceeds the number of visitors on-island at any time - but naturally all the 'good' places tend to get booked well in advance.

You're probably right, Blackpool doesn't really appeal! Neither does paying through the nose for poor service from BWIA.

I'd better book soon. They're very good value anyway, I was just being greedy - probably comes with living in Yorkshire!

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:30 pm

Careful what you say about Yorkshire! I'm a missionary, down from Yorkshire to educate these southerners.

Andrew Melling · Post by **Andrew Melling** » Wed May 10, 2006 6:32 pm

Steve Wooler wrote:Careful what you say about Yorkshire! I'm a missionary, down from Yorkshire to educate these southerners.

Are you having any success?

Post by **Steve Wooler** » Wed May 10, 2006 8:01 pm

Are elephants pink?