Booking flights back to UK after Camino

[hannajo]

In the interest of wanting to remain flexible with return dates to UK can someone enlighten me as to how much time should be allowed to book a flight back from Bilbao to Stanstead airport. I understand that flights are cheaper the earlier you book but is it critical to book ahead....I dont want to get stranded.

 

[hannajo]

Oh! I should add that I am thinking of returning to UK in June.

Jo

 

[JohnnieWalker]

You are correct the earlier you book the cheaper it is. Leaving it until later the flights will be more expensive and you run the risk of flights being fully booked. In saying that I walked into Bilbao airport and bought a ticket for a flight to London that very day. I take it you want to leave buying the ticket until you can more accurately predict your departure date? One way of doing this would be to check availability and prices on and off from a few weeks before. No easy answer I'm afriad.

 

[Bridget and Peter]

I don't know about the flights, but you may not have considered the ferries. We returned from Santander to Portsmouth last October on the Brittany ferry - 24 hours to relax and adjust slowly. We had papers and books to read, stocked up on picnic food in a supermarket in Santander, and enjoyed interesting discussions with fellow passengers. I got quite moved sailing past the Isle of Wight in the mist and thinking about family stories of sailing to and from foreign parts! We liked it so much we are travelling that way out and back to continue our camino del norte this April. Obviously you still have to get home from Portsmouth, but there are coaches and trains to London and onwards. (That reminds me, I must ask my sister near Portsmouth if we can leave our car with her!)

I just looked up prices for June - Bilbao to Portsmouth (P&O) is £145 including a cabin, which you seem to have to have. Santander to Portsmouth (Brittany ferries) is £52 with a reclining seat. I expect with a cabin it will be much the same as P&O.

Anyway, the ferry might be an option if you can't get a flight when you need one.

Buen camino

 

[Sagalouts]

Hi Joe
if you was to book easy jet for this month it would be £56-booking ahead for June lowest price is £26,so for piece of mind I would go for just booking 2/3 weeks before you fly.
luggage apart from hand (10kg) is £11 per bag and there may be a charge for your card.
enjoy your Camino
Ian

 

[hannajo]

Thanks everyone...something to chew on.....hard part is to keep flexible!

Jo