A business traveller has lambasted Loganair after being asked to fork out a staggering \u00a3581 for a basic flight from Glasgow to Sumburgh.<\/p>\n
The frequent flyer had just booked a trip to Dubai for the same price Loganair had been charging for the short hop from the Scottish mainland.<\/p>\n
He said it was \u201cridiculous\u201d pricing.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy employer has the money to purchase these flights, it\u2019s not my money, but the principle of it stops me booking them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would rather spend the money on the overnight ferry from Aberdeen even though I don\u2019t have the luxury of time on my hands sadly.\u201d<\/p>\n
The traveller, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke out against the costs after Loganair posted a photo of celebrity chef James Martin who had flown with the airline on a recent trip to Orkney.<\/p>\n
Many other people posting on the thread were quick to highlight the expense of fares, with some labelling it a \u201crip off\u201d.<\/p>\n
Loganair responded to say its fare availability had been designed to respond to forecast demand based on the day of the week and time of day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis means our prices adjust according to the demand for each individual flight, ensuring a fair and competitive offering.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile there is no fixed pattern, our pricing remains fluid to align with market trends.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo secure the best fares, we always recommend booking in advance.\u201d<\/p>\n
Loganair has improved its operational performance considerably since the appointment of chief executive Luke Farajallah, with far fewer cancellations and delays.<\/p>\n
However, the cost of travel remains a bone of contention.<\/p>\n
Last month, Shetland Tourism Association chairwoman Amanda Hawick, expressed disappointment after being asked to pay \u00a3474 for a one-way flight from Orkney.<\/p>\n
Writing to The Shetland Times, Ms Hawick said it was symptomatic of a broken market for islanders seeking to travel – adding that the high cost and lack of cabin availability on NorthLink ferries was also a problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cGeography shouldn\u2019t be a tax,\u201d she said<\/p>\n
\u201cWe pay by postcode for basic mobility, choice, and dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n