Latest News - XL Airways goes bust
September 2008
On the 12th September 2008 XL Leisure Group Plc which owns XL Airways was declared bankrupt. The collapse of the airline affected over 200,000 flight passengers. All flights were immediately cancelled and over 40,000 passengers were forced to make alternative travel arrangements.
Excel Airways - A leader in short haul charter flights 
Excel Airways is a major UK based charter airline which offers a good choice of mainly short haul holiday flights, but with some popular long haul flights also on offer. The airline started out in 1994 as Sabre Airways and is now part of Air Atlanta's Avion Group, a large Icelandic company. Excel Airways sells most of its flight seats to tour operators and brokers.
In January 2005 the Excel Airways Group launched a commercial website which sells flight tickets direct to the public over the internet. XL.com offers a simple way for passengers to book their own flights, holidays or packages to nearly 50 destinations from 12 UK airports. |
Excel Airways Routes and Destinations
The largest choice of flights depart from London Gatwick, followed by Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and Glasgow. Bargain flights go to sunny holiday areas in Spain, the Canaries, Portugal, Tunisia, Greece, Turkey, Egypt's Red Sea resorts, the Gambia and the Caribbean.
An extensive summer schedule operates from 12 UK airports, with charter flights departing from Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, East Midlands, Exeter, Glasgow, Humberside, London Gatwick & Stansted, Manchester and Newcastle.
The winter schedule runs from November to the end of April, when XL charters fly from 7 UK airports: Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Manchester, Newcastle, London Gatwick and Glasgow. Winter sun destinations include the Canaries, Egypt and the Caribbean.
Passenger Opinions, Comments and Reviews
Opinions on Excel Airways are quite good generally for a low cost charter airline. Some passengers mention significant delays and operational problems due to older aircraft. However, others seem very satisfied, like the good value fares and especially praise cabin staff.
In September 2006, Excel Airways was awarded 'Best Charter Airline' as voted for by over 12000 UK travel agents. The company also achieved 'World's Leading Charter Airline' twice in succession at the World Travel Awards.
Other Useful Information
| Booking |
Booking confirmations are sent by email or post within 24 hours of receipt of full payment. Tickets usually are sent out 10-14 days before the departure date. For last minute bookings, there is an extra charge (around £10) for collecting a ticket on departure. Infants under 2 travel for £20 without a seat. |
| Seats |
Seats are allocated at check-in, XL seat pitch legroom is about 30". Able bodied people can reserve extra legroom seats next to emergency exits for £37 per person rtn. Seats together can be reserved for £12 rtn, child £6. Aircraft are fitted with leather seating. |
| Food |
Inflight meals are not included for low cost flight options, but snacks can be bought on board. Package flights do include meals. |
| Baggage |
Normally 20kg p.p. plus 5kg hand luggage, maximum 32kg per individual piece. Infants do not get an allowance, but buggies and travel cots are carried free. Excess baggage costs: Short-haul £5/kg, long haul £8/kg.
Sports equipment for short haul flights: Bicycles £35 rtn, golf clubs £20 rtn, surfboards £15 rtn (arranged via the Pre-flight department at least 5 working days prior to departure). Diving equipment up to 10kg is carried free. |
| Check-in |
The check-in desk will be open at least 3 hours before departure. Passengers must check in at least 2 hours before. From Manchester, XL Airways departs from terminal 2, from Gatwick at the south terminal. |
| Flight changes |
Any flight changes or cancellations must be done in writing, but hefty charges will apply. Check out the XL booking conditions page http://www.xl.com/Privacy_Policies/Booking_Cond.asp. |
| Aircraft |
The Excel Airways fleet consists of Boeing 737-800 (189 seats), Boeing 757-200 (233 seats), Boeing 767-200 (290 seats), Boeing 767-300ER (281 seats).
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