Shortest flights in UK including route that's quicker than making a Pot Noodle
And while many of us are used to sitting on planes for hours on end to get to our favourite destinations, you can actually take flights from the UK that last just minutes.
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Westray to Papa Westray
The shortest passenger flight in the entire world is the Loganair flight between Westray and Papa Wrestay, in the Orkney Islands of Scotland.
Passengers can travel between the two tiny islands in just one and a half minutes, with the record for the fastest flight just 53 seconds.
The distance between the two islands is just 1.7 miles, with flights running every single day.
Tickets will set you back just £8, and the flight is much quicker than the alternative option, a 25 minute ferry.
Other Orkney Inter-Island Flights
Although the Westray to Papa Westray flight is by far the UK's shortest, there are also a number of other short flights connecting the Orkney Islands.
These Loganair flights connect the islands to Kirkwall, Orkney's main hub.
For example, Kirkwall to Westray takes between 10 and 15 minutes, and Kirkwall to Sanday takes around 15-20 minutes.
London to Channel Islands
Anyone looking for a holiday close to home this summer can fly from the capital to the Channel Islands, such as Jersey and Guernsey in around 30-40 minutes.
Jersey, the largest of the Channel Islands, was named one of the world's best islands in the Conde Nast Travellers' 2024 Readers' Choice Awards.
Its beaches are well known for their beauty, with a range of landscapes on offer, from wide, open spaces to secluded coves and lunar-like expanses, making it the perfect destination for anyone who isn't a fan of long haul flights.
Travel chaos as TWO flights have mid-air emergencies within A MINUTE at major UK airport
UK mainland to Isle of Man
Another popular tourist destination within the UK is the Isle of Man. which boasts stunning sandy beaches, seals and Victorian railways.
You can access the island by ferry (as influencer Molly-Ma e recently did) or you can take a commercial flight.
Regular flights take off from airports such as Manchester and Liverpool, and take between 30-50 minutes.
Flights from mainland Scotland to Scottish Islands
Loganair also runs short flights connecting people in other remote Scottish Islands to the mainland.
For example, a flight from either Glasgow or Edinburgh to the Outer Hebrides takes around 50 minutes, and a flight from one of the main Scottish cities to Shetland takes approximately one hour.
None of these islands are far from the mainland, but due to challenging ferry conditions, are often the preferred option for travellers.
If you're looking for an adventure a bit more long haul, Qantas has unveiled plans to launch the world's longest flights between Sydney and London and New York.
The non-stop flights are expected to take over 19 hours, and are set to launch in 2026.
How to get a free upgrade to first class on a plane
Travelers often wonder how to secure an upgrade to first class without paying the premium price. According to a flight attendant, there are several strategies passengers can employ to increase their chances. Firstly, loyalty to an airline is crucial; frequent flyers and those with elite status are more likely to receive upgrades. Additionally, booking directly with the airline rather than through third-party sites can improve your odds, as can being flexible with your travel dates and times.
Dressing smartly and arriving early can also make a difference. While airlines generally prioritize upgrades based on status and fare class, a well-dressed passenger who checks in early may catch the staff's attention. It's also beneficial to be polite and friendly to the airline staff, as they have the discretion to upgrade passengers at their own judgment.
Lastly, if you're celebrating a special occasion, such as a honeymoon or birthday, it doesn't hurt to mention it. While not guaranteed, some flight attendants might consider this when deciding on upgrades. Overall, while there's no surefire way to get a free upgrade, combining these strategies can certainly improve your chances.
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