By Yvonne and Dave

We only wanted a one way flight ticket and after looking at different options we decided that on this occasion it was cheaper to take an in-direct flight from the UK to Sal.

We flew with EasyJet on the 5p.m. flight from Gatwick to Brussels. EasyJet have no weight limit for hand luggage as long as it fits into the size gauge 54 x 40 x 20cm  (however, you have to watch the weight because JetAir has a limit of 6kg). We paid the £11 each for hold luggage of 20kg – this was included in the £54 per person for the flight with EasyJet.

We had booked to stay in the IBIS (budget) hotel which wasn’t far from the airport and it was only £50 for both of us for the night. There was a FREE shuttle to the Ibis hotel from the airport which operates from 6a.m. – 9p.m. We were ok on the arrival time at Brussels to catch this shuttle bus.

After arriving at the IBIS we decided to go for something to eat. There wasn’t a restaurant in our hotel but there was an upgraded IBIS hotel next door where we could go for dinner. We were given a 15% discount voucher, so two meals with wine came to around 40 euros.

The hotel was comfortable enough, had everything we needed for a short stay. The next morning, we called a taxi to take us to the airport, as we needed to depart at 4a.m. and there was no free bus service at this time. The taxi cost 22 euros. 

Our indirect flight to Sal with Jet Air was going to Boa Vista first then onto Sal.

JetAir include 15kg of luggage in the price per person but we paid an extra 5 euros each to up grade to 20kg. The cost of this flight with 20kgs + 6kgs hand luggage was £85 each.  You can also pay 5 euros per person if you want to book a particular seat.

The plane departed on time from Brussels. We have to say the flight staff were great, very friendly, nothing too much trouble. We were given a continental breakfast and also soft drinks and tea and coffee were offered to us for free throughout the flight, cakes and biscuits too. Plenty of room when you are seated, films could be watched throughout the flight, it’s a totally different experience to the direct flight with Thomsons from the UK.

On landing at Boa Vista we had to stay on the plane while others departed and more people got on (those that were returning to Brussels). We were delayed at Boa Vista for an hour because a few people had to have some paperwork re-checked. We were then allowed to depart and it only took 20 mins to reach Sal.

Would we do anything different next time? We may consider staying at the Sheraton Hotel in Brussels Airport next time, it would have cost slightly more but we wouldn’t have had to use the free bus service, then pay for a taxi the next morning.

NOTE: On both flights you need to print off your boarding pass before you arrive at the airport. 

The cost per person in June was:
EasyJet: £54
Ibis Hotel: £25
Taxi from Ibis: £10
Jet Air: £85
Total: £174 each  +  Dinner costs

Has anyone any comments on the above, anything to add?