What types of flights do P&O Cruises fly-cruise holidays include?

Flight details

Last updated: 19/09/2024

What's the difference between charter, scheduled and group flights?

Depending on P&O Cruises partnerships with airlines, guests could fly to/from their destination by charter, scheduled or group-allocated flight. Flight processes will vary depending on which flight type the guest is allocated. 

What is a charter flight?

A charter flight is when P&O Cruises has booked the entire plane via the airline. Every guest on the flight will be joining the ship. However, the airline still manages the flight's operation. 

Please note that all charter flights operate on the day of embarkation/disembarkation.

What is a scheduled flight?

A scheduled flight is when P&O Cruises has arranged places on the aircraft for guests. However, the individual airline independently manages the flight.

If a guest wants to complete only a sector of a World Cruise and needs to meet the ship at a particular embarkation port overseas, we can arrange flights to meet the ship. These will always be scheduled flights.

If guests decide to extend their holiday, they will travel on a scheduled flight.

What is a group-allocation flight?

In some cases, P&O Cruises may purchase a group of seats from an airline to ensure we can provide guests with a flight to match their cruise.

Flight type by location

Find out more about your flight type below by the location of your P&O Cruises fly-cruise: 

Mediterranean fly-cruises

We use a range of scheduled, group and charter carriers for Mediterranean fly-cruises. Flights are available from various cities, including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, London, Manchester, and Newcastle 

Caribbean fly-cruises

The majority of our Caribbean flights are on charter aircrafts.

We’re pleased to be able to offer upgrades to premium economy on our charter flights. These upgrades are available to book when you book your cruise. To upgrade to premium economy on scheduled flights, you’d need to wait until 11 months prior to departure for flight schedules to be confirmed. 

Classic Southern Hemisphere Journeys and Exotic Fly-Cruises

All seats will be booked on scheduled flights. The carrier will vary depending on the route, departure date and availability. Should you wish to travel with your preferred airline, upgrade your flight or amend your flight dates, we can provide a tailored quote from 11 months before departure.

Additional information

You might find that some services you are looking for depend on the flight type. For example, if you’re travelling on a charter flight, you can pre-purchase your flight seat location via My P&O Cruises, and if you're booked on a scheduled flight, you may be able to book your seat location through the airline's website. Please refer to your flight booking confirmation to establish whether your flight is scheduled or a charter flight and to discover more information about your flight. 

Still need help?

Still have questions? Our friendly Customer Contact Centre is always happy to help! Contact us today on 0344 338 8003. 

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