FAQ Click a question to reveal the answer
1. Does bad weather affect the seaplane flights?
As mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority all flights are subject to an assessment of the weather and water conditions by the Captain.
In bad weather seaplanes landing on water in remote areas of the Highlands and Islands do not have the same instrument landing facilities that are available to large airliners landing at major airports such as Heathrow.
Occasionally, to ensure the comfort and safety of our customers we may have to cancel a service due to high winds, turbulence, poor visibility or low cloud ceilings. In most cases, a short delay is all that is required.
Our weather cancellation rate is currently running at 8% for the period 2010/2011 not unlike many other forms of transport in remote regions. To put it another more positive way, 92% of our more than 200 flights per month have no operating problems whatsoever.
2. The weather is ok at my departure point why is the flight cancelled?
The weather patterns in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland can produce great differences in conditions only a few miles apart. It may be that the tour route may have weather conditions below our legal limits or that winds aloft are generating severe turbulence. Conditions can also change very quickly.
3. How much capacity does Loch Lomond Seaplanes have each year?
There are over 200 flights per month through the main season and those flights produce over 18,000 available seats per year for a booking on a first come first served basis. LLS expects to sell around 6,000 seats.
Although over the whole year we have significant capacity it must be appreciated that on any given day, week or month, particularly in high season, there are only so many seats we can provide. For example, in a rebooking situation in the middle of summer seat availability could be very low for some weeks ahead. Please refer to question 10.
4. What weather forecasting facilities does Loch Lomond Seaplanes use?
At LLS we use a multitude of aviation and marine weather web sites, however, forecasts, unless they are extreme, such as advising of an approaching hurricane, are almost always wrong to some degree.
Weather forecasts provide a big picture view of the country, but unfortunately don`t help a great deal on a local scale, particularly on the west coast and in the glens and mountains of Scotland. Actual weather reporting facilities are few and far between outside the UKs main cities.
Telegraph Article: Bournemouth Attacks Met Office
5. What happens if your flight is cancelled?
* LLS will endeavour to advise you of the situation immediately on the contact number you have supplied. Please have your mobile swiched on that day.
Regrettably Loch Lomond Seaplanes cannot be responsible for any additional expenses incurred as a result of weather delays or cancellations - we ask our customers, particularly those breaking their tour to take special note of this clause.
Loch Lomond seaplanes understands that customers may be very disappointed if weather cancels their flight, we are too, but we cannot be responsible for any personal arrangements that you might have made to fit in with your flight.
Rebooking will be subject to seat availability at that time.
6. Do You Fly Through the Winter Months?
Yes, our pilots check the weather weekly looking for high pressure weather systems to take advantage of the excellent weather they can bring - it`s the pilot`s favourite flying weather.
However, sometimes the high pressure weather systems bring fog and icing which, of course, are not conducive to water operations.
Daylight hours also reduce and we can only schedule flights from 10am until 3pm in the depths of winter.
7. Can we take photographs and videos whilst on board?
Yes, with the most amazing landscape in the world on view from your First Class seat you`d be mad not to - don`t forget to charge your batteries - we only ask that you don`t press your camera against the window as it tends to scratch the glass.
8. What is the minimum age for children?
Due to the seat belt arrangement in the seaplane we are unable to carry children under the height of 1 metre.
9. How do I buy tickets for a specific date or flight?
Our Gold Discovery Tour Tickets are specifically designed for our customers who are only able to fly on certain days, such as visitors to the area.
10. How far in advance do you need to book?
This is, as you can imagine, difficult to tell but in high season you may have to book at least 6-10 weeks ahead for a particular weekend and in excess of four weeks ahead for a weekday - possibly longer. Winter/autumn months have reduced hours of daylight and therefore have less flights. At LLS we are endeavouring to supply more seats as demand increases.
11. Is the envelope carrying the tickets marked in anyway?
No, the envelope is unmarked as we would not wish to spoil a surprise.
12. Is the price on the ticket?
No.
13. Can the tickets be delivered to any address?
Yes.
14. Do I need to wear something warm?
No, the temperature in the aircraft is controlled for your comfort by the Captain.
For ease of boarding high heels, flip flops and open toed sandals are not recommended.
15. Is there a passenger weight limit?
Our aircraft seats have a weight limit of 20 stones / 280 lbs / 126 kg.
16. What is the baggage allowance?
A maximum of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) is allowed - if you require more then please contact the office. Baggage space on the seaplane is limited and we request that you pack small soft sided bags rather than large hard suitcases.