staying in touch UK 01, 02 and 03 numbers for less than 2p a minute and, usefully, 0500, 0800 and 0808 numbers free. Alternatively, the Gibraltar Skype user can subscribe (pay) for their own UK non-geographic 01 or 02 number so that UK callers can dial the cheapest type of domestic number (even free with BT off-peak) and it will be received on the Gibraltar computer without any additional cost to the receiver. Even ringing from a mobile phone in the UK can be cheap if using the inclusive minutes within the monthly rental. Avoid all those offers of 0845 and 0870/0871 numbers as they are not “free” as the caller pays a premium to ring them. Dealing with those nasty 0645, 0845, 0844, 0870 and 0871 numbers, these are always linked to a real geographic number. To discover it so 01, 02 or 03 can be dialled, look on the back of the credit card or statement, for example, and search for the number for overseas users. Or look on the webpage: www. saynoto0870.com to discover the number behind an 0845/0870 number. Failing that, ring them and demand the 01/02/03 number or that they call you. Failing all the above, and where no computers are involved (perhaps student in the UK with mobile, to Gibraltar grandparent with landline or a business in Gibraltar like the student’s bank), First Number has an 0844 number (0844 906 9700) that connects for as little as 4p a minute to a Gibraltar landline without any account set-up as the charge is collected via the mobile phone account (but NOT from a Virgin Mobile or 3 mobile!). By Visiting To see each other in the flesh, travel is the next choice if not worried about carbon footprints. Student travel is funded by the Government of Gibraltar but for extra visits and those for others, either way round, fares can be a lot cheaper than years ago. With three airlines operating between here and London-Monarch (ex-Luton), Easyjet (ex-GB Airways operating as British Airways) (ex-Gatwick) and the real BA itself (now from Heathrow) with a maximum five flights a day. Using the internet (even if it means going to an internet cafe, the new leisure centre internet room or the Library), enables you to check various alternative routes and
fares carefully, even if you prefer to actually buy the ticket from an agent (not Easyjet, though). Never “tick” the box saying your dates are fixed as this tells the airline you are determined to fly for a fixed event. And do not assume return tickets are always cheaper as, sometimes, the outward fares from one starting point are less, so it works better to book the journeys as separate bookings and/or on different airlines. Do not assume booking well in advance is the best bargain. Again, the airline knows you have an important reason for booking so far in advance and charges appropriately. If sales are flagging nearer to the date, more cheap or cheap seats for longer, become available later. The afternoon flights on Easyjet (both ways) and on BA (from Heathrow), are often more expensive. Saturdays are often cheap. Fridays, Sundays and, often Mondays, are the most costly. When comparing prices, remember Monarch and Easyjet charge for luggage checked-in and all drinks and food. Monarch charge for better seats or reserving one in advance. Easyjet do not permit reserved seats at all. BA remains the more civilized way of travelling and not always more expensively, with free refresments (including a G & T) and reserved seats and the ability to reserve that seat and check-in online before setting out to the airport - so that without baggage to check-in, you can go straight to through to the departure lounge and arrive 30 minutes before departure. Even with baggage at Gatwick, there is no need to join the crocodile queue for check-in but the fast bag-drop can be used. On Monarch and Easyjet, “untick” the boxes that assume you want to pay for extras like reserving your seat (Monarch) or get priorty boarding (Easyjet) or insuring yourself — otherwise you will be automatically charged. And pay using a debit card, not a credit card. As for the journey into London, if using Luton, book a seat on the Greenline coach, but via the Easybus website, and get it for as little as £2 instead of the minimum £12 cash price on the day. From Gatwick, use Capital Connect’s Thameslink or the Southern trains instead of Gatwick Express. n The above has been written to assist Gibraltar residents and is believed correct at the time of writing to the best of the writer’s understanding.
For the journey into London, if using Luton, book a seat on the Greenline coach, but via the Easybus website, and get it for as little as £2 GIBRALTAR MAGAZINE • OCTOBER 2009
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