Aurigny Air ServicesGR

Aurigny Air Services is the flag carrier of Guernsey, a British Crown Dependency in the Channel Islands. Founded in 1968 by a group of local businessmen frustrated with existing air services, the airline has been wholly owned by the States of Guernsey (the island's government) since 2003. The name "Aurigny" is the Norman-French name for Alderney, the island that was initially the airline's primary focus.

Operating from its hub at Guernsey Airport (GCI), Aurigny provides essential connectivity between the Channel Islands and mainland UK destinations. The airline serves as a lifeline for the island community, maintaining year-round scheduled services to key UK airports including London Gatwick, Manchester, Southampton, Bristol, and East Midlands. These routes are vital for residents, businesses, and the tourism industry.

Aurigny also operates critical inter-island services, including the essential lifeline route between Guernsey and Alderney (ACI). This service is operated under a Public Service Obligation (PSO), ensuring the tiny island of Alderney (population approximately 2,000) maintains reliable air links. Blue Islands, which Aurigny acquired in 2014, operates as a subsidiary providing additional regional services.

Carry-On Allowance

Personal Item (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 36 x 20 cm)
• Must fit under the seat in front
• Examples: Handbag, laptop bag, small backpack

Cabin Bag (included on all fares):

• Dimensions: 22" x 18" x 10" (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
• Weight limit: 10 kg (22 lbs)
• Must fit in overhead locker
• Due to smaller aircraft, oversized items may need to be gate-checked

Fare Type	Personal Item	Cabin Bag
All fares	Included	Included

Checked Baggage

Standard Allowance:

• 1 bag included on all fares
• Weight: 20 kg (44 lbs) per bag
• Size: 158 cm (62 in) linear dimensions

Additional Bags:

• Pre-booked online: From 20 GBP ($25 USD)
• Weight limits strictly enforced due to smaller aircraft

Item	Standard Fare
1st Checked Bag	Included (20 kg)
Additional Bag	20 GBP ($25 USD)
Maximum Weight	32 kg per bag

Overweight Fees

Due to operating smaller turboprop aircraft, weight restrictions are carefully managed:

Weight	Fee
21-32 kg	8 GBP/kg ($10 USD)
Over 32 kg	Not accepted

Important: Aurigny operates ATR 72 and Dornier 228 aircraft. Strict weight and balance requirements mean oversized or heavy items may not be accommodated on busier flights. Book excess baggage in advance.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Golf clubs	20 GBP ($25 USD)	Counts toward checked allowance
Bicycle	35 GBP ($44 USD)	Must be boxed or bagged
Surfboard	35 GBP ($44 USD)	Subject to space
Car seat	Free
Stroller/pushchair	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair	Free	Notify airline in advance
Musical instruments	Varies	Contact airline, subject to space

Fees as of January 2026. Due to small aircraft, always pre-book special items.

Aurigny operates a single-class cabin across its fleet, with service appropriate for short regional flights.

ATR 72-600 (UK mainland routes):

• Configuration: 72 seats in single class
• Seat pitch: 30-31 inches
• Seat width: 17 inches
• No personal screens (short flight duration)
• No WiFi

Dornier 228 (Alderney service):

• Configuration: 19 seats
• Compact cabin suitable for 15-minute flights
• Enhanced views due to large windows
• Scenic approach to Alderney's short runway

Cabin Service:

• Complimentary soft drinks on UK routes
• Light snacks available for purchase
• No meals (flights typically under 1 hour)
• Friendly, personal service characteristic of smaller airlines

Aircraft Notes: The ATR 72 turboprop is well-suited to Channel Islands operations, offering fuel efficiency and the ability to handle shorter runways. The Dornier 228 is specifically selected for the demanding Alderney route, where the runway is just 877 meters and requires specialized STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capability.

Booking:

• Book directly at aurigny.com for best prices and flexibility
• Flexible fares worth considering for unpredictable travel
• Alderney flights book up quickly in summer
• Compare Aurigny with Blue Islands and Flybe (if operating) for some routes

At the Airport:

• Guernsey Airport is small - 1 hour before departure is usually sufficient
• Allow more time at busy London Gatwick
• Gate assignments can change - check screens
• Limited food options airside at GCI

Weather Considerations:

• Channel Islands weather can be unpredictable
• Fog frequently affects Alderney service (ACI)
• Build flexibility into travel plans
• Sign up for flight notifications via the website

Alderney Tips:

• Book well in advance for summer travel
• The Dornier 228 flight is scenic but compact
• Alderney runway is one of the UK's shortest - bumpy landings normal
• Essential service - cancellations are rebooked promptly

Island Life:

• Aurigny is vital infrastructure, not just a commercial airline
• Staff know many regular passengers by name
• Community feel unusual for any airline
• Government ownership ensures service continuity

Money-Saving:

• Join Aurigny Club for member discounts
• Book return flights together for better rates
• Midweek flights often cheaper than weekends
• Southampton often cheaper than Gatwick for UK access

Blue Islands Alternative:

• Sister airline Blue Islands serves Jersey-Guernsey
• Useful for inter-island connections
• Same booking system and standards