Latest news with #BristolAirport
Scotsman
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Selfdrive app revolutionises travel by pairing tourists with ideal cars
Selfdrive is an new app that seeks to transform the way individuals travel | Selfdrive UK Selfdrive is an new app that seeks to transform the way individuals travel the world by aligning travellers with the vehicles that best suit their needs. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Operating across 10 countries, SelfDrive claims to be the first service of its kind to offer customers the flexibility to rent vehicles for durations ranging from one day to 36 months. SWNS reporter Lauren Beavis gave the service a trial run by ordering a car to collect from Bristol Airport. Here is her review: Using Selfdrive is like ordering takeaway - but instead, you can order any vehicle of your choosing. It is the only company that offers car hire from one day to more than a year. Operating across 10 countries, Selfdrive can be used in one seamless experience - you only need your phone and a working credit or debit card. It has never been easier to hire any type of vehicle, from electric cars to caravans. So even if you wanted to try out driving an electric car, you could do so with ease - without all the added complications. SelfDrive claims to be the first service of its kind to offer customers the flexibility to rent vehicles for durations ranging from one day to 36 months. | SelfDrive One of the best things about it is the short lead time - you can pick up a car just three hours after ordering it. You can hire the car daily, weekly (across the space of seven to 29 days), or monthly (30 days onwards). The minimum pricing car hire for a month is £199. This app is very useful if you travel frequently, and is particularly popular for people who live in cities - as many don't own cars. It enables you to pick one up, or have it be dropped off to you, for a weekend getaway in the countryside. Hiring a car with Selfdrive is a three-step process: 1) Choose your location 2) Choose your car 3) Make your payment I started off by downloading the app on my phone. Then, it took me straight to the main page where I selected my location - which was Bristol Airport. I then selected my pick-up and drop-off dates, and chose my three-hour time slot for both. Next, I added my age (25). Please note that drivers need to be between 23-years-old and 65 to use this service. It took me to a page where I could scroll down and choose my car. For my search, the cheapest car was a Kia Picanto, which cost £47 per day, and the most expensive was a BMW 3 Series, which cost £205. I selected a BYD Seal U DM-i - a plug-in hybrid SUV which retails for between £33,000 and £40,000 - which cost £89 for the day. According to the company, cars vary in price depending on where you are based - in some locations the lowest cost to hire a car for a day is just £29. After adding my phone number I received a login code via the app (you can choose this to be sent to you via SMS or WhatsApp). After this, I filled out my personal information and accepted their terms and conditions. I then paid an additional fee for the refundable excess security rate - which you then get back after you drop the car off. Using Selfdrive is like ordering takeaway - but instead, you can order any vehicle of your choosing | SelfDrive It's also worth noting this is one of the only car hire services that allows you to use a debit card or a credit card to pay. The service works as a single deposit system as well - so you only have to pay the refundable excess security once, and then it can be used and brought forward across multiple bookings. All you need to have with you when you pick up the car is a UK resident document, and a passport or driving licence. Once I paid for the car, I received an automated SMS which had a link to my e-ticket (which contained all of my details for the purchase), as well as my reference number. When I went to pick up the car, I went to the desk at Drivalia car hire, Bristol Airport, with my driver's licence. I was then given a vehicle condition report to sign - this contained an outline of the car and displayed any existing scratches / marks on the vehicles. I also kept a copy for myself to keep in the car. Then a lovely member of staff showed me around the car. He demonstrated how to work it - going through everything from the lights to how to open the boot, how the screen works etc. I then hopped in, used the car, returned it to the centre - and that was that! I got my deposit refunded. An efficient and easy experience which I would highly recommend.
Scotsman
a day ago
- Automotive
- Scotsman
Selfdrive app revolutionises travel by pairing tourists with ideal cars
Selfdrive is an new app that seeks to transform the way individuals travel | Selfdrive UK Selfdrive is an new app that seeks to transform the way individuals travel the world by aligning travellers with the vehicles that best suit their needs. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Operating across 10 countries, SelfDrive claims to be the first service of its kind to offer customers the flexibility to rent vehicles for durations ranging from one day to 36 months. SWNS reporter Lauren Beavis gave the service a trial run by ordering a car to collect from Bristol Airport. Here is her review: Using Selfdrive is like ordering takeaway - but instead, you can order any vehicle of your choosing. It is the only company that offers car hire from one day to more than a year. Operating across 10 countries, Selfdrive can be used in one seamless experience - you only need your phone and a working credit or debit card. It has never been easier to hire any type of vehicle, from electric cars to caravans. So even if you wanted to try out driving an electric car, you could do so with ease - without all the added complications. SelfDrive claims to be the first service of its kind to offer customers the flexibility to rent vehicles for durations ranging from one day to 36 months. | SelfDrive One of the best things about it is the short lead time - you can pick up a car just three hours after ordering it. You can hire the car daily, weekly (across the space of seven to 29 days), or monthly (30 days onwards). The minimum pricing car hire for a month is £199. This app is very useful if you travel frequently, and is particularly popular for people who live in cities - as many don't own cars. It enables you to pick one up, or have it be dropped off to you, for a weekend getaway in the countryside. Hiring a car with Selfdrive is a three-step process: 1) Choose your location 2) Choose your car 3) Make your payment I started off by downloading the app on my phone. Then, it took me straight to the main page where I selected my location - which was Bristol Airport. I then selected my pick-up and drop-off dates, and chose my three-hour time slot for both. Next, I added my age (25). Please note that drivers need to be between 23-years-old and 65 to use this service. It took me to a page where I could scroll down and choose my car. For my search, the cheapest car was a Kia Picanto, which cost £47 per day, and the most expensive was a BMW 3 Series, which cost £205. I selected a BYD Seal U DM-i - a plug-in hybrid SUV which retails for between £33,000 and £40,000 - which cost £89 for the day. According to the company, cars vary in price depending on where you are based - in some locations the lowest cost to hire a car for a day is just £29. After adding my phone number I received a login code via the app (you can choose this to be sent to you via SMS or WhatsApp). After this, I filled out my personal information and accepted their terms and conditions. I then paid an additional fee for the refundable excess security rate - which you then get back after you drop the car off. Using Selfdrive is like ordering takeaway - but instead, you can order any vehicle of your choosing | SelfDrive It's also worth noting this is one of the only car hire services that allows you to use a debit card or a credit card to pay. The service works as a single deposit system as well - so you only have to pay the refundable excess security once, and then it can be used and brought forward across multiple bookings. All you need to have with you when you pick up the car is a UK resident document, and a passport or driving licence. Once I paid for the car, I received an automated SMS which had a link to my e-ticket (which contained all of my details for the purchase), as well as my reference number. When I went to pick up the car, I went to the desk at Drivalia car hire, Bristol Airport, with my driver's licence. I was then given a vehicle condition report to sign - this contained an outline of the car and displayed any existing scratches / marks on the vehicles. I also kept a copy for myself to keep in the car. Then a lovely member of staff showed me around the car. He demonstrated how to work it - going through everything from the lights to how to open the boot, how the screen works etc. I then hopped in, used the car, returned it to the centre - and that was that! I got my deposit refunded.
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Frequent flyer claims he was misled by Bristol Airport parking 'scam'
A frequent flyer at Bristol Airport said reward code users seeking a discount on parking were being "deliberately misled".Hamish Douglas, from Clevedon in North Somerset, spotted an issue with the airport's Silver Zone rewards scheme while booking parking for five days on 20 his discount code, Mr Douglas was quoted £95.20 for five days of flexible parking. A non-flexible booking with no discount was £60, but he was not shown this cheaper option when attempting to book with a code.A spokesperson for Bristol Airport apologised for the inconvenience and said the error had been fixed as of Thursday. The public can sign up for the free Silver Zone rewards scheme through the airport's Douglas became a member a year ago, as he flew with his wife to see family in Northern Ireland approximately once a said: "It's a 15% discount on airport parking - you're not going to say no."Since that point a year ago, I have booked Silver Zone parking - which I've done about three times - putting in the rewards code and it would take you through to the next stage [of the booking]."Mr Douglas said he forgot to use the code for his most recent trip and his wife found a non-flexible booking without a code was £35.20 said: "What we found out is, when you put in the reward code, it doesn't show you the more affordable, cheaper option."Mr Douglas added: "I've always said parking at Bristol Airport is a scam, and it turns out it is." A spokesperson for the airport said: "The issue on our website has now been fixed and the Rewards promotional code can be applied to this product. "We would like to thank the customer for highlighting this issue and we are sorry for any inconvenience caused."We offer a range of car parking options, which customers can unlock discounts for, as well as Fast Track security, by signing up on our website for Rewards emails. "In addition they will also receive the latest offers from airlines." 'Rules are clear' When asked how long the issue has been going on for and whether those affected by the error will receive compensation, an airport spokesman said: "The 'Silver Zone Non-Flex' pricing category is a new product for our customers. "As explained, this product and lower pricing category does come with some restrictions when it comes to cancelling or amending a booking."We do offer regular promotional offers throughout the year. Any customers experiencing problems applying promotional codes should contact us directly."A spokesperson for the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) said the "advertising rules are clear".They said: "Ads must not materially mislead people, or be likely to do so. In particular, price statements shouldn't mislead by omission, undue emphasis or distortion."Whilst the ASA can't comment on whether or not an ad has broken the rules without a formal investigation, we always encourage anyone who has a concern about an ad they've seen to get in touch."
ITV News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- ITV News
Bristol Balloon Fiesta: All you need to know including city's best viewing spots
With the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta around the corner, hot air balloon enthusiasts will be coming from far and wide for a weekend of mass ascents and celebration. The free event will be held from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August at Ashton Court, with flights of more than 100 hot air balloons scheduled twice daily. The Fiesta attracts huge crowds to the city and provides a busy schedule - so here's a list of all you need to know. How do I get to the Bristol Balloon Fiesta? Ashton Court sits to the south-west of Bristol city centre and directions are signposted from all routes into the Fiesta. For those driving to the event, car parking tickets must be purchased in advance. It's also worth keeping in mind that Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone, which may affect your journey. Tickets can also be bought for a shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads and the City Centre to the event. The service is operated by StageCoach and runs from 10am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with return journeys running until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 9.30pm on Sunday. The nearest train station to Ashton Court is Parson Street, which is a 30-minute walk from the site. Those wishing to walk or cycle can take 'Festival Way' - a traffic-free path which will open on the weekend, connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. What's on at the Balloon Fiesta? Weather-dependent mass ascents are scheduled at approximately 6am and 6pm each day. After dark on Friday and Saturday visitors can stay to watch the Nightglows - during which dozens of balloons inflate to glow in time to music. The main arena is also programmed throughout the day with music and events including Meet The Pilots, inflation races and tethered hot air balloons, to stunt displays, interactive challenges and Samba bands. Where are the best places to see the hot air balloons? For those not planning to be on-site at Ashton Court, there are plenty of other locations around the city which allow for stunning views of the balloons in flight. Less than a 20-minute walk away from Ashton Court, Greville Smyth Park can be a great spot to watch the balloons setting off across the city. Victoria Park is another nearby option to catch some views of the ascents. Over towards Clifton, the Observatory, the Suspension Bridge and the Downs are all popular areas for balloon-chasers. For those looking to sit in bars and restaurants to watch the ascents, heading to the Harbourside will make for a great evening. Gaining some height will allow for some good views of the flights, so it's also worth climbing up Brandon Hill, Troopers Hill or Perretts Park. If you're willing to go out of the city, Dundry Hill near Bristol Airport is a great location for peaceful views of the balloons.
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Busy UK airport opens new £60million hub marking start of mega makeover – including bigger terminal & more restaurants
TAKE OFF Busy UK airport opens new £60million hub marking start of mega makeover – including bigger terminal & more restaurants Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRISTOL Airport has just unveiled a shiny new £60million transport hub bursting with new restaurants and a bigger terminal. The swanky new facility marks the first phase of the airport's huge redevelopment project, aimed at boosting capacity from 10 million to 12 million travellers a year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Bristol Airport's new transport hub is officially open for business Credit: Getty The brand-new transport interchange sits on top of a modern multi-storey car park and includes 16 bus and coach bays, up from just six before. That means more buses, smoother transfers and quicker journeys to and from the terminal. Inside, passengers can now make use of waiting lounges, toilets and rest zones, with the whole setup designed to make travelling through the airport a lot less stressful. Drivers can now park in one of over 2,000 new spaces and stroll straight to the terminal via a covered footbridge – perfect for avoiding the classic British weather and stressful suitcase dashes. The car park and interchange are part of what Bristol Airport calls a 'one-stop shop' for public transport, all rolled out to improve the experience for millions of passengers. Airport bosses say this is just phase one of a massive plan to transform Bristol into a more modern, efficient travel hub. Over the next 18 months, they'll be tackling road layouts, terminal space, and food and drink options – all while keeping the airport running. And yes, more restaurants, bigger lounges, and improved drop-off areas are all in the pipeline. There will be a new "drop and go" zone and there will also be better pedestrian links to the terminal. Dave Lees, chief executive of the Airport, said the new development was "really important as it represents a milestone in terms of improving the facilities for our customers". Big Changes Coming to Airport Security: TSA Liquid Rule May Be Axed Soon "Gone are the days of passengers having to walk up slopes here," he added, explaining that the number of bays for coaches and buses had been doubled, as well as the addition of new covered access routes, covered seating and toilet facilities. This signifies the airport's "level of ambition" as it "looks to the future", he added. The project has taken over two years to complete and is part of a wider £400million airport transformation project, which aims to improve transport links. North Somerset Council leader Mile Bell called the new development a "fantastic piece of infrastructure", but added that more needed to be done to improve access routes. "I think we all recognise that we've still got more to do to make the access routes easier and introduce mass transit, particularly from Bristol city centre so people can get here easier, faster and cheaper using public transport," he said. He also urged passengers to "give public transport a try" to ease the strain on illegal and thoughtless parking in the areas around the airport. Not everyone was thrilled by the expansion plans and they sparked strong opposition from environmental campaigners, who argued against more flights during a climate crisis. The Bristol Airport Action Network (BAAN) worked with Extinction Rebellion and other concerned residents to protest the airport growth. They claimed that the increase in passengers every year would significantly increase carbon emissions. In 2020, North Somerset Council rejected the expansion plans after also expressing concerns about carbon emissions. Those against were also worried about the pressure the additional traffic would put on the local infrastructure and greenbelt intrusion. The rejection was overturned in 2022 but officials stressed that the expansion complied with national planning policy and deemed the climate impact acceptable. This comes after an unlikely football hero was spotted working at the airport in June this year. After Swansea boss Luke Williams was sacked in February 2025 he was placed on gardening leave. The ex-Swindon and Notts County chief decided to do something with his time and joined the team at Bristol Airport. Wearing a high-vis, the gig is helping disabled and limited-mobility passengers get around the terminals. Fans flocked to praise the footie star after a photo of him at the airport did the rounds. One wrote: "Cardiff City fan here with nothing but respect for this. Call me woke if you want. (*best believe I'll turn up in full bluebirds kit when I fly out next week)" Another wrote: "Clearly has a massive work ethic. Good luck to him!"
