Ercan v Larnaca which one do you use?

parky


Joined: 13/06/2009
Posts: 182

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 13:14

I suspect that more people use Larnaca to visit the north than Ercan, most holiday makers seem to come via Larnaca, personally i like to support the north and use Ercan, which one do you use and why?

dozza67


Joined: 11/07/2008
Posts: 607

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 13:20

Ercan - no contest. Greek Cypriots are so rude to you and their flights are no better than ours so why travel that much further. Why give GC's our money.

smoggyjim


Joined: 21/07/2007
Posts: 214

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 13:32

Ercan everytime

boglefan



Joined: 07/06/2009
Posts: 511

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 13:41

Would love to fly again direct from Glasgow to Ercan but now have to go to Larnaca unless going to Manchester or Luton/Stanstead to get a flight to the North.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 13:43

We've only ever used Ercan, and not considered Larnaca. It's quicker to get to Kyrenia from Ercan, and that makes up for the lost time at stopover.



Now that there is competition from Pegasus, price difference is not that significant either, and using Ercan avoids any potential hassle/harrassment from GCs too.



I think that more people use Ercan to visit the North than Larnaca, although I've not seen any statistics to back this up.



KTHY/Pegasus flights from UK are daily now, so there must be more than 100,000 people travelling UK->Ercan. Once direct flights starts, I think Larnaca will no longer be considered an option.

breezyboy


Joined: 14/05/2007
Posts: 1179

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 13:45

Dozza is spot on the only person I have met at Larnaca who wasnt rude was Australian!

Most of the flights into Larnaca are cattle class and even make CTA look good. Add up the extras like drinks,food, baggage and even booking fees and sometimes it is £150 more than Istanbul/Ercan.

billyboy1


Joined: 01/06/2009
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:00

Ercan every time



I have used Larnaca once, ....



I had pre booked and paid for allocated seating...but when i got to larnaca airport on my return to the Uk, they had 3 seperate seats for us...my 9 year old son was expected to sit away from both me and my partner....all 3 of us would have been at different ends of the plane..



I kicked up a stink as you would expect......got 2 seats together,



Ercan for me and my family every time.....

Tiggy


Joined: 25/07/2007
Posts: 1994

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:01

We have booked Ercan for the first time next year....looking forward to it.

simbas



Joined: 16/07/2007
Posts: 5943

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:01

yeh ! me too , Ercan

smithy


Joined: 17/07/2008
Posts: 5301

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:02

Ercan everytime

Denise


Joined: 14/03/2009
Posts: 590

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:06

agree always Ercan

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:13

So you walk off the plane do the passport control buy your booze and cigs and your lugage is there waiting

35 minutes later you are home Ercan every time

Only did Larnaca once and the customs man was worried about cigarette and most rude

I do not buy from rude ignorant people

The journey times are the same but no aggression from the GC drivers toward the TRNC registered vehicle it is safer to use Ercan

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 14:48

Ercan every time.

cooper


Joined: 23/10/2007
Posts: 3386

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 15:09

Have used both and we do prefer Ercan, just depends on cost after taking flight & transfer costs into consideration.

finchy


Joined: 08/04/2008
Posts: 86

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 15:16

Due to our treatment by CTA last summer (20 hour delay), our most recent, and some future flights are going to be Manchester to Larnaca with Monarch, much more civilised however, it doesn't take much.

mamachina


Joined: 22/11/2008
Posts: 730

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 15:34

Ercan every time so far - Pegasus for leg room!!

hattikins


Joined: 17/02/2008
Posts: 2793

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 15:48

Pegasus to Ercan is great, but no use if you live North of Watford Gap. The price of flights to Ercan from Manchester/Birmingham etc can be very expensive so people may have no choice but to fly to Larnaca.

LaptaMike


Joined: 07/10/2009
Posts: 1679

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 15:55

We use Larnaca, simply because we can get out full duty paid allowance of 3200 ciggs. ;-) When have used Ercan we weren't impressed with the flights. For one having to stop in Turkey (not too much bother) 2. Whoever decided a cheese and big slab of cucumber sandwich is a good in flight meal should be shot

japeal



Joined: 12/09/2008
Posts: 1052

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 16:11

Use both, prefer Ercan however flying in/out of Manchester more often than not is cheaper into Larnaca.

everon


Joined: 18/04/2009
Posts: 956

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 16:17

Ercan every time, but if we "have" to use Larnaca, like at xmas when we go to Prague, then so be it! but we don't like it! we have found the GC are really rude people, even when they don't know we live here! why is that do you think??????

TinLondon


Joined: 20/07/2009
Posts: 171

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 16:18

Larnaca everytime! ... and no doubt the new Larnaca airport is even better. After so many problems with rude cabin crew on CTA and clueless ticketing offices, BA's online service, check-in and friendly cabin staff, it seems like a much better option and Heathrow T5 seems to work much more efficiently these days. My reasons are more because of airline rather than airport.

saucyboy69


Joined: 09/02/2008
Posts: 111

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 16:25

Both, depends on the price our apartment is in Lapta and total travel time from leaving uk is about the same, out next week via Larnaca then three times next year Ercan in May Larnaca in July and Ercan in October.



Like to support the North, but prices can be a problem so you have to do whats best for you..



Pete.

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 16:30

Ercan every time although have booked Larnaca next time owing to circumstances, dreading it !!!!

jimchris09


Joined: 13/02/2009
Posts: 547

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 16:36

We use Larnaca as it is so convenient when flying from the Gulf where I work. So many airlines to use...Cyprus, Emirates, GulfAir, Etihad. However usually fly out of Ercan (CTA or Turkish) if going on to UK (Manchester).



We would like to use Turkish Airlines to fly from the Gulf via Istanbul. However, connection times for flights on to Ercan are unsuitable requiring a 6-8 hour wait in Istanbul!



Looking forward to seeing what the new Larnaca airport is like.

parky


Joined: 13/06/2009
Posts: 182

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:13

Nice to see that most of you support the north and don't give your money to the Greeks, unfortunately i think most tourists use Larnaca.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:14

I've always used Ercan. I've heard it's no quicker going via Larnaca.

Dusterbruce


Joined: 03/08/2007
Posts: 1125

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:15

Ercan. I believe that if you live or holiday in the TRNC you should be happy to support its economy.



Last time I used Larnaca was Feb 2007, the Cyprus Airways crew were as friendly as vipers and made CTA cabin crew look like they had been to charm school!



Ercan/Girne is so much easier then Larnaca/Nicosia/Girne, and often fares are a similar price. The budget airlines are often more expensive into Larnaca than scheduled!

cyprusgiant


Joined: 08/07/2009
Posts: 467

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:23

Ercan always. If you book flights well in advance prices are just as cheap and less hassle than driving to the dark side.

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:27

Parky, msg 25.



Most of the tour operators to North Cyprus: CTA Holidays, Anatolian Sky, Cyprus Premier, Cyprus Paradise use Ercan. I think only one tour operator Direct Traveller uses Larnaca, but even they have now added Ercan as an option.



I think Ercan/CTA/Pegagus/Turkish are more popular than people think. Sure, some people use Larnaca and even Paphos if Stansted/Manchester is not convenient, but I think the silent majority are still coming in to Ercan.

deecyprus4


Joined: 27/07/2008
Posts: 3452

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:35

Of all the flights I have had which is about 50 ...48 have been Ercan ...when we flew out and back this last time we used Larnaca, no problems and staff very friendly, I got fed up with lazy rude staff at Ercan and on CTA and Pegasus.



I don't mind the drive over from Larnaca cos at least I get a fag sooner lol.

AlsancakJack



Joined: 14/08/2008
Posts: 5762

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:40

jimchris09

Message 24:



' We would like to use Turkish Airlines to fly from the Gulf via Istanbul. However, connection times for flights on to Ercan are unsuitable requiring a 6-8 hour wait in Istanbul!'



I used to do Ercan to Baku (Azerbaijan) and vice versa and any stop over in Istanbul that was longer than 5 hours (maybe 6 so you need to check) would allow you a hotel stay and transfers for no extra cost and depending on the time of day you would also get a free breakfast (and what a breakfast it was). The hotels that they use are in downtown Istanbul. The only downside is that you need to get a visa to enter Turkey which at the time was about £10 and valid for 3 months.

If you get a chance to stay in Istanbul then take it (especially if you do not have to pay) because it is an amazing place.

AJ

Queen180


Joined: 13/04/2009
Posts: 399

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:44

Only used Larnaca once to fly to middle east direct. Apart from that Ercan every time much less hassle and no problem with duty free - you never know what they will take from you at the border......

Mountain Edge



Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 199

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:48

We used Ercan for the first time in October and I must admit it was spot on. Having said that it is all about cost and flight times and I will use whichever is best for us in future. We can't get flights to Ercan from Newcastle so it would always require a Manchester flight.

fiendishpaul


Joined: 18/05/2008
Posts: 1720

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 17:59

Have used Larnaca and Paphos numerous times and have never had a problem. Much greater choice of flights and airlines means that we get very good prices. Flying back to UK on Boxing Day for 8 days, total cost including baggage and all taxes was under £250 for the two of us. Market forces will always dictate!!



Regards



Paul

Jimmyboy63


Joined: 16/03/2009
Posts: 400

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 18:14

if you live in the north of England or Scotland the only chuice is Larnaca as non of the airports fly to Ercan.



Flown to Ercan once from Manchester,didn't like the wait on the runway in Turkey and staff were not very nice.Have also flown via Istanbul on business. 15 TL for a small Effes in the airport!!!!



So with the limited choice we have not living in the south of England its Larnaca everytime

zcacmxi


Joined: 30/11/2008
Posts: 388

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 18:19

We've always used Ercan. We've flown for as low as £99 inc taxes return. I think if you book early with CTA/Pegasus, then it's fairly easy to get return flights from Stansted to Ercan for under £200, even at peak times. At the moment there are still Pegasus flights in the summer for £170 return.



Price wise, I believe there is not much in it. If you are not local to one of the airports that flies to Ercan, then maybe Larnaca would win. But personally, I think long gone are the days when it was a lot cheaper to fly to Larnaca.

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 18:57

cyprus-mail.com - Article about the new airport. In the midst of all the high praise an international body yesterday criticised the government's decision to invest in such a costly airport saying it will be passengers footing the bill as costs are being passed to airlines and this is unaffordable for carriers in the current climate. The opening of the new airport was described as "bittersweet" since it would make Larnaca one of the most expensive airports in Europe to fly to.

Could be an end to the cheaper flights.

martinev


Joined: 24/10/2008
Posts: 320

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 19:26

Invariably use Pegasus to and from Ercan / Stansted. However, I understand it is much more difficult if you live anywhere outside the Stansted "area"

aripointer


Joined: 01/07/2008
Posts: 189

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 20:07

Arriving tomorrow Easyjet £88.00 return from Gatwick to Larnaca x 2 = £176 car hire £87.00 for 11 days Budget Rentacar Larnaca = £263 + 35€ insurance at the border= £298 all in approx plus fuel of course.



The plus points are ....Easyjet staff are very pleasant, the aircraft are new and most of all plenty of legroom.



Cyprus Turkish Airlines are cattle trucks. Turkish airlines too expensive Until CTA improve and Turkish Airlines bring their prices down we shall use Easyjet, BA and Cyprus Airways into Larnaca.



AP

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 20:15

Cant see the point of paying through the nose for flights to Ercan.Landing in Turkey sitting on the plane for 45 minutes then taking off again for the short flight to Northern Cyprus.So it has to be Larnaca for me,although i have done both.Its a shame really that the flights are not direct as i would only have a drive of 20 minutes to our apartment.Bring on direct flights and i would never use Larnaca again,

Regards,

Paul.

judgejolly


Joined: 05/07/2008
Posts: 25

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 21:05

Used Turkish Airlines twice, (reasonably priced) and had a very comfortable flight on both occassions, but Ercan passport control was so undermanned and it took almost an hour before we were on our way to Lapta. Four flights had arrived within minutes of each other but there was no thought to opening more booths ( only 2 were open). In booking a flight to Larnaca, we have more choice, but any saving there are to be made in fares, has to be balanced out by transport costs to the north. I have never had any problems whatsoever at Metahan and will continue to use both Ercan & Larnaca to get me to the TRNC and enjoy everything it's got to offer.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
12/11/2009 21:09

We are going out in December,flying to Larnaca getting picked up by aone rentacar hiring a car for a week for £148.00 that includes both border crossings,

Paul.