Though fewer people are flying abroad this summer, visitors are welcome everywhere in the UK and Europe. For travelers, who dare to hop the Big Pond, easyJet airlines offer low cost flights to most anywhere from the UK or Switzerland.
In 1995, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou founded the company to provide affordable air travel to the masses by offering low-cost fares in Europe. Thirty years later, easyJet operates over a 1,000 routes to 30 countries.
The company was founded in Luton, a city an hour north of London. Initially only two aircraft flew from Luton Airport to and from Glasgow. easyJet expanded to include popular holiday destinations. It has become one of the largest and most successful low-cost carriers in Europe.
Unfortunately, the airline is notorious for changing arrival/departure times and cancelling flights at the last minute, leaving travelers stranded. When all goes right, you can’t find a better bargain, but when issues occur, you are on your own.
What you economize on your ticket, you pay for in wear and tear on your body. Taller, bigger build bodies beware! Space is limited. Seats do not recline. This no frills airline offers minimal comfort and service in order to maintain bottom line costs.
Different from other low budget airlines, easyJet slashed prices by introducing online booking and check-in systems. But travel on easyJet is never for the feint-hearted. Just purchasing an online ticket takes the patience of a saint.
Flying economy without any baggage is a great deal, but any other accommodations, inflate the price. Seat reservation, luggage and speedy boarding are extras!
Boarding from the tarmac, like the old days, can be chaotic.
Snacks, meals, drinks, even water must be purchased by credit card only.
easyJet policy limits your carry on bag size to 45 x 36 x 20cm and it must fit under the seat. A second cabin bag, no larger than 56 x 45 x 25cm, is an additional fee. A checked luggage for the hold can cost more than flight.
Since our son and daughter-in-law live in the UK. We have become seasoned easyJet travelers, so I can offer useful tips.
- When they announce your boarding gate, always at last minute, run!
- No one cues in lines like at Disneyland. Passengers herd at gate, like cattle awaiting slaughter.
- Stand your ground. Hold your place in line directly behind the speedy boarders.
- Board as early as possible to assure you and your luggage sit together!
- Better yet don’t carry baggage. Wear it. (A 22-pocket Scottevest, a special US survivalist jacket, works well if you can afford it.)
- Have a back up plan for late arrival at your destination.
- Enjoy your journey, but no matter where you go, stay zen.
Bon voyage!
Ugh! At my age, I would rather drop the extra money to get Comfort Plus which gives you more leg room, early boarding, one piece of luggage free and snacks and drinks are free, including alcohol. Don’t need the stress of jostling in line to get on board. But thanks for all the tips. I’ll pass them on to my kids when they make their European travel arrangements. They have the patience and stamina for it. I don’t.
For sure Tina, easyJet is definitely for the younger set. I can picture your global travel savy kids easily handling the challenges. Unfortunately, we don’t have a choice if we want to see our kids as easyJet is the only airline with direct flights to the airport nearest where they live now. This whole ex-pat life gets to be tougher with age and my aching body!
I don’t think I could do that anymore, Pat! Thank goodness I don’t travel like you! Interesting reading about this airline. It sounds worse than Spirit Airlines over here!
Unfortunately air travel is the only way I can reach my family, but it gets harder with every trip. No other airlines offer direct flights between us and where kids live in the UK, so I bound determined to keep putting up with the challenges of flying easyJet.
Not sure this kind of travel is for me, Pat. I guess if one is trying to save money (and that’s the only goal), easyJet might be the best option. But travel is hard enough as it is, without having to jump through a gazillion hoops to get from one place to another!
Oh Debbie, I totally agree with you. After a certain age traveling is so much more challenging and I would pay extra for comfort anytime, but this is the only airline that flies non stop the airport nearest where our son and daughter-in-law and grandson live. It is always worth it in the end, even though my body is screaming every time!