Budget Airline Question: Easyjet, TAP or Iberia

Hi,
FYI, Vueling also flies from Paris to Lisbon. I've flown Easy Jet and Vueling. No complaints regarding either air carrier. I think generally ALL airlines have less than stellar reviews.

The budget airlines are exactly what they portray themselves to be.... no frills, at a markedly reduced price. However, I think most have also had less-than-optimal experiences with the mainline airlines... for more money. If you want to save the dollars, just read the rules carefully, follow them to the letter, and scale back your expectations, and I think you'll be fine.

I have flown with easyJet several times. They are my favorite of the budget airlines I have flown. As a previous poster said, you just have to follow the rules of the budgets and you will be fine. No airline is perfect in every category, and most people who take the time to post their reviews generally have an ax to grind. I have never had a problem with snarly staff, or late flights, or lost bags on easyJet, but I have never gone online to say that, either. Bottom line, it's just an hour or two flight. For the cost savings, I can put up with a slightly less comfortable seat or no free food.

R,

Ive used EJ several times and will be using them alot on my trip this Sept.

as mentioned read the fine print.

happy trails.

Ray,

I've never flown with TAP or Iberia, but EasyJet is my preferred budget airline in Europe and I try to use them as much as possible for flights within Europe. I've also flown with Vueling and would also recommend them. EasyJet is rated at 7/10 on SkyTrax which is quite good for a budget airline (IMO).

If you have a choice between CDG and ORY, I would definitely recommend ORY. It's a smaller airport and much easier to get around. One method you could use to get to the airport is the RER "B" to Antony station and then the automated ORLYVAL train to the airport (there are other methods available).

As mentioned in previous replies, be sure to read the Terms & Conditions carefully, especially regading luggage. Note that EasyJet has a strict limit of ONE carry-on item per passenger of the approved size. Weight of the carry-on item doesn't matter as long as you can lift it unaided. If you'll be checking a bag and the weight is close to the limit, it will be cheaper to pay for the next weight tier at the time of booking rather than at the gate.

If you decide to try EasyJet and your budget will allow, I'd suggest paying a bit extra for Speedy Boarding, as it makes things much more pleasant. Note that there's no check-in at airports, but only a luggage drop. You can print your boarding pass at home, up to 30 days prior to your flight.

Vueling flies non-stop from Paris-Orly into Lisbon.

I too would suggest them if the timing meets your schedule.

EasyJet is also fine--but one bag carry on means one bag of a specific size.

Thanks all for your replies, good information. I have flown budget airlines in Europe several times, but not the ones I mentioned so your experiences are helpful (I always take reviews with a grain of salt, but the ones I read seemed particularly negative.) Anyway, Vueling did not appear on my initial search, but it has a direct flight which has an advantage (over Easyjet) of leaving from ORY. I think I will book with them. Again, appreciate the information and the time you took to post.

I have used Ryanair, Easyjet and Vueling.. and liked them all.. had no issues( multiple times)

One advantage with Vueling ( as of last summer, things change so do read websites carefully) is that they allow one carry one PLUS a personal item( small briefcase, lap top or purse) whereas Easyjet allows ONE carry on period( I would just cram my purse into my carryone till onboard) .

I frankly have never seen any airline with steller reviews.. and one that you rarely hear a lot of bad stuff about for inter euroepeon flights , Aer Lingus was are crappiest experience last summer,, so sometimes its luck of the draw.

Any Airline But EasyJet!

The following on Easyjet happened twice to me:

You get to the airport and it already tells you flight will be delayed by approx. 1 hour. After a while you're told there will be an additional 2 hours delay. Almost 4 hours after scheduled departure time they'll tell you the flight is cancelled due to technical issues with the plane. You need to line up at their service desk (where they only put 1 clerk on purpose, so you give up). I lined up almost 2 hours, got a free hotel accommodation and an E-Mail address where I should send my information and get the refund plus the €250 compensation as per EU legislation.

Over night they send you a text message explaining to you that the flight had to be cancelled due to severe weather somewhere else in Europe where the plane was meant to come from and therefore you're not entitled to the compensation - plus you have to buy yourself a new ticket to the destination.

That's not true, it's methodology with Easyjet. You must file a complaint through a lawyer and they will end up paying your compensation plus the lawyer's fee. But only 5% of all bumped passengers ever do that - so it's the cheaper option for them.

Again, thank you all for your time and expertise. I booked on Vuling and am looking forward to the flight!

Ray, Be sure to keep verifying your Vueling reservation. We had no problem but did note a change in days the flight went out, and our flight did have a change of craft, bringing in a charter to fly us. They sent us a 20 euro credit to compensate for the craft change. We bought the middle fare, so had no problem. I think some people lost seats.

Good tip. I will check in to see what is going on with them. Thanks