Budget airline comparison

I haven't traveled on AirBerlin and have only traveled once on Easy Jet - Paris to Venice. It was a great flight, very efficient. I had read a lot and picked up tips here so I knew what to expect. I paid for a checked bag up front even though I was not sure when I booked that I would need that. It turns out I did check a bag. I also somehow paid for Speedy Boarding and that worked out great. I selected my seat ahead of time and was in line to board first. I would do that again if I travel with Easy Jet.

I would NOT try to fly EasyJet on a day when I needed to connect with an international flight back home. I would NOT fly EasyJet on a day I was landing in a European hub from an international flight. I would not fly EasyJet on a day when I needed to be somewhere specific at a specific time.

I would fly EasyJet going from one major city to another in the middle of my vacation so that I had some flexible time on either side. I would fly EasyJet over taking the train if the train journey was more than 6 hours. I would fly EasyJet if it landed at the major airport at my destination (as opposed to other low cost carriers that land several hours away from the actual destination.).

I'm not sure what triggered Pam's cautions about EasyJet, since she said her one flight with them was "great, very efficient". I have flown with them several times and find them to be the best of the budget carriers that I have used. I have never had a problem with any flight with them (and I check a bag). I don't care about early boarding or choosing my seat ahead of time, since I am usually traveling alone, and the flights are short. I haven't experienced, or even heard about, them cancelling or delaying flights like other budgets are known for doing. All of my flights with them have either been on time or early. I wouldn't choose them for a tight connection, but that's because I never book tight connections, anyway. I don't know anything about Air Berlin, so I can't comment on them, but I do like EasyJet.

Thank you both! I appreciate the feedback.

Does anyone know if the terminal for EasyJet is at the main Munich International airport? It seems as though it is , but then when on the EasyJet information page on flying to and from Munich in the section about "getting to the airport" it talks about Hamburg Airport, not Munich. No mention of how to get to the Munich Airport - I just don't want to end up in a RyanAir situation, where the plane leaves from a 2hrs car drive outside the city? I am being overly cautious - I am new to international traveling as you can tell haha

Actually my would not fly reasons would extend to any airline, not specifically EasyJet. Nor did I intend to imply they are not on time. Not knowing OPs plans for London I would not fly on an unprotected connection to meet up with a departing flight or major prepaid train journey.

BTW, I don't think you are being overly cautious! It is much better to ask these questions as part of your planning process.

Flew Air Berlin. It has been a few years so things may have changed, but the flight was nice. On time, we got fed, and two rounds of drinks offered. All on a flight from Munich to Berlin. I was also impressed by how the flight attendants practically grabbed your carry on out of your hand and slammed it into the overhead. Made for efficient and quick boarding.

I have friends who fly Air Berlin a few times a year, love it.

I've never had a problem with Easyjet in London or France or Italy. I always check one bag (to avoid 3-1-1) and have never had a problem with that either, and I always buy that when I buy my ticket. Their app (iOS) is really really easy to use and they put boarding cards into Wallet.

I've never tried AirBerlin but would have no issues doing so if the price and schedule fit me.

I fly Easyjet two or three times a year and have only been badly delayed twice - once due to a passenger being taken seriously ill on the incoming flight and having to be treated and removed by paramedics, and once due to fog at Stansted Airport.

The issue with Easyjet and other budget carriers is that they have very limited turnaround times at airports, so if something delays one flight every other flight that the plane is scheduled to operate that day will be delayed.

em,

I've never flown with Air Berlin, but easyJet is my preferred budget airline in Europe and I often fly with them once or twice per year. Despite the reviews you've read, their service has always been good and I've never had any problems. However, I'd recommend reading their Terms & Conditions carefully, especially related to luggage rules.

As someone else mentioned, paying for a few extras such as Speedy Boarding and advance seat selection can make the "budget airline experience" somewhat more pleasant. I've started to do that lately, and feel that its money well spent. For example, on a flight last September from London Gatwick to Geneva, the queue at the "regular" luggage drop was huge whereas the queue at the Speedy Boarding desk only had two people in front of me. I dropped my Pack and was off to security within about two minutes. As I recall, paying for some of the upgrades also provides more generous carry-on luggage rules.

I have no hesitation in recommending easyJet.