Multicity bookings on EasyJet

No you can't book multi-city on EasyJet. From their website "easyJet is a point to point carrier (only flies from departure and arrival airports) and does not operate a connecting flights service for onward travel using our flights or the flights of other airlines. If you have booked an onward flight with us this represents a separate contract and we consider each flight as a separate journey."

Thanks, Nancy. I missed that statement on the website. This is the first time I've really looked into Easyjet, primarily because I'm hesitant to book with Vueling given some of the reviews I've read here and elsewhere. Still looking at options, but appreciate your help.

For what it's worth, we've used Easy Jet and were very pleased. Some do not like the "only one carry on" rule, but there is an exception. You can spend a little more and upgrade to a preferred status (can't remember what it's called) and you can take a carry on and a personal bag. You also get to board before those who did not upgrade.

Thanks, TC. Yes I saw the upgrade if I chose seats with more legroom or upfront. That sounded reasonable to me, and I especially like the priority boarding. I'm not sure about booking two separate flights, though. But I have purchased travel insurance, so maybe that would cover any problem that might arise; need to read my policy more closely before booking. But easyJet sounds preferable to Vueling from what I have read.

Are there any non-stop options?

Laura, Vueling has a nonstop flight between Barcelona and Palermo. easyJet has nonstop flights between Barcelona and Milan and then Milan and Palermo, but none between Barcelona and Palermo, unfortunately.

It would be a no-brainer then for me. I would take the Vueling non-stop. I've only flown Vueling once, but had no issues. Regardless of carrier, there are a lot more things that can go wrong when you add a connection to the mix. I'd much rather take a 2 hour non-stop over a connecting flight that will add hours to my travel time.

I think most of the low-fare airlines in Europe consider themselves "Point-Point" airlines, that is, for each leg, they are only responsible for eventually getting you to your destination. I have heard of cases where someone was booked on connecting flights on RyanAir, and the first leg was delayed so that they missed the second leg. Even though both flights were with RyanAir and RyanAir was responsible for the first flight being late, they took no responsibility for getting the person to their ultimate destination. Caveat emptor.

Translation of "take no responsibility": If you miss the second flight, you buy a new ticket -- even if the first flight was late.
Ryanair's site offers a "round trip" function but it is still selling two separate tickets, the same as searching separately for each ticket.
Best website search for European budget airlines, in my view: www.skyscanner.com

I have flown Vueling and EasyJet, prefer Vueling for comfort. Very nice staff, too.

Thanks, everyone. Looks like Vueling nonstop to Palermo. Any advice on how far out to purchase tickets? My trip isn't until March 2018.

Purchase tickets as soon as you are sure of your plans. Prices only go up closer to travel.

Thanks for the advice, Harold. Yes, I generally do what you suggested. In fact, I've already purchased my major flights to/from the US. I've not used any of the European "budget" airlines, so I wasn't sure if there was anything different to be aware of. Sounds about the same as long-haul flights.