I found an airline (easyJet) that will fly 4 of us from Paris to Hamburg, cheaper than riding the train, and in much less time! Has anyone heard of this airline/flown it?
Posted by
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
EasyJet is a very well-known budget airline. I flew with them last May from Spain to the UK and loved it. The staff was friendly, the flight was on time, no problems with luggage. I would recommend them.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Just because you haven't heard of them doesn't mean that they are puddle jumpers. EasyJet, RyanAir, Vueling, German Wings and others are part of a group of inexpensive airlines that have a different cost pricing model. EasyJet flys modern Airbuses. The earlier you buy your ticket, the less expensive it is. As the plane fills up, the fare goes up.
Posted by
Portland, OR, USA
805 posts
I agree with what has been said above. Easyjet is a major discount airline in Europe, similar to Southwest in the US. Also, don't assume that short flights are on small aircraft in Europe. Although the distances are smaller, more people want to fly them and the airports they fly can hold full-size aircraft. Nearly all of the discount airlines will place you on either a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, which anyone who flies domestically in the US should know are the two most commonly used domestic aircraft. They are completely safe, just be careful to read the fine print on luggage so you don't bring too much and get charged a lot of fees.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
Also, be sure to know where the airport is that they use. Some use minor airport that are long ways from the city. Adding considerable time, and additional expense for getting to the and from these airports. My benchmark is about six hours. If the train is longer than six to maybe eight hours then I will consider a budget airline. Can be good deals but watch the extra charges -- checking luggage, max weight for carryon (generally very strict) and very high charges for excessive pounds
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8055 posts
When comparing both time and money, make sure you add up all costs and times. Paris/Hamburg may be a good leg to fly, it takes just over 8 hrs by train. Just remember for your budget to include costs to get to and from airports, and even though it's only 1 1/2 hours by plane, figure in an hour of travel to the airport, 2-3 hours for security, another hour to get into Hamburg, and that turns into 6-7 hours. Easyjet is a pretty good airline, only issue may be baggage, they have strict limits and anything over costs big.
Posted by
Niagara Wine Country, Canada
808 posts
Just FYI...
"Puddle Jumper" is a cutsie term used in reference to short-haul flights. It's not meant to be negative. They were once my specialty. Gotta love those "Baby Birds!"
Like that stupid joke goes...If Air Transat has "Big Birds"...Why doesn't Air Transat have "Baby Birds" asked the little girl? Because we pull out on time, every time!
(I guess that doesn't say much for Air Canada!=>)