Air Berlin: Krakow to Berlin

The carrier: Air Berlin

About

Air Berlin is one of the big two German low-cost carriers and is Germany’s second largest airline after Lufthansa. Air Berlin flies out of 20 airports in Germany to destinations across Europe. In light of its size, Air Berlin is one of the most important low-cost carriers in Europe. It's especially good for getting to and from Germany.

Air Berlin offers quite a few perks that other low-cost airlines do not. First off, it doles out complimentary snacks and drinks on flights, a practice that is close to unheard of in the low-cost world, as well as free newspapers and seat assignments. The airline also runs a frequent flyer program and offers connecting flights as single fares, fully guaranteeing that luggage will make the connection. The airline tends to fly to primary airports and fills up with far more business travelers than your average airline.

Upside

Flying with Air Berlin is, on the whole, a pleasant experience. Excellent meal service.

Downside

Airline mostly functions on a north-south axis linking Germany to the Mediterranean.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One item up to 6 kg, excluding laptop (8kg including laptop).
* Checked: Up to 20 kg for economy class and 30kg for business class.  If over 20 kg, unless otherwise noted, €10 for each additional kg. The rate increases to €25 per kg if you are flying 3,000 miles or more.  Different allowance for passengers going to the US and Canada.

* Please visit Air Berlin’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

You may select seats online at time of booking. In addition, you can check in online for most flights. Seat reservations cost €10-15. An extra large seat will cost €20 (€60 for a long-haul flight). Seat reservations are free for families with infants.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available for anyone with a valid e-ticket.  Most routes allow online check-in from 30 hours in advance to 2 hours prior to departure.  Passengers with checked luggage are also allowed to check-in online.

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Departure: Krakow, Poland - Krakow (KRK)

Krakow Airport, the gateway to Poland's most important tourist city, is very friendly to low-cost airlines. We count almost a dozen that fly in or out of Krakow; among these, easyJet and Ryanair fly the most routes. Krakow Airport is located 11 km (7 miles) west of the city.

Transportation: The train link between the airport and the Krakow train station costs PLN7 and takes 15 minutes; the bus link costs PLN3 and takes 40 minutes. Note that the airport train station is a short distance away from the airport; a bus connects the two.

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Arrival: Berlin, Germany - Tegel (TXL)

In Brief: Of Berlin's three airports, Tegel is the most heavily trafficked. The airport is noteworthy for its very speedy handling of passengers. Terminal space is kept at a minimum and the airport processes passengers at a speed more commonly associated with small regional airports than with major international hubs.

Transportation: For €2, two public buses, which run every quarter hour (or more frequently) transport travelers to the Berlin Zoo train station in about 40 minutes.

There is also a direct bus shuttle between Tegel and Alexanderplatz, which costs €2.10, and runs regularly between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m.

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