Air Berlin: Santa Cruz Palma to Hamburg

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: Santa Cruz Palma, Spain - Aeropuerto de la Palma (SPC)

La Palma Airport is served mainly by the carriers Binter Canarias and Islas Airways which provide island hopping services to Tenerife and Gran Canaria as well. Location: La Palma Airport is 8 km from Santa Cruz de la Puerto on the Island of La Palma in the Canary Islands. Transport: - Bus: Buses can be found outside the main terminal. Bus #8 leaves every 30 minutes. For more information on routes, schedules and fares consult the bus company’s Official Website. - Taxi: There is a taxi rank located outside the Arrivals Hall. Keep in mind that there is an airport supplement fee. Service: Inside there airport there is a small amount of shops for travelers to pass the time. These shops sell local goods as well as duty free. There is also a pharmacy and newsstand. more...

Arrival: Hamburg, Germany - Fuhlsbuettel (HAM)

In Brief: One of Germany's top five busiest airports, Hamburg is well-linked by low-cost airlines, including Air Berlin, TUIfly, and Germanwings, among others. 9 km (5 miles) north of Hamburg, also serves multiple Lufthansa routes. Transportation: It currently takes just under 40 minutes to travel between the Hamburg Airport and the city's main train station. The journey costs €2.60 and requires transferring between the bus and the U-Bahn or S-Bahn.

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