Air Berlin: Seville to Amsterdam

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: Seville, Spain - Aeropuerto de Sevilla (SVQ)

Seville Airport or "Aeropuerto de Sevilla" is the main airport for Seville and is Andalusia’s second airport, behind Málaga. The airport takes its architectural design from Seville's cultural roots, using three traditional components: the mosque, the palace and the orange trees. Travelers are greeted by an orange grove upon arrival to the airport before entering an area colored blue by the glass roofing tiles overhead and crowned with numerous arches supported by vaults. Location: Seville Airport is located 10km (6 miles) northwest of Seville, between the city limits of Seville and Rinconada. Transport: - Bus: There are buses that run from the Seville Airport into Prado de San Sebastian in the city center every 30 minutes. Detailed information on the buses can be found on the company’s Website. - Taxi: Taxis are available opposite the terminal. The journey time from the airport to the city center is roughly 15-20 minutes depending on traffic. Service: There is both an information terminal and Andalusian Tourist Board desk located in the terminal. In the airport there are a couple cafes and several shops. Other airport services include a bank, ATM, and first aid. more...

Arrival: Amsterdam, Netherlands - Schiphol (AMS)

In Brief: Amsterdam's Schiphol is the biggest airport in the Netherlands and the fourth-biggest in all of Europe in terms of flight volume. Though traditionally a flag-carrier airport (versus a low-cost carrier airport) Schiphol has shifted gears a bit in recent years, and opened a "pier" (sort of a terminal) with limited facilities for many of its low-cost airlines. Schiphol's facilities, range of shops, and extremely cosmopolitan and bustling spirit provide a snappy introduction (or farewell) to the Netherlands. Transportation: Schiphol is very well connected to Amsterdam. Trains run every few minutes and take about 20 minutes. One-way train journeys cost just €3.60.

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