Blue1: Helsinki to Marseille

The carrier: Blue1

About
A low-cost wing of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System), Blue1 flies to an impressive number of destinations in Finland and a smattering of other Nordic cities (Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo and Stockholm) as well as Western and Central European destinations. Blue1 is the second biggest airline in Finland.

Blue1 is definitely #1 for travel to Finland's north. No other budget airline flies to destinations beyond Helsinki and Tampere.

Upside

Network stretches across Finland. Young, helpful and energetic flight crew. Newer aircraft in fleet. Great service.

Downside

Access to most destinations in Finland requires connecting flights and some destinations are seasonal.

Bonus

We have a total crush on Blue1's website which is chock full of helpful information, a cinch to navigate and is easy on the eyes.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8 kg.
* Checked: Within Finland, you are allowed up to three bags and depending on class (Economy, Business), the total weight can be anywhere from 20-30 kg.

* Please visit Blue1’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

The good news? Check in online and you can pick your seat. You must check in no later than 45 minutes before departure.

Check-in and Ticketing

Blue1 offers online check-in and you get to pick your seat once you do so.  Check-in is available from 22 hours before the scheduled departure.  

Departure: Helsinki, Finland - Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main airport serving Helsinki, Finland. It was originally built for the Summer Olympics in 1952 and is currently the fourth largest airport among the Nordic countries. Location: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located 19 km (11.5 miles) north of Helsinki. Transport: - Bus: YTV buses (#415, #451, and #615) as well as the Finnair City Bus run to and from the airport and Helsinki city center (among other destinations). The journey into Helsinki lasts about 40 minutes. For timetables and rate information, visit either YTV or Finnair's City Bus web site. - Taxi: There are taxi ranks in front of both terminals. Service desks for taxis are located in the Arrivals Hall. The journey into Helsinki by car takes about 30 minutes. Service: There are several information desks found in the airport. Other services include: two banks, several currency exchanges, ATMs, Wi-Fi Internet, baby care stations, a meditation room, and many restaurants, cafes, and bars. A 24-hour fast food restaurant is also available. The International Terminal hosts more shops, a grocery store, and a pharmacy.

Arrival: Marseille, France - Marseille Provence Airport (MRS)

Marseille Provence Airport or "Aéroport de Marseille Provence," also known as Marseille-Marignane Airport, opened its new terminal MP2 for budget airlines in September 2006.

Location: Marseille Provence Airport is located 21 kilometers (13 miles) northwest of Marseille, on the territory of Marignane, both communes of the Bouches-du-Rhône département in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur région of France.

Transport:

- Bus: There are shuttle buses from the airport to Marseille St. Charles railway station and to Aix-en-Provence bus and TGV train stations. These shuttle trips usually last about 30 minutes.

- Taxi: Taxis are available daily and usually range from about €46 in the day and €57 at night. They can also be ordered in advance through the taxi booking Web site.

Services: There are various bars, restaurants and shops available inside the airport. The airport also has Wi-Fi access within the main terminal building. In terminal MP2, there are phones and ATMs but no internet access.