Blu-express: Istanbul to Milan

The carrier: Blu-express

About

Blu-express is low cost in Italiano.  It flies within Italy and to a smattering of other Mediterranean destinations from its primary Rome Fiumicino hub and several additional destinations in Italy: Bari, Catania, Milan, Palermo, and—best of all—the southern island of Pantelleria.

Upside

One of the lowest flight cancellation rates among Italian airlines. Comfortable reclining leather seats on board.

Downside

Destinations are limited.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage not to exceed 5 kg, plus personal item.
* Checked: Up to two bags not exceeding 15 kg. Over 15 kg, you will be charged €7 for each additional kg.

* Please visit Blu-express’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

Check in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Seats are assigned at check-in. You may also book online at €8 per person per flight.

Check-in and Ticketing

If you are traveling from Rome Fiumicino, Nice, Catania and Turin with an electronic ticket or only have carry-on luggage, you can check-in online from 28 days to 3 hours before the flight departure.  Talk about planning in advance!

Departure: Istanbul, Turkey - Sabiha (SAW)

Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is named after Sabiha Gokcen, the world's first female combat pilot. Location: Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is located 31 km (19 miles) from the city center. Transport: - Bus: There is regular shuttle bus service between the airport and the city center, which takes about 30 minutes. Bus services also connect Sabiha Gokcen International Airport and Ataturk International Airport; this journey takes about an hour. - Taxi: Taxis are available 24 hours a day to destinations in and around Istanbul. Service: There are a few information desks at the airport as well as ATMs, a bank, and a post office. Various restaurants, cafes, and bars as well as shops (including duty-free) are located in the Departures area of the International Terminal. Public telephones can be found throughout the airport. Other facilities include baby-care rooms.

Arrival: Milan, Italy - Malpensa (MXP)

Malpensa International Airport is one of three international airports in the Milan area. Location: Malpensa International Airport is located 45 kilometers (29 miles) north west of Milan in the province of Varese. Transport: - Rail: Trains run from Terminal 1 to Milano Cadorna Station every 30 minutes Monday-Friday. Schedules for both the Malpensa Express and Tren Italia are both found online. - Bus: Between the two terminals a free shuttle bus is available every 15 minutes for twenty four hours a day. Buses run from both terminals to Milano Centrale Station, and to Linate Airport, Sesto and Torino. The Malpensa Shuttle runs from both terminals to Milano Centrale Station. The schedule for buses from Malpensa are found online. It is possible to reach Malpensa airport by bus from: Milano, Torino, Lugano, Chiasso, Genova, Novara, Como, Menaggio, Lago Maggiore, Domodossola, Gallarate, Castelnovate, Brescia, Bergamo, Bologna and Verona. - Taxi: Taxis are available from outside Arrivals. Service: Bars, a cocktail lounge and restaurants are located in the airport. There are also several shops selling a wide range of goods, including duty free. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, a chapel, and chemists. The First Aid and health offices are available in both terminals.