Condor: Funchal to Hamburg

The carrier: Condor

About

Owned by Thomas Cook, Condor is a massive airline operation. Condor connects German airports to southern Europe, with a destination map that extends to Africa, Asia and the Americas. In 1971, Condor was the world's first leisure airline to use a Boeing 747 in its fleet. Note: Many of Condor's flights are essentially charter flights ferrying vacation package holders away or back home.

Upside

Great connections within Europe and beyond. Unlike other airlines, Condor usually allows reservation changes without the nasty fees.

Downside

Many routes are flown infrequently. Old planes.

Baggage

• Carry-on: One item, up to 6 kg, plus laptop.
• Checked: Limits vary according to length of trip, but you’re allowed between 20-30 kg of stuff. Excess baggage will be charged $1 per kg.

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

Seating

You can reserve seats in advance by paying €10 on one-way flights, €20 for returns. You can choose your seats online as soon as you book the flight. If you wait, you can select your seat when checking in online, starting 24 hours prior to departure (prices are the same). If you wait until 12 hours before your flight, though, you can select a seat free when checking in online. And, free seat reservations are always available for small children and the disabled.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available for several German airports, excluding flights to the US and Canada.  It is available between 24hours and 2 hours before departure.  It is available for passengers with and without checked baggage. 

Tip

In the event that you know you'll be lugging around much more than 20-30 kg, book a "baggage allowance package". Fees apply. For example, an extra 5 kilos will cost you anywhere from $52-104 depending on the flight.

Fun Fact

To get your vacation off to a good start, Condor invites you  to have a welcome cocktail – a "heavenly delight". Choose from popular cocktails like vodka bitter lemon, gin tonic, Campari orange and from non-alcoholic beverages.

Departure: Funchal, Portugal - Madeira-Funchal Airport (Santa Catarina) (FNC)

Madeira Airport, also known as Funchal Airport and Santa Catarina Airport, is an international hub on the island of Madeira, Portugal. Location: Madeira Airport is located 4 km (9 miles) from the Funchal city center. ' Transport: - Bus: Buses run hourly (with some variations during the day) to and from the airport and the Funchal city center. - Taxi: Taxis can be found outside the main terminal building. Service: On level one, travelers can find the airport information desk. Other services include a bank, post office, baby changing rooms, and currency exchange. There are several ATMs and internet access points throughout the airport. Wireless Internet access is provided. There are three cafes, a few bars and restaurants as well as a large shopping area that boasts an array of stores. 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.