easyJet: Belfast to Liverpool

The carrier: easyJet

About

EasyJet is Europe's second-largest low-cost carrier, after Ryanair. It's also one of the oldest in Europe; its first flights took off in late 1995, and it pioneered the online purchase model.  EasyJet is based at Hangar 89, which is an orange building adjacent to the main taxiway at Luton Airport.

The easyJet route map is not as wide-ranging as Ryanair's, although the airline tends to fly to primary airports over out-of-the-way secondary airports. Fares are also higher than Ryanair's, though the easyJet flying experience tends to receive fewer complaints.

One place where easyJet does not get high marks is in the telephone customer service department. We've read stories of hundreds of faxes remaining unreturned and hours-long waits on toll telephone lines with high per-minute charges.

Among the airline's more notable destinations are Bucharest, Geneva, Istanbul, Madeira, Sofia, Split and Tallinn.

Upside

Great connections across Europe without the lowest-common-denominator panic.

Downside

Notoriously bad customer service.

Baggage

*Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage.
*Checked: €12 per bag (per flight), combined weight not to exceed 20 kg. Over 20 kg, €12 per kg.

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

Seating

Strict pre-boarding policy. Check-in no later than 40 minutes prior to departure. Boarding is on a first-come first-serve basis and can be a nightmare if you don’t arrive early. EasyJet never allows stand-bys.

Check-in and Ticketing

Online check-in is available from 60 days before your flight until two hours prior to the scheduled departure time.  Passengers with hold-luggage are allowed to do this as well. The boarding gate closes 25 minutes prior to the scheduled time of departure.  If your flight leaves London Gatwick before 08.30 you can check in for this flight the night before from 20:00. This will give you the opportunity to leave your baggage at the airport. You will be issued with a boarding pass so you can go straight to security for your flight the following morning.

Tip
Check in online so that you’re automatically entered into the "A" group for boarding, meaning you'll hop on—and off—first. Be careful with personal property as there is little or no compensation for damages or losses.

Fun Fact

EasyJet offers the possibility to carbon offset the CO2 to their customers' trips for a surcharge via a calculator which calculates a passenger's carbon footprint.

Departure: Belfast, United Kingdom - Belfast Intl (BFS)

Belfast International Airport is also known as Aldergrove, the name of a village west of the airport. The airport serves as a major base for the budget carriers easyJet and Jet2.com with bmibaby and Thomas Cook Airlines also having a large presence. In 2007, Aer Lingus opened a base at Belfast International Airport too. Location: Belfast International Airport is located 30 km (18 miles) northwest of Belfast. Transport: - Rail: For rail service to and from Belfast, Lisburn and Londonderry, travelers can take a taxi to the town of Antrim, six miles from the airport. Those who are traveling to Dublin can catch the high speed Enterprise train, which leaves from Belfast Central Station. - Bus: The Airport Express 300 bus operates a 24-hour service between the airport and Belfast, buses depart every 10 minutes. The bus stop is located opposite the terminal and the journey will take approximately 30-40 minutes (subject to traffic conditions). It's important to note that a special timetable may operate on Public Holidays. For the schedule of buses consult the company's Official Website. - Taxi: The International Airport Taxi Company serves as the official taxi operator for the airport. Taxis are available outside the airport's exit lobby. A list of sample fares is displayed in the exit hall of the terminal building. Service: In the airport, travelers can find postal services, cash machines, currency exchange, airport information, baby changing facilities, and a wide variety of shops and restaurants. The visitor information desk is located in the arrivals hall for all domestic and international passengers. more...

Arrival: Liverpool, United Kingdom - Liverpool John Lennon (LPL)

Liverpool John Lennon Airport, formerly known as Speke Airport and RAF Speke, serves the English city of Liverpool. In 2002 the airport was renamed in honor of John Lennon, a founding member of The Beatles (the group is from Liverpool). Twenty-two years after his death, a seven-foot bronze statue was erected near the check-in area. In recent years it has been one of Europe's fastest growing airports. Location: Liverpool John Lennon Airport is located 13 km (eight miles) southeast of Liverpool. Transport: - Rail: Inexpensive buses run regularly between the airport and many local railway stations. For information and schedules, check the rail Website. - Bus: Multiple buses are available in front of the main airport terminal building. The Airlink 500 line goes to the Liverpool City Center stopping at a few stations on the way. The line operates Monday through Friday every 20 minutes during the day. On weekends and evenings the line runs every 30 minutes. The Airlink 700 provides express services (limited stops and connections) and operates every hour from early morning to late night. Bus connections are also available between the airport and nearby rail stations. - Taxi: The taxi rank is located just outside the entrance of the airport terminal. Private hire vehicles must operate within the nearby short stay parking lot. The trip from the airport into the Liverpool city center takes about 20 minutes. Service: This airport has various shops, cafes, and restaurants. Throughout the terminal there are five currency exchanges and Wi-Fi internet service. A multi-faith prayer room is also available. more...